Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020)
Starting at
£213.40What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £110.34 less than the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) on the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020).
- The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S7 differ in screen size, performance, battery capacity, and some connectivity features. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a smaller 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen with a 6000 mAh battery, suited for users who want a compact tablet with good screen contrast. The Galaxy Tab S7 offers a larger 11.0 inch TFT LCD display with a faster 120Hz refresh rate, an 8000 mAh battery, more RAM and storage options, and a more powerful processor, making it suitable for those who need speed, multitasking, and extra screen space. Both run Android but support different maximum versions. Buyers should consider screen type and size, performance needs, and battery capacity when choosing between these tablets.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support. These features affect how long each tablet lasts on a charge and the maximum Android version it supports.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, which suits everyday use without heavy multitasking or gaming. The Galaxy Tab S7 has a larger 8000 mAh battery, which is better for longer use between charges, especially if you use more demanding apps or the bigger screen often.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports up to Android 9.0, while the Galaxy Tab S7 supports up to Android 13.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) performance
Performance differences affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking each tablet can handle. This section covers processor, RAM, and storage options.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores running at 2.1500 GHz. The Galaxy Tab S7 has a Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ with 8 cores at speeds of 3.09 GHz, 2.42 GHz, and 1.80 GHz. The S7 suits users who want faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB RAM and storage options of 32 GB or 128 GB, with 32 GB available from stock. The Galaxy Tab S7 offers 6 GB RAM and larger storage choices of 128 GB and 256 GB in stock, supporting more apps and files simultaneously.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience. Key differences include size, resolution, pixel density, display type, and refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with 1536 x 2048 resolution and 270 ppi pixel density, providing sharp images in a compact size. The Galaxy Tab S7 has a larger 11.0 inch screen with 1600 x 2560 resolution and 280 ppi pixel density, offering more room for work or media.
Display Type and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED display, which gives strong colour contrast and deep blacks, ideal for media lovers. The Galaxy Tab S7 uses a TFT LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, suitable for smoother scrolling and animations, which benefits gaming and fast-paced content.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) camera
Audiovisual features impact photo quality, video recording, and sound. Both tablets have multiple speakers and cameras but differ slightly in front camera resolution.
Cameras
Both tablets have 13 megapixel rear cameras capable of 4K 30FPS video recording. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy Tab S7 offers an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for video calls or selfies.
Speakers
Both tablets feature stereo speakers with four speakers in total, providing balanced sound for media playback.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) size and design
Miscellaneous differences include refresh rate, connectivity, size, and stylus support, which affect daily usability and accessory compatibility.
Screen Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S7 supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling smoother, which is noticeable in gaming and web browsing. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have this feature.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab S7 has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering improved wireless connectivity and potentially faster network speeds. The Galaxy Tab S3 provides Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
Ports and Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack alongside USB Type-C, allowing use of standard headphones without an adapter. The Galaxy Tab S7 uses USB Type-C for headphones, which may require compatible accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 is 237.3 mm tall, 169 mm wide, 6 mm deep and weighs 426 g, making it compact and lighter. The Galaxy Tab S7 is larger at 253.8 mm tall, 165.3 mm wide, 6.3 mm deep and weighs 500 g, offering more screen space at a small increase in size and weight.
Stylus Compatibility
Both devices support stylus input, making them suitable for drawing or note-taking.
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 S3 (9.7", 2017) or Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £110.34 less than the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 500 g)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab S3 often praise its condition and smooth performance with everyday tasks like browsing and streaming. Battery life meets daily needs well. Some mention the absence of a stylus despite pictures suggesting one, and a few note minor screen scratches or marks that do not affect use.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S7 highlight its performance and smooth operation with apps and multitasking. The larger screen size is appreciated for media and productivity. Battery life generally lasts a full day, though some charge nightly for safety. A few customers experienced issues with device condition or software versions, but many describe their tablets as working perfectly or better than expected.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits users wanting a smaller, lighter tablet for everyday use with solid battery life. The Galaxy Tab S7 is better for those who value a larger screen, faster performance, and more storage for demanding tasks.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) on the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020). The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £213.40 for the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020).
The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £110.34 more (from £213.40 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S7 (11.0", 2020) in 128GB and 256GB.
