Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
Starting at
£474.38£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £371.32 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.3 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 and the iPad mini 7 serve different users with distinct needs. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen and stereo speakers with four speakers, making it suitable for media enjoyment and entertainment. The iPad mini 7 has a smaller 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with higher pixel density, newer iPadOS support, and more RAM, which suits users wanting more power and longer software support. It offers multiple storage options and unlocked carrier compatibility, appealing to those who want a compact but capable device with better cameras and Wi-Fi 6. Choose the Galaxy Tab S3 if you want a larger screen and stereo sound, choose the iPad mini 7 if you want newer software, faster performance, and a lighter device.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how each tablet handles software updates and operating system support. This affects how long the device stays current and secure.
Operating System Support
This suits users comfortable with a simpler, stable Android experience without ongoing feature updates.
Touch And Year Of Release
Both tablets have touchscreens for easy interaction. The Galaxy Tab S3 was released in 2017, while the iPad mini 7 came out in 2024.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) performance
Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage options available. These affect 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. This setup suits everyday tasks like browsing and streaming. The iPad mini 7 features the Apple A17 Pro processor with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps apps running smoothly and supports more demanding workloads or multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 is stocked with 32 GB of storage, which is suitable for basic use and some media. The iPad mini 7 offers 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options, catering to users who need more space for apps, files, and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) screen
Screen quality impacts how vibrant and sharp content appears, as well as how much space you have to work or watch on.
Screen Size And Type
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a larger 9.7 inch Super AMOLED screen, offering more room for video and reading. The iPad mini 7 features a smaller 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display, which is more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Resolution And Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a resolution of 1536 by 2048 with 270 pixels per inch, providing clear visuals suitable for most uses. The iPad mini 7 has a higher pixel density of 326 ppi and a resolution of 2266 by 1488, making images and text appear sharper and crisper.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a glass front, which can affect the feel and durability of the screen surface. The iPad mini 7 has a standard display glass.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities, important for video calls, photography, and media playback.
Camera Definitions
The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 5 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera, suitable for clear photos and video calls. The iPad mini 7 offers a 12 MP front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video chats, and a 12 MP rear camera.
Speakers And Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes stereo speakers with four speakers, providing a richer audio experience for videos and music. It can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second. The iPad mini 7 has stereo speakers designed for landscape use and records video at 1080p 30 frames per second, which supports smooth Full HD video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size, and physical characteristics that affect how you use and carry the tablet.
Connectivity And SIM Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and offers a USB Type-C port plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It does not have a SIM port. The iPad mini 7 supports Bluetooth 5.3, has a USB Type-C connector, and features unlocked carrier compatibility with double SIM support, including eSIM.
Dimensions 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 mini 7 is smaller at 195.4 mm height, 134.8 mm width, and 6.3 mm depth, weighing 293 g, making it lighter and more portable.
Wi-Fi And Refresh Rate
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad mini 7 offers Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. Neither device has a 120 Hz screen refresh rate.
Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio. The iPad mini 7 uses USB Type-C for headphone connectivity.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Megapixels
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) or iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £371.32 less than the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)
- you want a bigger screen (9.7 inch vs 8.3 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a lighter build (293 g vs 426 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Tab S3 often praise its condition and performance for browsing and streaming. Many say it looks like new and offers good value for the price. The larger screen and four stereo speakers appeal to those who enjoy media. Some customers note the absence of a stylus in their purchase, which they found important for writing or drawing. Overall, users find the tablet reliable and smooth with multiple apps.
Buyers of the iPad mini 7 highlight its like-new condition, with some noting the battery health is at 100% and that it has only been charged a few times. The device is described as quick and responsive, fitting well between a phone and larger laptop. Many appreciate the compact size and excellent screen quality. The model is often chosen for its performance and software updates, with customers recommending it for everyday use and multitasking.
The Galaxy Tab S3 suits people wanting a larger screen and good audio for media consumption, while the iPad mini 7 fits those who want a lighter device with more power, sharper display, and longer software support.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has a bigger screen: 9.7 inch vs 8.3 inch.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £474.38 for the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series) in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.









