The Android tablet market offers a diverse range of options, but narrowing down the best choice can be challenging. We pit the Lenovo Pad Pro, boasting a flagship-tier Snapdragon 870, against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE, a popular mid-range contender with a focus on display quality and affordability. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Lenovo Pad Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 delivers significantly faster processing speeds. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers a brighter, more visually appealing display and faster charging, making it a better choice for media consumption and everyday use.
| 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, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 264.3 x 171.4 x 5.8 mm (10.41 x 6.75 x 0.23 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 | 485 g (1.07 lb) | 608 g (1.34 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 383.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 90Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | 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 SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi model |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | 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 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP
8 MP, IR 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 | No | 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/6, 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 | Infrared Face ID, fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro (5G model only) |
| | - | Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, QC3 | 45W wired, 100% in 190 min |
| Type | Li-Po 8600 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, Mystic Pink |
| Models | ZA910001CN, TB-J716F | SM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735 |
| Price | About 320 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 Pro
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 870)
- Better performance for demanding tasks
- Potential for longer software support due to higher-end chipset
- Slower charging speed (20W)
- Display brightness likely lower than S7 FE
- Battery capacity not specified
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
- Brighter and more vibrant display (522 nits)
- Faster charging (45W)
- Larger display size (12.4 inches)
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 750G/778G)
- May struggle with demanding applications
- Potentially slower software updates
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE immediately stands out with its measured 522 nits of maximum brightness and a 1886:1 contrast ratio, providing a more vivid and easily viewable experience, especially outdoors. While the Lenovo Pad Pro’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s reasonable to assume it doesn’t match the S7 FE’s brightness. The S7 FE’s larger display size (12.4 inches vs. the Pad Pro’s 11.2 inches) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. Both tablets share a similar contrast ratio, suggesting comparable panel technology, but the S7 FE’s higher brightness is a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, but the available data suggests a slight edge to the Lenovo Pad Pro, assuming it utilizes a more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 870. The S7 FE’s camera specifications are not detailed enough to make a definitive assessment, and the inclusion of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) is unlikely to significantly impact image quality. The focus should be on the main sensor’s capabilities, which are not specified for either device.
Performance
The Lenovo Pad Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, built on a 7nm process, represents a significant leap in performance over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE’s options. The S7 FE comes in two variants: a 5G model with the Snapdragon 750G (8nm) and a Wi-Fi model with the Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The Snapdragon 870’s octa-core configuration (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) outperforms the S7 FE’s CPUs, particularly in multi-threaded workloads. The 6nm process of the 778G is more efficient than the 8nm of the 750G, but neither matches the 7nm Snapdragon 870’s raw power. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Lenovo Pad Pro.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a 45W wired charging capability, achieving a full charge in approximately 190 minutes. The Lenovo Pad Pro, limited to 20W charging with QC3 support, will take considerably longer to reach 100%. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the S7 FE is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their tablet. The Snapdragon 870’s efficiency may partially offset the slower charging speed, but the S7 FE’s charging speed is a clear win.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Pad Pro if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously. Its Snapdragon 870 provides a substantial performance advantage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you prioritize a vibrant display for streaming movies and browsing the web, coupled with faster charging and a more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 778G in the Wi-Fi version of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE be sufficient for gaming?
The Snapdragon 778G is a capable mid-range chipset, and will handle most mobile games at medium to high settings. However, it will likely exhibit more frame drops and throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the Lenovo Pad Pro’s Snapdragon 870. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings for a smooth experience.
❓ How much does the slower charging of the Lenovo Pad Pro impact daily use?
The 20W charging on the Lenovo Pad Pro means it will take significantly longer to fully charge compared to the S7 FE’s 45W. If you frequently run out of battery and need a quick top-up, this is a major drawback. However, if you typically charge your tablet overnight or have ample time to charge it, the slower charging may not be a significant issue.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE support the S Pen, and is it included in the box?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE supports the S Pen, and it *is* included in the box. This is a significant advantage for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. The S Pen offers a low-latency experience, making it feel natural to use.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for each tablet, and is expandable storage supported?
Storage options vary by region and retailer. Both tablets typically offer configurations ranging from 64GB to 256GB. Importantly, both the Lenovo Pad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity as needed. Check specific retailer listings for available configurations.
