Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
Starting at
£117.65£219.00 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £14.59 less than the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023). The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on 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 bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.7 inch.
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) differ in size, screen technology, performance, and software support. The Tab S3 offers a larger Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density, suited for users who prioritise visual quality and a bigger display. The Tab A9 is lighter and smaller, fitting well for users who prefer portability. The Tab S3 has a bigger battery and more detailed cameras, which benefits users focused on longer use and photography.
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery, software updates, and operating system support. These factors affect how long the device can stay current and how long it can run before needing a recharge.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, which provides longer usage between charges. The Galaxy Tab A9 offers a 5100 mAh battery, suitable for everyday use but with less total capacity. If longer battery life per charge is a priority, the Tab S3 fits better.
Operating System Updates
Users wanting newer apps and improved security will prefer the Tab A9.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Cores and Speed
The Galaxy Tab A9 has an 8-core MediaTek Helio G99 processor with speeds of 2.2 GHz and 2.0 GHz, providing more cores for multitasking and general use. The Galaxy Tab S3 features a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 running at 2.1500 GHz. For users who run many apps or games simultaneously, the Tab A9 offers more processing power.
RAM and Storage
Both devices include 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A9 is stocked with 64GB and 128GB storage options, offering more space for apps and media. The Galaxy Tab S3 is stocked with 32GB, which suits lighter storage needs. If you want more room for files or apps, the Tab A9 is the better fit.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for videos, reading, and general use. This includes size, resolution, pixel density, and screen type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048, making it roomier for video and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab A9 has an 8.7 inch screen with 800 x 1340 resolution, which is more compact and easier to hold for extended periods.
Screen Technology and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED screen with 270 ppi, delivering vibrant colours and sharp images. The Galaxy Tab A9 uses a TFT LCD with 180 ppi, offering a clear but less detailed image. If sharpness and colour quality are important, the Tab S3 suits better.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, which affect video calls, photography, and media playback.
Cameras
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel main camera and a 5 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in photos and video calls. The Galaxy Tab A9 has an 8 megapixel main camera and a 2 megapixel front camera, which suits basic photography and video chatting.
Speakers
Both devices feature stereo speakers. The Galaxy Tab S3 has four speakers, which can provide a richer sound experience for media. The Galaxy Tab A9 has stereo speakers without further detail on quantity.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectivity, and other hardware details that influence daily handling and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A9 measures 211 mm in height, 124.7 mm in width, and weighs 333 g, making it lighter and more compact. The Galaxy Tab S3 measures 237.3 mm in height, 169 mm in width, and weighs 426 g, offering a larger but heavier device. Users wanting portability will find the Tab A9 easier to carry.
Connector and Ports
The Galaxy Tab A9 uses a USB Type-C connector. The Galaxy Tab S3 also has USB Type-C and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. If you prefer wired headphones without an adapter, the Tab S3 offers this option.
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab A9 comes unlocked, allowing use with various carriers. The Galaxy Tab S3 has no SIM port, so it does not support cellular connectivity.
Screen Refresh Rate and Other Features
Neither device supports a 120 Hz refresh rate. Both lack double SIM options. The Galaxy Tab A9 is slightly thicker at 8 mm compared to the Tab S3's 6 mm.
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 A9 (8.7", 2023) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) if
- you want a lighter build (333 g vs 426 g)
- you want the newer model (2023)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £14.59 less than the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
- you want a bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab A9 looks like new and works well for games, study, and general use. They appreciate its size, memory options, and ease of setup. Some mention region locking issues affecting app availability, but most find the tablet a good value and easy to use.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S3 highlight its good condition and reliable performance for browsing and streaming. The larger screen and sound quality are appreciated. Some customers note that the S-Pen is not included despite pictures suggesting otherwise. Battery life is praised for lasting through a day of use.
The Galaxy Tab A9 suits users who want a lighter, smaller device with newer software and more storage. The Galaxy Tab S3 fits those who value a bigger, sharper screen, longer battery capacity, and better cameras.
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) on the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on 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) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £117.65 for the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023).
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 A9 (8.7", 2023) adds a lighter build (333 g vs 426 g). Refurbished, it costs £14.59 more (from £117.65 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
