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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)

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Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)

Starting at

£103.06£599.00 new
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iPad mini 7 (2024, A17 series)

Starting at

£474.38£599.00 new
See options
(10 reviews)
(121 reviews)

What'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

£103.06£474.38

RAM

4 GB8 GB

Screen size

9.7 inch8.3 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina display

Weight

426 g293 g

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmUSB-C
  • 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

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

6000 mAhN/A

Maximum operating system supported

Android 9.0iPadOS 18

Software updates

N/ASupported, up to iPadOS 27

Year of release

20172024

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

Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)N/A

Processor

Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820Apple A17 Pro

Processor brand

QualcommN/A

Processor core

4N/A

Processor speed ghz

2.1500 GHzN/A

RAM

4 GB8 GB

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

N/A500 nits brightness

Display glass

Glass frontStandard display

Pixel density

270ppp326ppp

Refresh rate

N/A60 Hz

Resolution

1536 x 20482266 x 1488

Screen size

9.7 inch8.3 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDLiquid Retina display

True tone

N/AYes

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

5 megapixelsN/A

Front camera definition

5 MP12 megapixels

Main camera

13 megapixelsN/A

Rear camera definition

13 megapixels12 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Stereo speakers (landscape)

Video recording

4K 30FPS1080p 30 FPS

Webcam

YesN/A

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

NoNo

Apple pen compatible

N/ACompatible with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 5.3

Carrier compatibility

Without SIM PortUnlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmUSB-C

Depth

6 mm6.3 mm

Double sim

NoYes

Face

N/ANo

Generation number

N/A7

Headphones connectivity

3.5 mm headphone jackUSB Type-C

Height

237.3 mm195.4 mm

Lidar scanner

N/ANo

Megapixels

13N/A

Minimum system requirements mac

N/AmacOS High Sierra 10.13

Minimum system requirements windows

N/AWindows 10

Network

N/AWi-Fi + 5G

Promotion

N/ANo

Sim format

Nano SIMeSIM

Touch

YesYes

Weight

426 g293 g

Width

169 mm134.8 mm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

With stylus pencil

YesN/A

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.

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