Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £220.67 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 offers a compact 8.0 inch screen with higher pixel density and a PLS LCD panel, suited for those who want a sturdy, smaller tablet. The iPad Air 5 has a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution for a more spacious viewing experience. The Galaxy Tab Active3 runs Android up to version 12, while the iPad Air 5 supports iPadOS 18 and ongoing updates. Performance is stronger on the iPad Air 5 with its Apple M1 processor and 8 GB RAM, ideal for multitasking and demanding apps. Cameras differ in megapixels and video recording, with the Galaxy Tab Active3 offering a 13 megapixel rear camera and 4K 30FPS video, and the iPad Air 5 having a 12 megapixel rear camera and 4K 60FPS video. The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a headphone jack and face recognition, while the iPad Air 5 uses USB Type-C headphones and does not have face recognition. Each suits different needs depending on screen size, processing power, and connectivity preferences.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and iPad Air 5 run different systems with different maximum versions and update support.
Release Year Context
The Galaxy Tab Active3 was released in 2020 while the iPad Air 5 came out in 2022.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance differences lie in the processor, RAM, and storage options you can choose from. These affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data you can store.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses an Exynos 9810 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate app use. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip with 8 GB of RAM, providing more power and memory to keep multiple apps open and handle demanding tasks more comfortably.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is available with 64 GB storage, while the iPad Air 5 offers 64 GB and 256 GB options. If you need extra space for apps, files, or media, the iPad Air 5's larger storage choice may be beneficial.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, pixel density, and display type. These affect how sharp and bright visuals appear and how much space you have for viewing content.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels. The iPad Air 5 offers a larger 10.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels. The larger screen of the iPad Air 5 gives you more room for videos, browsing, and multitasking.
Pixel Density and Display Type
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a pixel density of 290 ppi and uses a PLS LCD panel, which delivers sharp visuals on a smaller screen. The iPad Air 5 has a pixel density of 264 ppi and uses a Liquid Retina display, a type known for vibrant colours and smooth visuals on its larger screen.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include camera resolution, video recording capability, and speaker setup. These affect photo quality, video smoothness, and sound experience.
Camera Resolution and Video
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera and a front camera capable of 1080p recording. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The iPad Air 5 features a 12 megapixel rear camera and a 12 megapixel front camera, and it supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second.
Speakers
Both tablets have stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for media and calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity options, physical dimensions, and input methods. These influence comfort, compatibility with accessories, and how you interact with each device.
Connectivity and Ports
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 5.0. The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port, while the iPad Air 5 is unlocked for use with Nano SIM cards. The Galaxy Tab Active3 also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, whereas the iPad Air 5 uses USB Type-C for headphones.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active3 measures 213.8 mm high, 126.8 mm wide, and 9.9 mm deep, weighing 426 grams. The iPad Air 5 is taller at 247.6 mm, wider at 178.5 mm, but thinner at 6.1 mm, and weighs 462 grams. The Galaxy Tab Active3's smaller size suits those wanting a more compact device.
Face Recognition and Touch
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes face recognition, while the iPad Air 5 does not. Both devices support touch input.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Megapixels
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £220.67 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 462 g)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers using the Galaxy Tab Active3 note that the tablet is sturdy and suits industrial or demanding environments. Some find it heavy for long use but appreciate the solid feel. Screen quality varies by condition, with reports of patches of dead pixels or scuff marks in some cases, though others say it looks like new and performs well for browsing, videos, and reading. Battery and setup experiences are generally positive for those who received devices in good condition.
Users of the iPad Air 5 praise its smooth performance, sharp Liquid Retina display, and overall like-new condition even in fair grade. The M1 chip is highlighted for handling multiple apps and productivity tasks. Some mention minor issues with Apple Intelligence or FaceTime related to specific regional models, but overall the battery life, camera, and WiFi stability receive favourable comments. The iPad Air 5 is seen as a great value for those wanting a powerful and spacious tablet.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits buyers looking for a smaller, rugged tablet with features like a headphone jack and face recognition. The iPad Air 5 is ideal for users wanting a larger, high-performance device with a vivid display and versatile storage options.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.









