Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025)
Starting at
£86.62£103.82 new
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) starts at £86.62, £8.95 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). 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 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
- The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 5100 mAh on the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025), 5050 mAh on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) offer different strengths suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab A11 has a larger screen and more RAM, making it better for multitasking and media consumption. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a sharper, higher resolution screen and a more powerful processor clock speed, suited for users who prioritise display detail and raw performance. It also includes a stylus for note-taking or drawing. The Active3 is heavier and thicker, while the A11 is lighter and slimmer. Both have similar storage options and stereo speakers, but the A11 adds Dolby Atmos for richer sound. Choose the A11 for a lightweight, up-to-date device or the Active3 for a compact, sharper screen with stylus support.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) price
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support and operating system versions. These factors affect how long the tablet can stay in use and receive updates.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A11 has a 5100 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Active3's 5050 mAh. This difference is small, so both tablets provide similar battery life for everyday use.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) performance
Performance includes the chipset, processor speed, RAM and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking is possible.
Processor and Speed
The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset with an 8-core processor at 2.2 GHz. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a Samsung Exynos 9810 chipset with 8 cores running at 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz. The Active3's higher peak clock speed suits tasks needing short bursts of power while the A11 provides consistent performance.
Memory
The Galaxy Tab A11 offers 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use but with less multitasking capability.
Storage Options
Both tablets come with 64 GB and 128 GB storage options available, giving you flexible choices depending on your space needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality is about size, resolution, pixel density and type. These affect how clear and comfortable the display is for reading, watching videos and using apps.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab A11 has a larger 8.7 inch screen, providing more room for video and browsing. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller 8.0 inch screen, which may be easier to hold and more compact for one-handed use.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a higher resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 290 ppi. This results in sharper images and text, making it suitable for users focused on detail and clarity. The Galaxy Tab A11 has a resolution of 800 by 1340 pixels with 180 ppi, which suits general multimedia and everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a TFT LCD screen while the Galaxy Tab Active3 has a PLS LCD screen. The PLS LCD can offer better viewing angles and brightness, which may benefit users using the tablet outdoors or in varied lighting.
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers and video recording. These impact video calls, photography, media playback and recording quality.
Camera Resolution
Both tablets have a 5 megapixel front camera for video calls. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera, capturing more detail in photos compared to the Galaxy Tab A11's 8 megapixel rear camera. Choose the Active3 if photography is important.
Speakers and Sound
The Galaxy Tab A11 features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, which can provide richer and more immersive sound for movies or music. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers without Dolby Atmos.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active3 records video in 4K at 30 frames per second, suitable for high-resolution recording. The Galaxy Tab A11 records 1080p video at 30 frames per second, which is still good for everyday video.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size and design elements that affect daily handling and compatibility with accessories.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab A11 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. The Active3's Wi-Fi 6 support suits users with compatible routers wanting faster wireless connections.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A11 is slimmer at 8 mm depth and lighter at 335 g, making it easier to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is thicker at 9.9 mm and heavier at 426 g, which may suit users wanting a more substantial feel.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes stylus support, useful for note-taking, drawing or precise navigation. The Galaxy Tab A11 does not have stylus support.
Headphone Jack and Connector
Both tablets have a 3.5 mm headphone jack and USB Type-C connector for charging and accessories, offering familiar and versatile connections.
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 A11 (8.7", 2025) or Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £86.62, £8.95 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.0 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab A11 praise its condition, often describing it as like new or brand new sealed. They appreciate the lightweight design and the size as suitable for both personal use and gifts. Some mention the tablet runs smoothly with plenty of RAM and enjoy the screen size for media. A few note the tablet takes time to start up but find it a good overall experience. There are occasional remarks about region locking or device settings not matching the UK, but most find the performance and condition satisfactory.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active3 highlight its solid build and good condition, with many customers saying it looks almost new. Some users find it heavier to hold for long periods, which suggests it suits those prioritising durability or industrial use. The screen quality and inclusion of a stylus are appreciated by some, though a few mention issues like scuff marks or screen defects. Overall, users find it good for video and browsing. The tablet is noted for being a durable choice with a better screen resolution.
The Galaxy Tab A11 suits buyers wanting a lightweight, larger screen tablet with ample RAM and the latest Android updates. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is better for users who want sharper screen detail, stylus support and a more substantial device feel.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025), Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) is cheaper refurbished, from £86.62 compared with £95.57 for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has 5100 mAh and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has 5050 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (8.7 inch vs 8.0 inch) and a lighter build (335 g vs 426 g). Refurbished, it costs £8.95 less (from £86.62 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) in 64GB.
