Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) and Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £39.57 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a bigger battery: 5050 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active2 and Galaxy Tab Active3 both offer an 8.0 inch screen and are designed for users who want a durable tablet with touch and stylus support. The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits those who need more power and storage, with a faster processor, more RAM, and larger storage options. It also has a sharper screen and improved camera capabilities, making it better for multimedia and detailed photos. The Galaxy Tab Active2 is a good choice if you want a simpler device for everyday tasks with a slightly smaller battery and a lower screen resolution. Both run Android but support different maximum system versions.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability is key for tablets meant to handle active use. Both tablets offer touch and stylus support but differ in battery size and operating system versions supported which can affect daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery which offers more capacity than the Galaxy Tab Active2's 4450 mAh. This means the Active3 can provide longer use between charges useful if you rely on your tablet for extended periods without access to power.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab Active2 supports up to Android 7.1.1 while the Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) performance
Performance affects how smoothly your tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. The Galaxy Tab Active3 offers more powerful hardware and greater storage making it suitable for users who need more from their tablet.
Processor Speed and Chipset
The Galaxy Tab Active3 features an Exynos 9810 processor with speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz across its cores offering higher performance compared to the Galaxy Tab Active2's Exynos 7870 Octa running at 1.6000 GHz. This means the Active3 can handle more demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly.
RAM and Storage
The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and storage options of 64 GB or 128 GB which supports keeping more apps open and storing more files or media. The Galaxy Tab Active2 offers 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage making it suitable for everyday tasks and lighter use.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality affects how clear and comfortable viewing is for reading videos and apps. Both tablets have the same screen size but differ in resolution and pixel density.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a resolution of 1200 x 1920 with a pixel density of 290 ppi resulting in a sharper and clearer display. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a resolution of 800 x 1280 and 190 ppi which suits basic viewing but is less detailed. The Active3's screen is better for detailed images and text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab Active2 uses an LCD screen while the Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD. Both offer good visibility but the PLS LCD typically provides better viewing angles and brightness enhancing the viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
Brightness
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features impact media capture and playback. Both tablets have front cameras and stereo speakers but differ in camera resolution and video recording quality.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel main camera that records video at 4K 30 FPS which captures more detail and higher resolution videos than the Galaxy Tab Active2's 8 megapixel camera with 1080p 30 FPS recording. This makes the Active3 better for photography and video tasks.
Front Camera and Speakers
Both tablets have a 5 megapixel front camera and stereo speakers suitable for video calls and media playback with balanced sound.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) size and design
Other features cover connectivity size and additional hardware that can affect everyday use. Differences here show which device may fit better with your accessories and preferences.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax offering faster wireless connections and improved range compared to the Galaxy Tab Active2's Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. This benefits users who prioritise connectivity speed and reliability.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm in height 126.8 mm in width and 9.9 mm in depth weighing 426 g. The Galaxy Tab Active2 measures 214 mm in height 127.6 mm in width and 9.9 mm in depth weighing 415 g. The Active3 is slightly larger and heavier which may be noticeable during extended use.
Headphone Jack and Stylus
Both tablets include a 3.5 mm headphone jack and support use with a stylus pen allowing for versatile audio options and precise input.
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 Active2 (8.0", 2017) or Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £39.57 less than the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
- you want a lighter build (415 g vs 426 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5050 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active2 report a generally positive experience with the device's condition and functionality. Many appreciate the inclusion of the original stylus pen and find the tablet suitable for everyday use. However some users encountered issues during setup due to previous management system links and challenges with app compatibility on Android 7.1.1. Overall it is seen as a reliable device when working properly.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab Active3 show a mix of satisfaction and concerns. Several customers praise its near-new condition good screen quality and improved performance for browsing videos and reading. Others mention issues such as screen defects weight being heavy for an 8 inch tablet and some durability problems. The Active3 is appreciated for its more recent Android version and features but some users find the condition varies.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 suits those who want a straightforward tablet for basic tasks and value a lighter device. The Galaxy Tab Active3 fits users who need more power storage and sharper screen quality and who are comfortable with a slightly heavier device.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £95.57 for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a bigger battery: 5050 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (5050 mAh vs 4450 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £39.57 more (from £95.57 vs £56).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) in 64GB.
