Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£210.00£689.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £106.94 less than the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018). The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
Weight
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018).
- The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
- The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger screen: 10.5 inch vs 9.7 inch.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S4 offer differences that suit distinct users. The Galaxy Tab S4 has a larger 10.5 inch screen with higher resolution and pixel density, making it better for watching videos or browsing with more space. Its Snapdragon 835 processor has eight cores and runs slightly faster than the S3's Snapdragon 820, which has four cores, offering smoother multitasking. The S4 also has a bigger battery and supports Android 10, while the S3 supports Android 9.0. For photos and video calls, the S4's front camera is sharper. The S3 is lighter and has a headphone jack and USB Type-C port, which some users may prefer. Both tablets support styluses but the S3 is stocked here with 32 GB storage and the S4 with 64 GB. Choose the S3 for a compact, simpler tablet or the S4 for a larger screen and extra power.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key for daily use. Both tablets support Android but the maximum Android version differs. Battery capacity influences how long you can use each device between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S4 has a 7300 mAh battery, offering more power for longer use between charges. The Galaxy Tab S3's 6000 mAh battery suits those who use their tablet for shorter periods or have easy access to charging. If you watch videos or use apps for extended times without recharging, the S4's larger battery helps.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab S4 supports up to Android 10, while the Galaxy Tab S3 supports up to Android 9.0. This means the S4 can run slightly newer Android features and apps that require later versions.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) performance
Processor power and storage affect how smoothly the tablet runs apps and stores files. Both tablets have 4 GB RAM but their processors and storage options differ.
Processor Core and Speed
The Galaxy Tab S4 has an eight-core Snapdragon 835 processor running at 2.35 GHz, offering more processing power and speed than the Galaxy Tab S3's four-core Snapdragon 820 running at 2.1500 GHz. This means the S4 handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly, suitable for users who open many apps or use more complex software.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 is stocked here with 32 GB of storage, while the Galaxy Tab S4 comes with 64 GB. The S4's larger storage can hold more apps, photos, and files, making it a better choice if you keep a lot of data on your tablet.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) screen
The screen is crucial for viewing comfort and clarity. Both tablets use Super AMOLED displays but differ in size, resolution, and pixel density, which influences sharpness and space.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S4 has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels, providing a larger and slightly sharper viewing area than the Galaxy Tab S3's 9.7 inch screen with 1536 x 2048 pixels. This makes the S4 better for watching movies, reading, or working on documents where extra screen space matters.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S4 has a pixel density of 290 ppi compared to the S3's 270 ppi. This means the S4's display shows images and text with finer detail, benefiting users who value screen clarity.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S4 has glass on both front and back, while the Galaxy Tab S3 has glass only on the front. The double glass on the S4 provides a different feel in hand and a more premium design.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) camera
For photos, video calls, and sound, both tablets offer solid features but differ in front camera resolution, which affects selfie and video call quality.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab S4 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's 5 megapixel front camera. This suits users who use video conferencing or take selfies often.
Main Camera and Video
Both tablets have a 13 megapixel main camera and can record 4K video at 30 FPS. This means you can expect similar photo quality and video recording capabilities from either device.
Speakers
Both tablets feature four stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for video, music, and calls. Audio experiences should be comparable on both devices.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) size and design
Other features affect everyday convenience. Differences in connectivity, size, and build contribute to how each tablet feels and fits into your routine.
Bluetooth Version
The Galaxy Tab S4 supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering improved connection range and speed compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's Bluetooth 4.2. This benefits users connecting wireless headphones or accessories frequently.
Connectivity Ports
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing use of wired headphones without an adapter. The Galaxy Tab S4 has USB Type-C but no separate headphone jack, so wired headphones require an adapter or wireless connection.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 is lighter at 426 g and measures 237.3 mm tall by 169 mm wide with 6 mm depth, making it more compact and easier to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab S4 is heavier at 482 g, taller at 249.3 mm, narrower at 164.3 mm, and thicker at 7.1 mm, offering a larger display but a less compact form.
Stylus Support
Both tablets support a stylus. This suits users who want to take notes, draw, or navigate precisely. Note that stock here includes the Galaxy Tab S3 with 32 GB and the Galaxy Tab S4 with 64 GB.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Network
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) or Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £106.94 less than the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 482 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) if
- you want a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 9.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab S3 report the tablet looks like new and has good battery life that lasts through a full day of use. Many appreciate the smooth performance even with multiple apps open. Some mention small marks or scratches that do not interfere with use. A common note is that the stylus pen is not included, which some buyers found inconvenient since the tablet supports one. Overall, customers find the Galaxy Tab S3 reliable and good value for everyday browsing and streaming.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S4 highlight its excellent condition and sleek design, with several customers saying it looks just like a new device. Some find it takes a bit longer to start up but are pleased with its performance once running. The screen and build quality are praised, and the tablet is reported to work perfectly without issues. Users appreciate the tablet as a gift or for personal use, noting the device feels like new and performs well.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits those wanting a lighter, more compact tablet for everyday use, especially if a headphone jack is important. The Galaxy Tab S4 fits users seeking a larger screen, stronger processor, and better front camera, with roomier storage for apps and media.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018). The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £210 for the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018).
The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) has a bigger battery: 7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) adds a bigger battery (7300 mAh vs 6000 mAh), a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 9.7 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 5 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £106.94 more (from £210 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5", 2018) in 64GB.
