Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)
Starting at
£100.00
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £4.43 less than the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021). The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab A8 has a larger 10.5 inch screen with a 220 pixel density, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 offers a smaller 8 inch screen but with a sharper 290 pixel density. The Tab A8 runs on Android 14 and has 3 GB of RAM, suited for everyday use and smooth app performance with either 32 or 64 GB storage. The Active3 supports Android 12 and has 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB storage, making it suitable for users who want more memory for multitasking. The Active3's screen uses PLS LCD technology, while the Tab A8 has a TFT LCD. The Tab A8 features four stereo speakers for richer sound, and it is heavier than the lighter Active3. Both have USB-C connectors and webcams, but the Active3 has a higher megapixel camera. Each tablet fits different needs: the Tab A8 is better for larger viewing and recent software, while the Active3 suits those who prefer a compact device with more RAM and a higher resolution screen.
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers operating system support and release year, important for software updates and device longevity.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab A8 supports Android 14, offering access to newer Android features and updates. The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports Android 12, which suits users comfortable with a stable experience on this version.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab A8 was released in 2021 and the Galaxy Tab Active3 in 2020.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) performance
Performance depends on processor power, RAM, and storage options, influencing app handling and multitasking.
Processor Choice
The Galaxy Tab A8 uses a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, suitable for everyday tasks and media use. The Galaxy Tab Active3 features an Exynos 9810 processor, which may appeal to users wanting a different chipset experience.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has 4 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps running at once and supports multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A8 has 3 GB of RAM, fitting for general app use but with fewer apps active simultaneously.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A8 comes with options of 32 GB or 64 GB storage. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is stocked with 64 GB storage, providing ample space for apps, media, and files.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density, and panel type, affecting clarity and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area suitable for watching videos, reading, or working on documents. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to hold for one-handed use or portability.
Pixel Density and Resolution
Both tablets have the same resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, but the Galaxy Tab Active3 has a higher pixel density of 290 ppi, resulting in sharper images and text on its smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab A8's pixel density is 220 ppi, which suits a larger screen where sharpness is still good for everyday use.
Screen Panel Type
The Galaxy Tab A8 uses a TFT LCD screen, which is common for larger tablets. The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, which typically provides better viewing angles and brightness, beneficial for outdoor or industrial use.
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features include speakers and webcams, important for media, calls, and video chats.
Speaker Setup
The Galaxy Tab A8 has four stereo speakers, delivering richer and more immersive sound suitable for watching films or listening to music. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers, making it fit for clear audio in calls and media but with fewer speakers.
Webcam Availability
Both tablets have a front-facing webcam, enabling video calls and selfies. This supports everyday communication and online meetings.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) size and design
Other features cover connectivity, camera, weight, and additional hardware details that influence daily use and portability.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab A8 is unlocked, which suits users who want flexibility with mobile networks. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port, focusing on Wi-Fi use without mobile data.
Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel camera, capturing more detail in photos, which may appeal to users valuing higher camera resolution. The Galaxy Tab A8 offers an 8 megapixel main camera with a 5 megapixel front camera, providing good image quality for general photography and video calls.
Weight and Portability
The Galaxy Tab Active3 weighs 426 grams, making it lighter and easier to hold for extended use. The Galaxy Tab A8 weighs 508 grams, reflecting its larger size but still manageable for regular use.
Connector and SIM Features
Both tablets use USB-C connectors, supporting modern charging and accessory compatibility. Neither tablet supports dual SIM cards.
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 A8 (10.5", 2021) or Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) if
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)
- you want the newer model (2021)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £4.43 less than the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 508 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab A8 for its clean condition, smooth operation, and bright screen. Many find the 32 GB storage sufficient and enjoy the tablet's solid feel and ease of use. Reviews mention the tablet working well with accessories like keyboards and mice, and some note it runs apps smoothly. Battery life has mixed feedback, with some saying it holds charge well and others finding it average. The larger screen and clear display are often praised as suitable for entertainment and everyday tasks.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active3 highlight the tablet's solid condition and quick performance. The screen is described as bright with good colour, though some users find the size and weight less comfortable for long use. The camera's higher megapixels are noted, and the device is seen as reliable for streaming and browsing. Some customers mention signs of wear or screen issues, but overall it is seen as a good tablet for indoor use. The device appeals to those who want a compact tablet with ample RAM and storage.
The Galaxy Tab A8 suits users who want a larger screen and up-to-date software for general use, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 is a good fit for those who prefer a smaller, sharper screen with more memory for multitasking.
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB. The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £100 for the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021).
The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) adds a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £4.43 more (from £100 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) in 64GB.
