The mid-range tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Huawei MediaPad M6 10.8 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. While both aim to provide a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices and overall design philosophies. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Huawei MediaPad M6 10.8 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Kirin 980 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e’s Snapdragon 670, making it better suited for demanding tasks and multitasking. However, the S5e’s 18W charging and Samsung’s software ecosystem remain attractive benefits.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/75 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July 10 | 2019, February. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 257 x 170 x 7.2 mm (10.12 x 6.69 x 0.28 in) | 245 x 160 x 5.5 mm (9.65 x 6.30 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 498 g (1.10 lb) | 400 g (14.11 oz) |
| | Stylus support | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~288 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.8 inches, 338.2 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Kirin 980 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP10 | Adreno 615 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by Harman Kardon
| Tuned by AKG/HARMAN |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector |
| 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 | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Champagne Gold | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SCM-AL09, SCM-W09 | SM-T725, SM-T720 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 410 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 152610 (v7)
GeekBench: 5684 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei MediaPad M6 10.8
- Significantly more powerful Kirin 980 processor
- 7nm process offers better power efficiency
- Potentially superior image processing capabilities
- Charging speed likely slower than the S5e
- Software ecosystem may be less familiar to some users
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Streamlined Samsung One UI software experience
- Lighter and more portable design
- Less powerful Snapdragon 670 processor
- 10nm process less efficient than Kirin 980’s 7nm
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display, but they differ in their strengths. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing for the M6, Huawei typically focuses on color accuracy in its tablets. The Tab S5e features a 10.5-inch TFT LCD. The Snapdragon 670’s GPU is less demanding, meaning the S5e’s display doesn’t *need* to be as high-spec to deliver a smooth visual experience. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rates are likely fixed, impacting power consumption during dynamic content.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Both devices likely feature modest camera setups. Given the market segment, we can assume the M6 and S5e prioritize functional cameras for video calls and occasional snapshots over high-end photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Kirin 980’s image signal processor (ISP) generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 670’s, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in favorable conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei MediaPad M6 10.8’s Kirin 980 (7nm) is a flagship-level processor from 2018, featuring a complex octa-core configuration with both Cortex-A76 and A55 cores. This architecture provides a substantial performance boost over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 (10nm). The 7nm fabrication process of the Kirin 980 translates to better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the 10nm Snapdragon 670. This means the M6 is less likely to throttle under sustained load, making it ideal for gaming or video editing. The S5e’s Kryo 360 cores are optimized for efficiency, but lack the raw processing power of the Kirin 980.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the M6, but the Tab S5e packs a 7,040mAh battery. The S5e’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the M6. However, the Kirin 980’s superior power efficiency could offset the S5e’s larger battery capacity in certain usage scenarios. The Snapdragon 670, while efficient, is less so than the Kirin 980, meaning the S5e may require more frequent charging during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei MediaPad M6 10.8 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding applications, enjoy extended gaming sessions, or require a more powerful processor for productivity tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e if you prioritize a streamlined software experience, faster charging capabilities, and a lighter, more portable design, and your usage primarily revolves around media consumption and light productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kirin 980 in the MediaPad M6 10.8 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Kirin 980, built on a 7nm process, is designed for efficient thermal management. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, the 7nm process and Huawei’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance over longer periods. The Snapdragon 670 in the S5e, being a 10nm chip, is more prone to throttling under similar loads.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e’s 18W charging a game-changer for daily use?
The 18W charging is a definite advantage for the Tab S5e. It significantly reduces the time required to recharge the 7,040mAh battery, making it more convenient for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. While the MediaPad M6 10.8’s battery life may be comparable, the slower charging speed could be a drawback for those who frequently need to top up their device.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 670 in the Tab S5e struggle with multitasking?
The Snapdragon 670 is capable of handling moderate multitasking, but it may exhibit slowdowns when running numerous demanding applications simultaneously. The Kirin 980 in the MediaPad M6 10.8, with its more powerful CPU and GPU, offers a smoother multitasking experience, particularly when dealing with resource-intensive apps.
