Samsung Note 8 Vs Tab S3 Is The Newer Tab S3 Really Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung released the Galaxy Tab S3 in 2017, it arrived as a premium Android tablet promising productivity, creativity, and multimedia excellence. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Note 8 — launched the same year — stood as one of the most powerful Android smartphones ever made, complete with an S Pen and flagship specs. For users torn between these two devices or considering an upgrade from the Note 8 to the Tab S3, the question isn’t just about hardware — it’s about how each device fits into daily life.

The answer depends on your priorities: portability and communication versus screen real estate and creative potential. While both support the S Pen and deliver high-end experiences, they serve different roles. Let’s break down the key differences and determine whether stepping up to the Tab S3 makes sense.

Display and Design: Size Matters

The most immediate difference lies in form factor. The Galaxy Note 8 features a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, impressive for a smartphone but dwarfed by the Tab S3’s 9.7-inch Super AMOLED screen. Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, but the Tab S3’s larger canvas changes how you interact with content.

The Tab S3’s 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for reading, drawing, and multitasking — ideal for splitting the screen between apps. In contrast, the Note 8’s taller 18.5:9 display suits video streaming and one-handed scrolling but limits side-by-side app usage.

Design-wise, the Note 8 feels dense and premium with its glass-and-metal build, while the Tab S3 opts for a sleek aluminum chassis that’s light enough (429g) to hold comfortably during extended sessions. However, the Tab S3 lacks IP68 water resistance — a feature the Note 8 includes.

Tip: If you frequently read e-books, annotate PDFs, or sketch, the Tab S3’s larger screen offers significantly better ergonomics than even the largest phablets.

Performance and Software: Similar Power, Different Use

Under the hood, both devices launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM. On paper, they’re evenly matched. But real-world performance varies due to software optimization and screen demands.

The Note 8 runs full Android Nougat (upgradable to Pie), supporting all standard phone functions — calls, texts, mobile data — plus DeX mode via HDMI. The Tab S3 ships with Android Nougat tailored for tablets, offering split-screen multitasking out of the box and native support for keyboard docks.

In practice, the Tab S3 handles heavier workloads slightly better thanks to improved thermal dissipation from its larger body. Long drawing sessions or video editing feel smoother, though neither device struggles with everyday tasks.

Both support Samsung DeX, but the experience differs. With the Note 8, DeX requires a dock and external monitor. The Tab S3 supports DeX in a limited form — useful for windowed apps but not as robust as later tablet implementations.

S Pen Experience: Evolution of Precision

The S Pen is central to both devices, but their implementation reflects different design goals.

The Note 8’s S Pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and low latency, making it excellent for jotting quick notes or editing photos. Air Command shortcuts provide fast access to Screen Write, Translate, and Smart Select. However, its smaller tip and shorter barrel can feel cramped during prolonged writing or sketching.

The Tab S3’s S Pen matches the same pressure sensitivity but benefits from the larger screen. Drawing feels more natural, akin to using pen on paper. The tablet also supports palm rejection natively, allowing you to rest your hand while writing — a feature less reliable on the Note 8 without third-party apps.

“Tablet-sized displays unlock the true potential of digital pens. Creativity isn’t just about tools — it’s about space.” — Lin Zhao, Digital Artist & UX Designer

If you use the S Pen regularly for note-taking, illustration, or diagramming, the Tab S3 provides a more authentic and comfortable experience.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Compared

Device	Battery Capacity	Typical Usage Time	Charging
Galaxy Note 8	3,300 mAh	12–14 hours	Fast charging, Wireless
Galaxy Tab S3	6,000 mAh	15–18 hours	Fast charging, No wireless

The Tab S3 nearly doubles the battery capacity of the Note 8, translating to longer screen-on time. During mixed use — web browsing, video playback, S Pen annotation — the tablet consistently delivers over 15 hours. The Note 8 performs well for a phone but may require midday charging under heavy use.

However, the Note 8 supports wireless charging; the Tab S3 does not. This might matter if you rely on Qi pads at home or in the office. Fast charging is present on both, reaching ~50% in 30 minutes.

Camera and Multimedia: Phones Still Lead

The Note 8 holds a decisive advantage in photography. Its dual rear cameras (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto) support 2x optical zoom, Live Focus, and superior low-light performance. The front-facing 8MP camera excels in selfies and video calls.

The Tab S3’s 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras are functional but underwhelming. They lack autofocus on the front and perform poorly in dim lighting. You wouldn’t choose the Tab S3 for photography — it’s not designed for that.

Where the Tab S3 shines is audio. It features quad speakers tuned by AKG with support for Dolby Atmos, delivering a rich, immersive soundstage perfect for movies and music. The Note 8 has stereo speakers but doesn’t match the depth or volume.

Real-World Example: The Student’s Dilemma

Meet Daniel, a graduate student in architecture. He used his Note 8 for everything — taking lecture notes, sketching concepts, managing emails. But he found himself constantly zooming in and out when reviewing blueprints, and long annotation sessions caused hand fatigue.

After switching to the Tab S3, he paired it with a Bluetooth keyboard and used OneNote for class notes. The larger screen allowed him to view full pages without scrolling, and sketching floor plans became faster and more precise. Though he missed having a phone in his pocket, the productivity gains justified keeping both devices — Note 8 for calls, Tab S3 for work.

This hybrid setup is common among professionals who need mobility and creative power. The Tab S3 isn’t a phone replacement — it’s a companion.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Switch?

Consider moving from the Note 8 to the Tab S3 only if:

• You regularly take handwritten notes or create digital art
• You consume a lot of media and value speaker quality
• You multitask with multiple apps open simultaneously
• You have a separate phone for calls and messaging
• You prioritize battery life over portability

If you rely on one device for everything — calling, texting, navigation, and casual note-taking — the Note 8 remains more practical despite its smaller screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Tab S3 as my primary device instead of a phone?

Not effectively. The Tab S3 doesn’t support cellular calling (except LTE data on some models). You’d still need a phone for voice calls and SMS unless you use VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Google Voice.

Is the S Pen interchangeable between the Note 8 and Tab S3?

Yes, physically. The S Pen works in both devices, and features like Air Command and screen-off memo function across both. However, the Tab S3’s larger screen optimizes the pen’s utility.

Does the Tab S3 support the same DeX experience as newer tablets?

No. The Tab S3’s DeX mode is limited compared to later models like the Tab S4 or S8. It allows windowed apps but lacks desktop-style UI and peripheral support.

Final Verdict: Worth It Only If You Need the Screen

The Galaxy Tab S3 isn’t objectively “better” than the Note 8 — it’s different. It trades portability for productivity, phone functionality for creative freedom. If your workflow involves heavy reading, writing, or drawing, the upgrade makes sense. The combination of a large AMOLED display, responsive S Pen, and exceptional audio creates a compelling multimedia and productivity hub.

But if you’re looking for a single device that does everything well — especially calls, photos, and on-the-go convenience — the Note 8 still holds up remarkably well. Upgrading solely because the Tab S3 is “newer” isn’t justified. Instead, let your usage patterns guide the decision.

🚀 Ready to optimize your tech setup? Assess how you use your devices daily — then choose tools that enhance, not complicate, your routine. Share your own Note-to-Tab experience in the comments below.