The mid-range Android tablet market is heating up, with both Huawei and Samsung offering compelling options. We're pitting the Huawei MatePad 10.4, a well-established performer, against the refreshed Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), featuring an updated chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications to determine which tablet delivers the best value and experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the better choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810. However, the MatePad 10.4 remains a solid option for those seeking a reliable tablet for basic tasks and media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 | 2024, March 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 245.2 x 155 x 7.4 mm (9.65 x 6.10 x 0.29 in) | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 450 g (0.99 lb) | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 810 (7 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro (wi-fi model only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7250 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray | Gray, Mint, Rose Gold |
| Models | BAH3-W09, BAH3-AL00, BAH3-L09, BAH3-W59 | SM-P620, SM-P625 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | $ 215.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (body) |
Huawei MatePad 10.4
- Potentially faster charging (18W)
- Larger display size (10.4 inches)
- Established Huawei ecosystem
- Older Kirin 810 chipset
- Less efficient 7nm process
- Potentially shorter software support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- More powerful Exynos 1280 chipset
- More efficient 5nm process
- Likely longer software support
- Improved multitasking performance
- Slower charging (15W)
- Slightly smaller display size
- Samsung's One UI can be polarizing
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but practicality. The MatePad 10.4’s 10.4-inch size offers a slightly larger canvas, potentially better for split-screen multitasking. However, the S6 Lite’s display is likely to be sharper given its smaller 10.4-inch size and similar resolution. Bezels are expected to be comparable on both, reflecting their mid-range positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Both devices likely feature modest camera setups. Given the context, detailed sensor information is missing, but it's safe to assume both will have a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera for video calls. Any secondary cameras (like macro lenses) are likely to be low-resolution and offer limited utility. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung potentially leaning towards more vibrant colors and Huawei aiming for a more natural look. The Exynos 1280’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) features the Exynos 1280, fabricated on a 5nm process. This smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Huawei MatePad 10.4’s Kirin 810 (7nm). The Exynos 1280’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a clock speed advantage over the Kirin 810’s 2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Samsung tablet. While both utilize octa-core CPUs, the architectural improvements in the Cortex-A78 cores of the Exynos 1280 provide a significant performance boost. The S6 Lite is likely to handle demanding games and applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific battery capacities are not provided, the Exynos 1280’s 5nm process should contribute to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. The Samsung Tab S6 Lite (2024) charges at 15W, while the MatePad 10.4 supports 18W charging. This suggests the MatePad 10.4 *could* charge slightly faster, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Real-world usage will determine which tablet lasts longer on a single charge, but the Exynos 1280’s efficiency gives the S6 Lite an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MatePad 10.4 if you need a dependable tablet for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity, and are comfortable with the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) if you prioritize performance for multitasking, gaming, and want a tablet with a more modern chipset and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Tab S6 Lite (2024) experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chip, prolonged, demanding gaming can lead to some thermal throttling. However, the 5nm process helps mitigate this compared to older chipsets. The Tab S6 Lite (2024) is generally well-equipped to handle most mobile games at medium to high settings for reasonable durations.
❓ Is the Huawei MatePad 10.4 still a good option for taking handwritten notes with a stylus?
Yes, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 supports a stylus (sold separately) and offers a decent note-taking experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) generally provides lower latency and a more refined stylus experience, making it the preferred choice for serious note-takers.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Huawei MatePad 10.4 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)?
The MatePad 10.4 runs EMUI, Huawei’s Android-based operating system, which lacks full Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to US sanctions. This means no pre-installed Google apps and reliance on Huawei’s AppGallery. The Tab S6 Lite (2024) runs Samsung’s One UI, a full-featured Android experience with complete GMS support, offering access to the Google Play Store and all associated apps.
