Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)
Starting at
£607.44£1,501.24 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £504.38 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 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 Ultra (14.6", 2023).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has a bigger battery: 11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offer different experiences suited to different needs. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a smaller 9.7 inch screen with higher pixel density, making it good for compact, sharp viewing. It comes with 4 GB RAM and smaller storage options, fitting everyday use and lighter multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a much larger 14.6 inch screen with a higher resolution and a more advanced display type, ideal if you want more space for video and work. It also has a faster processor, more RAM, and larger storage options for demanding apps and multitasking. Choose the Tab S3 for portability and basic use, and the Tab S9 Ultra for power and a larger screen.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and software support, which affect how long the device lasts during use and how up to date its operating system can be. Both tablets run Android but differ in these areas.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 6000 mAh battery suitable for everyday use and moderate sessions away from power. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a larger 11200 mAh battery, providing extended use between charges, which suits heavier users or those needing longer battery life.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) performance
Performance affects how smoothly the tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. These devices differ significantly in processing power, memory, and storage options.
Processor Speed and Chipset
The Galaxy Tab S3 runs on a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset with a 2.1500 GHz processor speed, suitable for everyday tasks and basic multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra uses a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a faster 3.36 GHz processor, which supports more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
RAM Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S3 handles daily apps well and multitasking within lighter workloads. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has 12 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and running smoothly at the same time, ideal for professional use or heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes with 32 GB storage suitable for casual users with basic app and media storage needs. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB options, which is better for users who store large files, install many apps, or need more space for work and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. These two tablets differ in size, resolution, display technology, and glass protection.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2048, offering a compact and sharp display. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a much larger 14.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1848 x 2960, providing more space for watching videos or multitasking across apps.
Display Technology and Glass
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED screen with a pixel density of 270 ppp, delivering vivid colours and sharp detail in a smaller display. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Corning Gorilla Glass, which offers advanced display quality and durable screen protection, suited to users who want a premium viewing experience.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, which influence video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 megapixel front camera suitable for basic video calls and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and is better for higher quality video conferencing or selfies.
Main Camera and Video Recording
Both tablets share a 13 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, making them equally capable for photography and video capture.
Speakers
Each device comes with stereo speakers consisting of four speakers, providing balanced audio for media consumption 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 Ultra (14.6", 2023) size and design
Other features include refresh rate, connectivity, size, and weight, which affect user experience in various ways.
Refresh Rate and Bluetooth
The Galaxy Tab S3 has no 120 Hz refresh rate and uses Bluetooth 4.2, suitable for standard app use and wireless connections. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports 120 Hz, offering smoother scrolling and animations, and Bluetooth 5.3, which may provide improved wireless performance.
Connectivity and Ports
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack alongside USB Type-C, which works well for users with wired headphones. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra uses USB Type-C only for audio, reflecting a move towards wireless or USB-C headphones.
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 compact and portable. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is larger at 326.4 mm height, 208.6 mm width, and slightly slimmer at 5.5 mm depth. Its weight is listed as 129 g, which is unusual for a device of this size but may indicate a very lightweight design.
Carrier and SIM
The Galaxy Tab S3 is without SIM port and used with Wi-Fi only. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is unlocked and supports Nano-SIM plus eSIM on cellular models, providing flexible options for mobile connectivity.
Wi-Fi Technology
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, suitable for common wireless networks. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering potentially faster and more efficient wireless connections on compatible networks.
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 Ultra (14.6", 2023): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £504.38 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 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 of the Galaxy Tab S3 appreciate its like-new condition and good value, noting the tablet is reliable for browsing, streaming, and smooth performance with multiple apps open. Some customers mention it has minor marks or small scratches that do not affect use. Several reviews mention the absence of an S-Pen despite expectations, but overall users find it suitable for everyday tasks. Battery life is noted as impressive enough for a full day of use.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra customers consistently highlight the tablet's excellent condition, with many saying it looks brand new and free from defects. The display receives praise for its quality, and performance is described as smooth. Several users comment positively on the battery life lasting longer than expected. The stylus is present, though one customer noted minor wear on the pen nib. The overall impression is of a powerful and well-maintained device.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits buyers looking for a compact tablet for everyday use with solid performance and good battery life in a smaller form. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is aimed at those who want a larger screen, more power, and advanced features for multitasking, media, and productivity.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 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 Ultra (14.6", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £607.44 for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023).
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) has a bigger battery: 11200 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 13 megapixels.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) adds more RAM (12 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 £504.38 more (from £607.44 vs £103.06).
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
