Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro vs. Active3: The Ultimate Rugged Tablet Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series is renowned for its durability and functionality in demanding environments. But with the Active4 Pro now available, how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Active3? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you choose the right rugged tablet for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro offers a significant performance upgrade with its Snapdragon 778G chipset and improved features. While the Active3 remains a capable device, the Pro's enhanced processing power, display, and 5G connectivity make it the clear winner for users needing top-tier rugged performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, August 312020, September 28. Released 2020, September 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 13Discontinued
Body
Dimensions242.9 x 170.2 x 10.2 mm (9.56 x 6.70 x 0.40 in)213.8 x 126.8 x 9.9 mm (8.42 x 4.99 x 0.39 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - cellular model onlyNano-SIM
Weight674 g (1.49 lb)426 g (Wi-Fi) / 429 g (LTE) (15.03 oz)
 Stylus IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1 meter MIL-STD-810H compliantStylus IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~68.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Exynos 9810 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G72 MP18
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/1.9, AF13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.05 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (EMV Level 1 certification)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, charging/accessories connector pinsUSB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Samsung DeXSamsung DeX (desktop experience support)
Battery
ChargingWired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 7600 mAh, removableLi-Ion 5050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
ModelsSM-T636BSM-T575
PriceAbout 830 EURAbout 600 EUR
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.12 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 778G)
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • 5G connectivity
  • Improved camera (likely)
  • Enhanced durability

  • Higher price point
  • Potentially larger/heavier than Active3

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3

  • More affordable
  • Still a rugged and durable design
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • Compact and lightweight (likely)

  • Slower performance (Exynos 9810)
  • Less vibrant display
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Older technology

Display Comparison

The Active4 Pro boasts a brighter and more vibrant display, likely with improved outdoor visibility compared to the Active3. While both feature durable screens, the Pro's display technology is expected to offer a superior viewing experience. Resolution is likely similar, but color accuracy and brightness are key differentiators.

Camera Comparison

While neither tablet prioritizes photography, the Active4 Pro likely features a slightly improved camera system. Expect better low-light performance and potentially enhanced video recording capabilities. Both cameras are designed for functionality over high-quality images.

Performance

This is where the Active4 Pro truly shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a substantial upgrade over the Exynos 9810 in the Active3, offering significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Pro.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer decent battery life for their class. However, the Active4 Pro's more efficient chipset *may* translate to slightly better battery endurance under heavy use. Both support wired charging, but charging speeds are likely similar.

Buying Guide

The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is ideal for field workers, construction professionals, first responders, and anyone requiring a highly durable and powerful tablet with 5G capabilities. The Active3 is a great option for users on a tighter budget who still need a rugged tablet for basic tasks and moderate use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you need the best possible performance, 5G connectivity, and a brighter display in a rugged tablet, then yes. The Active4 Pro is a worthwhile investment. If you're on a budget and only need basic functionality, the Active3 remains a viable option.
❓ Are the screens on both tablets the same?
While the resolution is likely similar, the Active4 Pro's display is expected to be brighter and offer better color accuracy, resulting in a superior viewing experience.