Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019)
Starting at
£90.24£339.99 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) starts at £90.24, £12.82 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) offer different strengths suited to distinct uses. The Galaxy Tab A has a smaller 8 inch screen and 2 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday browsing and streaming. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and 4 GB RAM, better for users wanting a more detailed display and smoother multitasking. The Tab S3 also has stereo speakers and a higher megapixel camera. Both run Android but support different maximum OS versions. Your choice depends on whether you value a more compact device for basic use or a bigger screen with richer visuals and more memory for multitasking.
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and operating system versions, which affect how long the device stays updated.
Maximum Operating System
This means the Tab A may provide a more current software experience, which can affect app compatibility and security.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance includes processor power, RAM, and storage, which influence how smoothly apps run and how many tasks you can handle simultaneously.
Processor Type
The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) uses a Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 processor, designed for everyday tasks, while the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, a more powerful processor that suits multitasking and running demanding apps.
Memory Capacity
With 2 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A manages basic apps and light multitasking well. The Galaxy Tab S3 has 4 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly, benefiting users who switch between tasks frequently.
Storage Options
Both tablets come with 32 GB of storage in the options we stock. This capacity is suitable for storing apps, media, and documents, but users with larger libraries should consider external storage options if available.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality affects how images, videos, and text appear. Size, resolution, pixel density, and screen type all influence your viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A features an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, making it compact and easy to handle for reading and casual use. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a larger 9.7 inch screen with a sharper resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, giving more space and detail for video, games, or multitasking.
Screen Type and Pixel Density
The Tab A uses a TFT LCD screen with a pixel density of 190 ppp, suitable for everyday viewing. The Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen with 270 ppp, which provides richer colours, deeper blacks, and crisper images, making it a better choice for users who prioritise screen quality.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include speakers and cameras, which affect media playback and video calling quality.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab A has dual speakers, which deliver stereo sound adequate for casual listening. The Galaxy Tab S3 includes stereo speakers with four speakers in total, offering a fuller and more immersive audio experience for watching videos or music.
Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has an 8 megapixel camera, suitable for everyday photos and video calls. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel camera, capturing more detail and sharper images for users who use their tablet camera more extensively.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Other differences include physical connectors, weight, and network compatibility, which influence how you connect accessories and carry the device.
Connectors
The Galaxy Tab A uses a Micro USB connector. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a USB Type-C connector along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing more flexible options for charging and audio accessories.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab A weighs 345 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab S3 weighs 426 grams, reflecting its larger size and additional hardware.
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab A is unlocked. The Galaxy Tab S3 is without a SIM port, so it does not support mobile network connectivity and relies on Wi-Fi.
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 (8.0", 2019) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90.24, £12.82 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want a lighter build (345 g vs 426 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) looks good for its grade, with some reporting it as almost brand new or spotless in premium condition. Many find it smooth for everyday apps and streaming, with battery life generally lasting through a full day under heavy use. Some mention occasional restarts, which can be worked around by using airplane mode. The device's weight is noted by one customer as heavier than expected, but overall users are happy with its performance for browsing, streaming, and simple tasks.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) highlight its excellent condition with only minor marks or scratches that do not affect use. Customers appreciate its smooth multitasking performance, reliable battery life lasting through a full day, and good value. Some mention the absence of the stylus that is often associated with the device, which may require separate purchase for those who want to use it. Overall, users find it suitable for browsing, streaming, and replacing older devices.
The Galaxy Tab A is well suited for those wanting a lighter, smaller tablet for everyday use like browsing and streaming. The Galaxy Tab S3 suits users who prefer a larger, higher resolution screen with more memory and better speakers for multimedia and multitasking, and who do not need mobile network capability.
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) 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 2 GB. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) is cheaper refurbished, from £90.24 compared with £103.06 for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab A (8.0", 2019) adds a lighter build (345 g vs 426 g). Refurbished, it costs £12.82 less (from £90.24 vs £103.06).
Both come in 32GB refurbished.
