Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)
Starting at
£116.50£399.99 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £13.44 less than the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021). The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T on the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021), 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 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) differ primarily in screen size, performance, and software support. The Tab S3 offers a larger, higher-resolution Super AMOLED display with more RAM and a bigger battery, suiting users who want a richer screen experience and smoother multitasking. In audio, the Tab S3 has four stereo speakers compared to the A7 Lite's two. Consider your priorities for screen quality, software updates, and portability when choosing between them.
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which affect how long you can use each device daily and how up to date the operating system remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, which offers more power for longer use between charges. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite's 5100 mAh battery is smaller but still sufficient for daily tasks. If longer battery life is a priority, the Tab S3 may suit better.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance differences relate to processor type, core count, speed, and RAM, influencing how smoothly the devices handle apps and multitasking.
Processor and Speed
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has an octa-core Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T processor with four cores at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor at 2.1500 GHz. The A7 Lite's higher core count and speeds may suit everyday tasks that spread across multiple cores, while the S3's chipset is known for solid single-core performance.
RAM and Multitasking
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open simultaneously and smoother multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has 2 GB of RAM, enough for basic apps and light multitasking. Users who regularly switch between apps will find the S3 better suited.
Storage
Both tablets come with 32 GB of storage in the versions stocked here, providing similar space for apps, files, and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality impacts viewing experience for reading, streaming, and gaming, with differences in size, resolution, pixel density, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048, offering more display area and sharper images. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has a smaller 8.7 inch screen with 800 x 1340 resolution, making it more compact but with fewer pixels. If you prefer roomier screens for video or multitasking, the S3 suits well.
Screen Type and Detail
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen, which tends to deliver more vibrant colours and deeper blacks. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has a TFT LCD screen, which is good for clarity but with less contrast. The S3's higher pixel density of 270 ppi versus 180 ppi on the A7 Lite means finer detail and sharper text.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features cover speakers and cameras, affecting media playback and video calls.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab S3 has four stereo speakers, providing richer sound and better stereo separation. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite includes stereo speakers but with two rather than four. If audio quality for videos or music is important, the S3 delivers a fuller sound experience.
Webcam
Both tablets have webcams suitable for video calls and basic photography. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel camera, capturing more detail, while the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite's camera is 8 megapixels, still good for casual use.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
This section highlights other notable differences such as device size, connectors, and weight that affect handling and connectivity.
Device Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is smaller and lighter, measuring 212.5 mm tall, 124.7 mm wide, and weighing 366 g. The Galaxy Tab S3 is larger at 237.3 mm tall, 169 mm wide, and heavier at 426 g. The A7 Lite suits those wanting a more compact and portable tablet.
Connectors and Ports
Both tablets include a USB Type-C connector for charging and data. The Galaxy Tab S3 also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing wired headphones without an adapter. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite does not include a headphone jack.
Carrier and SIM Options
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is unlocked for use with different carriers. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have a SIM port, so it cannot use mobile data through a SIM card.
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 A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) if
- you want a lighter build (366 g vs 426 g)
- you want the newer model (2021)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £13.44 less than the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite appreciate its compact size and suitability for reading, browsing, and streaming. Many comment on the comfortable size for holding and the device running well for everyday use. Battery life is generally regarded as good for a full day of work or streaming without needing a recharge. Some customers find the tablet slower in performance, which aligns with its 2 GB RAM and Mediatek processor. Overall, the A7 Lite suits those looking for a small, easy-to-hold tablet for light tasks and current Android updates.
Galaxy Tab S3 customers highlight the larger screen and smooth performance with 4 GB RAM. Many say the tablet looks like new and performs well for browsing, streaming, and multitasking. The battery life is noted as impressive for full-day use. Several mention the absence of the S-Pen in their purchase, affecting their writing or drawing experience. The 13 megapixel camera and Super AMOLED screen attract users wanting better display quality and more detailed photos. This tablet suits users who want a larger display, richer media, and stronger multitasking.
Both tablets offer good value depending on what matters most to you. The Tab A7 Lite fits well for portable reading and everyday Android software, while the Tab S3 suits those wanting a larger, sharper screen and more memory for multitasking.
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T on the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021), 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 2 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £116.50 for the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021).
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7", 2021) adds a lighter build (366 g vs 426 g). Refurbished, it costs £13.44 more (from £116.50 vs £103.06).
Both come in 32GB refurbished.
