Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Microsoft Surface Go 4: Android vs Windows Productivity Tablets
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Surface Go 4 both target buyers who want more than pure media consumption from a tablet, sitting about $81 apart.
The Tab S10 FE brings S Pen note-taking and sketching to Android at a mid-range price.
Global reference price
The Surface Go 4 runs full Windows 11, now sold exclusively to business customers, aimed at lightweight document work and Windows-specific line-of-business apps.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
The fundamental difference is operating system: the Tab S10 FE runs Android, meaning it's excellent for note-taking, media, and Android/Google Workspace apps but can't run traditional desktop Windows software. The Surface Go 4 runs full Windows, meaning it can run legacy business applications and desktop software that Android tablets simply cannot, but at the cost of Windows's typically shorter battery life and higher price for comparable specs — and Microsoft has now restricted it to business buyers only.
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Pros
- S Pen included, lower price
- Longer battery life typical of Android tablets
Cons
- No compatibility with traditional Windows desktop software
Microsoft Surface Go 4
Pros
- Full Windows 11 compatibility with desktop software
Cons
- Higher price
- Now sold to business customers only
Which One Is Right For You?
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: Best for note-taking, media, and general Android app use at a lower price.
- Microsoft Surface Go 4: Best for business users who specifically need Windows desktop software compatibility.
Conclusion
This decision is really about software requirements — if legacy Windows software is needed, the Surface Go 4 is the only option here that can run it; otherwise, the Tab S10 FE offers more value for typical tablet use.
Summary
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Strengths
- S Pen included, better value
Weaknesses
- No Windows software support
Microsoft Surface Go 4
Strengths
- Full Windows compatibility
Weaknesses
- Higher price, business-only availability
Choose the Tab S10 FE unless specific Windows desktop software is a hard requirement, in which case the Surface Go 4 is the only option between the two that can run it.