iPad 10.2 (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019): A Detailed Comparison

Both the Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) represent compelling options in the budget tablet space. However, they approach the market with fundamentally different philosophies – Apple prioritizing a tightly integrated ecosystem and sustained performance, while Samsung focuses on offering a feature-rich experience at a competitive price point. This comparison dives deep into the hardware and software differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term performance and ecosystem integration, the Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) is the superior choice. While the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) offers an octa-core processor, the A10 Fusion’s architecture and Apple’s software optimization deliver a smoother, more consistent experience, especially under sustained load.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - A22001, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - A2198-
Launch
Announced2019, September 12. Released 2019, September 212019, February 15. Released 2019, April
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in)245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in)
KeyboardQWERTY-
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight483 g (Wi-Fi) / 493 g (LTE) (1.06 lb)469 g (1.03 lb)
 Stylus support (1st gen only)-
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating-
Resolution1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density)1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.2 inches, 324.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr)Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetApple A10 Fusion (16 nm)Exynos 7904 (14 nm)
GPUPowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics)Mali-G71 MP2
OSiOS 13, upgradable to iPadOS 18.7Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
Memory
Call records20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls-
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM
Phonebook3000 entries-
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)5 MP, f/2.2
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBLightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML-
GamesDownloadable-
JavaYes-
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email-
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerAccelerometer, gyro, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Stand-byUp to 400 h (2G) / Up to 150 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 10 h (multimedia)-
TypeLi-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh)Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsSilver, Gold, Space GrayBlack, Gold, Silver
ModelsA2197, A2200, A2198, iPad7,11, iPad7,12SM-T515, SM-T510
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 220 EUR
SAR-0.92 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.36 W/kg (body)

Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)

  • Superior sustained performance thanks to the A10 Fusion chip.
  • Access to Apple’s robust app ecosystem.
  • Seamless integration with other Apple devices.

  • Limited storage options without cloud reliance.
  • No expandable storage via microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)

  • Expandable storage via microSD card.
  • More affordable price point.
  • Android’s flexible multitasking features.

  • Prone to thermal throttling under sustained load.
  • Potentially slower app updates and longer software support.

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, but detailed specifications are missing. Given the market positioning, it’s likely the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 utilizes a TFT LCD panel, while the iPad 10.2 likely employs an IPS LCD. The Exynos 7904’s GPU will likely drive a lower peak brightness than the A10 Fusion’s GPU, impacting outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. Color accuracy is likely better on the iPad, benefiting from Apple’s display calibration.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature relatively low-resolution sensors. Image processing will differ significantly, with Apple prioritizing natural colors and Samsung often boosting saturation. Any secondary cameras (likely 2MP) are unlikely to offer significant utility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. Apple’s A10 Fusion, built on a 16nm process, features a quad-core CPU (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr). Samsung’s Exynos 7904, fabricated on a more efficient 14nm node, boasts an octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53). While the Exynos has more cores, the A10 Fusion’s Hurricane cores are significantly more powerful per core. This translates to superior single-core performance for tasks like app launching and web browsing. More importantly, the A10 Fusion’s architecture and Apple’s software optimization provide better sustained performance, mitigating throttling during extended gaming or video editing. The Exynos 7904, while capable, is more prone to thermal throttling under heavy load.

Battery Life

Battery capacity details are missing. However, given the similar form factors, battery life is likely comparable. The Exynos 7904’s 14nm process *should* offer slightly better power efficiency at idle, but the A10 Fusion’s optimized software and potentially more efficient GPU could offset this advantage during active use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both tablets likely support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow charge times.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) if you need a tablet that will remain performant for years, value access to Apple’s vast app ecosystem, and appreciate seamless integration with other Apple devices. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) if you prefer the Android operating system, prioritize expandable storage, and are looking for a more affordable option with a potentially more versatile multitasking experience due to Android’s windowing features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 7904 chip in the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Exynos 7904 is known to throttle under sustained load. While capable of handling casual gaming, demanding titles will likely experience frame rate drops and reduced performance after prolonged play. The A10 Fusion in the iPad 10.2 manages heat more effectively, providing a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Is the iPad 10.2 (2019) compatible with the Apple Pencil? If so, which generation?
Yes, the iPad 10.2 (2019) is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. It does *not* support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which features magnetic charging and double-tap functionality. This makes it a viable option for note-taking and sketching, but requires a separate purchase.
❓ Can I use a keyboard with either tablet for productivity tasks?
Both tablets support external keyboards, typically via Bluetooth. Apple offers a Smart Keyboard for the iPad 10.2 (2019), while Samsung offers a Keyboard Cover for the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019). The iPad’s keyboard integration is generally considered more refined, but both options enhance productivity for tasks like email and document editing.