Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00
Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Starting at
£368.17£606.86 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £312.17 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active2 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE differ in size, performance, battery, and software support, catering to different types of users. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a smaller 8.0 inch screen and simpler specs, making it suitable for everyday tasks and those who prefer a compact device. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers a larger 10.9 inch screen, higher resolution, more storage options, and a faster processor, ideal for users who want more power, storage, and screen space for multimedia or multitasking. Both support a stylus, but the S9 FE has more memory and battery capacity to handle demanding apps and longer use.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) price
Colour
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and software support, which affect how long you can use the devices before recharging and how well they keep up with updates.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 4450 mAh battery, which suits lighter daily use or shorter sessions. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE comes with an 8000 mAh battery, supporting longer use between charges and better for users who spend extended periods on their tablet without access to power.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) performance
Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage options available, influencing how smoothly the devices run apps and handle multitasking.
Processor Speed
The Galaxy Tab Active2's Exynos 7870 Octa processor runs at 1.6000 GHz, suitable for everyday tasks and basic apps. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE's Exynos 1380 processor runs at 2.4 GHz, offering faster performance for more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has 3 GB of RAM, which supports standard app use and light multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE doubles this with 6 GB of RAM, helping keep more apps open and running smoothly during multitasking or heavier use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active2 is available with 16 GB of storage, which suits users with basic storage needs. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers larger storage choices at 128 GB and 256 GB, ideal for users needing more space for apps, files, and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) screen
Screen quality affects how much you see and how sharp images and text appear. Differences in size, resolution, and pixel density influence viewing comfort and detail.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen, which is compact and easy to hold, suited to users wanting a smaller device. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a larger 10.9 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, reading, or working with multiple apps side by side.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a resolution of 800 x 1280 and a pixel density of 190 ppi, offering a clear display for everyday use. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a higher resolution of 1440 x 2304 and a pixel density of 250 ppi, delivering sharper images and finer detail, which benefits users who value display clarity.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab Active2 features an LCD screen, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE uses an IPS LCD. Both provide good colour and brightness, with IPS LCD typically offering wider viewing angles.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers, and video recording quality, which matter for video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers a sharper 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for clearer video chats and self-portraits.
Main Camera
Both tablets have an 8 megapixel main camera, fitting for casual photos and document scanning. This means photography quality is similar between the two for rear shots.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active2 records video at 1080p 30 FPS, which is standard for everyday videos. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports 4K 30 FPS video recording, allowing for higher resolution capture suited to users wanting detailed video.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, providing a balanced sound experience for watching videos or listening to music.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) size and design
Other features include connectivity, physical dimensions, and extras that influence convenience and usability.
Bluetooth and Wifi
The Galaxy Tab Active2 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has Bluetooth 5.3 and adds Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, offering newer wireless standards for better connectivity and range.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active2 is smaller and lighter, with a height of 214 mm, width of 127.6 mm, depth of 9.9 mm, and weight of 415 g. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is larger at 254.3 mm tall, 165.8 mm wide, 6.5 mm thick, and weighs 52400 g, making it more substantial for use where screen space is important.
Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active2 features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for traditional wired headphones. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE uses USB Type-C for headphones, which suits users with compatible USB-C headphones or adapters.
SIM and SIM Features
The Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port and does not support double SIM. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports double SIM, which can appeal to users wanting to manage two SIM cards on one device.
Stylus Support
Both tablets support a stylus pen, useful for note taking, drawing, or precise control.
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 S9 FE (10.9", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £312.17 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (415 g vs 52400 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 4450 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active2 appreciate that the device is clean and in good condition, with some noting it includes the original stylus pen. Many find it works well for everyday use and value its simplicity. Some customers mention challenges with setup or app compatibility due to the Android version, which affects internet app use and login. Overall, users find it good for basic tasks and suitable gifts.
For the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, customers highlight the device looks like new and works well, praising the screen and sound quality. Some find the Android system different from older models, noting a learning curve and occasional issues with SD card data transfer. The stylus is valued but some mention it did not come ready to use. The battery life and performance meet expectations for newer technology, though a few customers note the device does not support SIM cards despite expectations.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 suits users wanting a compact, straightforward tablet for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is better for those needing more screen space, stronger performance, and up-to-date software, with a willingness to adapt to newer features.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7870 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £368.17 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 4450 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 4450 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £312.17 more (from £368.17 vs £56).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes in 16GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.









