Laptop or Tablet: Which One Should You Buy? | Samsung UK (2024)

1. Operating system
Firstly laptops will run most types of operating systems, but Windows is one of the most popular and used for the incredible

of laptops. Windows has exceptional functionality and is the operating system found on many desktop computers. Tablets are more similar to smartphones and use different operating systems. You’ll find the popular Android OS in

devices. The key difference here is that a tablet will run apps optimised for mobile viewing rather than full programs. Some mobile apps may have less functionality than full laptop programmes.

2. Size and Portability
Laptops and tablets are designed to be easily transported from one location to another but how do they compare in size and portability? Tablets tend to be lighter, thinner and more streamlined than a laptop. Even the largest

weighs in at a handbag friendly 732g whereas you can expect most laptops to weigh around 1.5kg.

3. Screen Size
Typically laptops tend to have larger screens which are ideal when it comes to multitasking and gaming. If you’re looking for the best display technology, tablets tend to win. Tablets tend to have a higher pixel density meaning the images you see on the screen will have greater clarity. However, with Samsung, you’ll enjoy

on both the

laptop and

. There are a large variety of screen sizes to choose from across both

and

so you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

4. Connectivity
Both Samsung laptops and Galaxy Tabs are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled but the key difference is that with a

you have the added benefit of a

so you can access the web or live stream even when you are out and about. If you plan to use your laptop at home or in the office, this is unlikely to cause an issue but if you’re looking for a device that you can use in a wide variety of different locations, a tablet with a data package may be more suitable.

5. Battery Life
Both

and

have a

that will last most of the day. Typically, tablets have slightly longer lasting battery life because the hardware components within a tablet consume a lot less power compared to the hardware in a laptop. This is why laptops usually have larger batteries but the power needed to run the laptop is more.

6. Physical Ports
When it comes to physical ports such as USB, Ethernet, audio and HDMI you are much more likely to find them on a laptop than a tablet device. For example, you’ll find the following ports on the latest Galaxy Book4 Pro: 2 x Thunderbolt, 1 x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, and HP/Mic-in slot. In comparison, the

has a USB Type-C 2.0 and microSD slot.

7. Keyboards
How you navigate your laptop or tablet will also vary. A tablet uses a touchscreen which you’ll use for all functions including typing. If you plan to do a lot of typing you may prefer the physical keyboard that a laptop has. However, some tablets such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ have the option to add a

for a PC-like experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy the exceptional

with the latest

series of tablets, but there’s no need to miss out on a laptop since the S Pen also comes as standard with the sensational

.

We’ve created a handy comparison chart which helps highlight the key differences between the latest Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Book4 laptop range.

✓ Lightweight
✓ Compact and portable
✓ Mobile network connectivity
✓ Great for media consumption
✓ Intuitive and easy to use
✓ Quick start up
✓ High quality built-in cameras
✓ Optional keyboard and case attachments

If you have your heart set on a tablet, but don't want to run out of memory, you're in luck. Many Samsung tablets have expandable memory, simply put one of

into the SD card slot.

You can certainly make your tablet look and feel more like a laptop with the addition of a smart

and for most day-to-day tasks tablets can be used in a very similar way to a laptop. However, the operating system will remain different and the apps downloaded to your tablet may not be as comprehensive as the full desktop/laptop versions.

Find out more about

or

in our

guide.

Using Zoom on a Galaxy Tab:
With a

, you will need to download the mobile version of Zoom (available from the

). When you use Zoom on your

you’ll still be able to video conference as normal but there are a few control restrictions that are only available on the Zoom desktop version. You’ll be able to do the following using the Zoom mobile app:

✓ Schedule Zoom meetings
✓ Share screen including whiteboard or annotating a shared screen
✓ Language interpretation and live transcription
✓ Saving and sending files or images
✓ Virtual background
✓ Encrypting your chat
✓ Delete sent messages

Using the Zoom mobile app you will be unable to:

✗ Control who can control their screen
✗ Start breakout rooms
✗ Live stream meetings and webinars
✗ Create, edit or launch a poll
✗ Pausing a shared screen
✗ Editing sent messages
✗ Sending GIFs
✗ Managing blocked contacts

Using Zoom on a Galaxy Book:
When you use Zoom on a

you’ll be using the Zoom Desktop App. This will enable you to have access to all the comprehensive Zoom features listed above. If you need to have full Zoom functionality it will work better on a laptop.

Whilst you’ll find a Galaxy Tab or Galaxy Book to suit most budgets, tablets typically cost less than laptops. Samsung tablets start from less than £200 for the

, making them a great choice if you’re looking to save some money. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for an exceptional device, check out the incredible Galaxy Book4 Pro 360.

To help you with your decision-making, check out our

and

guides.