Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016)
Starting at
£45.17£203.87 new
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) starts at £45.17, £50.40 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
Connector
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a lighter build: 426 g vs 525 g.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) offers a larger 10.1 inch screen with a 230 ppi pixel density, making it a good choice if you prefer a roomier display for watching videos or reading. It comes with 3 GB RAM and storage options of 16 or 32 GB, suitable for everyday use and general apps. The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a smaller 8 inch screen but a higher 290 ppi pixel density for sharper detail in a more compact size. It includes more RAM at 4 GB and 64 GB storage, supporting more apps and files. The Active3 also features stereo speakers and a higher megapixel camera, which suits those who want richer sound and more detailed photos. Both run Android but the Active3 supports a newer maximum OS version.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) price
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and operating system versions, which affect how long a device can receive updates and run newer apps.
Maximum OS Supported
The Galaxy Tab A supports up to Android 8.1, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12. This means the Active3 can run a more recent version of Android, which may offer improved security and features for users needing newer software compatibility.
Basic OS Type
Both tablets run on the Android operating system, so they share the same platform type. However, the difference in maximum supported versions means the Active3 can handle more recent Android enhancements.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) performance
Performance relates to processing power, memory, and storage, which influence how smoothly the tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. These two Samsung tablets differ in processor, RAM, and available storage options.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab A is equipped with the Exynos 7870 Octa processor, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 uses the Exynos 9810. Both processors come from Samsung, but the Active3's processor is designed for higher performance, making it better suited for demanding tasks or multitasking.
Memory for Multitasking
With 3 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A handles everyday apps well. The Galaxy Tab Active3 offers 4 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open smoothly and supports more intensive use.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A is stocked with either 16 GB or 32 GB storage options, which fits lighter app and media needs. The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 64 GB storage, giving more room for apps, photos, and files without needing extra memory cards.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality affects how clear and comfortable the display is for reading, watching videos, and browsing. These tablets differ mainly in screen size and pixel density, while sharing the same resolution and screen type.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab A has a 10.1 inch screen, providing more space for viewing content and multitasking. This suits users who prefer a larger display for media or work. The Galaxy Tab Active3's screen is 8.0 inches, making it more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3's 290 ppi pixel density means it shows sharper and more detailed images compared to the Galaxy Tab A's 230 ppi. This is noticeable when reading small text or viewing high-resolution photos on the smaller screen.
Resolution and Screen Type
Both tablets share the same resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels and use PLS LCD screens. This means they offer similar clarity and colour quality, with differences mainly coming from screen size and pixel density.
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features include speakers and cameras, which affect sound quality and photo clarity. These two tablets have some differences that suit different needs.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers, which provide a richer and more immersive sound experience, especially for watching videos or video calls. The Galaxy Tab A has standard speakers, which offer clear audio but without the stereo effect.
Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy Tab Active3 features a 13-megapixel camera, capturing more detailed photos compared to the Galaxy Tab A's 8 megapixels. This suits users who want higher-quality pictures from their tablet.
Webcam Presence
Both tablets include a webcam, so they are equally capable for video calls and selfies.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) size and design
This section covers various practical differences including connectors, weight, and carrier options that affect how you use and carry the tablet daily.
Connector Type
The Galaxy Tab A uses a Micro USB connector, which is older and less common on newer devices. The Galaxy Tab Active3 features a USB Type-C connector, which is more versatile and widely used for charging and data transfer today.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 weighs 426 g, making it lighter than the Galaxy Tab A at 525 g. This makes the Active3 easier to hold for extended periods or carry around.
Carrier and SIM Options
The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked for carrier use, suitable if you want to use mobile data with a SIM card. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port, so it is designed for Wi-Fi use only.
Screen Refresh Rate
Neither tablet offers a 120 Hz screen refresh rate, so both provide the standard visual smoothness expected of typical LCD screens.
SIM and Dual SIM
Neither device supports double SIM cards, so both will handle only one SIM or none according to their design.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) or Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £45.17, £50.40 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
- you want a bigger screen (10.1 inch vs 8.0 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 525 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) praise its clear and sharp screen, describing it as suitable for watching videos and everyday use. The 16 GB storage is considered enough for basic apps and photos. Several customers mention the tablet runs smoothly and that the battery lasts well enough for a day's use. It is popular as a gift for children and older family members, appreciated for its ease of use and general reliability.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) show mixed experiences. Many customers note the tablet looks like new and is easy to set up, with some calling it a big improvement over older models. The larger storage and sharper screen suit users focused on videos, browsing, and PDFs. Some users find it heavier than other 8 inch tablets and mention fewer available cases. A few reports mention screen imperfections or device faults, but others are very pleased with the condition and performance.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab A suits buyers wanting a larger screen and straightforward tablet for everyday tasks and light storage. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is better for those who value a sharper display, more storage, and stereo sound in a compact, lighter tablet, accepting its smaller screen size.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £45.17 compared with £95.57 for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB) and a lighter build (426 g vs 525 g). Refurbished, it costs £50.40 more (from £95.57 vs £45.17).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) comes in 16GB and 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) in 64GB.
