The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Tablet X7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite are two of the leading contenders. Both devices leverage the same Mediatek Helio P22T chipset, promising similar performance, but subtle differences in charging speed, brand reputation, and potential software experience could sway your decision. This deep dive analyzes these tablets to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is the better choice. While both tablets share the same chipset, Samsung’s 15W charging offers a noticeable convenience advantage, and its established software support provides a more polished user experience. The Honor X7 remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute cost savings.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2021, May 07 | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 07 | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 199.7 x 121.1 x 8.5 mm (7.86 x 4.77 x 0.33 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 | 325 g (11.46 oz) | 366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 300 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T | Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.0, no Google Play Services | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Gray, Silver |
| Models | KOB2-W09HN | SM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Honor Tablet X7
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar performance to the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable design
- Slower 10W charging
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s established software support and ecosystem
- Wider availability of accessories
- Slightly higher price
- Similar performance to the Honor X7
- May include Samsung’s bloatware
Display Comparison
Both the Honor Tablet X7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price points. Neither manufacturer specifies screen brightness in nits, but we can expect both to perform adequately indoors. The absence of high refresh rate technology (like 90Hz or 120Hz) is standard for this segment. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for budget tablets, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature a primary camera and a front-facing camera for video calls. Details on sensor size and aperture are scarce, but we can anticipate basic image quality suitable for casual snapshots. The focus should be on video conferencing rather than photography. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are unlikely to provide significant value and should be considered marketing features rather than genuine enhancements.
Performance
The core of both tablets is the Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T, an octa-core processor with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This configuration delivers comparable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 12nm process node on the Samsung variant *could* translate to slightly better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during extended use, but the difference is likely minimal. Both devices will likely be paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities. Neither device is designed for demanding applications or graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both tablets are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The key difference lies in charging speed. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite supports 15W wired charging, allowing for a faster 0-100% charge compared to the Honor Tablet X7’s 10W charging. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. The difference in charging time could be upwards of an hour, making the Samsung a more practical choice for those who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Tablet X7 if you need a tablet for basic tasks like reading ebooks, browsing the web, and light video streaming, and are extremely budget-conscious. Its lower price point makes it ideal for users who don't require advanced features or long-term software support. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite if you prefer a more refined software experience, faster charging, and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s brand reputation and wider accessory availability. It’s a better fit for students, families, and anyone who anticipates using their tablet regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P22T struggle with multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite?
The Helio P22T is a budget chipset, and heavy multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously will likely result in slowdowns. However, for typical use cases like switching between a web browser, email, and a video player, it should perform adequately, especially with 3GB or 4GB of RAM.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor Tablet X7 with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging speed and an estimated battery capacity of around 5100mAh (based on similar tablets), a full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take between 3.5 to 5 hours. This is considerably slower than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s 15W charging.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite receive regular software updates?
Samsung generally provides more consistent software updates for its tablets compared to many other budget brands. While the Tab A7 Lite may not receive updates as frequently as flagship models, it's likely to receive security patches and potentially one or two major Android version updates.
❓ Is the screen on either tablet suitable for outdoor use?
Neither tablet is ideally suited for outdoor use in direct sunlight. The LCD panels likely lack the brightness necessary to overcome glare, and visibility will be significantly reduced. Using the tablets in shaded areas will provide a better viewing experience.
