Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£66.60£339.00 new
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) starts at £66.60, £28.97 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
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab A has a larger 10.5-inch screen with a bigger battery, making it ideal for those who prefer a roomier display and longer battery use. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller 8-inch screen but a sharper pixel density and supports a newer Android version, which suits users looking for more recent software and a more compact device. Performance and storage are higher on the Active3, along with a better rear camera and Bluetooth 5.0. Buyers who want a tablet with stylus support will also prefer the Active3. Both have USB Type-C and headphone jacks, but the Active3 cannot use SIM cards. Choose the Galaxy Tab A for a larger screen and battery, or the Active3 for newer software, performance, and features in a smaller size.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) price
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system updates, and overall device longevity. Each tablet offers features suited to different usage patterns and software preferences.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A has a 7300 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges. This suits users who need extended screen time, such as for streaming or browsing. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller 5050 mAh battery, which is still sufficient for regular daily use but may require more frequent charging if used heavily.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12, offering more recent software features and security updates. The Galaxy Tab A supports up to Android 10, which remains suitable for everyday apps but is an earlier version. Users interested in newer Android capabilities will find the Active3 more fitting.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) performance
Performance differences relate to chipset, processor speed, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on your device.
Processor Speed and Chipset
The Galaxy Tab Active3's Exynos 9810 chipset includes cores running at 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz, offering higher peak speeds. The Galaxy Tab A uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 with cores at 1.8 GHz. This means the Active3 handles demanding apps and multitasking more efficiently, suitable for users who run multiple apps or heavier software.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and storage options of 64 GB or 128 GB, allowing more apps to stay open and more files to be saved locally. The Galaxy Tab A has 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB storage, which suits users with lighter app use and fewer storage needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and pixel density. These impact how clear and detailed images and text appear, as well as the overall viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has a larger 10.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a 1200x1920 resolution, offering more space for watching videos or reading. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller 8-inch PLS LCD screen with the same resolution, making the display sharper due to its higher pixel density.
Pixel Density
With 290 pixels per inch, the Galaxy Tab Active3's display is crisper, benefiting users who want sharper images or detailed text on a smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab A's 216 pixels per inch is still clear and easier on the eyes for larger content.
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities. These are important for video calls, photography, and media playback.
Rear Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera, which captures more detail in photos compared to the Galaxy Tab A's 8 megapixels. This suits users who want better photo quality from their tablet.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active3 records video at 4K 30 frames per second, allowing for higher-resolution videos. The Galaxy Tab A records at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is suitable for everyday video capture but with lower resolution.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab A has four stereo speakers, providing a richer sound experience especially for watching videos or music. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers, which offer good audio but fewer in number.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) size and design
Other features include connectivity, device dimensions, and extras like stylus support. These can affect daily convenience and use scenarios.
Connectivity and Bluetooth
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing faster wireless communication and better compatibility with newer devices. The Galaxy Tab A uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, which remain reliable but with lower maximum speeds.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports use with a stylus pencil, which benefits users who want to take handwritten notes or draw. The Galaxy Tab A does not have stylus support.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A is larger and heavier at 10.5 inches and 500 grams, suitable for users who prefer a bigger screen and don't mind the extra weight. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is more compact at 8 inches and weighs 426 grams, fitting users who want a smaller, more portable device.
SIM and Carrier
The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked with a Nano SIM slot, allowing mobile data use on various networks. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has no SIM port, restricting it to Wi-Fi connectivity only.
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 (10.5", 2018) or Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.60, £28.97 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
- you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 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 higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 500 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) looks very clean with no scratches or marks, and runs smoothly with apps opening quickly. Battery life is praised for lasting through a full day of browsing and streaming. The larger screen is clear and suitable for video calls and daily news. Some users mention the speakers could be louder when watching videos. Overall, it feels solid in hand and the 32GB storage meets everyday needs. A few customers noted occasional Wi-Fi drops.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) are more mixed. Some customers find it good for streaming and browsing, with a bright screen and quick startup. The device shows signs of wear in some cases, with scratches or scuffs reported. The screen is sometimes hard to see in bright sunlight. The 4GB RAM and newer Android version support apps smoothly for daily use. A few customers experienced issues with screen defects or early failures, but others found the condition like new and the device a big improvement over older models.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab A suits those who want a larger tablet with solid battery life for everyday use, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 fits users who prefer a smaller, more portable device with newer software and stylus support, accepting a smaller screen and battery.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is cheaper refurbished, from £66.60 compared with £95.57 for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels) and a lighter build (426 g vs 500 g). Refurbished, it costs £28.97 more (from £95.57 vs £66.60).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) in 64GB.
