Google Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Polar opposites

There aren’t all that many good Android tablets on the market in 2024, but with the release of the Pixel Tablet last year, Google finally put some skin in the game. So how does it match up against the leading Samsung Tab S8? Here’s our full Google Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comparison to help you find out which one is right for you.

Looking for something newer? Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 lineup.

Google Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: At a glance

Pixel Tablet vs Galaxy Tab S8: Specs

Although they’re both Android tablets, the Google Pixel Tablet and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 have different use cases. Both are capable tablets for basic uses like streaming, web browsing, and apps, but the Pixel Tablet dock makes it a better smart hub and display, while the Galaxy Tab S8’s ecosystem of accessories makes it a better productivity device.

Google set out to do something unique with the Pixel Tablet, and most of that is based around the dock. It’s included with the device, and it serves as both a charging station and a way to turn the tablet into a kind of Google Nest Max alternative. This both ensures that whenever you want to use the tablet it’s fully charged (instead of dead after living in a drawer), and keeps it useful throughout the day as a way to adjust your smart home settings, cast content from your phone, or use Google Assistant.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, however, is a much more traditional tablet. It’s Samsung’s attempt at taking on the iPad Pro lineup, with a host of accessories like a keyboard case and stylus available to create a laptop alternative if you’re brave enough. There are three tablets in the lineup: the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S8, the 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, and the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

All three Tab S8 devices are very premium, with gorgeous displays (especially on the Plus and Ultra models) and tip-top performance. They also include models with 5G for mobile connectivity, while the Google Pixel Tablet is Wi-Fi only.

The Tab S8 lineup comes with a stylus in the box for added productivity. It does not house inside the device like a Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra S-Pen, but it does have some unique swiping features. The Google Pixel doesn’t currently have any special stylus features, although there are rumors of a Pixel stylus and keyboard launching at a later date.

Cameras are limited on these devices, which isn’t surprising. The Galaxy Tab S8 lineup has better camera hardware than the Pixel Tablet, but the latter is certainly no slouch. Google’s Pixel phones have always been focused on photography, and since the Pixel Tablet has the same Tensor G2 chipset as the Pixel 7 lineup, it’s capable of some real photo magic due to the custom AI and imaging silicon smarts. That said, it isn’t a big selling point for either tablet.

The Galaxy Tab S8 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which was announced at the tail end of 2021. This is the same chipset found in the Galaxy S22 series. Although it’s no longer the latest, it’s a very powerful flagship processor, with a focus on raw computational power rather than machine learning. It allows the Tab S8 to fly through standard apps, and it has no problem multitasking demanding productivity apps. The Pixel Tablet, despite being newer, doesn’t benchmark as high.

Pixel Tablet vs Galaxy Tab S8: Price

When it comes to price and value, the Pixel Tablet has the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup beat. It starts at $499 for the dock and tablet with 8GB/128GB, while the cheapest Galaxy Tab S8 starts at $699 for the 8GB/128GB Wi-Fi-only version.

For the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, you’re looking at $899 for the same 8GB/128GB Wi-Fi-only edition, or $979 for a more comfortable 8GB/256GB setup. The laptop-replacement Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra starts at $1,099 for the 8GB/128GB Wi-Fi-only version, maxing out at $1,399 for the 16GB/512GB Wi-Fi-only version. There are also 5G versions of most Galaxy Tab S8 models, with pricing varying depending on carrier deals.

However, the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup launched in February 2022, so at this point you may find discounts on Amazon or other retailers. Pre-orders for the Pixel Tablet, on the other hand, started on May 10, 2023, with general availability starting June 20. Now that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 lineup has launched, you can easily pick up the Galaxy Tab S8 series at a steep discount.

It’s worth mentioning that both Google and Samsung have generous trade-in programs to reduce pricing, as well. These are only available through their official websites, of course, which don’t always offer the best prices, especially on older devices like the Galaxy Tab S8.

Google Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Which should you buy?

Although they’re both tablets, the Pixel Tablet and Galaxy Tab S8 lineup are very different devices. The Pixel Tablet is cheaper and less powerful, with a focus on home use and convenience with the included dock. The Galaxy Tab S8 is designed more like an iPad Pro-killer, with powerful specs, a beautiful screen, and great productivity features.

Which one is right for you will depend on your primary use case: Will you use it for basic streaming, checking recipes, or video chatting at home? Then the Pixel Tablet is probably a better choice. Do you want to run demanding productivity apps or take your tablet with you on the go? Then the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup is worth looking into.

Ultimately, they’re both among the best Android tablets you can buy right now, so there’s no wrong answer here. Which one would you buy? Let your voice be heard in the poll below!