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Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)

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Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025)

Starting at

£312.40
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)

Starting at

£103.06£599.00 new
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(19 reviews)
(10 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £209.34 less than the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025). The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) is the newer model, released in 2025.

Refurbished from

£312.40£103.06

Chipset

Exynos 1580Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)

RAM

8 GB4 GB

Battery

8000 mAh6000 mAh

Screen size

10.9 inch9.7 inch

Screen type

IPS LCDSuper AMOLED
  • Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
  • The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
  • The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a higher resolution, making it a good choice if you want a roomier display and smoother performance with more storage options. It runs newer Android versions and has a bigger battery for longer use between charges. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) features a Super AMOLED screen and includes a stylus for note-taking or drawing, suiting those who prefer a vibrant display and stylus support. Both tablets have stereo speakers and similar camera megapixels, but the S3 supports a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Choose the S10 FE for modern performance and screen size, or the S3 for stylus use and AMOLED display.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which affect how long you can use the tablet before recharging and how long it will get Android updates.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE has an 8000 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy Tab S3's 6000 mAh. This means the S10 FE can generally last longer between charges, suiting users who need extended use without frequent charging.

Operating System Support

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE supports up to Android 16, allowing access to newer features and updates over time.

Battery

8000 mAh6000 mAh

Maximum operating system supported

Android 16Android 9.0

Year of release

20252017

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance

Performance depends on processor power, memory, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly the tablet runs apps and handles multitasking.

Processor and Core Count

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE has an 8-core Exynos 1580 processor running at 2.9000 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor at 2.1500 GHz. The S10 FE is suited for users who want faster and more efficient processing for everyday tasks.

Memory Size

With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE keeps apps running smoothly even with several open at once. The Galaxy Tab S3 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and lighter multitasking.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is available in 128GB and 256GB storage versions, ideal for storing large files, apps, and media. The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 32GB storage, suitable for users with simpler storage needs.

Chipset

Exynos 1580Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)

Processor

Exynos 1580Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820

Processor brand

N/AQualcomm

Processor core

84

Processor speed ghz

2.9000 GHz2.1500 GHz

RAM

8 GB4 GB

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen

Screen quality affects how content looks and how much space you have for viewing and working. These two tablets differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE has a 10.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1800 x 2880, offering a larger and sharper display that provides more room for video and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S3's 9.7 inch screen has a resolution of 1536 x 2048, which suits users comfortable with a more compact display.

Screen Type

The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for deep blacks and vibrant colours, making it suitable for media viewing and colour-rich content. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE has an IPS LCD screen, which delivers consistent colour and brightness across the display.

Brightness

800 nits brightnessN/A

Display glass

Glass frontGlass front

Pixel density

N/A270ppp

Refresh rate

90 HzN/A

Resolution

1800 x 28801536 x 2048

Screen size

10.9 inch9.7 inch

Screen type

IPS LCDSuper AMOLED

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera

Audiovisual features include speakers, cameras and video recording capabilities, which influence media creation and consumption.

Speakers

Both tablets have stereo speakers, but the Galaxy Tab S3 has four speakers, which can provide a more immersive audio experience for watching videos or listening to music.

Video Recording

Both tablets support 4K video recording at 30fps. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE also records in 1080p at 30fps, offering an additional video resolution option for recording.

Webcam

Both devices come with a webcam, suitable for video calls and online meetings.

Front camera

N/A5 megapixels

Front camera definition

N/A5 MP

Main camera

N/A13 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A13 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakersStereo speakers (4 speakers)

Video recording

4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K 30FPS

Webcam

YesYes

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design

This section covers various features that affect connectivity, accessories, and physical dimensions, helping you decide based on your usage preferences.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, offering the latest wireless technology for faster and more reliable connections. The Galaxy Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, suitable for standard connectivity needs.

Headphone Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for using standard wired headphones without adapters. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE connects headphones via USB Type-C.

Stylus Support

The Galaxy Tab S3 includes stylus support, which suits users who want to write or draw directly on the screen. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE does not come with a stylus.

Physical Size and Weight

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is larger at 254.3 mm tall and 165.8 mm wide, weighing 497 g, offering a bigger screen but a bit more weight. The Galaxy Tab S3 is smaller at 237.3 mm tall and 169 mm wide, weighing 426 g, which may suit those preferring a lighter, more compact device.

120hz

N/ANo

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 4.2

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM PortWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

6 mm6 mm

Double sim

NoNo

Headphones connectivity

USB Type-C3.5 mm headphone jack

Height

254.3 mm237.3 mm

Megapixels

1313

Sim format

Nano SIM, eSIMNano SIM

Touch

N/AYes

Weight

497 g426 g

Width

165.8 mm169 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6eWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

With stylus pencil

NoYes

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch)

Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £209.34 less than the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025)
  • you want an OLED screen
  • you want a lighter build (426 g vs 497 g)

What our customers say

Customers who have the Galaxy Tab S10 FE appreciate its smooth performance and larger screen, mentioning that it handles work and entertainment well. The extra storage options and battery life suit those needing space for files and long use without charging. Several customers highlight the quality of the S Pen, even though the device does not include one, which suggests the tablet works well with stylus input if you have one. The device is described as looking almost new and running smoothly, with a few noting it is not too heavy to carry.

Those with the Galaxy Tab S3 value its reliable performance for browsing and streaming, with some finding battery life sufficient for a full day. The Super AMOLED screen is praised for its condition, though some customers note the stylus is not included despite pictures showing one, meaning users may need to buy a separate pen to use stylus features. The tablet is described as looking like new or in great condition, with minor marks that do not affect use. Some users have found the screen has small scratches but still offers good value.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE suits users who want a larger screen, more storage, and newer software support. The Galaxy Tab S3 fits those who prefer a compact device with an AMOLED screen and stylus capabilities, especially if they already have or plan to get a compatible pen.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs

Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1580 on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.

The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £312.40 for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025).

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £209.34 more (from £312.40 vs £103.06).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9", 2025) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.

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