The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Pad 6 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are two of the leading contenders. Both aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving that goal. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Honor Pad 6 offers a comparable experience, the Tab A7 Lite’s more efficient 12nm process and faster CPU clock speeds translate to a snappier user experience, and its 15W charging is a welcome improvement.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 17. Released 2020, July 28 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 3.1, no Google Play Services | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray | Gray, Silver |
| Models | AGS3-W09, AGS3-AL09 | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Honor Pad 6
- Potentially lower initial cost
- Functional for basic tasks
- Reliable brand reputation
- Less efficient 14nm chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely slower performance under load
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Snappier user experience
- Samsung ecosystem benefits
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Camera quality is likely similar to the Honor Pad 6
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here is on functionality rather than fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to their larger overall footprint relative to screen size. The absence of high refresh rate panels is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with cameras primarily intended for video calls and occasional snapshots. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but expectations should be tempered. The inclusion of a secondary camera on both devices is standard, but the quality is likely to be minimal. Focusing on camera specs is a misdirection in this price range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P22T (12nm) benefits from a more modern fabrication process than the Honor Pad 6’s Kirin 710A (14nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Tab A7 Lite’s CPU reaches 2.3 GHz, exceeding the Pad 6’s 2.0 GHz. This clock speed advantage, coupled with the more efficient process node, suggests the Tab A7 Lite will handle everyday tasks and light multitasking with greater ease. The Kirin 710A, while capable, will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns under heavier loads. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely offer sufficient RAM for basic Android operation.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W wired charging offers a significant advantage over the Honor Pad 6’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to less time tethered to a wall outlet, a crucial benefit for on-the-go users. While a larger battery capacity on the Honor Pad 6 could partially offset this difference, the faster charging of the Tab A7 Lite is a more tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Pad 6 if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic tasks like web browsing and light video consumption. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you value a more responsive user interface, faster charging, and the broader ecosystem benefits of the Samsung brand. The Tab A7 Lite is better suited for multitasking and slightly more demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P22T in the Tab A7 Lite struggle with multitasking?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio P22T paired with adequate RAM (likely 3GB or 4GB) should handle moderate multitasking – switching between a few apps like web browsing, email, and video playback – without significant slowdowns. However, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously may result in some lag.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor Pad 6 noticeably slow?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours, potentially 4-5 hours from a completely depleted battery. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W charging offers a substantial improvement in this area.
❓ Which tablet is better for reading ebooks?
Both tablets are suitable for reading ebooks. The IPS LCD panels on both devices should offer acceptable viewing angles and color reproduction for text-based content. The choice will likely come down to personal preference regarding screen size and overall comfort.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle light gaming?
Both tablets can handle light gaming, such as casual puzzle games or older titles. However, they are not designed for demanding 3D games. Expect lower frame rates and potentially reduced graphics settings in more intensive games.
