Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020)
Starting at
£95.57£200.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) starts at £95.57, £825.54 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active3 and the iPad Pro differ significantly in performance, screen size, and storage options, making each suited to different needs. The Galaxy Tab Active3 offers a compact 8.0 inch screen and 4 GB RAM, ideal if you want a smaller device for everyday tasks. The iPad Pro has a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display and 12 GB RAM, suited for users who want a spacious screen and high performance for demanding apps. Storage options also vary, with the iPad Pro offering up to 2 TB, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 64 GB. Differences in cameras, speakers and video recording highlight the iPad Pro as a device for richer multimedia experiences, while the Galaxy Tab Active3 focuses on straightforward use and portability.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly a device runs apps and handles multitasking. These two tablets have very different processors, RAM and storage options, which influences who they suit best.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab Active3 is powered by an Exynos 9810 processor with speeds of 2.7 GHz and 1.7 GHz. This setup works well for everyday apps and lighter tasks. The iPad Pro uses the Apple M5 processor with faster clock speeds of 4.6 GHz and 3.0 GHz, making it better suited for demanding applications and workflows that need more processing power.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB RAM, the Galaxy Tab Active3 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for casual multitasking. The iPad Pro offers 12 GB RAM, allowing it to keep many apps open at once and handle intensive tasks without slowing down, fitting for users who need more from their tablet in terms of speed and responsiveness.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active3 comes with 64 GB of storage, which fits app collections and media but may require some management of files. The iPad Pro provides a wide range of storage options from 256 GB up to 2 TB, ideal for users who want to store large files, extensive app libraries or high-resolution media without worrying about space.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience, from how much you can see at once to how sharp and vibrant images appear. These tablets differ in screen size, resolution and panel type.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has an 8.0 inch screen, which makes it compact and easy to hold for tasks on the go. The iPad Pro has a much larger 13 inch display, offering a spacious surface that suits watching videos, working on documents or creative projects where more screen real estate helps.
Resolution and Detail
The Galaxy Tab Active3 features a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, providing clear visuals for everyday use. The iPad Pro's resolution is significantly higher at 2752 by 2064 pixels, delivering sharper detail and smoother images, which benefits users who want the best possible clarity for photos, videos and text.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy Tab Active3 uses a PLS LCD screen, which offers reliable colour and brightness for general use. The iPad Pro uses an Ultra Retina XDR display, known for delivering exceptional brightness, contrast and colour accuracy, suiting users who value a premium viewing experience for media, art or design.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audio and camera features shape how you capture and enjoy media. Each tablet has a different approach to cameras, speakers and video recording capabilities.
Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera and a front camera that records 1080p video. This setup works well for casual photos and video calls. The iPad Pro features a 12 megapixel rear camera and a 12 megapixel front camera, which suggests more consistent image quality and higher detail especially for selfies and video conferencing.
Speaker Setup
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has stereo speakers that provide decent sound for everyday media consumption. The iPad Pro comes with four speakers, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience, which is beneficial when watching movies or listening to music without headphones.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active3 records video in 4K at 30 frames per second, suitable for capturing high-resolution clips. The iPad Pro can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, allowing for smoother footage which is helpful for fast action scenes or professional video use.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Other features affect how you connect accessories, use the device daily and carry it around. These include ports, biometric options, weight and more.
Connectors and Headphones
Both tablets use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer, making them compatible with a wide range of accessories. The Galaxy Tab Active3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for traditional wired headphones, which suits users with existing audio gear. The iPad Pro uses USB Type-C for headphones, which may require adapters for some wired models.
Biometric Security
Both the Galaxy Tab Active3 and the iPad Pro support face recognition to unlock the device, providing convenient and secure access.
Touchscreen Capability
The Galaxy Tab Active3 has a touchscreen, allowing direct interaction with apps and navigation.
Weight and Portability
The Galaxy Tab Active3 weighs 426 grams, making it lighter and easier to hold for extended use or on the move. The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, which adds some heft but contributes to a larger display and possibly a sturdier build.
120hz
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 Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £95.57, £825.54 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who have used the Galaxy Tab Active3 report a mixed experience with the condition of the device, ranging from like-new with no scratches to visible signs of wear such as scuffs and scratches. Some found the screen hard to see in bright sunlight and noted occasional dead pixels. Battery life and performance for streaming and browsing were generally satisfactory. The size and weight make it feel suited for industrial or practical use rather than long periods of handheld use.
Customers of the iPad Pro praise its like-new condition, with minimal signs of use and strong battery life lasting throughout a day of typical use. The device runs smoothly with quick app loading and handles demanding tasks well. The larger screen and storage options are appreciated for schoolwork, media, and everyday activities. A few customers mentioned minor scratches that do not affect performance, and the device's speed and storage capacity meet their needs effectively.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 suits those who want a compact, practical tablet for daily use and lighter tasks, while the iPad Pro appeals to users looking for a larger, more powerful device with ample storage and a premium screen for multimedia, work, and creative uses.
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £95.57 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active3 (8.0", 2020) comes in 64GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
