The Lenovo Pad Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE both aim to deliver a compelling tablet experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches. The Lenovo Pad Plus focuses on 5G connectivity and value, while the Samsung Tab S7 FE offers a larger display and S Pen support. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the better choice. While both share the Snapdragon 750G in some configurations, the S7 FE’s superior display brightness (522 nits) and faster 45W charging, coupled with S Pen functionality, provide a more premium and versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 24 | 2021, May 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 31 | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.9 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.31 in) | 284.8 x 185 x 6.3 mm (11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 520 g (1.15 lb) | 608 g (1.34 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TDDI IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) - 5G modelOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi model |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi model |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 - 5G modelAdreno 642L - Wi-Fi model |
| OS | Android 11, ZUI 12.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | Tuned by JBL | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE (Wi-Fi), 5.2, A2DP, LE (5G) |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2, 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/6 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (5G) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Face recognition, accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro (5G model only) |
| | - | Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, QC3 | 45W wired, 100% in 190 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, Mystic Pink |
| Models | ZA900000CN | SM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 650 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.15 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1886:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -27.2 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 292530 (v8), 355430 (v9)
GeekBench: 1904 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 9.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo Pad Plus
- Affordable price point
- Integrated 5G connectivity
- Lightweight and portable
- Lower display brightness
- Slower charging speeds
- Less detailed display specifications
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
- Brighter and larger display
- Included S Pen support
- Faster 45W charging
- Higher price than Lenovo Pad Plus
- 5G model is more expensive
- Can feel large for single-handed use
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 522 nits, compared to the Lenovo Pad Plus which lacks published brightness data. This makes the S7 FE far more usable outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Both tablets share a similar 1886:1 contrast ratio, suggesting comparable color depth and black levels. However, the larger screen size of the S7 FE (12.4 inches vs. the Pad Plus’s 11 inches) provides a more immersive viewing experience. The Pad Plus’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, but the available data doesn't allow for a meaningful comparison. Both are likely to feature similar sensor quality given their price points. Focusing on camera specs for these devices is less important than considering their primary use cases – media consumption and productivity. The lack of detailed camera specifications suggests neither is a photography powerhouse.
Performance
The chipset situation is nuanced. Both tablets offer a Snapdragon 750G 5G variant, utilizing an octa-core CPU with the same core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570). However, the Tab S7 FE also comes in a Wi-Fi only model with the Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm process), offering a performance boost thanks to its more efficient architecture and faster Cortex-A78 cores (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55). This means the Wi-Fi S7 FE will exhibit better sustained performance and potentially lower thermal throttling during demanding tasks. The 6nm process of the 778G is more efficient than the 8nm process of the 750G.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified for the Lenovo Pad Plus, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers 45W wired charging, completing a full charge in approximately 190 minutes. This is significantly faster than the QC3 charging supported by the Pad Plus, which will likely take considerably longer to reach 100%. Faster charging is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who rely on their tablets throughout the day. The S7 FE’s larger size also likely allows for a larger battery capacity, contributing to longer runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Plus if you prioritize 5G connectivity on a tight budget and don't require a high-brightness display or stylus support. It's ideal for users who need portable internet access. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you value a larger, brighter screen for media consumption, note-taking with the included S Pen, and faster charging speeds, even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Wi-Fi Tab S7 FE offer a noticeable performance improvement over the 750G?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G, built on a 6nm process, provides a tangible performance boost over the 750G. Its faster Cortex-A78 cores and improved efficiency result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better sustained performance during gaming. You'll notice the difference in demanding applications.
❓ Is the S Pen a worthwhile addition for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE?
Absolutely. The S Pen transforms the Tab S7 FE into a versatile productivity tool. It's excellent for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the interface with precision. The low latency and pressure sensitivity make it feel remarkably natural, especially for students or creative professionals.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity on the Lenovo Pad Plus impact real-world usage?
The 5G connectivity on the Lenovo Pad Plus allows for fast internet access on the go, without relying on Wi-Fi networks. This is particularly useful for users who travel frequently or live in areas with limited Wi-Fi availability. However, 5G data plans can be expensive, so consider your data usage needs.
❓ Which tablet is better for extended video streaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is better suited for extended video streaming due to its brighter display and potentially larger battery capacity. The brighter screen ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, and the larger battery provides longer runtime between charges.
