Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£66.60£339.00 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) starts at £66.60, £36.46 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) both offer solid Android tablet experiences but suit different needs. The Galaxy Tab A has a larger screen and battery, making it good for extended browsing and media use. It supports Android 10 and has more processor cores, which helps with everyday tasks. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a sharper Super AMOLED display and a faster processor speed, suited for users valuing screen quality and performance with fewer apps open. It also offers higher RAM and storage options plus a stylus for drawing or note-taking. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a larger screen and longer battery life or a higher resolution display and stylus support.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, affecting how long each tablet lasts per charge and with updates.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a 7300 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy Tab S3's 6000 mAh. This makes the Tab A suitable if you want longer use between charges, especially for browsing or streaming through the day.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab A supports up to Android 10, while the Galaxy Tab S3 supports Android 9.0. Android 10 includes newer features and security updates, which may benefit users wanting a more recent software experience.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance depends on processor type, speed, RAM, and storage, influencing multitasking and app responsiveness.
Processor Cores and Speed
The Galaxy Tab A features an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 at 1.8 GHz, offering more cores but a lower clock speed. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 4-core Snapdragon 820 running at 2.1500 GHz. This means the Tab A handles more simultaneous tasks, while the Tab S3 offers faster speed per core, suiting users who prioritise quick app responses.
RAM and Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and offers storage options of 32 GB and 128 GB. The Galaxy Tab A has 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB storage only. Higher RAM and storage on the Tab S3 benefit users who run multiple apps or store more files.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality affects display sharpness, size, and technology used, important for video, reading, and touch experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has a larger 10.5 inch screen with a 1200x1920 resolution, offering more viewing area. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a smaller 9.7 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1536x2048, providing sharper images in a more compact size.
Screen Technology and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab A uses an IPS LCD screen with 216 pixels per inch, while the Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED screen at 270 pixels per inch. The AMOLED screen delivers deeper colours and higher sharpness, ideal for users who value vivid visuals.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video capabilities, affecting media creation and consumption.
Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 5 megapixel front camera with 1080p video. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a higher 13 megapixel rear camera and a 5 megapixel front camera. Higher megapixels on the Tab S3 help capture more detail in photos.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, while the Galaxy Tab A records video at 1080p 30 FPS. If recording high-resolution video is a priority, the Tab S3 is better suited.
Speakers
Both tablets have stereo speakers with four speakers each, providing balanced audio for media consumption.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical size, and extras like stylus support that affect everyday use.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes support for a stylus pencil, which is useful for drawing, note-taking, or precise input. The Galaxy Tab A does not have stylus support, suiting users who do not require this feature.
Ports and Headphone Jack
Both tablets have USB Type-C connectors and a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio. The Galaxy Tab S3 also includes a 3.5 mm jack alongside USB Type-C, similar to the Tab A.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A is larger and heavier at 260 mm height, 161.1 mm width, 8 mm depth, and 500 g weight. The Galaxy Tab S3 is smaller and lighter at 237.3 mm height, 169 mm width, 6 mm depth, and 426 g weight. The Tab A suits users wanting a larger display, while the Tab S3 fits those preferring a more compact device.
Wireless and SIM
Both support Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2. The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked with a Nano SIM slot, allowing mobile network use. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have a SIM port.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.60, £36.46 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 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 higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) for its smooth performance and strong battery life. Many say the tablet looks almost new and runs apps quickly, making it suitable for daily browsing, video calls, and streaming. The large screen and solid feel receive positive mention, as does the 32 GB storage, which meets most users' needs. Some note the speaker could be louder, and one customer mentions occasional Wi-Fi dropouts. Overall, the Tab A is well-liked for reliable everyday use.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) highlight its sleek design and solid build. Customers find performance smooth even with multiple apps, and battery life generally lasts through a day. The higher resolution screen and camera are noted, though several users mention the stylus pencil is not included despite some product images suggesting so. Small screen scratches appear not to affect use much. The Tab S3 suits users who want a compact tablet with stylus support and sharper display.
Both tablets serve different needs: the Galaxy Tab A fits those who want a larger screen and longer battery for everyday tasks, while the Galaxy Tab S3 appeals to users valuing display quality and stylus functionality.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is cheaper refurbished, from £66.60 compared with £103.06 for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) adds a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £36.46 less (from £66.60 vs £103.06).
Both come in 32GB refurbished.
