Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £47.06 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), 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 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active2 and Galaxy Tab S3, both released in 2017, suit different types of users due to their distinct features. The Active2 is more compact with an 8.0 inch screen and a battery size that fits everyday use, while the S3 offers a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED display with higher resolution and pixel density. Performance varies with the Active2 having more processor cores at a lower speed and less RAM, whereas the S3 has a faster processor with fewer cores and more RAM. The S3 also has a more capable main camera and four stereo speakers compared to the Active2's two. Both come with a stylus, but the S3 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside USB Type-C. Choose the Active2 for a smaller, simpler tablet or the S3 for a larger, higher-resolution screen and more memory.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which affect how long the device lasts on a charge and what Android version it can run.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 4450 mAh battery while the Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 6000 mAh battery. For users who need longer screen-on time or extended use between charges, the S3's bigger battery is better suited. The Active2's battery is still adequate for everyday tasks but may require more frequent charging.
Operating System Support
The Active2 supports up to Android 7.1.1, whereas the S3 supports up to Android 9.0. Choose the S3 if you want a more recent OS version.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance depends on processor type, core count, speed, RAM, and storage. These influence how smoothly apps run and multitasking capabilities.
Processor Differences
The Galaxy Tab Active2 uses an Exynos 7870 Octa with 8 cores running at 1.6000 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz. The S3's faster cores suit tasks needing higher per-core speed, like gaming or video playback, while the Active2's more cores at lower speed handle basic multitasking well.
RAM and Storage
The Active2 comes with 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, fitting everyday apps and lighter multitasking. The S3 offers 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, allowing more apps to stay open and more space for files or apps. This makes the S3 better for users who use multiple apps or store more data.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density, and panel type, which affect viewing experience for videos, reading, and general use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch LCD screen with 800 x 1280 resolution. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a sharper 1536 x 2048 resolution. The S3's bigger and higher resolution screen provides a more spacious and detailed display, suitable for watching videos or working on documents.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
With 270 ppp, the Galaxy Tab S3's Super AMOLED screen offers crisper images and richer colours compared to the Active2's 190 ppp LCD. This makes the S3 better for users who value display quality, especially for media consumption and photo viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, which affect video calls, photography, and media playback.
Camera Quality
Both tablets have a 5 megapixel front camera for video calls. The main rear camera on the Active2 is 8 megapixels, while the S3 has a 13 megapixel main camera. The S3's higher megapixel count can capture more detail in photos, which benefits users who take pictures or scan documents.
Speakers
The Active2 has stereo speakers, while the S3 features four stereo speakers. The S3's additional speakers provide a richer and fuller audio experience, making it a better choice for watching videos or listening to music without headphones.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, connectors, and stylus support, which influence portability and convenience.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active2 measures 214 mm in height, 127.6 mm in width, and 9.9 mm in depth, weighing 415 g. The Galaxy Tab S3 is taller and wider at 237.3 mm height and 169 mm width but slimmer at 6 mm depth, weighing slightly more at 426 g. The Active2's smaller size suits portability, while the S3 provides a larger workspace.
Connectors
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors. The Galaxy Tab S3 also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which allows direct use of wired headphones without an adapter. This suits users who prefer traditional audio connections alongside digital charging.
Stylus Support
Both tablets come with stylus support, useful for note taking, drawing, or precise input. This feature suits users who want to write or sketch directly on the screen.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £47.06 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want a lighter build (415 g vs 426 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active2 report a mix of experiences. Some found the device worked well and appreciated the included stylus pen, noting good condition and reliable performance for everyday use. However, there are mentions of setup issues and troubles logging into apps, which affected usability for certain buyers. Overall, users value the Active2 for its condition and value, particularly for simpler tasks or as a gift.
Galaxy Tab S3 customers generally praise the tablet's like-new appearance, smooth performance, and battery life that lasts through a full day. The screen and speed handle multiple apps well, and the device suits media browsing and streaming. Some users noted the stylus was not included despite product images showing one, requiring a separate purchase. A few mentioned small scratches or minor faults but found them not disruptive.
The Active2 suits users who want a smaller, straightforward tablet with stylus support and basic multitasking. The S3 fits those who prefer a larger, higher resolution screen, better camera, and more memory for heavier use or media consumption.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), 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 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 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 4450 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
