Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017)
Starting at
£103.06£599.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) starts at £103.06, £818.05 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 9.7 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) differ in many ways that suit different users. The Galaxy Tab S3 is smaller with a Super AMOLED screen and runs Android, making it suitable for everyday use, browsing, and media on a compact device. The iPad Pro offers a much larger Ultra Retina XDR display, higher processor speeds, and more memory, fitting those who want power for demanding apps and multitasking. Camera and video features on the iPad Pro are more advanced. The Galaxy Tab S3 includes a headphone jack and touch input. The iPad Pro is heavier and uses USB Type-C for headphones, appealing to users who prioritise screen size and performance.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates, operating systems, and release years, which affect how long your device stays current and the environment it runs in.
Operating System
The Galaxy Tab S3 runs Android, which offers a wide range of apps and customisation options. The iPad Pro uses iPadOS, designed for smooth multitasking and optimised for Apple hardware. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer and the apps you need.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
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Year of release
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance defines how well a device handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs, important for everyday use or demanding work.
Processor Speed and Power
The iPad Pro has a dual-speed Apple M5 processor clocking up to 4.6 GHz, which is significantly faster than the Galaxy Tab S3's 2.1500 GHz Snapdragon 820. This suits users running intensive apps or multitasking heavily. The Galaxy Tab S3's Snapdragon processor is suitable for everyday tasks and lighter multitasking.
Memory and Multitasking
With 12 GB of RAM, the iPad Pro can keep many apps open smoothly and handle demanding workflows. The Galaxy Tab S3 has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday browsing, streaming, and moderate multitasking but less suited for heavy app use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S3 comes in 32 GB and 128 GB variants. We stock the 32 GB model, which fits basic storage needs like apps and media. The iPad Pro offers much larger storage options from 256 GB up to 2 TB, ideal if you use large files or many apps.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how vibrant and comfortable your viewing experience is, whether for reading, watching videos, or creative work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Pro has a 13 inch display with a resolution of 2752 x 2064, offering a much larger and sharper viewing area. This suits users who want more screen space for multitasking, drawing, or watching video. The Galaxy Tab S3's 9.7 inch screen with 1536 x 2048 resolution is more compact and portable, ideal for casual use.
Screen Type and Glass
The Galaxy Tab S3 features a Super AMOLED screen with a glass front, known for good contrast and vibrant colours, useful for media consumption. The iPad Pro uses an Ultra Retina XDR display with a standard display glass, which delivers high brightness and detailed colour accuracy for professional and general use.
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features impact your experience with photos, video calls, and media playback, important if you use your device for creative or communication tasks.
Camera Quality
The iPad Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for video calls and selfies compared to the Galaxy Tab S3's 5 MP front camera. The Galaxy Tab S3 has a 13 megapixel rear camera, while the iPad Pro's rear camera is 12 megapixels. This means the Galaxy Tab S3 may capture slightly higher detail in rear photos.
Video Recording and Speakers
Video recording on the iPad Pro supports 4K at 60FPS, which is smoother and better for high-quality video capture than the Galaxy Tab S3's 4K at 30FPS. Both devices have four speakers for stereo sound, offering immersive audio for watching video or listening to music.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Other differences include connectors, headphone options, touch input, and device weight, which affect everyday handling and accessory choices.
Connectors and Headphones
The Galaxy Tab S3 includes both USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing traditional wired headphones without adapters. The iPad Pro uses USB Type-C for charging and headphones, which may require USB-C compatible accessories.
Touch Input
The Galaxy Tab S3 supports touch input, allowing finger interaction for navigation and drawing. The iPad Pro does not list touch input in the specs provided.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab S3 weighs 426 g, making it lighter and easier to hold for long periods. The iPad Pro weighs 579 g, which adds some heft but corresponds with its larger size and screen.
120hz
Bluetooth version
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Double sim
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Lidar scanner
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Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £103.06, £818.05 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (426 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 9.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) often highlight its like-new condition and good price. Many mention the absence of the S-Pen stylus that was expected, which some had to purchase separately. The device is praised for smooth performance with multiple apps, reliable battery life lasting a full day, and good value for streaming and browsing. Some customers note minor scratches on the screen or body that do not affect use.
The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) receives praise for its excellent condition, with many customers noting it looks and feels like new with minimal signs of use. Battery health is often reported at 100 percent with very few charge cycles, indicating long battery life. Users appreciate the smooth app performance and large storage options. Some mention small scratches easily covered by screen protectors. The iPad Pro is seen as a powerful, premium device that runs apps quickly and has a bright, clear screen.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S3 suits buyers seeking a lighter, smaller tablet for everyday tasks and media, while the iPad Pro is ideal for those wanting a larger screen, higher performance, and more storage for demanding apps and multitasking.
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 9.7 inch.
The Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £103.06 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7", 2017) comes in 32GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
