Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016)
Starting at
£45.17£203.87 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) starts at £45.17, £57.89 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 9.7 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) offers a larger screen and straightforward features suited for everyday use, while the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) focuses on sharper visuals and stronger performance. The Tab A is good for users who want a spacious display and standard functionality with storage options of 16GB or 32GB. The Tab S3 provides higher screen resolution, more RAM, and a more powerful processor, making it better for multitasking and media viewing in a more compact size. Choose the Tab A for a larger screen and standard audio, or the Tab S3 for enhanced display quality and stereo speakers in a lighter device.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software updates and operating system support.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) supports Android 8.1 as its maximum operating system, while the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) supports Android 9.0.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance covers the processor, RAM, and storage options. Each device uses a different processor brand and model with varying RAM sizes, influencing multitasking and app speed. Storage options also differ between the two.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) uses a Samsung Exynos 7870 Octa processor with 3 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and standard app use. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM, providing a more powerful setup to handle multiple apps and demanding tasks more smoothly.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A offers storage choices of 16GB or 32GB, allowing you to pick the capacity that fits your needs for apps and files. The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 32GB storage, providing a single option with more space for media and applications.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density, and screen type. These details affect how sharp and vibrant the display looks and how comfortable it is for viewing content or working on the device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a larger 10.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels. This provides more viewing space, which is good for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a slightly smaller 9.7 inch screen but a higher resolution of 1536 by 2048 pixels, offering sharper images.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
The Tab S3's screen has a higher pixel density of 270 pixels per inch compared to the Tab A's 230 pixels per inch, resulting in crisper visuals. The Tab A uses a PLS LCD screen, while the Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED display, which typically provides deeper colours and better contrast.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include speakers and webcams. These contribute to media enjoyment, video calls, and overall sound quality from the device.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has standard speakers suitable for everyday audio needs. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) offers stereo speakers with four speakers, delivering a more immersive sound experience that benefits watching videos or listening to music.
Webcam
Both the Galaxy Tab A and Tab S3 have webcams, enabling video calls and simple photo taking. The Tab S3 has a higher rear camera resolution, but both devices include front cameras for video chat.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectors, camera megapixels, weight, and carrier compatibility. These affect device handling, connectivity, and photography.
Connectors and Carrier
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) uses a Micro USB connector and is unlocked for carrier use. In contrast, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) uses USB Type-C and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack but does not have a SIM port.
Camera and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A has an 8 megapixel camera, while the Galaxy Tab S3 offers a 13 megapixel camera for more detailed photos. The Tab S3 is lighter at 426 grams compared to the Tab A's 525 grams, making it easier to hold and carry.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £45.17, £57.89 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want a bigger screen (10.1 inch vs 9.7 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 525 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) appreciate its clean condition and find the 16 GB storage sufficient for everyday apps and photos. They describe the tablet as running smoothly and having a sharp screen for watching content. Many mention it as a good device for children or family members, noting simple use and adequate battery life for daily routines.
Those choosing the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) highlight its like-new appearance and smooth performance, especially when running multiple apps. The improved screen quality and stereo speakers receive positive mentions for media use. Some customers note the absence of the stylus that the tablet supports, which led them to buy one separately. Overall, users find it reliable and good value for browsing and streaming.
The Tab A suits those wanting a larger screen and straightforward daily use, while the Tab S3 fits users who value sharper display quality, better audio, and a lighter device for multitasking and media enjoyment.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) has a bigger screen: 10.1 inch vs 9.7 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £45.17 compared with £103.06 for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), an OLED screen and a lighter build (426 g vs 525 g). Refurbished, it costs £57.89 more (from £103.06 vs £45.17).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) comes in 16GB and 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
