iPad 10.2 (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e: Which Budget Tablet Wins?

Apple's iPad 10.2 (2019) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e represent compelling options in the affordable tablet space. The iPad, while utilizing older silicon, benefits from Apple’s software ecosystem and brand recognition. The Tab S5e counters with a more modern chipset fabrication process and faster charging, aiming for a balance of portability and performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a refined software experience and long-term software support, the iPad 10.2 (2019) is the better choice. While the Tab S5e boasts a more efficient chipset, the A10 Fusion’s optimized performance within iPadOS and Apple’s ecosystem provide a smoother, more consistent experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)	Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 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 - A2200	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps	HSPA, LTE - cellular model only
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / 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
Announced	2019, September 12. Released 2019, September 21	2019, February. Released 2019, April
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in)	245 x 160 x 5.5 mm (9.65 x 6.30 x 0.22 in)
Keyboard	QWERTY	-
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight	483 g (Wi-Fi) / 493 g (LTE) (1.06 lb)	400 g (14.11 oz)
	Stylus support (1st gen only)	-

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating	-
Resolution	1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density)	1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~288 ppi density)
Size	10.2 inches, 324.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)	10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	Super AMOLED

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)
Chipset	Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm)	Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm)
GPU	PowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics)	Adreno 615
OS	iOS 13, upgradable to iPadOS 18.7	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1

Memory
Call records	20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls	-
Card slot	No	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Phonebook	3000 entries	-
	-	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF	13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR	4K@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
	-	Tuned by AKG/HARMAN

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
Radio	No	No
USB	Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector	USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Browser	WAP 2.0/xHTML	-
Games	Downloadable	-
Java	Yes	-
Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email	-
Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	ANT+

Battery
Charging	-	18W wired
Stand-by	Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 150 h (3G)	-
Talk time	Up to 10 h (multimedia)	-
Type	Li-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh)	Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Silver, Gold, Space Gray	Black, Gold, Silver
Models	A2197, A2200, A2198, iPad7,11, iPad7,12	SM-T725, SM-T720
Price	About 350 EUR	About 410 EUR
SAR EU	-	1.03 W/kg (head)

Tests
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 152610 (v7) GeekBench: 5684 (v4.4) GFXBench: 6.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)

Optimized iPadOS experience
Long-term software support from Apple
Strong resale value

Slow charging speed (5W)
Older A10 Fusion chipset

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Faster 18W charging
Sleek and portable design
Android’s open ecosystem

Less consistent performance than iPad
Shorter software update lifespan

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. The iPad 10.2 (2019) utilizes an unspecified IPS LCD panel, typical for its price point. The Tab S5e also features an IPS LCD, but its focus is on a slimmer bezel design. While neither manufacturer provides detailed color accuracy data, the Tab S5e’s panel is generally perceived as slightly more vibrant. However, both lack high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO, making them suitable for media consumption but not ideal for fast-paced gaming where motion clarity is crucial.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in photography. Both feature basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls and occasional snapshots. Detailed camera specs are scarce, but the iPad 10.2 (2019) is known to have an 8MP rear camera, while the Tab S5e features a 13MP rear camera. The Tab S5e’s higher megapixel count doesn’t necessarily translate to better image quality, as sensor size and image processing play a more significant role. Both cameras struggle in low-light conditions.

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 Tab S5e employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 (10nm), an octa-core processor (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver). The 10nm fabrication of the Snapdragon 670 theoretically offers better power efficiency. However, Apple’s A10 Fusion benefits from years of software optimization within iPadOS. In real-world use, the A10 Fusion often feels more responsive for everyday tasks, despite the Snapdragon 670’s higher core count. The A10 Fusion’s GPU also provides a slight edge in graphics performance, though neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable, but charging speeds differ significantly. The iPad 10.2 (2019) supports standard 5W charging, resulting in a slow charge time. The Tab S5e, with its 18W wired charging, replenishes its battery much faster. While both tablets can achieve all-day battery life with moderate use, the Tab S5e’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) if you need a tablet deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, prioritize long-term software updates, and value a polished user interface. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e if you prefer Android’s open nature, require faster charging capabilities, and appreciate a slimmer, more portable design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 670 in the Tab S5e struggle with multitasking compared to the A10 Fusion?

While the Snapdragon 670 has more cores, the A10 Fusion’s optimized architecture and iPadOS’s memory management generally result in smoother multitasking. The Tab S5e may exhibit occasional lag when running multiple demanding apps simultaneously.

❓ How significant is the difference in charging time between the iPad and the Tab S5e?

The difference is substantial. The Tab S5e’s 18W charging can fully charge the battery in approximately 2.5-3 hours, while the iPad 10.2 (2019) with its 5W charger can take 5-6 hours or more to reach a full charge.

❓ Is the Tab S5e a good choice for running demanding Android games?

The Tab S5e can handle many Android games, but it’s not ideal for graphically intensive titles at high settings. The Snapdragon 670’s GPU is adequate for casual gaming, but may struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact.

❓ How long will Apple continue to provide software updates for the iPad 10.2 (2019)?

Apple typically provides several years of software updates for its iPads. As of late 2023, the iPad 10.2 (2019) is still receiving updates, and it’s likely to continue receiving them for at least another 2-3 years.