Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 vs Tab 3

How does the next generation Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 compares with its predecessor, the Tab 3. We take a spec by spec comparative review and find out the differences between the two.

If you are familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 family includes offering in three different screen sizes, the 7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch. The new generation Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 is no different, with the latest addition the 7-inch version joining the 8-inch and 10.1-inch to complete the Tab 4 family.

We are not expecting high-end specs on the Tab 4 as with the Tab 3 as these are standard or mid-range level tablets. If you are after a premium tablet, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S (8.4 and 10.5-inch), the Galaxy Note 10.1 or the Galaxy TabPRO (8.4, 10.1, 12.2-inch). This could be something we explore in another post.

So how does the old Tab 3 and new Tab 4 compare under the hood… let’s take a look at each of these tablets according to screen sizes.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch vs Tab 4 7-inch

At first glance, you will notice that the new Tab 4 7-inch is taking on the profile of it’s bigger sibling the Tab 8 with narrow bezel on both the long sides giving users a comfortable grip between the fingers. This also gives the 7-inch device much needed nip and tuck to bring it up to date to rival that of its competitors.

However, the most welcome feature on this small tablet is the screen resolution. The Tab 4 features WXGA resolution at 1280 x 800 instead of 1024 x 600 on the old Tab 3. Tab 4 also sees additional memory at 1.5GB instead of 1GB on Tab 3. The battery department has also improved, while the old Tab 3 only manages 8 hours of Internet browsing, the Tab 4 does 10 hours even though both spots a Li-Ion with the same capacity at 4000mAh.

While in the past, some would overlook the 7-inch in favour of the 8-inch Tab because of its screen resolution, memory and size; with the Tab 4, Samsung has made that buying decision between a 7-inch or 8-inch harder by closing the gap between them.

If you prefer a small screen and compare body for portable reasons, the new Tab 4 7-inch is the one for you without compromising on memory or processing power.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch

• Processor: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
• Memory: 1GB, Storage: 8GB/16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 32GB
• Screen: 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel TFT
• Cameras 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front)
• Battery Life: 8 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 4000 mAh
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 111.1 x 188 x 9.9 mm, 300g
• OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• Colours: White, Black, Gold Brown [MORE COLOUR OPTIONS]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7-inch

• Processor: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
• Memory: 1.5GB, Storage: 8GB/16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 32GB
• Screen: 7-inch 1280 x 800 pixel WXGA TFT, 216ppi [HIGHER RESOLUTION]
• Cameras 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front), Geo Tagging and Scenes
• Battery Life: 10 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 4000 mAh [BETTER BATTERY LIFE]
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 107.9.1 x 186.9 x 9 mm, 276g [SHORTER, NARROWER, THINNER & LIGHTER]
• OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
• Colours: White, Black

The new Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7-inch exceeds its predecessor in so many ways as we have seen above and is our recommended tablet for those looking for a mid range 7-inch device. The slim body thanks to its super-narrow side bezel and chic design with its chrome surround makes it more than just a spec bump.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8-inch vs Tab 4 8-inch

Next we look at the 8-inch tablets. Apart from the processor, with the Tab 4 8-inch now spotting a Quad-Core ARM Cortex A7 from Qualcomm instead of a Dual Core in the Tab 3 and the resolution of the rear facing camera, everything else remains the same in terms of hardware, down to the size and weight. We also see an improvement in the battery life with Tab 4 reporting up to 12 hours usage, 1 hour more than Tab 3.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8-inch

• Processor: 1.5GHz Dual Core
• Memory: 1.5GB RAM, Storage: 16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 64GB
• Screen: 8-inch WXGA 1280 x 800 pixel TFT
• Cameras 5MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front)
• Battery Life: 11 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 4450 mAh
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 209.8 x 123.8 x 7.4 mm, 313 g [MARGINALLY THINNER & LIGHTER]
• OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Colours: Pearl White, Black

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8-inch

• Processor: 1.2GHz Quad Core [BETTER PROCESSOR ARM Cortex A7 with Adreno 305]
• Memory: 1.5GB RAM, Storage: 16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 64GB
• Screen: 8-inch WXGA 1280 x 800 pixel TFT
• Cameras 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front) [LOWER RESOLUTION REAR CAMERA]
• Battery Life: 12 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 4450 mAh [BETTER BATTERY LIFE]
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 210 x 124 x 7.95 mm, 315 g
• OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
• Colours: Pearl White, Black

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1-inch vs Tab 4 10.1-inch

Finally, we look at the big tablets with 10.1-inch screens. While the dimensions are nearly the same, the Tab 4 is 23 grams lighter. The big Tab 4 tablet shares the same 1.2GHz Quad-Core processor as its smaller siblings, an upgrade from the Tab 3’s Dual-Core processor.

It also has more memory compared to its predecessor, better battery life (2 hours more) and LTE option. In terms of design, the old Tab 3 has slightly curved edges while the new Tab 4 favours straight lines.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1-inch

• Processor: 1.6GHz Dual-Core Intel Atom Z2560
• Memory: 1GB RAM, Storage: 16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 64GB
• Screen: 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 pixel WXGA TFT
• Cameras 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front)
• Battery Life: 8 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 6800 mAh
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 243.1 x 176.1 x 8 mm, 510g
• OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Colours: White, Black

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1-inch

• Processor: 1.2GHz Quad-Core [QUAD CORE PROCESSOR]
• Memory: 1.5GB RAM, Storage: 16GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 64GB [MORE MEMORY]
• Screen: 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 pixel WXGA TFT
• Cameras 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front)
• Battery Life: 10 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 6800 mAh [BETTER BATTERY LIFE]
• Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 abgn, BT4.0, GPS
• Dimensions & Weight: 243.4 x 176.4 x 8 mm, 487g [LIGHTER]
• OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
• Colours: White, Black

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Final Thoughts

If you already have the Tab 3, there is no real need to upgrade unless you have become a ‘power user’. If so you might want to consider upgrading to one of Samsung’s premium devices, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S (8.4 and 10.5-inch), the Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0 or the Galaxy TabPRO (8.4, 10.1, 12.2-inch).

If you are in the market for a new tablet, don’t want to spend too much money and at the same time, wants something that works, the standard to mid-range Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 is definitely worth a look.