Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025)
Starting at
£86.62£103.82 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) starts at £86.62, £16.44 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). 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), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Tab S3 has a larger, higher resolution Super AMOLED screen which is ideal for media consumption and detailed viewing. It also comes with a stylus pencil option for drawing or note-taking. Audio and camera features vary, with the Tab S3 having a higher resolution main camera and four speakers, while the Tab A11 supports Dolby Atmos. Battery capacity is larger on the Tab S3 but the Tab A11 has a more modern processor and storage options. Choose the Tab A11 for everyday use and recent software, or the Tab S3 for screen quality and stylus support.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support. These influence how long you can use the tablet between charges and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, providing a larger power reserve. The Galaxy Tab A11 has a 5100 mAh battery, which is smaller but may still suit users with moderate daily use. If longer battery life is a priority, the Tab S3 could be preferable.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance includes the processor, memory, and storage. These details affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset with an 8-core processor at 2.2 GHz, which offers more cores and slightly higher speed. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz. The Tab A11 suits users who run multiple apps or want efficiency from a newer chipset.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A11 keeps more apps open and supports smoother multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S3 has 4 GB of RAM, which handles everyday tasks well but supports fewer apps running simultaneously.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A11 is stocked in 64GB and 128GB versions, providing more space for apps, media, and files. The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 32GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who use external storage.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience including sharpness, size, and display technology. Both devices offer distinct characteristics.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density of 270 ppi. This means sharper images and more detailed viewing, good for reading, video, and detailed work. The Galaxy Tab A11 has an 8.7 inch screen with 800 x 1340 resolution at 180 ppi, providing a smaller and simpler display suited to everyday use.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED screen, which typically offers richer colours and deeper blacks. The Galaxy Tab A11 uses a TFT LCD screen, which is reliable for general tasks and daylight use but differs in colour and contrast quality from AMOLED.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and speakers, affecting video calls, photography, and sound quality.
Camera Resolution
Both tablets have a 5 megapixel front camera suitable for video calls. For rear cameras, the Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The Galaxy Tab A11 has an 8 megapixel main camera, which suits everyday photography.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes four stereo speakers, offering immersive sound suitable for media playback. The Galaxy Tab A11 has stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, enhancing audio for movies and music in a different way. Both provide solid audio but with different approaches.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectivity, and accessories that may affect daily use and portability.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A11 is smaller and lighter, measuring 211 mm in height, 124.7 mm in width, 8 mm in depth and weighing 335 g. The Galaxy Tab S3 is larger and heavier at 237.3 mm by 169 mm by 6 mm and 426 g. The Tab A11 suits those wanting a more compact and portable device.
Connectivity Ports
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors. The Galaxy Tab S3 also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is convenient for wired headphones without an adapter. The Tab A11 has no 3.5 mm jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are needed.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports use with a stylus pencil, which is useful for drawing, note-taking, or precise input. The Galaxy Tab A11 does not have stylus support, focusing on touch input alone.
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 A11 (8.7", 2025) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £86.62, £16.44 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a lighter build (335 g vs 426 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want a bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Tab A11 highlight its excellent condition and lightweight design, making it a good fit for everyday use and gifting. Several mention being impressed with the device's new-like condition and reliable performance. The recent software updates and smooth multitasking with 8 GB RAM are appreciated. Some users note the tablet's size as just right for work and personal use, while others enjoy the Dolby Atmos speakers. There are occasional comments about region-specific settings but overall satisfaction with the device's functionality and condition is common.
For the Galaxy Tab S3 customers often praise its screen quality and reliability for browsing and streaming. The larger, sharper display and four-speaker setup contribute to a positive media experience. Several users mention missing the stylus pencil that was expected with the device which some remedied by purchasing one separately. Despite this many find the tablet in very good condition and suited for their needs like replacing older devices or for general use. Battery life and smooth performance with multiple apps are also mentioned as strengths.
In summary the Galaxy Tab A11 is well suited to those who want a compact, up-to-date tablet with strong multitasking and recent software, while the Galaxy Tab S3 appeals to users who prioritise a larger, sharper screen, stylus support, and immersive sound.
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). 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 £103.06 for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) 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) and a lighter build (335 g vs 426 g). Refurbished, it costs £16.44 less (from £86.62 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7", 2025) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
