Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)
Starting at
£408.25£688.82 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £312.68 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), IPS LCD on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023).
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is a compact tablet with a higher pixel density screen and a rear camera with more megapixels, suited for those who prefer a smaller device that fits easily in one hand and who value a sharper display for close-up viewing. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) offers a much larger screen with higher resolution and significantly more RAM, making it ideal for users who want a spacious display for video and multitasking. The S9 FE+ also supports a newer Android version and has a more recent processor, with differences in camera setup and headphone connectivity that suit different preferences and uses.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability here refers to software support and the release year of each tablet. These affect how long you can expect system updates and the overall software environment.
Android Version Support
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports up to Android 12, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with Android 13. This means the S9 FE+ runs a more recent operating system version.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab Active3 was released in 2020, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ came out in 2023.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) performance
Performance differences affect how smoothly apps run and how many tasks you can handle at once. The processor, RAM, and storage options are key here.
Processor
The Galaxy Tab Active3 features the Exynos 9810 processor, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ uses the Exynos 1380. The S9 FE+ has a more recent processor which will generally provide better performance for complex apps and multitasking.
RAM Size
With 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab Active3 is suited for everyday apps and light multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep many apps open at once and supports smoother multitasking, especially for more demanding tasks.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is stocked with 64 GB of storage, suitable for moderate use and app storage. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with 128 GB, providing twice the 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+ (12.4", 2023) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, pixel density and panel type. These factors influence how much you can see at once and how sharp images appear.
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 viewing area. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a much larger 12.4 inch screen and a higher resolution at 1600 by 2560 pixels, giving you more room for videos, reading, and multitasking.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab Active3 provides a pixel density of 290 ppi, which results in a sharper image on its smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has 250 ppi, which is slightly less dense but still sharp given its larger size.
Screen Panel Type
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has an IPS LCD. Both are LCD technologies known for good colour and brightness, with differences subtle and mainly of interest to those sensitive to viewing angle and colour accuracy.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording quality. These affect how you capture images, make video calls, and enjoy media.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a front camera capable of 1080p video, suitable for clear video calls. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a 12 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail in photos and video.
Rear Camera
The rear camera on the Galaxy Tab Active3 is 13 megapixels, offering detailed photos for a tablet camera. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has an 8 megapixel rear camera, which still captures good quality images but with fewer megapixels.
Speakers and Video
Both tablets have stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for media playback. They also both support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, allowing you to record high resolution video.
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+ (12.4", 2023) size and design
This section covers additional features such as connectivity, ports, and physical attributes that affect daily use and accessory compatibility.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6. The S9 FE+ offers a newer Bluetooth version, which can improve connection stability with compatible devices.
Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio, which suits those with traditional headphones. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ uses USB Type-C for headphones, meaning you need USB-C compatible or wireless headphones.
Weight
Weighing 426 g, the Galaxy Tab Active3 is lighter and easier to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ weighs 627 g, which may be noticeable when holding the larger screen for extended use.
SIM and Connectivity Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port but uses a Nano SIM format.
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+ (12.4", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £312.68 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 627 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab Active3 often mention that the tablet looks like new or has only light signs of use, with some appreciating its solid build and bright screen. Many find it suitable for everyday use such as streaming and browsing, though some note the weight makes it less comfortable for long periods. Opinions on screen quality vary, with some users noticing difficulty using the screen outdoors or seeing dead pixels. The performance is generally described as smooth enough for their apps, and battery life meets daily needs for most.
Reviews of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ highlight its fast and responsive performance, with many users pleased by how close it feels to new. The large screen is praised for clarity and responsiveness, fitting well for streaming and work tasks. Customers note good battery life lasting through a full day of use. Some report minor signs of wear, mostly on the back, but screen condition is often described as spotless. The tablet suits users who want a larger display and smooth multitasking capability.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ fits those who prefer a larger screen with more memory and newer software, ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £408.25 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £312.68 more (from £408.25 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) in 128GB.
