The Samsung Galaxy Book, available in both 10-inch and 12-inch options, is a direct competitor to Microsoft's updated Surface Pro. Both predecessors, the Galaxy TabPro S and the Surface Pro 4, make our list of the best 2-in-1 laptops, so there's no questioning we're excited about these updated devices. How does the Galaxy Book stack up against the new Surface Pro? Let's take a look in our head-to-head comparison.

Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book tech specs A table of specs is always a good way to start a comparison. You can see below that there are quite a few similarities between the devices. All are using seventh-generation processors, all have pen support, and all come in the 2-in-1 design.

Category Surface Pro Samsung Galaxy Book 10 Samsung Galaxy Book 12 OS Windows 10 Windows 10 Windows 10 Processor Intel Core m3-7Y30

Intel Core i5-7300U

Intel Core i7-7660U Intel Core m3-7Y30 Intel Core i5-7200U RAM 4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR3 4GB LPDDR3 8GB LPDDR3 Display PixelSense

12.3-inch

2736 x 1824

3:2 aspect ratio TFT

10.6-inch

1920 x 1280

3:2 aspect ratio AMOLED

12-inch

2160 x 1440

3:2 aspect ratio Storage 128GB/256GB/512GB 1TB SSD 64GB eMMC

128GB SSD 128GB/256GB SSD Graphics Core m3: Intel HD Graphics 615

Core i5: Intel HD Graphics 620

Core i7: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 Intel HD Graphics 615 Intel HD Graphics 620 Camera Rear 8.0MP 1080p

Front 5.0MP 1080p Front 5.0MP Rear 13.0MP

Front 5.0MP Biometrics IR camera with Windows Hello None None Dimensions 11.50 inches x 7.9 inches x 0.33 inches

292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm 10.28 inches x 7.05 inches x 0.35 inches

261mm x 179.07mm x 8.89mm 11.46 inches x 7.86 inches x 0.29 inches

291mm x 199.6mm x 7.3mm Weight 1.69 pounds to 1.73 pounds (0.77kg to 0.78kg) 1.42 pounds (0.64kg) 1.66 pounds (0.75kg) Ports USB-A 3.0

Mini DisplayPort

microSDXC card reader

Surface Connect

3.5mm jack USB-C 3.1

microSD card reader

3.5mm jack Two USB-C 3.1

microSD card reader

3.5mm jack WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 4.1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 4.1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth 4.1 WWAN 4G LTE with nano SIM and eSIM (optional) No 4G LTE-A Cat 6 (optional) Battery 13.5 hours 9 hours 11 hours Pen Surface Pen S Pen S Pen Price Starting at $799 Starting at $630 Starting at $1,130

It's clear here that if you want a top performer, you need to go with the Surface Pro. The Core i7 configuration not only has a faster processor, it also has Iris Plus graphics, and you can cram in 16GB of RAM compared to 8GB in the Galaxy Book. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more It should also be noted that the Core i5 processor in the Surface Pro is fanless, which gives it a bit of an edge over the Galaxy Book's fan that tends to run more often than not. Winner: Surface Pro Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book display All displays have the same 3:2 aspect ratio. For anyone who doesn't need a 12-inch device, the Galaxy Book 10 has a smaller form but has a TFT display with a lower resolution. At 1280p, it will still look great, but it's not going to wow like the Surface Pro or Galaxy Book 12 displays. Between the Surface Pro's 1824p display and the Galaxy Book 12's 1440p display, you'll have a harder time choosing. Samsung's AMOLED option is gorgeous, but so is the Surface Pro's PixelSense display. Between these two, we'll call it a draw. Winner: Tie See at Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book design

Creating a tablet that doubles as a laptop and doesn't frustrate the user is no easy feat. Microsoft has kept most of their tried-and-true design here, with a kickstand built into the tablet and a detachable keyboard and touchpad. One big change is that the kickstand on the new Surface Pro can now extend to 165 degrees, something artists will love. The Galaxy Book's kickstand is built into the keyboard, so if you don't have it attached, you can't prop the tablet up to, say, watch a movie or TV show. Even when attached it can be a bit bothersome and isn't as adjustable as the Surface Pro. Both Galaxy Book models do weigh less than the Surface Pro, but only marginally. Overall, the design category is close to a draw. These slim tablets are easy to carry around with you and have about the same amount of bezel. However, it's the kickstand built right into the tablet that pushes the Surface Pro ahead. Winner: Surface Pro Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book touchpad and keyboard The Surface Pro's Type Cover acts as a sort of case for the device when it's not in use, giving it a dossier look when closed. The Galaxy Book has the same idea, but doesn't use the same Alcantara fabric.

Both keyboards have backlit chiclet keys and Precision touchpads, meaning all Windows 10 gestures work here. It's hard to pick a winner, as there are no doubt many differing opinions on which keys have better travel and better spacing, so we will call this one a draw. Winner: Tie Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book features The Galaxy Book 10 has one USB-C port while the Galaxy Book 12 has two USB-C ports, meaning if you're still using older peripherals with USB-A, you'll need some dongles. None of these devices support Thunderbolt 3, which is not surprising in a tablet form factor. A microSD card reader on both size models allows you to expand the storage up to 256GB. The Surface Pro has retained the USB-A 3.1 port, and also has the same microSD card reader. Both have 3.5mm headphone jacks. If you're looking for LTE connectivity, both the Galaxy Book 12 and Surface Pro are suitable options. Note that the Galaxy Book 10 is so far Wi-Fi only.

When it comes to inking, in other words using the Surface Pen and S Pen, casual users are going to get about the same experience. Artists, however, should take advantage of the new Surface Pen, especially when coupled with the Surface Dial. Also, unlike the Surface Pen's magnetic attachment, the S Pen must be attached with a loop on the keyboard. Perhaps the biggest thing missing from the Galaxy Book is Windows Hello, the biometric security system that lets you log in with a fingerprint reader or IR camera. The Surface Pro has the IR camera, whereas the Galaxy Book has neither option. If you're logging in, it's with a good, old password. Winner: Surface Pro Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Book pricing

Configuration Surface Pro Galaxy Book 10 Galaxy Book 12 (Wi-Fi) Galaxy Book 12 (LTE) Base model $799 $630 $1,130 — Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD $999 $730 $1,130 $1,300 Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD $1,299 — $1,330 — Core i7 Starting at $1,599 — — —