Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022): The Ultimate Tablet Showdown

The tablet market is brimming with options, but two consistently popular contenders are the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022). Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but cater to slightly different users. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right one.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad 10.2 (2021) boasts a significantly faster processor and a brighter display, making it ideal for demanding tasks and media consumption. However, the Tab S6 Lite’s included S Pen and more versatile software offer a unique creative advantage, making it a strong contender for artists and note-takers.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 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 - A26031, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / 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 - A2604-
Launch
Announced2021, September 142022, May 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 24Available. Released 2022, May 23
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)244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb)465/467 g (1.03 lb)
 Stylus support (1st gen only)Stylus support
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating-
Resolution1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeRetina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)TFT LCD
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
ChipsetApple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 618
OSiPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBLightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connectorUSB Type-C
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
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerAccelerometer, proximity, gyro
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh)Li-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, Space GrayChiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray
ModelsA2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2SM-P613, SM-P619
PriceAbout 430 EURAbout 400 EUR
SAR-1.01 W/kg (body)
Tests
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: 1123:1 (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -29.4 LUFS (Average) -
Performance AnTuTu: 617292(v9) GeekBench: 3124 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)

  • Powerful A13 Bionic chip
  • Bright and vibrant Retina display
  • Seamless iOS experience
  • Access to a vast app ecosystem

  • No included stylus
  • Basic camera system
  • Limited storage options on base model

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)

  • Included S Pen stylus
  • Android's open nature and customization options
  • Slightly larger display
  • Generally more affordable

  • Less powerful processor
  • Lower display brightness and quality
  • Snapdragon 700 series chipset performance

Display Comparison

The iPad 10.2 (2021) features a 10.2-inch Retina display with a measured peak brightness of 513 nits and a contrast ratio of 1123:1, delivering vibrant colors and excellent visibility. The Tab S6 Lite has a 10.4-inch TFT LCD display. While the Tab S6 Lite's screen is slightly larger, the iPad's superior brightness and color accuracy give it an edge for media consumption and general use.

Camera Comparison

Both tablets offer basic photo and video capabilities. Neither is a standout performer in this area, but the iPad's image processing tends to be slightly more consistent. Expect decent results for casual snapshots, but don't rely on these tablets for serious photography.

Performance

Here's where the iPad truly shines. The A13 Bionic chip in the iPad 10.2 (2021) is significantly more powerful than either Snapdragon 732G or 720G in the Tab S6 Lite. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games and applications. The Tab S6 Lite is still capable, but it won't match the iPad's raw power.

Battery Life

Battery life is generally good on both devices. The iPad 10.2 (2021) typically offers around 10 hours of mixed usage. The Tab S6 Lite also provides a solid 12-13 hours, but this can vary depending on usage patterns. Neither device supports fast charging.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Users prioritizing performance, a seamless iOS experience, and access to a vast app ecosystem. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)? Creative professionals, students, and anyone who values stylus input and Android's open nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iPad 10.2 good for gaming?
Yes, the iPad 10.2 (2021) is quite capable for gaming thanks to its powerful A13 Bionic chip. It can handle most games smoothly, although very demanding titles may require lower graphics settings.
❓ Can I use a stylus with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite?
Absolutely! The Tab S6 Lite comes with an S Pen stylus included, making it a great choice for note-taking, drawing, and creative tasks.