Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £378.81 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a bigger screen: 8.3 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Liquid Retina display on the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and the iPad mini 7 differ in several key ways that suit different needs. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is designed with durability and practical use in mind, running Android up to version 12 and featuring an 8.0 inch screen with a PLS LCD. It has a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a 426 g weight, which some may find more substantial. The iPad mini 7 offers a modern experience with iPadOS 18, a slightly larger 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display, and a faster Apple A17 Pro processor with 8 GB of RAM. It supports unlocked carrier use and double SIM via eSIM. Buyers who want a lighter tablet with higher resolution and more storage options may prefer the iPad mini 7, while those focused on straightforward Android use and a familiar headphone jack might lean towards the Galaxy Tab Active3.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long each tablet keeps up with software updates and operating systems. These factors affect how long the device can run current apps and receive security patches.
Compatibility With Latest Updates
Users who prioritise staying current with software may prefer the iPad mini 7.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly the tablet runs apps, multitasks, and handles demanding tasks. Processor speed, RAM, and storage capacity all contribute to everyday responsiveness and storage space.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is powered by an Exynos 9810 processor with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The iPad mini 7 features the Apple A17 Pro processor with 8 GB of RAM, which supports running more apps simultaneously and handling more demanding applications smoothly.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is stocked with 64 GB of storage, which fits basic needs like browsing and media consumption. The iPad mini 7 offers larger storage capacities, including 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB, catering to users who store more apps, files, or media on their device.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen quality influences how clear, sharp, and comfortable the display is for reading, watching videos, or working. Size, resolution, pixel density, and screen type all affect this experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen at 1200 by 1920 pixels with 290 ppi pixel density. The iPad mini 7 has a slightly larger 8.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2266 by 1488 pixels and a higher pixel density of 326 ppi. This provides a sharper and more detailed display on the iPad mini 7, which benefits users who value crisp text and images.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, which offers good brightness and colour accuracy for everyday use. The iPad mini 7 features a Liquid Retina display, known for vibrant colours and smooth visuals, making it well suited for media consumption and creative work.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Audio and camera specifications affect video calls, photography, and media playback. Each tablet offers stereo speakers but differs in camera resolution and video recording capabilities.
Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera and a front camera capable of 1080p video. The iPad mini 7 has a 12 megapixel rear camera and a higher resolution 12 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail in selfies and video calls.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active3 supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, ideal for users who want higher resolution video capture. The iPad mini 7 records video at 1080p 30 frames per second, offering smooth video quality suitable for everyday use.
Speakers
Both tablets feature stereo speakers. The iPad mini 7's speakers are optimised for landscape orientation, which benefits watching videos or gaming in that mode.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
This section covers additional features that affect convenience and usability, including connectivity, size, weight, and input options.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 does not have a SIM port, so it connects to the internet via Wi-Fi. The iPad mini 7 is unlocked and supports double SIM through eSIM, offering more flexibility for mobile data use. Both support Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and USB Type-C charging.
Physical Dimensions 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. The iPad mini 7 is slightly taller at 195.4 mm, wider at 134.8 mm, but thinner at 6.3 mm and lighter at 293 g. The lighter weight and slimmer profile of the iPad mini 7 make it easier to hold for extended periods.
Headphone and Face Recognition
The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio, while the iPad mini 7 uses USB Type-C for headphones. The Galaxy Tab Active3 has face recognition for unlocking, which the iPad mini 7 does not feature.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £378.81 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (8.3 inch vs 8.0 inch)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 426 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab Active3 report mixed experiences with condition and durability. Some describe the tablet as looking like new and working well for videos, browsing, and reading PDFs. Others mention issues like screen blemishes or water damage, but many find the tablet suitable for industrial or practical use. The weight is noted as heavier, which some find tiring over long use.
The iPad mini 7 receives consistently positive feedback. Customers say it looks almost new, with excellent battery health and condition. The tablet is praised for being quick, responsive, and perfect for users wanting a small, light device between a phone and a larger computer. Many highlight the ease of use and the quality of the screen and performance.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab Active3 suits buyers who want a solid Android tablet with a headphone jack and can handle a more substantial device. The iPad mini 7 appeals to those who prefer a lighter, high-resolution screen with more storage and the latest iPadOS features.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has a bigger screen: 8.3 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.









