Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £7.49 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Connector
- Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S3 differ in screen size, processor power, and battery capacity, each suiting different uses. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller 8.0 inch screen with PLS LCD, a newer Android version, an 8-core Samsung processor, and 64GB storage, making it a compact option with up-to-date software and strong processing for multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and a larger 6000 mAh battery, which suits users wanting a more spacious display and longer battery life. Both feature stylus support and similar camera specs, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a more compact device with newer software or a larger screen with longer battery capacity.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system support, and release year, all important for how long the device stays useful and current. These tablets differ in battery capacity and maximum Android version supported, which affects how long they run and the software features available.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, which suits users prioritising a lighter and smaller tablet. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 6000 mAh battery, making it a better fit if longer battery life is important for extended use without charging.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12, offering more recent software features than the Galaxy Tab S3, which supports up to Android 9.0.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance depends on processor type, speed, core count, RAM, and storage. Both tablets have 4 GB RAM, but differ in processor power and storage capacity, influencing multitasking and app performance.
Processor and Core Count
The Galaxy Tab Active3 runs on an 8-core Samsung Exynos 9810 processor with speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz, suiting users who need faster processing and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 at 2.1500 GHz, providing solid performance for everyday tasks.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 offers 64GB of storage, which allows more apps, files, and media to be kept on the device. The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 32GB storage, which fits users with lighter storage needs or who use cloud services.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality varies by size, resolution, pixel density, and type. These differences affect how much you see on screen and the sharpness of images and text.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen at 1200 x 1920 resolution, offering a compact display for easier one-handed use or portability. The Galaxy Tab S3 features a larger 9.7 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1536 x 2048, providing more space for video and reading.
Screen Type and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen with 290 pixels per inch, which results in a sharp image on a smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen with 270 pixels per inch, which typically delivers deeper colours and better contrast, enhancing video and image viewing.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and speaker setup that affect video calls, photos, and media playback. These tablets share many features but differ in speaker configuration.
Camera Quality
Both tablets have 13 megapixel main cameras and 5 megapixel front cameras, offering the same level of detail for photos and video calls.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers, suitable for casual media use. The Galaxy Tab S3 features four stereo speakers, which provide richer and louder sound, making it better 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 Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectors, and stylus support. These differences affect handling, accessory compatibility, and usage style.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm by 126.8 mm by 9.9 mm and weighs 426 g, making it smaller but thicker than the Galaxy Tab S3, which measures 237.3 mm by 169 mm by 6 mm and weighs 426 g. The Active3's smaller footprint suits users desiring a more portable device, while the S3 offers a larger display area.
Connectors
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses USB Type-C for charging and data, while the Galaxy Tab S3 provides both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, making it compatible with wired headphones without adapters.
Stylus Support
Both tablets support stylus input, useful for note-taking, drawing, or precise navigation. This makes either model suitable for users who want pen 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 Active3 (8.0", 2020) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £7.49 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want the newer model (2020)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want a bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.0 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active3 describe the tablet as generally good for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs, appreciating its like-new condition in many cases. Some find it heavier compared to other 8 inch tablets, which aligns with its design. A few customers have experienced screen imperfections or issues, but others praise its performance and appearance. The Active3 is seen as a solid choice for users seeking a compact device with decent speed and storage.
Galaxy Tab S3 customers often highlight the tablet's good condition and reliable performance for browsing and streaming. Many note the absence of a stylus in their purchase despite the device supporting it. The larger screen and impressive battery life make it suitable for media consumption over longer periods. Users appreciate the screen size and sound quality, with some minor remarks about small scratches that do not affect use.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits users wanting a smaller, more recent Android experience with solid processing power. The Galaxy Tab S3 is recommended for those who value a larger screen, longer battery life, and richer sound. Both offer stylus support and good cameras, fitting different priorities in a tablet.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger battery: 6000 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 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 5050 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £7.49 less (from £95.57 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
