Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Starting at
£602.02£954.94 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £498.96 less than the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 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+ (12.4", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger battery: 10090 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ differ in size, power, and features, suiting different needs. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a smaller 9.7 inch screen and 4 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming. The Galaxy Tab S9+ offers a larger 12.4 inch screen with a higher resolution and 12 GB of RAM, ideal for multitasking and detailed work. The Galaxy Tab S9+ supports newer Android versions and has a larger battery for longer use between charges. If you want a compact tablet for simple use, the Galaxy Tab S3 fits well. For a roomier display, faster performance, and longer software support, the Galaxy Tab S9+ is a strong choice.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key to how long a tablet stays useful. The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ differ in battery size and operating system support, which affects daily use and future compatibility.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery, offering a day of typical use for everyday tasks. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a significantly larger 10090 mAh battery, which supports longer usage between charges. If you often use your tablet all day or prefer less frequent charging, the S9+ suits that need.
Operating System Support
If staying current with software is important, the S9+ is the better fit.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) performance
Processor power, memory, and storage determine how smoothly a tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ differ widely in these areas.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab S3 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 with 4 cores at 2.1500 GHz, suitable for everyday use and moderate multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9+ uses a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8 core at 3.36 GHz, providing greater speed and handling heavier multitasking or demanding apps more easily.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has 12 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open and supporting complex workflows. If you run many apps at once or use more resource-intensive programs, the S9+ offers better performance.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 is stocked with 32 GB of storage, enough for a moderate number of apps and files. The Galaxy Tab S9+ offers larger storage options at 256 GB and 512 GB, suited for storing more media, apps, and documents without needing external storage.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) screen
Screen size, resolution, and panel type affect how much you see and the quality of visuals. Both tablets have the same pixel density but differ in size and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048, providing a sharp display for reading and video. The Galaxy Tab S9+ features a larger 12.4 inch screen at 1752 x 2800 resolution, offering more room for multitasking and detailed content, making it suitable for users who prefer a spacious display.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen, while the Galaxy Tab S9+ features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. Both provide vibrant colours and deep blacks, but the Dynamic AMOLED 2X in the S9+ supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which smooths motion for video and scrolling. The S3 screen refreshes at a standard rate.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) camera
Camera and speaker quality influence video calls and media consumption. The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ share some features but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and casual selfies. The Galaxy Tab S9+ offers a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and clarity for video conferencing or self-portraits, which can benefit users who prioritise webcam quality.
Main Camera and Speakers
Both tablets have a 13 megapixel main camera, capable of standard photos and document scanning. They each have stereo speakers with 4 speakers total, supporting good audio for video and music. Both include a webcam, enabling 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 S9+ (12.4", 2023) size and design
Other features like refresh rate, connectors, size, weight, and stylus support affect everyday handling and compatibility. The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9+ differ in several of these details.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S9+ supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother. The Galaxy Tab S3 does not have this feature, which suits users who prioritise fluid screen movement.
Connectors
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a USB Type-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing wired headphone use without adapters. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has only a USB Type-C connector, which may require adapters for wired headphones.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 measures 237.3 mm in height, 169 mm wide, and 6 mm deep, weighing 426 g, making it lighter and more compact. The Galaxy Tab S9+ is larger at 285.4 mm in height, 185.4 mm wide, and 5.7 mm deep, weighing 700 g, offering a bigger display but a heavier device to carry.
Stylus Support
Both tablets support a stylus pen, which is useful for note-taking, drawing, and precise input. Stylus use enhances productivity for users who prefer handwriting or creative work.
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+ (12.4", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £498.96 less than the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 700 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (10090 mAh vs 6000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Tab S3 appreciate its condition and value for everyday use like browsing and streaming. Many mention the tablet looks like new, with only minor marks that do not interfere with performance. The battery life is praised for lasting through a day of use. Several customers note the tablet does not come with a stylus pen included, which they found inconvenient but manageable by purchasing one separately. The tablet handles multiple apps smoothly, making it suitable for general tasks and media consumption.
Reviews for the Galaxy Tab S9+ highlight its like-new condition and excellent performance. Customers enjoy the large, sharp screen and fast multitasking with plenty of RAM. The stylus is included, and its writing feel receives positive comments, especially for note-taking and studying. Battery life supports long sessions such as lectures or extended use. Some mention faint scratches on certain devices but these do not affect usage. A few users note the tablet does not support SIM cards, which matters if mobile data is needed.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S3 suits customers wanting a lighter, smaller tablet for everyday activities with simpler needs. The Galaxy Tab S9+ appeals to users who want a larger screen, faster performance, more storage, and stylus included, especially for productivity and media use.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 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+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £602.02 for the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger battery: 10090 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (10090 mAh vs 6000 mAh) and a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 9.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £498.96 more (from £602.02 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023) in 256GB and 512GB.
