Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Starting at
£602.02£954.94 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £506.45 less than the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 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+ (12.4", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger battery: 10090 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ offer different experiences suited to different users. The Active3 has a smaller 8.0 inch screen with higher pixel density, making it more compact and sharper for close-up use. It has 4 GB of RAM and an Exynos 9810 processor, focusing on everyday tasks. The S9+ has a much larger 12.4 inch screen with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and a higher resolution, ideal for media, multitasking, and detailed work. It comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 12 GB of RAM, supporting more demanding apps. The Active3 has a smaller battery and supports Android 12, while the S9+ has a larger battery and runs Android 13. Both include a stylus, but the S9+ offers a higher front camera resolution and four speakers for enhanced audiovisual use. Choose the Active3 for portability and basic use, and the S9+ for power and screen space.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which affect how long each tablet can last in daily use and stay up to date. The tablets differ in battery size and operating system versions supported.
Battery Size
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5050 mAh battery, which is suited to lighter use and shorter sessions away from charging. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a 10090 mAh battery, offering longer use between charges and making it better for extended work or entertainment without needing to recharge.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and responsiveness. The Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ have different processors, RAM, and storage options that shape their performance profiles.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a Samsung Exynos 9810 with an 8 core setup running at 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz speeds. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 8 cores running at 3.36 GHz. This gives the S9+ more processing power for demanding apps and multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB storage, fitting for everyday use and basic multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9+ offers 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, which supports running multiple apps simultaneously and storing large files or media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) screen
Screen quality impacts how content looks and how comfortable the device is for viewing and interaction. The two tablets differ significantly in size, resolution, display type, and pixel density.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, making it compact and easy to hold. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a much larger 12.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1752 by 2800 pixels, offering more space for work and media and displaying more detail.
Display Technology
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen with a pixel density of 290 ppi, providing sharp images in a smaller size. The Galaxy Tab S9+ features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 270 ppi, delivering vibrant colours and deep contrast suited to watching video and creative tasks.
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers which affect video calls, photography, and media playback. The devices differ in front camera resolution and speaker setup.
Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 5 megapixel front camera and a 13 megapixel main camera. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a 12 megapixel front camera and the same 13 megapixel main camera, offering higher detail for selfies and video calls on the S9+.
Speaker Setup
Both tablets have stereo speakers, but the Galaxy Tab S9+ features four speakers, which can provide richer and more immersive sound compared to the two speakers on the Galaxy Tab Active3.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) size and design
Other features like refresh rate, dimensions, weight, and stylus support affect the feel and usability of each tablet in everyday situations.
Screen Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S9+ supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and animations, improving the experience for gaming and general use. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have this feature.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is smaller and lighter, measuring 213.8 mm height, 126.8 mm width, 9.9 mm depth, and weighing 426 g. The Galaxy Tab S9+ is larger and heavier, at 285.4 mm height, 185.4 mm width, 5.7 mm depth, and 700 g weight, which offers more screen but less portability.
Stylus Support
Both tablets come with stylus support, which is useful for drawing, note-taking, and precise input.
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+ (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, £506.45 less than the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 700 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (10090 mAh vs 5050 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab Active3 looks like new in many cases and suits users who need a compact tablet for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs. Some find it heavy for its size and mention it seems designed for industrial use. While some customers report issues with screen quality and water damage, others are pleased with the overall condition and performance for everyday tasks.
The Galaxy Tab S9+ receives praise for its speed, screen quality, and stylus support. Customers appreciate its large, sharp screen and smooth multitasking. The battery lasts well through long sessions such as lectures. Some users notice minor scratches but find the device mostly like new. The lack of SIM card support is noted by one customer as a drawback.
The Active3 suits those who want a smaller, simpler tablet for basic use and portability. The S9+ fits users who want a larger, more powerful device for multitasking, media, and detailed work with stylus input.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 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+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £602.02 for the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger battery: 10090 mAh vs 5050 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (10090 mAh vs 5050 mAh) and a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 8.0 inch). Refurbished, it costs £506.45 more (from £602.02 vs £95.57).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) in 256GB and 512GB.
