The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Tab 7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver a functional Android tablet experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this with slightly different approaches to chipset selection and charging capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster charging experience and the Samsung brand ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) is the better choice. However, the Honor Tab 7 remains a compelling option, offering comparable performance at a potentially lower price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious consumers.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2022, November 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240.2 x 159 x 7.6 mm (9.46 x 6.26 x 0.30 in) | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) | 477 g (1.05 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8786 | Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.1, no Google Play Services | Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Space Gray | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | AGM3-W09HN | SM-T509 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.54 W/kg (body) |
Honor Tab 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Comparable CPU performance for basic tasks
- Functional for everyday use
- Slower 10W charging
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022)
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung One UI experience
- Stronger brand recognition and support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Comparable CPU performance to the Honor Tab 7
- Still limited for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither Honor nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications beyond the 10.4-inch size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, contributing to a similar overall viewing experience. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to determine which offers a brighter display, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for buyers in this segment. Both tablets will likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. Focusing on the main sensor is crucial; any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) will offer limited utility. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it's impossible to definitively say which tablet captures better images, but image processing will likely lean towards Samsung's typically vibrant style.
Performance
Both the Honor Tab 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) are powered by octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. However, the chipset differs – Mediatek MT8786 in the Honor Tab 7 versus the Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12nm) in the Samsung. The Unisoc chip's 12nm process *could* translate to slightly better power efficiency, but real-world performance will be nearly identical for everyday tasks. Neither tablet is designed for demanding gaming or intensive multitasking. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely offer sufficient RAM for their target use cases. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM further reinforces their positioning as budget devices.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) boasts 15W wired charging, a notable advantage over the Honor Tab 7’s 10W charging. This means the Samsung will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Honor Tab 7 could offset the slower charging, the 15W charging on the Samsung provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their device quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Tab 7 if you need a functional tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, reading, and light media consumption, and are prioritizing the lowest possible price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) if you prefer the Samsung One UI experience, value the slightly faster 15W charging, and appreciate the broader software support and ecosystem integration that Samsung provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc UMS512 T618 in the Samsung Tab A7 10.4 (2022) overheat during prolonged video playback?
The Unisoc UMS512 T618 is a power-efficient chipset designed for tablets in this price range. While it's not a high-performance processor, it's unlikely to overheat during typical use cases like video playback or web browsing. The 12nm process node contributes to better thermal management compared to older, larger process nodes.
❓ How does the software support compare between Honor and Samsung for these tablets?
Samsung generally provides longer software support and more frequent updates for its tablets compared to Honor. While both run Android, Samsung's One UI offers a more refined user experience and typically receives security patches and feature updates for a longer period. Honor's software support track record is less consistent.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle light gaming, like casual puzzle games or older titles?
Yes, both tablets can handle light gaming, such as puzzle games, turn-based strategy, and older, less demanding titles. However, they are not designed for graphically intensive games like PUBG or Fortnite. Expect lower frame rates and potentially some lag in more demanding games.
