Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025)
Starting at
£828.30What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £732.73 less than the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025). The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ on the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025).
- The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) has a bigger battery: 11600 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) differ in size, power, and features to suit different needs. The Active3 is smaller and more compact with a higher pixel density screen, making it easier to hold and use for everyday tasks or on the move. The S11 Ultra has a much larger screen and more RAM, better for multitasking, media consumption, and creative work. The Active3 has a stylus included, which suits note-taking and fieldwork, while the S11 Ultra supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. Battery capacity and processor speed are higher on the S11 Ultra, fitting users who need long usage and fast performance. Both run Android but support different maximum versions.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and supported Android versions. These factors affect how long you can use the tablet between charges and how recently the software is updated.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, suitable for typical everyday use on a smaller device. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers a larger 11600 mAh battery, which provides longer usage periods between charges. This suits users who want extended screen time for work or entertainment without frequent recharging.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12, providing a reliable and familiar interface for everyday use. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra supports up to Android 16, offering access to newer features and security updates.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) performance
Performance relates to the chipset, processor speed, RAM, and storage options, all of which influence how smoothly the tablet runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Speed and Chipset
The Galaxy Tab Active3 runs on a Samsung Exynos 9810 chipset with processor speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz cores, which is suitable for everyday tasks and moderate use. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra uses a Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ chipset with a higher 3.63 GHz processor speed, making it better for demanding apps and faster overall responsiveness.
Memory and Storage
With 4 GB RAM and 64GB storage, the Galaxy Tab Active3 is geared towards users who run standard apps and store a moderate amount of data. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers 12 GB RAM and options of 256GB or 512GB storage, supporting heavier multitasking and larger files, ideal for power users or those who keep many apps and media on their device.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) screen
Screen quality impacts how clear and comfortable the display is for reading, watching, or creating content. Size, resolution, pixel density, and screen type define this experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, giving a compact but sharp display. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra features a much larger 14.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1848 by 2960 pixels, offering a spacious viewing area that is good for media, multitasking, or creative work.
Pixel Density and Screen Type
The Active3 has a pixel density of 290 ppi on a PLS LCD screen, which delivers clear and detailed images on a smaller display, suitable for close-up viewing. The S11 Ultra has a lower pixel density of 239 ppi but uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing vibrant colours and deeper contrasts, ideal for immersive viewing experiences.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, influencing video calls, photos, and audio playback quality.
Front and Main Cameras
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5 megapixel front camera and a 13 megapixel main camera. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers a sharper 12 megapixel front camera and the same 13 megapixel main camera. The higher resolution front camera on the S11 Ultra benefits video calls and selfies with more detail.
Speakers
Both tablets have stereo speakers. The Active3 features stereo speakers, while the S11 Ultra includes four stereo speakers, which provide a richer and fuller sound for watching videos or listening to music.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) size and design
Other factors like refresh rate, dimensions, weight, and stylus support affect how the tablet feels in use and the kinds of tasks it suits.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling smoother. This is particularly helpful for users who want fluid visuals in gaming, browsing, or creative apps. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not support this feature.
Size and Weight
The Active3 is smaller at 213.8 mm height, 126.8 mm width, 9.9 mm depth, and weighs 426 g, making it easier to hold for long periods and carry around. The S11 Ultra is larger at 326.3 mm height, 208.5 mm width, 5.1 mm depth, and heavier at 692 g, offering more screen space but less portability.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with a stylus pencil included, which is useful for note-taking, sketching, or precise input. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra does not include a stylus.
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 Active3 (8.0", 2020) or Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £732.73 less than the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 692 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (11600 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers describe the Galaxy Tab Active3 as a solid device for everyday use, with several noting it looks like new and works well for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs. Some find it heavy to hold for long periods despite its small size, and others mention issues with screen blemishes or dead pixels, especially in lower condition grades. The Active3 suits users who want a compact tablet with stylus support and are comfortable with a smaller screen and moderate performance.
Reviews of the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra highlight its excellent quality, fast performance, and solid build. Customers appreciate the large 256GB or 512GB storage options and the sharp front camera. The device is praised for its battery life lasting a full day and its smooth operation. The S11 Ultra fits those who want a larger screen for media and productivity, with ample RAM and storage.
Both tablets meet the needs of different users: the Active3 is good for those who want a smaller, stylus-ready tablet for everyday tasks, while the S11 Ultra suits users who prioritise screen size, speed, and storage for heavier use.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ on the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025). The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £828.30 for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025).
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) has a bigger battery: 11600 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (11600 mAh vs 5050 mAh) and a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £732.73 more (from £828.30 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (14.6", 2025) in 256GB and 512GB.
