iPad mini (2024) vs. Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024): Which Compact Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and long-term performance, the iPad mini (2024) is the clear winner, thanks to its A17 Pro chipset and impressive 67-hour battery endurance. However, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) presents a strong value proposition for everyday tasks and media consumption, especially for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad mini (2024) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A2995 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - A2995, A2996 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 15 | 2024, March 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 23 | Available. Released 2024, March 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm (7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in) | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 293 g (Wi-Fi) / 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) (10.34 oz) | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1488 x 2266 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~327 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.3 inches, 203.9 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | Mali-G68 |
| OS | iPadOS 18, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro (wi-fi model only) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh) | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight | Gray, Mint, Rose Gold |
| Models | A2993, A2995, A2996, iPad16,1, iPad16,2 | SM-P620, SM-P625 |
| Price | About 600 EUR | $ 215.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 67:00h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class E | - |
| Free fall | Class D (52 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Apple iPad mini (2024)
- Unmatched performance with the A17 Pro chip
- Exceptional battery life (67 hours)
- Long-term battery health (1000 cycles)
- Likely higher price point
- Apple ecosystem lock-in
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- More affordable price
- Android's open ecosystem
- Lightweight and portable
- Less powerful processor (Exynos 1280)
- Slower charging (15W)
Display Comparison
While display specs are missing for the Tab S6 Lite, the iPad mini's compact size benefits from its powerful A17 Pro chip to drive a high-refresh-rate display (assumed, based on Apple's recent trends). The A17 Pro's integrated GPU will ensure smooth visuals. The Tab S6 Lite's 5nm Exynos 1280 will handle display tasks adequately, but likely won't match the iPad mini's responsiveness in graphically intensive applications. Bezels are a key consideration in compact tablets; a comparison of physical dimensions would reveal which device maximizes screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, Apple typically prioritizes image quality even in its smaller devices, suggesting a more capable camera system on the iPad mini. The Tab S6 Lite likely focuses on providing a functional camera for video calls and basic snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size and optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a definitive assessment impossible, but Apple's image signal processing (ISP) within the A17 Pro will likely offer superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the silicon. Apple's A17 Pro, built on a 3nm process, delivers a significant performance advantage over Samsung's 5nm Exynos 1280. The A17 Pro's hexa-core configuration (2x3.78 GHz performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) is designed for sustained peak performance, while the Exynos 1280's octa-core setup (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) prioritizes efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the iPad mini. The 3nm node also implies better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during prolonged use.
Battery Life
The iPad mini (2024) boasts an impressive 67-hour battery endurance, coupled with a reported 1000 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) features 15W wired charging, but its battery capacity is unknown. While 15W charging isn't slow, it's significantly less than the fast charging capabilities found on many flagship tablets. The iPad mini's superior endurance suggests it can last through multiple days of moderate use, while the Tab S6 Lite may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad mini (2024) if you need a truly portable powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or mobile gaming, and value Apple's ecosystem. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) if you prefer a more affordable tablet for note-taking, streaming, and light productivity, and appreciate the flexibility of Android.