Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)
Starting at
£187.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £91.43 less than the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019). The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), 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 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has a bigger battery: 7040 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a smaller screen and battery but includes a stylus and a Samsung Exynos processor with 4 GB of RAM, making it suited for users who want a compact device for everyday tasks and industrial environments. The Galaxy Tab S6 offers a larger Super AMOLED display with higher resolution, more RAM, and bigger storage options, appealing to those who prioritise multimedia, multitasking, and more storage for apps and files. Both run Android 12 and have stereo speakers, but the S6 has a higher resolution front camera and more speakers for richer audio. Your choice depends on whether you want portability and a simpler setup or a larger screen with enhanced performance and capacity.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) battery life and software updates
Durability considerations focus on battery capacity and software support. Battery size varies and will affect how long each device lasts on a single charge.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, which suits users who need a lighter device with moderate battery life. The Galaxy Tab S6 features a larger 7040 mAh battery, providing longer use between charges, which benefits users who watch videos or work on the go for extended periods.
Software Support
This means both tablets offer similar software features and security levels, so your experience will be comparable in terms of operating system capabilities.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) performance
Performance differences are shaped by processor type, speed, RAM, and storage capacity. These factors influence multitasking, app responsiveness, and the amount of data you can store.
Processor and Speed
The Galaxy Tab Active3 runs on a Samsung Exynos 9810 processor with 8 cores at speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S6 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with 8 cores running at 2.84 GHz. The S6's processor speed is slightly higher, which may benefit users running demanding apps or multitasking frequently.
Memory
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday apps and light multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S6 offers 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and supports more intensive use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is stocked with 64 GB of storage, enough for general use and essential apps. The Galaxy Tab S6 comes with 128 GB or 256 GB options, making it better for users who need to store larger files, videos, or many apps.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) screen
Screen size, resolution, and panel type affect how you view content on each tablet. Both share the same pixel density, which means image sharpness per inch will be similar despite the size difference.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, offering a compact display ideal for one-handed use or tight spaces. The Galaxy Tab S6 has a larger 10.5 inch screen at 1600 by 2560 pixels, providing more room for watching videos, reading, or working with multiple windows.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, which provides good colour and brightness. The Galaxy Tab S6 features a Super AMOLED display, known for deeper blacks and vivid colours, enhancing visual experiences such as media consumption.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) camera
Audio and camera features affect video calls, photography, and media playback. Both tablets have similar main cameras and stereo speakers, but they differ in front camera resolution and speaker setup.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a 5 megapixel front camera, which works well for video calls and casual selfies. The Galaxy Tab S6 offers an 8 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and clarity for video chats or self-portraits.
Speakers
Both tablets have stereo speakers, but the Galaxy Tab S6 has four speakers, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers but with fewer speakers, making it suitable for casual listening and calls.
Main Camera
Both tablets share a 13 megapixel main camera, so photo quality for general use will be similar regardless of which you choose.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) size and design
Other practical differences include physical size, weight, connectivity options, and stylus support. These affect portability, handling, and compatibility with accessories.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm in height, 126.8 mm in width, and 9.9 mm in depth, weighing 426 g. This makes it more compact but slightly thicker and marginally heavier than the Galaxy Tab S6, which measures 244.5 mm by 159.5 mm by 5.7 mm and weighs 420 g. The Active3 suits users wanting a smaller tablet that feels sturdy, while the S6 offers a larger but slimmer design.
Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port, so it connects via Wi-Fi only. The Galaxy Tab S6 is unlocked and supports SIM cards, allowing mobile data use where available. This difference suits users who need internet access on the move with the S6 or prefer Wi-Fi-only use with the Active3.
Stylus Support
Both tablets come with a stylus pencil, making them suitable for note-taking, drawing, or precise input. This feature supports creative and productivity tasks on either device.
Other Features
Neither tablet supports 120 Hz refresh rates, so both offer standard screen smoothness. Both use USB Type-C connectors for charging and data transfer.
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 S6 (10.5", 2019): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £91.43 less than the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)
- you want the newer model (2020)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (7040 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active3 mention that the tablet is often described as looking like new, with several users pleased with its condition and ease of setup. Some find it heavier to hold for long periods compared to other 8 inch tablets, which aligns with its design for industrial use. A few customers report issues with screen quality such as dead pixels and scratches, but others praise the product's condition and performance for video, browsing, and reading PDFs.
Reviews of the Galaxy Tab S6 highlight satisfaction with its condition and performance. Many customers find it works well for their daily needs and appreciate the inclusion of the stylus pen when it is part of the listing. The larger screen and good battery health are noted positively, though some mention minor wear in a few cases. Overall, the S6 is valued for its screen size, storage options, and smooth user experience.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits users looking for a smaller, solid tablet with stylus support for everyday use or industrial environments. The Galaxy Tab S6 appeals to those who want a larger, sharper screen, more storage, and higher RAM for multitasking and multimedia consumption.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), 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 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 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 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 £91.43 less (from £95.57 vs £187).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) in 128GB and 256GB.







