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Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)

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Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)

Starting at

£95.57£200.00 new
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Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)

Starting at

£210.00£689.00 new
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(16 reviews)
(13 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)?

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £114.43 less than the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.

Refurbished from

£95.57£210

Chipset

Exynos 9810Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)

Battery

5050 mAh7300 mAh

Screen size

8.0 inch10.5 inch

Screen type

PLS LCDSuper AMOLED

Front camera

5 megapixels8 megapixels
  • Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018).
  • The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
  • The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch.

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) specs

The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S4 differ mainly in size, screen type, performance, and battery capacity. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is smaller with an 8.0 inch PLS LCD screen and a more recent operating system version, making it suitable for users who want a compact tablet with a sharp pixel density and newer Android software. The Galaxy Tab S4 offers a larger 10.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution and a bigger battery, ideal for those who prefer a more immersive viewing experience and longer battery life. Both come with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage but the Active3 has a slightly faster processor speed. The choice depends on whether you want portability and newer software or a larger, more vivid display with longer battery duration.

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) price

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) battery life and software updates

Durability focuses on battery capacity and operating system support. These factors affect how long the tablet can last on a single charge and how recent the software experience is.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, which suits lighter daily use or shorter sessions between charges. The Galaxy Tab S4 features a larger 7300 mAh battery, better for extended use like long video watching or working away from power sources. Choose based on how often you need to recharge during a day.

Operating System Support

The Galaxy Tab S4 supports up to Android 10. This means the Active3 may provide a more current software experience, which is helpful if you want newer Android features.

Battery

5050 mAh7300 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 12Android 10

Year of release

20202018

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) performance

Performance differences come down to processor type, speed, and available storage and memory. These affect how smoothly the tablet runs apps and multitasks.

Processor Speed and Brand

The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a Samsung Exynos 9810 processor with speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz across its eight cores. The Galaxy Tab S4 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor running at 2.35 GHz with eight cores. For tasks needing fast response, the Active3's higher clock speed may feel quicker in daily use.

Memory and Storage

Both tablets come with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, suitable for general multitasking and app storage. This means either tablet can keep several apps open and store a good number of files and apps for everyday use.

Chipset

Exynos 9810Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)

Processor

Exynos 9810Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835

Processor brand

SamsungQualcomm

Processor core

8 core8 core

Processor speed ghz

2.7 GHz, 1.7 GHz2.35 GHz

RAM

4 GB4 GB

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) screen

Screen quality is a key difference between these tablets, affecting how clear and vivid images and videos appear, as well as the physical size of the display.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. The Galaxy Tab S4 has a larger 10.5 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels. The larger screen of the S4 offers more room for reading, watching videos, and multitasking on a bigger canvas.

Screen Type and Pixel Density

The Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, while the S4 features a Super AMOLED screen. Both have the same pixel density at 290 ppi, meaning sharpness per inch is similar. The Super AMOLED screen typically provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, which suits media consumption where vivid visuals matter.

Display glass

N/AGlass front and back

Pixel density

290ppp290ppp

Resolution

1200 x 19201600 x 2560

Screen size

8.0 inch10.5 inch

Screen type

PLS LCDSuper AMOLED

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) camera

Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, which affect video calls, photos, and sound quality.

Front and Main Cameras

Both tablets have a 13 megapixel main camera for detailed photos. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5 megapixel front camera for video calls, while the Galaxy Tab S4 offers an 8 megapixel front camera. If you use video calls often, the S4 may provide clearer images of yourself.

Speakers

The Active3 has stereo speakers. The S4 has stereo speakers with four speakers in total. The S4's speaker setup is designed to deliver richer and louder sound, making it better for watching videos or listening to music without headphones.

Front camera

5 megapixels8 megapixels

Front camera definition

1080pN/A

Main camera

13 megapixels13 megapixels

Rear camera definition

13 megapixelsN/A

Speakers

Stereo speakersStereo speakers (4 speakers)

Video recording

4K 30FPS4K 30FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) size and design

Miscellaneous differences cover size, weight, connectors, and extras that affect handling and convenience.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm high, 126.8 mm wide, and is 9.9 mm thick, weighing 426 g. The Galaxy Tab S4 is larger at 249.3 mm high, 164.3 mm wide, thinner at 7.1 mm, and heavier at 482 g. If you want a more compact and lighter tablet for one-handed use or ease of carrying, the Active3 fits better.

Stylus Support and Connector

Both tablets come with a stylus pencil, which is useful for drawing, note taking, and precise input. They both use USB Type-C connectors for charging and data transfer, offering modern and reversible cable connections.

120hz

NoNo

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM PortWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

9.9 mm7.1 mm

Double sim

NoNo

Face

YesN/A

Generation number

3N/A

Headphones connectivity

3.5 mm headphone jack3.5 mm headphone jack

Height

213.8 mm249.3 mm

Megapixels

1313

Network

N/AWi-Fi

Sim format

Nano SIMNano SIM

Touch

YesN/A

Weight

426 g482 g

Width

126.8 mm164.3 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11axWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

With stylus pencil

YesYes

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) or Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £114.43 less than the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)
  • you want a lighter build (426 g vs 482 g)

Buy the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) if

  • you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)
  • you want an OLED screen

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active3 report mixed experiences with the tablet's condition. Some say the tablet looks almost new and works well for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs. Others mention issues like screen defects including dead pixels and scratches, which can be very noticeable on the LED screen. The Active3's weight is described as heavier than other 8 inch tablets, which may suit those who prefer a sturdier feel. Some users appreciate the newer Android version and find the tablet a good upgrade from older models.

Customers of the Galaxy Tab S4 generally praise its condition, often describing it as looking brand new with no marks. The larger screen and sound quality receive positive remarks, and some find the tablet sleek and perfect for gifts. A few mention it takes a little time to start up but do not complain otherwise. The front camera quality and larger size seem to suit those who want a more immersive experience.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits users wanting a compact tablet with a newer Android version and stylus support, who do not mind a bit more weight. The Galaxy Tab S4 fits those preferring a larger, sharper screen with richer sound and a higher-resolution front camera for video calls.

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) FAQs

Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018). The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £210 for the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018).

The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 5050 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) adds a lighter build (426 g vs 482 g). Refurbished, it costs £114.43 less (from £95.57 vs £210).

Both come in 64GB refurbished.

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