Choosing a budget-friendly tablet can be tricky. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are both contenders, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the clear winner. Its significantly faster processor, improved display, and longer software support make it a much better overall experience despite a slightly higher price. The Tab 3 Lite is a very basic option for light use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, March | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 193.4 x 116.4 x 9.7 mm (7.61 x 4.58 x 0.38 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 310 g (10.93 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC8830 | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 480p@24fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Music play | Up to 71 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Green, Pink, Yellow | Gray, Silver |
| Models | SM-T113, SM-T113NU | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Limited storage
- Outdated software
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster processor
- Larger and sharper display
- Better battery life
- More storage options
- Longer software support
- Slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is still basic
Display Comparison
The Tab A7 Lite boasts a larger 8.7-inch display (1333 x 800) compared to the Tab 3 Lite's 7.0-inch screen (1024 x 600). The A7 Lite's display is noticeably sharper and offers better viewing angles. While both are LCD panels, the A7 Lite's larger size and improved resolution provide a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Tab 3 Lite has a basic 2MP rear camera, while the A7 Lite offers a slightly improved 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect anything impressive from either device. Video recording is limited on both.
Performance
Performance is where the A7 Lite truly shines. Its Octa-core Mediatek Helio P22T chipset is significantly faster than the Tab 3 Lite's Quad-core Spreadtrum SC8830. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the A7 Lite. The Tab 3 Lite can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Tab A7 Lite has a larger 5100mAh battery compared to the Tab 3 Lite's 3600mAh battery. Coupled with its more efficient processor, the A7 Lite generally offers longer battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The Tab 3 Lite requires more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE? Those seeking the absolute cheapest tablet for basic tasks like web browsing and light media consumption. Who should buy Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite? Anyone wanting a more responsive tablet for gaming, streaming, and general productivity, with a better display and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need a tablet for very basic tasks. Otherwise, the A7 Lite offers significantly better value.
❓ How much storage do each of these tablets offer?
The Tab 3 Lite typically comes with 8GB of storage, expandable via microSD. The Tab A7 Lite offers 32GB or 64GB options, also expandable via microSD.
