Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025)
Starting at
£86.62£103.82 new
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £30.62 less than the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025). The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025), Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) differ in several key areas that affect everyday use. The Galaxy Tab A11 offers a larger screen, more RAM, higher storage options, and a faster processor, suited for users who want smoother multitasking and more space for apps and media. The Galaxy Tab Active2, with its smaller screen and included stylus, fits users who prefer a more compact device with pen input for note-taking or drawing. Its slightly higher pixel density gives a crisper display despite the smaller size. Each tablet fits different needs depending on your priorities for screen size, performance, and stylus use.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability here covers battery capacity and software support, which influence how long you can use the tablet between charges and how up to date the device stays.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A11 has a 5100 mAh battery, which offers longer usage time between charges compared to the Galaxy Tab Active2's 4450 mAh. This makes the A11 a better fit if you need longer battery life for extended use away from power sources.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) performance
Performance differences affect how the tablets handle apps, multitasking, and overall speed, with key factors including processor, RAM, and storage.
Processor Speed and Efficiency
The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset built on a 6 nm process running at 2.2 GHz, offering faster and more efficient processing than the Galaxy Tab Active2's Exynos 7870 Octa at 1.6000 GHz on a 14 nm process. This means the A11 can handle demanding apps and tasks with greater ease.
Memory and Multitasking
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A11 is well suited to keep multiple apps open and running smoothly, ideal if you frequently switch between tasks. The Galaxy Tab Active2's 3 GB of RAM supports everyday use but is better matched to simpler tasks.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A11 comes in 64 GB and 128 GB storage options, giving you room for more apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy Tab Active2 offers 16 GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who rely on cloud storage.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) screen
Screen quality differences affect how content looks and feels, including size, sharpness, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A11 has a larger 8.7 inch screen with a resolution of 800x1340, providing more viewing space for videos, reading, and apps. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen at 800 x 1280 resolution, making it more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Pixel Density and Display Type
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a slightly higher pixel density of 190 ppi, which can deliver somewhat sharper images despite its smaller size. The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a TFT LCD screen at 180 ppi, while the Active2 features an LCD screen, which may result in subtle differences in colour and brightness that matter depending on your viewing preferences.
Brightness
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features impact video calls, photography, and media playback quality, with differences in speakers and camera capabilities.
Speakers and Sound
The Galaxy Tab A11 offers stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing audio depth and clarity for movies and music. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has stereo speakers without Dolby Atmos, suitable for standard audio experiences.
Cameras and Video
Both tablets have 5 megapixel front cameras and 8 megapixel rear cameras capable of recording 1080p video at 30 FPS. This means both are equally suited for video calls and casual photography.
Front camera
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) size and design
Other features include connectivity, size, weight, and extras such as stylus support that can influence daily convenience and usability.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab A11 supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved range and connection stability compared to the Galaxy Tab Active2's Bluetooth 4.2. Both use USB Type-C connectors and share Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A11 is slightly larger at 211 mm height by 124.7 mm width and lighter at 335 g, making it easier to carry for long periods. The Galaxy Tab Active2 measures 214 mm by 127.6 mm and weighs 415 g, which may suit users preferring a more solid feel.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab Active2 includes a stylus pencil, appealing to users who want to take notes or draw directly on the screen. The Galaxy Tab A11 does not support a stylus.
Headphone Jack
Both tablets feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing easy connection to wired headphones without adapters.
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 A11 (8.7", 2025) or Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.0 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £30.62 less than the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab A11 praise its condition, often describing it as almost like new. Many highlight its lightweight design and smooth performance, especially noting its suitability for gifts and family use. Some users mention the tablet's startup speed, but overall the experience is positive with comments on its size being just right for work or personal use.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active2 show a mix of experiences. Some users appreciate the inclusion of the original stylus and find the device works well for everyday tasks. Positive feedback often mentions good condition and reliable performance. There are some reports of setup issues and app compatibility challenges related to the older Android version.
The Galaxy Tab A11 suits users who want a lightweight, faster tablet with larger screen space and longer battery life. The Galaxy Tab Active2 is a strong choice for those valuing a compact device with stylus support and who are comfortable with simpler performance.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025), Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017). The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £86.62 for the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025).
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 4450 mAh) and a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £30.62 more (from £86.62 vs £56).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) in 16GB.
