Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Starting at
£368.17£606.86 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £272.60 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 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), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE differ in several key areas that affect who they suit best. The Active3 has a smaller 8.0 inch screen with higher pixel density, making it more compact and sharper for its size, while the S9 FE offers a larger 10.9 inch display with higher resolution for more room to work or watch videos. Performance wise, the S9 FE has more RAM and storage options, suited to multitasking and storing more files. Battery capacity is larger on the S9 FE, offering longer usage between charges. The Active3 features a higher resolution rear camera, while the S9 FE has a more detailed front camera. Each device fits different priorities from portability and ruggedness to screen size and memory.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) battery life and software updates
These affect how long the device runs and how current its software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, suitable for everyday use on a smaller device. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a larger 8000 mAh battery, which can support longer sessions between charges, especially useful for heavy users or those using the larger screen for extended periods.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) performance
Performance affects how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking. Differences include processor models, RAM, and storage options.
Processor and Speed
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses the Exynos 9810 chipset with cores running at 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE uses the Exynos 1380 with cores at 2.4 GHz. Both have eight cores, but the processor architecture differs, which may influence performance in specific tasks.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and storage options of 64 or 128 GB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers 6 GB of RAM and larger storage choices of 128 or 256 GB. More RAM in the S9 FE helps keep more apps open at once, while higher storage suits users needing space for files, apps, and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density and panel type. These affect clarity, sharpness and how much you see on screen at once.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 features an 8.0 inch PLS LCD screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels. Its 290 pixels per inch make images sharp on a smaller display. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a larger 10.9 inch IPS LCD screen with 1440 by 2304 pixels, offering more workspace and detail suited to watching videos or multitasking.
Pixel Density and Display Type
The Active3's higher pixel density of 290 ppi means finer detail on a smaller screen. The S9 FE's pixel density is 250 ppi, which still provides clear images on its larger screen. The PLS LCD of the Active3 and IPS LCD of the S9 FE differ in panel technology, affecting viewing angles and colour reproduction for users sensitive to those qualities.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers. These matter for video calls, photos and watching content.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5 megapixel front camera supporting 1080p video, suitable for standard video calls. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering more detail for selfies or video conferencing.
Rear Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a 13 megapixel rear camera, which captures detailed photos. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an 8 megapixel rear camera, which still delivers good images but with fewer megapixels.
Speakers and Video
Both devices feature stereo speakers and support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. This ensures clear sound and high-resolution video capture on either tablet.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, design, and extras that affect everyday usability and comfort.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports Bluetooth 5.3 and connects headphones via USB Type-C, which may suit users with newer accessories.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm by 126.8 mm and weighs 426 g, making it compact and easier to hold for extended use.
SIM and Other Features
The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port and no double SIM support. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6, USB Type-C connectors and include a stylus pencil for drawing or note-taking.
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 FE (10.9", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £272.60 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 52400 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active3 report a mix of experiences. Many find the device sturdy and suitable for industrial or outdoor use, though some mention the tablet feels heavy for an 8 inch screen. Screen quality can vary depending on the condition, with reports of dead pixels and scratches in some units. Positive feedback highlights the tablet looking almost new and working well for videos, browsing and reading. Battery life and camera quality meet everyday needs, and the inclusion of a stylus is appreciated.
Reviews of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE highlight its larger, clearer screen and good sound quality. The front camera receives praise for its higher megapixels, enhancing video calls and selfies. The tablet is described as feeling like new with a strong battery and good performance for demanding tasks. Overall, customers appreciate the device for study, media, and general use.
The Active3 suits those needing a portable and rugged tablet with a sharper screen for its size, while the S9 FE fits users prioritising a bigger display, more memory and recent software support. Each device appeals to different needs and usage styles.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810 on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £368.17 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 5050 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £272.60 more (from £368.17 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.
