Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
Starting at
£368.17£606.86 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £265.11 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 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), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 from 2017 and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE from 2023 differ in screen size, performance, battery, and camera features. The S3 offers a 9.7 inch Super AMOLED display with a higher pixel density, suited for users who prefer vivid colours in a more compact form. The S9 FE has a larger 10.9 inch IPS LCD screen with a higher resolution, better for those who want a bigger workspace or media view. Performance-wise, the S9 FE has a more powerful 8-core processor and 6 GB of RAM, ideal for multitasking and newer apps. Battery capacity is larger on the S9 FE, supporting longer use between charges. The S3 has higher megapixels on its rear camera, while the S9 FE focuses on a sharper front camera for video calls and selfies. Each tablet suits different preferences depending on screen size, performance needs, and camera use.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life and software support which affect how long a tablet remains useful and up to date. These two devices vary notably in these areas.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, which is suitable for everyday tasks through a typical day. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers an 8000 mAh battery, providing longer usage between charges and appealing to users who need extended screen time without frequent recharging.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) performance
Performance influences how smoothly apps run and how well multitasking works. These tablets differ in processor power, memory, and storage options.
Processor and Cores
The Galaxy Tab S3 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz, delivering solid performance for everyday use. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an Exynos 1380 with 8 cores at 2.4 GHz, which benefits users running multiple apps or more demanding software.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and stock 32 GB storage, which suits basic app use and storage needs. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers 6 GB of RAM and larger storage options from 128 GB to 256 GB, allowing more apps to stay open and more files to be stored locally, suitable for heavier users.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and visual experience. Differences include size, resolution, screen type, and pixel density.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, ideal for users who prioritise display quality in a compact size. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a larger 10.9 inch IPS LCD screen, which offers a wider viewing area, benefiting those who want more space for reading, drawing, or watching videos.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a resolution of 1536 x 2048 with a pixel density of 270 ppi, providing sharp details on a smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a resolution of 1440 x 2304 and a pixel density of 250 ppi, which means it has more pixels overall but slightly less sharpness per inch, balancing clarity with a larger screen.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras and speakers, which matter for calls, video, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera, sufficient for basic video calls and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE upgrades to a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detailed images and sharper video, suited to users valuing clearer video conferencing or self-portraits.
Rear Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a 13 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail for photos compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE's 8 megapixel rear camera. This suits users who take more photos or videos with the tablet's rear camera.
Speakers and Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab S3 has four stereo speakers, enhancing audio richness, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE has stereo speakers. Both support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, good for high-quality video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) size and design
Other features include connection ports, device size, and wireless technology which affect convenience and compatibility.
Bluetooth and Wifi
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, supporting common wireless connections. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, offering improved wireless speeds and connectivity for compatible devices.
Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, convenient for standard wired headphones. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE uses USB Type-C for headphones, which suits users with USB-C headphones or adapters.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy Tab S3 measures 237.3 mm in height, 169 mm in width, and 6 mm in depth, weighing 426 g, making it compact and lightweight. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is larger at 254.3 mm height, 165.8 mm width, and 6.5 mm depth. Weight data for the S9 FE appears incorrect, so weight comparison is not possible.
Stylus and SIM Options
Both tablets support a stylus. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have a SIM port, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports double SIM, offering more flexibility for mobile connectivity.
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 FE (10.9", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £265.11 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) 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 (10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy Tab S3 looks like new and offers good value for money. They highlight smooth performance with multiple apps open and impressive battery life lasting a full day. Some mention small screen scratches or missing stylus pens but generally find it reliable for browsing, streaming, and everyday use. The tablet suits users comfortable buying refurbished devices who want a compact screen and solid performance.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE receives praise for its like-new condition, strong battery, and good picture and sound quality. Some customers note a learning curve with the newer Android version and mention issues like missing stylus nibs or cigarette smell which required airing out. The larger screen and updated features appeal to those needing a modern tablet for work or study. Buyers appreciate the device for multitasking and media but some had expectations about SIM support that were not met.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S3 fits buyers seeking a smaller, simpler tablet with solid daily performance, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE suits users wanting a larger display, more power, and longer battery but who can manage newer software and connectivity options.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) on the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017), Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £368.17 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) has a bigger battery: 8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 8 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £265.11 more (from £368.17 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) in 128GB and 256GB.
