Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025)
Starting at
£272.80
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) and Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)?
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (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, £169.74 less than the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025). The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
- The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) specs
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite and Galaxy Tab S3 differ in several key areas to suit different users. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite offers a larger 10.9 inch screen with higher resolution and more RAM, making it well suited to those who want a more spacious display and smoother multitasking. It supports newer Android versions and has a bigger battery for longer use between charges. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a slightly smaller 9.7 inch screen with a Super AMOLED panel and a higher resolution rear camera, which may appeal to those who prioritise richer colours and more detailed photography. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a stylus, suiting users who need these features. Both are good choices depending on your needs for screen, performance, and accessories.
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) price
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, which influence how long you can use the tablet and how current the operating system is.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite has an 8000 mAh battery, which means it can run longer between charges compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's 6000 mAh battery. If you often use your tablet away from power sources, the S10 Lite's larger battery suits longer sessions.
Operating System Support
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite supports Android 15, offering access to newer software features and updates. The Galaxy Tab S3 supports Android 9.0. If you want access to recent Android improvements, the S10 Lite is the device to consider.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) performance
Performance differences affect how the tablets handle apps, multitasking, and storage needs.
Processor and Speed
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite uses the Exynos 1380 chipset with a processor speed of 2.4 GHz, while the Galaxy Tab S3 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 at 2.1500 GHz. The S10 Lite's newer chipset and higher clock speed can provide smoother app performance and efficiency.
Memory and Storage
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite keeps more apps open and running smoothly, suiting users who multitask frequently. The Galaxy Tab S3 has 4 GB of RAM, which fits everyday use. Storage options differ too: the S10 Lite is available with 128 GB or 256 GB, giving more room for apps, photos, and files. The S3 offers a 32 GB option in stock, which suits lighter storage needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content, including size, resolution, and display type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite has a larger 10.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1800x2880, offering more space for watching videos or working on documents. The Galaxy Tab S3 features a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536x2048, which is slightly smaller but still sharp for everyday tasks.
Display Type
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite uses an IPS LCD screen, providing good viewing angles and colour accuracy. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a Super AMOLED display, known for deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. If you prefer richer colours for media, the S3's screen may be more appealing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities, which affect media capture and playback quality.
Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera, capturing more detail than the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite's 8 megapixel main camera. Both tablets have a 5 megapixel front camera suitable for video calls. If photography or detailed video capture matters, the S3 offers higher resolution on the main camera.
Video Recording
Galaxy Tab S3 can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, delivering higher resolution recordings. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite records video at 1080p 30fps, which is standard Full HD quality and sufficient for most users.
Speakers
Both tablets come with stereo speakers. The Galaxy Tab S3 has four speakers, potentially offering richer sound. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite has stereo speakers but without specifying the number. If immersive audio is a priority, the S3's speaker setup may be preferable.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) size and design
Other features such as connectivity, physical design, and included accessories can influence your practical experience with each tablet.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, which may provide faster wireless connections than the Galaxy Tab S3's Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The S10 Lite uses a USB Type-C connector but does not have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The S3 offers both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm jack for wired headphones, suiting those who prefer traditional headphone connections.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite measures 254.3 mm in height, 165.8 mm in width, and is 6.6 mm thick, weighing 664 g. The Galaxy Tab S3 is slightly shorter at 237.3 mm, wider at 169 mm, thinner at 6 mm, and lighter at 426 g. If portability and lighter weight are priorities, the S3 may be a better fit.
Stylus Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a stylus, which suits users who want to draw or take handwritten notes. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite does not come with a stylus, so it is suited to users who do not need this accessory.
SIM and Carrier Options
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite supports Nano-SIM and eSIM, and is unlocked for use with carriers. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a Nano SIM but does not have a SIM port, which means it cannot connect to mobile networks. If you require mobile data, the S10 Lite is the option to consider.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) or Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (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, £169.74 less than the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite looks and works like new, with many praising its smooth performance and ample 128 GB storage for photos and downloads. The battery lasts well enough for daily use but usually needs charging each night. Some users find it a little bulky but appreciate its efficiency and ease of setup. The screen and performance receive positive comments despite occasional minor marks.
For the Galaxy Tab S3, customers generally find the tablet to be in great condition with smooth performance suitable for browsing and streaming. Battery life is noted as impressive by users who get a full day of use. Some mention small scratches that do not affect use. Multiple customers highlight that the stylus is not included with their purchase, leading some to buy replacements separately.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite suits those who want a larger screen, more storage, and newer software support for everyday use. The Galaxy Tab S3 is well suited for users who want a compact tablet with a stylus and a vivid Super AMOLED display.
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) vs Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025), Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (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 £272.80 for the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025).
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (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 £169.74 more (from £272.80 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite (10.9", 2025) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) in 32GB.
