Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019)
Starting at
£85.50What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) starts at £85.50, £17.56 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019).
- The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) has a bigger battery: 7040 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S5e differ in screen size, performance, battery capacity, and memory, making each suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with 4 GB RAM and a 6000 mAh battery, fitting users who prefer a more compact tablet and solid everyday performance. The Galaxy Tab S5e offers a larger 10.5 inch Super AMOLED display with 6 GB RAM and a 7040 mAh battery, ideal for those who want more screen space and multitasking ability. Both run Android but support different maximum OS versions. The choice depends on whether you prioritise portability or a bigger screen and extra memory.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and software support, important for how long the device lasts between charges and how up to date the system feels. Both tablets run Android but support different maximum versions.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S5e has a 7040 mAh battery which offers more capacity than the Galaxy Tab S3's 6000 mAh. This means the Galaxy Tab S5e can generally provide longer use between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life during busy days or travel.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports up to Android 9.0, while the Galaxy Tab S5e supports up to Android 11. Users wanting a more recent Android version will find the Galaxy Tab S5e suits their needs better.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) performance
Performance covers processor, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the tablet runs apps and how much data you can store.
Processor Cores and Speed
The Galaxy Tab S5e has an 8 core Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor running at 2.0 GHz and 1.7 GHz, while the Galaxy Tab S3 has a 4 core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 running at 2.1500 GHz. The S5e's higher core count helps with multitasking and handling more apps simultaneously, suiting users who run multiple apps at once.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S5e comes with 6 GB of RAM compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's 4 GB. More RAM helps keep apps open and responsive, so the Galaxy Tab S5e suits users who want smoother multitasking or run memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 is stocked with 32 GB storage, while the Galaxy Tab S5e offers 64 GB and 128 GB options. More storage on the S5e allows for more apps, photos, and files, suiting users who store a lot of media or apps locally.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and pixel density. These affect how much you see on screen and how sharp images look.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S5e has a larger 10.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 1600 x 2560 resolution, providing more viewing space ideal for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 1536 x 2048 resolution, suiting users who prefer a smaller, more portable display.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S5e has a pixel density of 290 ppi compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's 270 ppi. A higher pixel density means slightly sharper images and text, which benefits users focused on detail like reading or photo viewing.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording, which affect how you capture images and enjoy media.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy Tab S5e has an 8 megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera. The higher resolution on the S5e is better for clearer selfies and video calls.
Rear Camera and Video
Both tablets share a 13 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 30 FPS. This means either device can capture detailed photos and smooth video footage for everyday photography.
Speakers
Both tablets feature stereo speakers with four speakers each, providing balanced sound for media playback and video calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical dimensions, and ports. These affect how you connect accessories and carry the device.
Bluetooth and Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S5e supports Bluetooth 5.0 and is unlocked for carrier use, suitable for users wanting more modern connectivity and cellular options. The Galaxy Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and does not have a SIM port, fitting those who only need Wi-Fi.
Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for users with standard headphones. The Galaxy Tab S5e uses USB Type-C for headphones, which fits users with USB-C audio or adapters.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S5e is thinner at 5.5 mm and lighter at 400 g, while the Galaxy Tab S3 is 6 mm thick and weighs 426 g. The S5e is easier to hold for longer periods and more pocketable despite its larger screen.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy Tab S3 measures 237.3 mm in height and 169 mm in width, compared to the Galaxy Tab S5e which is 245 mm high and 160 mm wide. The S5e has a taller but narrower design, which may affect how it fits in bags or hands.
Connector Types
The Galaxy Tab S3 has both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the Galaxy Tab S5e offers USB Type-C only. This influences the types of accessories users can connect directly.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
Height
Megapixels
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) or Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £85.50, £17.56 less than the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (7040 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers generally appreciate the Galaxy Tab S3 for its like-new condition and smooth performance. Users report it is reliable for browsing and streaming, with good battery life lasting a full day of use. Some note minor marks or scratches that do not affect use. A common point is the absence of an included S-Pen, which some buyers expected and had to purchase separately.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S5e highlight its spotless condition and feeling like a new device. Customers value its Wi-Fi 5 connectivity for improved speeds and note the tablet is thin, light, and easy to handle. The 64 GB and 128 GB storage options are welcomed. Some mention minor screen scratches and initial concerns about battery life, but overall satisfaction is high.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits buyers looking for a compact, dependable tablet with solid everyday use. The Galaxy Tab S5e fits those who want a larger screen, more memory, and improved connectivity options. Both receive praise for condition and value.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019). The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) is cheaper refurbished, from £85.50 compared with £103.06 for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017).
The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) has a bigger battery: 7040 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (7040 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.5 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £17.56 less (from £85.50 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S5e (10.5", 2019) in 64GB and 128GB.
