Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £213.18 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
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- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and iPad Air 5 differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy Tab S3 offers a smaller 9.7 inch Super AMOLED display with higher pixel density, stereo sound from four speakers, and a headphone jack for wired audio. It runs Android 9.0 and has 4 GB RAM, making it suitable for everyday use and media consumption at a lower price point. The iPad Air 5 features a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution, an Apple M1 processor with 8 GB RAM for more demanding apps, and supports iPadOS 18. Its camera system and video recording are tailored for clearer photos and smoother 4K video. It also includes Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 for better wireless connectivity. Choose the Galaxy Tab S3 if you prefer a smaller screen and traditional audio ports. The iPad Air 5 fits users who want stronger performance and a more versatile display.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability includes the operating system support and release year, which affect how long the device can stay updated and secure.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports up to Android 9.0, which suits users who want a familiar Android experience with basic app compatibility. The iPad Air 5 runs iPadOS 18, offering extended software updates and security patches, which benefits users looking for longer-term support and access to newer iPad features.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab S3 was released in 2017, and the iPad Air 5 came out in 2022.
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance covers the processor, memory, and storage options, which impact how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light app use. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip with 8 GB RAM, providing more power for demanding apps, multitasking, and creative work such as photo editing or note-taking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 is available with 32 GB of storage, which fits users who primarily stream content or use cloud storage. The iPad Air 5 offers larger storage options with 64 GB and 256 GB, giving users more space for apps, media, and files, which is useful for productivity and media-heavy tasks.
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, pixel density, and display type shaping your visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1536 by 2048, while the iPad Air 5 offers a larger 10.9 inch display with a higher resolution of 2360 by 1640. Users who prefer a bigger viewing area for reading, watching videos, or multitasking may find the iPad Air 5 more comfortable.
Display Type and Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses a Super AMOLED screen with a pixel density of 270 pixels per inch, delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPad Air 5 has a Liquid Retina display with 264 pixels per inch, which provides accurate colours and sharp text. Those who value deep contrast might prefer the Super AMOLED, while others may appreciate the balance of the Liquid Retina.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S3 specifies a glass front, which offers a durable touch surface. The iPad Air 5 has a standard display glass, supporting its touchscreen functions comfortably.
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities, which matter if you use your device for photography, video calls, or media playback.
Camera Definitions
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 MP front camera and a 13 megapixel rear camera, suitable for video calls and decent photo quality. The iPad Air 5 offers a higher resolution 12 MP front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera, which supports sharper selfies and video calls.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab S3 features four stereo speakers, providing immersive sound that benefits watching videos and gaming. The iPad Air 5 includes stereo speakers as well, delivering clear audio for everyday media use.
Video Recording
Both devices support 4K video recording, but the Galaxy Tab S3 records at 30 frames per second, while the iPad Air 5 records at 60 frames per second. The higher frame rate on the iPad Air 5 offers smoother video capture, which is beneficial for recording motion or high-quality clips.
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and ports that affect how you use the tablet daily and connect accessories.
Wireless Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, suitable for general wireless use. The iPad Air 5 has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which provide faster and more stable wireless connections for compatible devices and networks.
Ports and Audio
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing you to use traditional wired headphones without adapters. The iPad Air 5 has a USB-C port only, so headphones connect via USB Type-C or wirelessly.
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. The iPad Air 5 is slightly larger and heavier at 247.6 mm height, 178.5 mm width, 6.1 mm depth, and 462 g weight. Users who prioritise lighter or more compact tablets might prefer the Galaxy Tab S3.
SIM and Carrier
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes without a SIM port, meaning it is designed for Wi-Fi use only. The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and supports Nano SIM, which suits users who want mobile data access on the go.
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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £213.18 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 462 g)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab S3 often mention it looks like new and runs smoothly for browsing and streaming. Many appreciate the solid battery life and clear screen, with some noting minor marks or slow charging. Several customers noticed the absence of a stylus despite product images showing one, which meant buying a replacement. Overall, users find it great value for everyday tasks, with reliable performance for multiple apps.
The iPad Air 5 receives praise for its like-new condition, fast and smooth performance thanks to the M1 chip, and excellent screen quality. Customers enjoy the sharp Liquid Retina display and stable Wi-Fi. Some mention the importance of buying the Apple Pencil separately for note-taking or drawing. A few buyers noted issues with specific regional restrictions on AI and FaceTime features, but most find the device excellent for productivity and media. Battery life is described as good, with some expecting typical Apple device drain.
In summary, the Galaxy Tab S3 suits those who want a smaller, solid tablet mainly for streaming and casual use, while the iPad Air 5 fits users needing stronger performance, a larger screen, and more storage for work or creative tasks.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 9.7 inch.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
