Is The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Still Any Good Or Should I Just Get An Ipad

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 launched in 2017 with premium features for its time: a vibrant AMOLED display, quad speakers, and support for the S Pen. Nearly seven years later, many users still rely on it for note-taking, media consumption, and light productivity. But in 2024, with rapid advancements in tablet technology, the question arises: is the Tab S3 still a viable device, or has it been outpaced by Apple’s iPad ecosystem?

This isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world usability, software longevity, app compatibility, and long-term value. Whether you're holding onto your Tab S3 or considering a switch, understanding where it stands today can help you make a smarter decision.

Performance and Hardware: How the Tab S3 Holds Up

The Tab S3 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, a high-end chip at the time, paired with 4GB of RAM and storage options of 32GB or 64GB (expandable via microSD). For basic tasks—reading, watching videos, browsing the web, or taking notes—it still performs adequately. The 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display remains one of its strongest assets, delivering deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast that rivals even some current mid-range tablets.

Its quad stereo speakers tuned by AKG offer rich audio, making it ideal for movies and music. The S Pen included with the device supports pressure sensitivity and low latency, which continues to work well for sketching and handwriting.

However, limitations are becoming more apparent. The Snapdragon 820 struggles with modern multitasking, especially when running newer versions of Android through custom ROMs (since official updates ended years ago). Apps like Chrome, Zoom, and Microsoft Office load slower than on current devices, and background processes often get terminated to preserve memory.

Tip: If you’re keeping the Tab S3, disable animations in Developer Options and uninstall bloatware to improve responsiveness.

Software Support and Security: The Real Achilles’ Heel

The most critical issue with the Tab S3 in 2024 is lack of official software support. It launched with Android 7 Nougat and received updates up to Android 9 Pie. Since then, no security patches have been issued by Samsung. This means known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, posing risks if you handle sensitive data or log into banking apps.

While the Android ecosystem allows for custom ROMs—such as LineageOS—that can bring newer versions of Android, this requires technical know-how, voids warranties (if applicable), and may introduce instability. Most average users won’t benefit from this route.

In contrast, iPads typically receive five to seven years of OS updates. An iPad Air from 2019 can still run iPadOS 17, with full app compatibility and security updates. This extended lifecycle gives Apple devices a significant advantage in longevity and safety.

“Security isn’t optional. Outdated devices become entry points for phishing and malware, especially when handling personal accounts.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Comparing Key Features: Tab S3 vs. Modern iPad

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Tab S3	iPad (9th Gen, 2021)
Release Year	2017	2021
Processor	Snapdragon 820	A13 Bionic
RAM	4GB	3GB
Display	9.7\" AMOLED (2048x1536)	10.2\" Retina LCD (2160x1620)
Stylus	S Pen (included)	Apple Pencil (1st gen, sold separately)
OS Updates	None since 2019	Up to iPadOS 17 (as of 2024)
Battery Life	~6–8 hours (aged battery)	~10 hours (new)
Current Price (used/refurb)	$80–$120	$250–$300

While the Tab S3 holds up visually and stylus-wise, the iPad wins decisively in software support, processor efficiency, and long-term reliability. The A13 chip, though older than current models, is still optimized for iPadOS and handles modern apps smoothly.

Real-World Use Case: Can the Tab S3 Still Be a Daily Driver?

Consider Sarah, a college student who’s used her Tab S3 since 2018 for lecture notes, reading PDFs, and streaming documentaries. She appreciates the AMOLED screen and the included S Pen, which she uses with OneNote and Samsung Notes. However, in early 2023, she started experiencing crashes in Google Classroom and sluggishness in Zoom calls. Her university’s new learning platform required a browser version incompatible with her outdated Chrome app.

She tried installing a lightweight browser and using Firefox Focus, but login sessions would drop unexpectedly. Eventually, she switched to a refurbished iPad 9th generation. Though she had to buy the Apple Pencil separately, the seamless integration with iCloud, consistent updates, and reliable performance made the transition worthwhile. Her note-taking became faster, and she could finally use all required educational apps without workarounds.

This scenario reflects a growing trend: legacy Android tablets may function, but they increasingly fall short in institutional and professional environments where app demands evolve rapidly.

When to Keep the Tab S3 (and When to Let Go)

The Tab S3 isn’t dead—but its role has changed. Here’s a checklist to help you decide whether to hold on or move on:

• Keep it if: You use it only for media playback (Netflix, YouTube, audiobooks).
• You don’t log into sensitive accounts or use it for email/banking.
• You rely heavily on the S Pen for casual sketching or journaling.
• You’ve rooted it and run a lightweight custom OS successfully.
• It’s a secondary device, not your primary tool.

• Upgrade if: You need secure access to email, banking, or cloud services.
• You use productivity apps like Microsoft 365, Notability, or GoodNotes regularly.
• Web browsing feels slow or unreliable.
• You want multi-device syncing (e.g., with a smartphone or laptop).
• Your battery life has dropped below 4–5 hours.

Tip: If upgrading, consider selling your Tab S3. Even in 2024, collectors and modders seek these for custom ROM projects due to their excellent screens and stock S Pen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tab S3 run Android 12 or higher?

Not officially. However, developers have ported custom ROMs like LineageOS 18.1 (based on Android 11) to the Tab S3. These require unlocking the bootloader and carry risks such as instability or bricking. Proceed only if you’re technically experienced.

Is the iPad better for drawing than the Tab S3?

It depends on workflow. The Tab S3 has a slight edge in display quality (AMOLED vs. LCD), but the iPad with Apple Pencil offers superior palm rejection, lower latency, and broader app support (Procreate, Adobe Fresco). For serious artists, the iPad is the preferred choice.

How long do iPads typically last?

Most iPads remain functional and supported for 5–7 years. A 2018 iPad Pro still runs the latest iPadOS and receives updates. This longevity offsets the higher initial cost compared to aging Android tablets.

Final Verdict: Time to Move On?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 was a standout device in its era—beautifully designed, innovative, and ahead of its time in display and audio quality. But hardware excellence alone doesn’t guarantee longevity. Without ongoing software support, security updates, and app compatibility, even the best-designed tablet becomes a liability.

If you depend on your tablet for anything beyond passive entertainment, the iPad offers a more sustainable, secure, and future-proof experience. The ecosystem integration, consistent performance, and long update cycle make it a smarter investment despite the higher price.

For nostalgic users or hobbyists, the Tab S3 can still serve as a dedicated e-reader, digital photo frame, or kitchen recipe viewer. But as a primary computing device in 2024, it’s reached its expiration date.

💬 Still using your Tab S3? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, or what finally pushed you to switch? Join the conversation below.