The Acer Iconia A16 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE represent different approaches to the budget tablet market. The Tab 3 Lite, a veteran of the entry-level space, prioritizes affordability. The Iconia A16, however, attempts to bridge the gap with a more modern chipset, aiming for a smoother experience even at a low price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Acer Iconia A16 is the clear winner. Its Allwinner A733 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE’s Spreadtrum SC8830, making it better suited for modern apps and light gaming. While the Tab 3 Lite remains a viable option for basic tasks, the A16 provides a significantly improved user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | - |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 03 | 2015, March. Released 2015, March |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2026, January | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 369.5 x 240.2 x 8.9 mm (14.55 x 9.46 x 0.35 in) | 193.4 x 116.4 x 9.7 mm (7.61 x 4.58 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 980 g (2.16 lb) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~142 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 16.0 inches, 742.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Allwinner A733 (12 nm) | Spreadtrum SC8830 |
| GPU | IMG BXM-4-64 MC01 | Mali-400MP |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 480p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 4.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 71 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h (multimedia) |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vapor Silver | White, Black, Green, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | A16-M1N | SM-T113, SM-T113NU |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Acer Iconia A16
- Significantly faster processor for smoother multitasking.
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A76) for improved responsiveness.
- Potentially better power efficiency due to the 12nm process.
- Display quality likely similar to the Tab 3 Lite (no premium features expected).
- Camera performance likely basic.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE
- Lower price point (likely).
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Established brand reputation (Samsung).
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Outdated CPU architecture (quad-core 1.3 GHz).
- Likely wider bezels and a less vibrant display.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both tablets likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Tab 3 Lite, being an older model, likely has wider bezels. While specific resolution data is missing, the 7-inch size suggests both will be 1024x600 or similar. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this price range on both devices. The Iconia A16, being newer, *may* benefit from slight improvements in panel quality, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator for either device. Both tablets are positioned as budget options, and camera quality is typically sacrificed. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots. Image processing will likely be minimal on both sides. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Acer Iconia A16’s Allwinner A733, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A76 (performance) and Cortex-A55 (efficiency) cores. This architecture is significantly more advanced than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Spreadtrum SC8830. The A76 cores provide a substantial uplift in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness, while the six A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely older process node of the Spreadtrum chip. This translates to a smoother, more fluid experience on the Iconia A16, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t provided, the more efficient Allwinner A733 in the Iconia A16 could potentially offset a smaller battery size compared to the Tab 3 Lite. The Spreadtrum SC8830, being an older chip, is likely less power-efficient under load. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, but faster charging would be a benefit for the Iconia A16 given its likely more intensive use cases.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Iconia A16 if you need a tablet capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, streaming HD video without stuttering, or enjoying casual gaming. Its octa-core processor and newer architecture provide a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE if you primarily need a tablet for very basic tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web with few tabs open, or simple video playback, and your budget is extremely limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Acer Iconia A16 be able to handle streaming services like Netflix and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Allwinner A733 chipset in the Iconia A16 is capable of decoding HD video without significant stuttering, making it well-suited for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. The Tab 3 Lite may struggle with consistent playback, especially at higher resolutions.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 VE still a good option for reading ebooks and browsing the web?
For very basic tasks like reading ebooks and light web browsing with few tabs open, the Tab 3 Lite remains functional. However, its slower processor will result in noticeable lag when loading complex webpages or switching between apps. The Iconia A16 provides a much smoother experience even for these tasks.
❓ Can the Acer Iconia A16 handle light gaming?
The Iconia A16 can handle casual games and older titles without issue. While it won't run demanding 3D games at high settings, the A733's GPU provides a noticeable improvement over the Tab 3 Lite's graphics capabilities.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
Storage options are not specified in the provided data. However, given their budget nature, both tablets likely offer limited internal storage (e.g., 16GB or 32GB) and support for microSD card expansion. Checking retailer listings is crucial to confirm specific storage configurations.
