Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
Starting at
£408.76£1,060.32 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £305.70 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
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 SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8400 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a compact 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and enough power for everyday apps with 4 GB RAM and Snapdragon 820. It is suited to users who want a smaller tablet with basic storage and Android 9.0. The Galaxy Tab S9 features a larger 11.0 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12 GB RAM, supporting Android 13. It is designed for users who want a bigger display, more memory, and newer software compatibility. Storage options also differ, with the Tab S3 stocked in 32 GB and the Tab S9 in 128 GB or 256 GB. The Tab S9 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, while the Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and software updates, both of which affect how long the device lasts daily and over time. The Galaxy Tab S9 supports newer Android versions and has a larger battery capacity than the Galaxy Tab S3.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery which suits users who need a tablet for standard daily use. The Galaxy Tab S9 has an 8400 mAh battery, offering longer usage between charges which benefits those who use their tablet extensively without frequent access to charging.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) performance
Performance determines how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking the device can handle. The Galaxy Tab S9 features a more advanced chipset, more RAM, and larger storage options than the Galaxy Tab S3.
Processor Speed and Cores
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz, suitable for everyday tasks and media. The Galaxy Tab S9 uses a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8 cores at 3.36 GHz, providing higher performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB RAM and storage options of 32 GB or 128 GB, supporting basic app use and moderate storage needs. The Galaxy Tab S9 offers 12 GB RAM and storage of 128 GB or 256 GB, allowing more apps to run simultaneously and more space for files and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience, size, and durability. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a larger and slightly sharper screen with a more advanced display type and stronger glass.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 by 2048 pixels, giving a pixel density of 270 ppp. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a larger 11.0 inch screen with a resolution of 1600 by 2560 pixels and a pixel density of 280 ppp, offering more screen space and slightly sharper images.
Display Type and Glass
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED display with glass front, suitable for vibrant colours and contrast. The Galaxy Tab S9 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which provides a similar type of vibrant display with additional protection against scratches and damage.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording, which affect communication and media capture. Both tablets have similar rear cameras and speakers, but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for general video calls and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a higher resolution 12 megapixel front camera, better for clearer video calls and detailed selfies.
Rear Camera and Recording
Both tablets offer a 13 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, making them capable for capturing photos and high-definition videos. Both have stereo speakers with 4 speakers in total, providing good audio for media and calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) size and design
Other features vary in connectivity, design, and extras, affecting convenience and usability. The Galaxy Tab S9 introduces newer technologies such as higher refresh rate screen and updated wireless standards.
Screen Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S9 supports a 120hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not support this feature, which suits users who are comfortable with standard screen refresh rates.
Connectivity Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The Galaxy Tab S9 offers Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, providing faster and more reliable wireless connections that benefit users with newer routers and accessories.
Headphone Jack and Ports
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack alongside USB Type-C, allowing wired headphone use without adapters. The Galaxy Tab S9 has USB Type-C only and no 3.5 mm jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are needed.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 measures 237.3 mm in height, 169 mm in width, and 6 mm in depth, weighing 426 g, making it lighter and smaller. The Galaxy Tab S9 is 254.3 mm tall, 165.8 mm wide, 5.9 mm deep, and weighs 498 g, offering a larger screen in a slightly heavier and taller frame.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have a SIM port. The Galaxy Tab S9 is unlocked and supports Nano SIM and eSIM, allowing mobile network use where available.
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 S9 (11.0", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £305.70 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 498 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (8400 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab S3 looks like new and is reliable for browsing, streaming, and running multiple apps smoothly. Battery life is described as impressive for a full day of use. Some customers noted that the tablet did not come with a stylus despite pictures suggesting otherwise, which led them to buy a replacement pen separately. The screen may show minor scratches but these do not affect use. Overall, the Tab S3 is seen as a good value for everyday tasks and media consumption.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S9 highlight its excellent condition and large screen, which is appreciated for watching video content. Customers report the tablet feels like new, with good performance and no problems running apps. Some mention the S Pen was included and working, while others had to troubleshoot it. The device's size and quality are noted positively, though a few customers mentioned marks or missing chargers. The Tab S9 is seen as a significant step up in quality and capability for those wanting a larger, more powerful device.
Both tablets suit different needs: the Galaxy Tab S3 fits users who want a smaller, capable tablet for everyday use, while the Galaxy Tab S9 is better for those who want a larger screen, more power, and newer software support.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £408.76 for the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8400 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8400 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (11.0 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £305.70 more (from £408.76 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.
