Considering a new Samsung tablet and torn between the latest and the still-capable? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S3, bringing a host of improvements designed to enhance productivity and entertainment.
This comparison dives deep into what sets these two powerful devices apart. We’ll explore the key differences in performance, display quality, and S Pen functionality, helping you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or just someone looking for a premium tablet experience, understanding the nuances between the Tab S4 and Tab S3 is crucial for making the right choice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | tab s4 | tab s3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 11-inch | 9.7-inch |
| Display Technology | AMOLED | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2048 x 1536 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB | 32GB/128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD up to 400GB) | Yes (microSD up to 256GB) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 2MP |
| Speakers | Quad stereo speakers tuned by AKG | Dual stereo speakers |
| Stylus Support | S Pen included | S Pen sold separately |
| Biometric Security | Fingerprint scanner, Face recognition | Fingerprint scanner |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Tab S4: 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. This offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it great for media consumption and drawing. The larger screen size is also a plus.
- Tab S3: 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. While still a great display with good color reproduction, it’s slightly smaller and has a lower resolution than the S4, which can be noticeable for detailed work.
- Winner: tab s4
Performance
- Tab S4: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB/6GB of RAM. This provides smooth multitasking and handles demanding apps and games with ease. It offers a noticeable performance upgrade over the S3.
- Tab S3: Features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. It’s still a capable performer for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but it can show its age with more intensive applications compared to the S4.
- Winner: tab s4
S Pen Support
- Tab S4: Supports the improved S Pen (included) with low latency and pressure sensitivity. The S Pen integration is seamless, and the larger screen provides more drawing and writing space.
- Tab S3: Also comes with an S Pen (included) offering good pressure sensitivity and responsiveness. It’s a solid tool for note-taking and basic drawing, but the S4’s S Pen feels slightly more refined and the larger display offers more canvas.
- Winner: tab s4
DeX Mode
- Tab S4: Features Samsung DeX, allowing for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor or used in its tablet form. This significantly enhances productivity for multitasking and using productivity apps.
- Tab S3: DeX mode is also available, but it requires a separate dock or adapter to connect to an external display. While functional, the implementation on the S4 is more streamlined and integrated.
- Winner: tab s4
Battery Life
- Tab S4: Equipped with a 7300 mAh battery. Combined with the efficient processor, it offers good all-day battery life for moderate usage, though heavy DeX or gaming can drain it faster.
- Tab S3: Has a 6000 mAh battery. It provides decent battery life for its time, but generally doesn’t last as long as the S4, especially under similar workloads.
- Winner: tab s4
Audio
- Tab S4: Features quad stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering immersive and rich audio. The sound quality is excellent for media playback and calls.
- Tab S3: Also boasts quad stereo speakers, tuned by AKG, offering good sound. While still impressive, the S4’s speakers might offer a slightly fuller and more dynamic sound profile.
- Winner: tab s4
Build Quality & Design
- Tab S4: Features a premium glass and metal build, with a more modern and bezel-less design. It feels sleek and high-end in hand, though the glass back can be a fingerprint magnet.
- Tab S3: Also sports a premium glass and metal construction, with a slightly more traditional design. It feels solid and well-built, but the bezels are more prominent than on the S4.
- Winner: tab s4
Connectivity & Ports
- Tab S4: Includes USB Type-C, a headphone jack, and microSD card support. It also offers faster Wi-Fi and optional LTE connectivity.
- Tab S3: Features USB Type-C, a headphone jack, and microSD card support. Its connectivity options are generally good, but the S4 benefits from newer Wi-Fi standards.
- Winner: tab s4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | tab s4 |
| Performance | tab s4 |
| Stylus Experience | tab s4 |
| Camera | tab s4 |
| Value for Money | tab s3 |
| Portability | tab s3 |
| Audio | tab s4 |
What They Have in Common
- Build Quality: Both tablets feature premium build materials, offering a solid and well-crafted feel in hand.
- Operating System: They both run on Android, providing a familiar and versatile user experience with access to the Google Play Store.
- Connectivity: Both devices offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless networking and accessory pairing.
- USB-C Port: A modern USB-C port is present on both for charging and data transfer, ensuring compatibility with newer accessories.
- Audio Jacks: Both tablets include a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for the use of traditional wired headphones.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Users can benefit from Samsung’s ecosystem of apps and services on both devices.
Tab S4 Vs Tab S3 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Tab S4 boasts a significant upgrade in performance with its Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive experience for demanding applications like gaming and video editing. While the Tab S3’s Snapdragon 820 is still capable for everyday tasks, the S4 offers a noticeable leap in raw power, ensuring it remains relevant for longer. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Display and Visual Experience
Both tablets feature stunning Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering an exceptional visual experience. The Tab S4 maintains the 10.5-inch screen size with a slightly adjusted aspect ratio (16:10) for a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching widescreen content. The Tab S3’s 9.7-inch display is still excellent, but the S4’s larger, more modern screen edge-to-edge design provides a more contemporary feel and better screen real estate.
Productivity and DeX Mode
A key differentiator is the Tab S4’s enhanced DeX mode, which transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor or used in its tablet form. This, coupled with the improved S Pen stylus and optional keyboard cover, makes the Tab S4 a much more compelling productivity device for users who need to get work done on the go. The Tab S3 has some multi-window capabilities but lacks the full DeX functionality.
Camera and Multimedia Capabilities
While tablets aren’t primarily camera devices, both the Tab S4 and Tab S3 offer decent camera setups for casual use. The Tab S4 features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, capable of capturing good quality photos and videos. The Tab S3 has a comparable 13MP rear and 5MP front camera. For media consumption, both excel with their high-resolution displays and strong audio performance, but the S4’s larger screen offers a slightly more engaging experience. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy tab s4 If…
- You need the absolute best performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
- You want a larger, more immersive display experience.
- You desire the latest stylus technology and an included S Pen.
- You prioritize superior camera capabilities for photos and video.
Buy tab s3 If…
- You’re looking for a capable tablet at a more accessible price point.
- A slightly smaller screen size is perfectly adequate for your needs.
- You don’t require the absolute top-tier processor performance.
- You are comfortable purchasing accessories like the S Pen separately if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance between the Tab S4 and Tab S3?
The Tab S4 is powered by a significantly more capable Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, offering a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness compared to the Tab S3’s Snapdragon 820. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a better experience with demanding applications and games. For everyday browsing and media consumption, both are good, but the S4 handles more intensive tasks with greater ease.
How does Samsung DeX on the Tab S4 compare to the Tab S3?
Samsung DeX is a major advantage for the Tab S4. It allows the tablet to offer a desktop-like interface when connected to an external display or even when used in its tablet mode. This provides a more productive environment for multitasking, document editing, and using productivity apps. The Tab S3 lacks this advanced DeX functionality, offering only basic multi-window capabilities.
Is the S Pen included with both tablets?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 and the Galaxy Tab S3 come bundled with their respective S Pen styluses. The S Pen offers enhanced precision for drawing, note-taking, and navigating the interface on both devices. However, the Tab S4’s S Pen experience is further enhanced by the DeX mode and the tablet’s overall improved performance, making it a more robust tool for creative and productive tasks. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which tablet has a better display?
Both tablets feature excellent Super AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Tab S4 has a slightly larger 10.5-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a more immersive viewing experience for movies and content. The Tab S3 has a 9.7-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. While both are high-quality, the S4’s larger, more modern display offers a subtle edge in visual immersion and screen real estate.
Which tablet is better for productivity?
The Tab S4 is generally considered the superior device for productivity due to its enhanced Samsung DeX mode, which provides a desktop-like experience. Combined with its more powerful processor, larger screen, and improved S Pen integration, it’s better equipped for multitasking, running demanding productivity applications, and replacing a laptop for certain tasks. The Tab S3 is capable, but lacks the advanced features that make the S4 a true productivity powerhouse.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 represents a significant evolution from the Tab S3, particularly in its enhanced DeX productivity features, more powerful processor, and larger, more immersive display. While the Tab S3 remains a capable tablet for media consumption and general use, the Tab S4 elevates the tablet experience for those seeking a device that can genuinely compete with laptops for productivity tasks. The S4’s modern design and superior performance make it the clear choice for most users.
Winner: Tab S4