Home
Trade-in

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)

Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)

Starting at

£56.00
See options

Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)

Starting at

£187.00
See options
(28 reviews)
(30 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)?

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £131 less than the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019). The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) is the newer model, released in 2019.

Refurbished from

£56£187

Chipset

Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)

RAM

3 GB6 GB

Battery

4450 mAh7040 mAh

Screen size

8.0 inch10.5 inch

Screen type

LCDSuper AMOLED
  • Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019).
  • The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has a bigger battery: 7040 mAh vs 4450 mAh.

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) specs

The Galaxy Tab Active2 and Galaxy Tab S6 differ in size, performance, screen quality, and storage. The Active2 has a smaller 8.0 inch LCD screen and 3 GB of RAM, suited for everyday use and portability. The S6 offers a larger 10.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and 6 GB of RAM, ideal if you want more space for media and smoother multitasking. Battery capacity is larger on the S6, which benefits longer use. Both come with a stylus and USB Type-C. Choose the Active2 for simpler tasks on a compact device, or the S6 for more processing power, screen clarity, and storage options.

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) price

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size and software support, which affect how long the device lasts on a charge and what Android version it runs.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 4450 mAh battery, suitable for daily use with moderate screen size. The Galaxy Tab S6 offers a larger 7040 mAh battery, allowing longer use between charges, especially useful with its bigger screen and higher performance.

Operating System Support

The Active2 supports up to Android 7.1.1, while the S6 runs up to Android 12. The S6's newer maximum Android version means it supports more recent features and apps compared to the Active2.

Battery

4450 mAh7040 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 7.1.1Android 12

Year of release

20172019

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) performance

Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage, which influence speed, multitasking, and how much you can save on the device.

Processor Speed and Chipset

The Active2 runs on an Exynos 7870 Octa processor at 1.6000 GHz. The S6 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 at 2.84 GHz. This means the S6 handles demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly, while the Active2 suits everyday tasks.

RAM

The Active2 comes with 3 GB of RAM, enough for basic apps and light multitasking. The S6 has 6 GB of RAM, supporting more simultaneous apps and better performance during heavier use.

Storage Options

The Active2 offers 16 GB of storage, suitable for users with light storage needs or who use cloud services. The S6 provides larger options of 128 GB and 256 GB, fitting users who store many apps, media, or documents locally.

Chipset

Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)

Processor

Exynos 7870 OctaQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855

Processor brand

ExynosQualcomm

Processor core

8 core8 core

Processor speed ghz

1.6000 GHz2.84 GHz

RAM

3 GB6 GB

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) screen

Screen quality affects how clear and vibrant content appears, as well as the amount of space available for viewing apps and media.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, offering a compact display good for portability. The S6 features a 10.5 inch screen at 1600 x 2560 resolution, providing a larger workspace and sharper image detail.

Screen Type and Pixel Density

The Active2 uses an LCD screen with 190 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering acceptable clarity for everyday use. The S6 has a Super AMOLED screen at 290 ppi, enhancing colour vibrancy and contrast, which is ideal for media viewing and detailed work.

Brightness

480 nits brightness460 nits brightness

Display glass

N/AGlass front

Pixel density

190ppp290ppp

Resolution

800 x 12801600 x 2560

Screen size

8.0 inch10.5 inch

Screen type

LCDSuper AMOLED

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) camera

Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, influencing video calls, photography, and media playback quality.

Camera Quality

The Active2 has an 8 megapixel main camera and a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for casual photos and video calls. The S6 offers higher resolution cameras with 13 megapixels on the rear and 8 megapixels front, capturing more detail in photos and clearer video calls.

Speakers

Both devices have stereo speakers, but the S6 includes four speakers while the Active2 does not specify the number beyond stereo. This means the S6 provides richer and more immersive audio for media consumption.

Front camera

5 megapixels8 megapixels

Front camera definition

N/A8 megapixels

Main camera

8 megapixels13 megapixels

Rear camera definition

8 megapixels13 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakersStereo speakers (4 speakers)

Video recording

1080p 30 FPS4K 30FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) size and design

Other features include physical dimensions, connectivity, and stylus support, which affect portability, connectivity options, and input methods.

Size and Weight

The Active2 measures 214 mm by 127.6 mm and weighs 415 g, making it compact and easy to carry. The S6 is larger at 244.5 mm by 159.5 mm and slightly heavier at 420 g, fitting users who prioritise screen space over compactness.

Carrier Compatibility

The Active2 does not have a SIM port, meaning it relies on Wi-Fi for connectivity. The S6 is unlocked, which allows use with various carriers if a SIM card is inserted, offering more flexibility in mobile data access.

Stylus and Connector

Both tablets come with a stylus, useful for note-taking and drawing. Each uses a USB Type-C connector for charging and data, providing modern and widely compatible connectivity.

Thickness

The Active2 is 9.9 mm thick, while the S6 is thinner at 5.7 mm. The slimmer profile of the S6 may appeal to users valuing a sleek design.

120hz

NoNo

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 5.0

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM PortUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

9.9 mm5.7 mm

Double sim

NoNo

Face

YesYes

Generation number

N/A6

Headphones connectivity

3.5 mm headphone jackUSB Type-C

Height

214 mm244.5 mm

Megapixels

813

Sim format

Nano SIMNano SIM

Touch

YesYes

Weight

415 g420 g

Width

127.6 mm159.5 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

With stylus pencil

YesYes

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) or Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £131 less than the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)

Buy the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) if

  • you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (7040 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active2 report mixed experiences. Some praise the device for its condition and included stylus pen, describing it as good for everyday use and suitable as a gift. Issues with setup and app compatibility appear in some reviews, with difficulties logging into apps or device enrollment problems mentioned. Overall, customers appreciate the tablet's value and usability for basic tasks.

For the Galaxy Tab S6, customers highlight its excellent condition and performance for daily needs. Many say it looks nearly new and functions well, with a few noting minor wear such as scratches or missing stylus pens. The larger screen and higher specs satisfy users who want more storage and sharper displays. Some reviews mention small issues with accessories or grade but still express high satisfaction with the device.

The Active2 suits users seeking a simpler, compact tablet primarily for light apps and portability. The S6 fits those wanting a larger, higher-resolution screen, faster performance, and more storage for extensive media and multitasking.

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) FAQs

Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019). The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.

The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £187 for the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019).

The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has a bigger battery: 7040 mAh vs 4450 mAh.

The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.

The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (7040 mAh vs 4450 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £131 more (from £187 vs £56).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) in 128GB and 256GB.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device