Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)
Starting at
£537.57£1,520.38 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £434.51 less than the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022). The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) is the newer model, released in 2022.
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 SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022).
- The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) has a bigger battery: 11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is a compact tablet with a sharp 270 ppi Super AMOLED screen and enough power for everyday tasks, offering 4 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. Its lighter weight and inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack suit users who want portability and standard headphone connectivity. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) has a much larger 14.6 inch Super AMOLED screen with higher resolution, 16 GB RAM, and larger storage options, making it better for multitasking, media consumption, and detailed work. It supports Android 12 and Bluetooth 5.2 but does not have a headphone jack. Both tablets support stylus use, but the S8 Ultra has a more powerful processor and longer battery life for demanding use.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life and software support, essential for how long the tablet lasts in daily use and over time. The Galaxy Tab S3 and Tab S8 Ultra differ in battery capacity and operating system support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery that provides a decent runtime for everyday browsing and streaming. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers a 11200 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer usage between charges or who use more power-intensive apps.
Operating System Updates
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra supports Android 12, giving access to newer features and security improvements.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how well the tablet handles multitasking. RAM, storage, and processor details show clear differences between the two models.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab S3 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz, suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 with 8 cores at 3.00 GHz, offering more power for demanding apps, multitasking, and heavier workloads.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB storage, adequate for basic use and some media storage. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has 16 GB RAM and storage options from 128 GB to 512 GB, allowing you to keep more apps open and store larger files, which suits users with heavier multitasking or media needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) screen
Screen quality influences how images and videos appear and how much space you have for work or entertainment. Both devices use Super AMOLED technology but differ in size, resolution, and pixel density.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, ideal for compact use and easy portability. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers a significantly larger 14.6 inch screen with 1848 x 2960 pixels, providing a more immersive viewing experience and more workspace for apps.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S3's 270 ppi screen delivers sharp visuals on a smaller display, good for detailed text and images close up. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra's 240 ppi means individual pixels are slightly larger but spread over a much bigger display, which suits watching videos and using multiple apps side by side.
Display Protection
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing stronger protection against scratches and drops. The Galaxy Tab S3 has glass front protection, suitable for careful use.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video capabilities, important for communication, photography, and media playback.
Camera Quality
Both tablets have a 13 megapixel main camera, capable of capturing detailed photos. For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera that captures more detail than the Galaxy Tab S3's 5 megapixel front camera.
Video Recording
Both tablets support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, offering smoother video capture for users who need higher frame rates.
Speakers
Each tablet includes four stereo speakers, delivering balanced sound for music and video playback, suitable for media enjoyment without external speakers.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, design, and extras that affect everyday convenience and usage style.
Refresh Rate and Bluetooth
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing interaction fluidity. It also includes Bluetooth 5.2, offering improved wireless connections. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a standard refresh rate and Bluetooth 4.2.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 is compact and light at 237.3 mm tall, 169 mm wide, and 426 g in weight, making it easy to hold for long periods. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is much larger at 326.4 mm tall, 208.6 mm wide, and 3000 g, better suited for desk use or when screen space is a priority.
Connector and Headphones
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a USB Type-C port alongside a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for using wired headphones without an adapter. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers USB Type-C but does not have a 3.5 mm jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are needed.
Carrier and SIM
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM, which offers mobile connectivity options. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have a SIM port, focusing on Wi-Fi use.
Stylus Support
Both tablets support use with a stylus pencil, useful for drawing, note-taking, and precise navigation.
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 S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £434.51 less than the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 3000 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab S3 looks like new and offers smooth performance for browsing and streaming, with battery life lasting through a full day. Some mention small screen scratches that do not interfere with use. Several customers note that a stylus pen is not included, which required them to buy one separately. Overall, users appreciate the tablet's reliability and value for everyday tasks.
For the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, customers report near mint condition with smooth performance and a large, immersive screen ideal for watching TV shows. The battery life varies, with some expressing disappointment, though most find it good enough for their needs. The front camera quality is appreciated, and the device works well with a stylus pen, though some stylus issues are mentioned. Despite a few concerns about screen scratches or pen quality, users are generally pleased with the tablet's condition and power.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits those wanting a lighter, more portable device for basic use with standard headphone support, while the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra fits users who prefer a larger display, higher performance, and more storage for multitasking and media consumption.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022). The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £537.57 for the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022).
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) has a bigger battery: 11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (14.6 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £434.51 more (from £537.57 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (14.6", 2022) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.









