Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
Starting at
£408.76£1,060.32 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £313.19 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8400 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S9 differ mainly in size, performance, and features. The Active3 has a compact 8.0 inch screen with a PLS LCD display, making it suitable if you want a smaller device that is easier to hold with one hand. The S9 offers a much larger 11.0 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, ideal for watching videos or multitasking. Performance is stronger on the S9 with a faster processor and 12 GB of RAM, suited to users who run many apps or need extra speed. Battery capacity is higher on the S9, which helps with longer use. Both include stylus support and stereo speakers, but the S9 has four speakers and a higher resolution front camera. Your choice depends on whether you want a smaller, simpler tablet or a larger, more powerful one with advanced screen and audio.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, which suits everyday use with moderate screen time. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a larger 8400 mAh battery, making it better for longer sessions without needing to recharge as often.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) performance
Performance relates to the processor, RAM, and storage, which influence how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Speed and Brand
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses an Exynos 9810 chipset with an 8 core processor running at 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz, suitable for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Tab S9 features a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 8 core processor at 3.36 GHz, providing stronger performance for demanding apps or multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, fitting for moderate app storage. The Galaxy Tab S9 comes with 12 GB of RAM and options of 128 GB or 256 GB storage, well suited for users who want to keep many apps and large files on the device.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort, image clarity, and how much content you can see at once.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch PLS LCD screen, compact and easier to handle with one hand. The Galaxy Tab S9 offers an 11.0 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing a larger and more vivid display better for watching videos and multitasking.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a resolution of 1200 x 1920 with a pixel density of 290 ppi, which keeps text and images clear on a smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a higher resolution of 1600 x 2560 but a slightly lower pixel density of 280 ppi due to its larger size, offering sharp detail across a bigger display.
Screen Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S9 supports 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother, which benefits gaming and fast-moving content. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have this feature.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features concern cameras and speakers, important for video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front and Main Cameras
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5 megapixel front camera and a 13 megapixel main camera, suitable for basic selfies and photos. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a 12 megapixel front camera and the same 13 megapixel main camera, offering more detailed video calls and self-portraits.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, but the Galaxy Tab S9 includes four speakers, which can provide richer and more immersive sound for videos and music.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, carrier options, and stylus support, affecting portability and connectivity.
Size 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. Its smaller size suits users who want a compact tablet. The Galaxy Tab S9 is larger at 254.3 mm high, 165.8 mm wide, and 5.9 mm deep, weighing 498 g, offering more screen space but less portability.
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port. The Galaxy Tab S9 is unlocked, allowing use with various carriers if you want mobile data connectivity.
Stylus Support
Both tablets come with stylus pencil support, useful for note-taking, drawing, or precise navigation.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors for charging and data transfer, ensuring compatibility with modern accessories.
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 S9 (11.0", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £313.19 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 498 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (8400 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active3 note the tablet is generally good for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs. Some mention it feels heavy for an 8 inch device, reflecting its industrial design focus. Reviews vary on screen condition, with some users receiving units in superb or like-new condition, while others found issues like dead pixels or scratches. The battery and setup are generally well received by those who had no problems. Overall, the Active3 suits buyers looking for a sturdy, smaller tablet with basic performance.
Galaxy Tab S9 customers appreciate the large 11 inch screen for watching downloaded TV and multitasking. Many report the tablet looks like new or in excellent condition. The S9's performance and storage capacity are noted positively for smooth app use. Users mention the S Pen inclusion and functionality, with minor issues that are manageable. Some buyers find small cosmetic marks but feel these are acceptable with a case. The unlocked carrier option adds flexibility for mobile use.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 fits users who prefer a compact and solid device for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Tab S9 suits those wanting a larger, faster tablet with richer media features and more storage.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £408.76 for the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8400 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8400 mAh vs 5050 mAh) and a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £313.19 more (from £408.76 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.
