Is The Acer Iconia A3 A20 Still A Decent Tablet Or Is The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 The Better Buy

In an era dominated by high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and long-term software support, revisiting budget tablets from the early 2010s might seem like nostalgia. Yet for users on tight budgets, those needing a secondary device for basic tasks, or parents looking for a durable screen for kids, older models like the Acer Iconia A3 A20 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 remain relevant. Both devices launched around 2014 with similar price points and specs, but how do they stack up today? More importantly, if you're considering buying one secondhand, which offers better real-world usability?

This comparison dives deep into performance, software, durability, and practical use cases to determine whether either tablet still qualifies as a \"decent\" buy — and if so, which one pulls ahead.

Hardware and Performance: A Tale of Two Budget Tablets

The Acer Iconia A3 A20 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7-inch model) were designed for entry-level users. They both feature 7-inch screens, quad-core processors, and modest RAM, but there are subtle differences that impact daily use.

Feature	Acer Iconia A3 A20	Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7\")
Display	7\" IPS LCD, 1024x600	7\" PLS LCD, 1024x600
Processor	MediaTek MT8121 (1.3GHz quad-core)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (1.2GHz quad-core)
RAM	1GB	1.5GB
Storage	8GB (expandable via microSD)	8GB or 16GB (expandable)
OS at Launch	Android 4.4 KitKat	Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Battery	3640 mAh	4000 mAh
Weight	300g	276g

On paper, the Galaxy Tab 4 has a slight edge with more RAM and a marginally larger battery. The extra 512MB of RAM may not sound like much, but in Android’s memory management system of that era, it often meant smoother multitasking and fewer app reloads. The Snapdragon 400 also proved more reliable than MediaTek’s offerings in terms of thermal stability and driver support.

Tip: If buying used, check for swollen batteries or unresponsive touchscreens — common issues after a decade of use.

Software Experience and App Compatibility

This is where both tablets face their biggest challenge. Neither device received updates beyond Android 5.1 Lollipop, and many modern apps now require Android 6.0 or higher. Google Play Store may install, but services like YouTube, Gmail, and banking apps either run poorly or refuse to launch.

As of 2024, the average Android version among active devices is Android 11 or higher. Apps are optimized for faster processors, higher resolutions, and newer APIs. On these tablets, even lightweight versions like YouTube Go (discontinued) or Facebook Lite struggle with buffering and crashes.

“Legacy devices become functionally obsolete long before they physically fail. It's not about hardware; it's about ecosystem support.” — David Lin, Mobile Software Analyst at TechTrends

Users will likely need to sideload APKs from third-party sources, which introduces security risks. Neither tablet supports Google Play Protect or regular security patches, making them vulnerable to malware if connected to public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks.

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Tablet Still Be Useful?

To test practicality, consider a realistic scenario:

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Kids’ Learning Tablet

Maria, a mother of two, bought a used Galaxy Tab 4 for $25 to keep her children occupied during commutes. She loaded it with offline educational games, pre-downloaded videos, and a local ebook reader. With parental controls enabled via a third-party launcher, the tablet became a distraction-free zone for her 6-year-old.

She disabled Wi-Fi when not in use, avoided app stores, and charged it only when below 20%. After six months, the device still functions — slowly, but reliably — for its limited purpose. She wouldn’t trust it for email or browsing, but as a digital coloring book and story player, it works.

This highlights a key truth: neither the Acer nor the Samsung is suitable as a primary device in 2024. But as dedicated offline tools — for reading, music playback, or kid-safe media — they can still serve a role.

Which One Should You Buy? A Decision Checklist

If you’re set on purchasing one of these tablets secondhand, follow this checklist to make a smart choice:

• Define your use case: Will it be used for web browsing, or just offline media?
• Check battery health: Swollen or degraded batteries are common; replace if needed.
• Verify storage expansion: Use a known-good microSD card to test compatibility.
• Test touchscreen responsiveness: Look for dead zones or ghost touches.
• Assess software: Can it run essential apps, even if outdated?
• Consider accessories: Does a protective case or stylus come with it?
• Compare prices: If both are under $30, go for the Galaxy Tab 4 for better build and RAM.

Longevity and Repairability: What Happens When They Break?

Both tablets suffer from aging components. Capacitors degrade, screens yellow, and charging ports loosen over time. Replacement parts are scarce, and official support ended years ago.

The Galaxy Tab 4 benefits from Samsung’s historically better service network and slightly more modular design. Some third-party repair shops still stock screens or batteries for popular Tab 4 models. The Acer, being less common, is harder to fix.

Additionally, Samsung’s inclusion of Knox security (even on older models) means factory resets are more reliable, reducing the risk of data leakage if reselling or repurposing.

Tip: Always perform a factory reset before using a secondhand tablet to remove previous user data and accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use either tablet for Zoom or Google Meet?

Technically, yes — if you sideload an older APK. However, performance will be poor. Audio may lag, video will freeze, and the front camera (0.3MP on both) produces barely usable images. Not recommended for regular video calls.

Is it safe to connect these tablets to my home Wi-Fi?

Potentially risky. Without security updates, they could become entry points for network attacks. Best practice: isolate them on a guest network or disable Wi-Fi entirely if used offline.

Are there modern alternatives under $50?

Yes. Refurbished Amazon Fire tablets (7th gen or later), especially with 1GB+ RAM, offer far better performance, updated software, and access to mainstream apps. They’re a smarter investment than decade-old Android devices.

Final Verdict: Is Either Tablet Worth Buying?

The Acer Iconia A3 A20 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 were solid budget options in 2014. Today, they are relics — but not entirely useless. The Galaxy Tab 4 edges out the Acer thanks to better hardware balance, slightly longer software support, and stronger build quality. If found in good condition and priced under $20, it could serve as a dedicated e-reader, kitchen recipe viewer, or child’s entertainment device.

The Acer isn’t a bad tablet per se, but its MediaTek chipset and 1GB RAM make it more prone to stuttering and app crashes. Unless it’s significantly cheaper or comes with accessories, the Samsung is the better pick.

Still, buyers should temper expectations. These aren't smartphones. They won’t run modern apps smoothly, browse the web efficiently, or last through a full day of heavy use. Their value lies in simplicity and single-purpose utility.

Conclusion: Make the Past Work for You — Wisely

Technology evolves fast, but not every task requires the latest gadget. While neither the Acer Iconia A3 A20 nor the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 qualifies as a “decent” tablet by today’s standards, they can still find a niche in low-demand environments. The key is knowing their limits and using them accordingly.

If you're drawn to these models for sentimental reasons, cost savings, or DIY projects, go ahead — but arm yourself with realistic expectations. For everyone else, spending a little more on a refurbished modern alternative will deliver far greater satisfaction.

🚀 Have experience reviving old tablets? Share your tips in the comments — your insight could help someone give new life to forgotten tech!