The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite represent compelling options in the mid-range Android tablet space. The P11 Plus aims to deliver strong performance at an aggressive price point, while the S6 Lite leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and S Pen support. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus emerges as the winner. Its Helio G90T chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a noticeable edge in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the S6 Lite’s established ecosystem and S Pen functionality make it a strong contender for creative users.
| 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) / 1800 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 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-A |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 29 | Available. Released 2020, May 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 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 |
| Weight | 490 g (1.08 lb) | 467 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray |
| Models | ZA940124SE | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.45 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- Faster charging with 20W support
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Less established brand reputation in tablets
- Likely lacks S Pen support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- Included S Pen for note-taking and creativity
- Samsung’s established software ecosystem
- Strong brand recognition and reliability
- Slower charging at 15W
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A73)
- Less powerful chipset overall
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific panel details (like brightness in nits) are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The S6 Lite’s 10.4-inch display is a common size for tablets, while the P11 Plus offers an 11-inch screen. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price brackets. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment, prioritizing viewing angles over professional color grading.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Both devices likely feature modest camera setups. Focusing on the main sensors, the P11 Plus likely has a 13MP sensor, while the S6 Lite has an 8MP sensor. The P11 Plus’s higher resolution offers a slight advantage in detail capture. However, image processing and sensor size play a larger role, and without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus features the MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm), an octa-core processor with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture, built on a smaller 12nm node, generally translates to better power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The Exynos 9611 uses four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. While the Exynos has a higher clock speed on its performance cores, the newer Cortex-A76 architecture in the G90T offers superior IPC (Instructions Per Clock), resulting in faster real-world performance. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding applications and gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, the P11 Plus’s 20W wired charging is a significant advantage over the S6 Lite’s 15W charging. This faster charging speed translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The more efficient 12nm Helio G90T in the P11 Plus may also contribute to slightly better battery endurance, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Expect both tablets to offer a full day of moderate use, but the P11 Plus will recharge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you need a tablet primarily for media consumption, light gaming, and everyday productivity tasks, and value performance-per-dollar. It’s ideal for users who want a responsive experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite if you prioritize note-taking, sketching, or artistic endeavors with the included S Pen, and appreciate Samsung’s software features and brand reliability. It’s best suited for students and creative professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, being built on a 10nm process, can experience thermal throttling during extended gaming. While it's not a severe issue for casual gaming, demanding titles may see performance dips after 30-45 minutes of play. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s Helio G90T, with its 12nm process, is generally better equipped to handle sustained loads.
❓ Is the S Pen a significant advantage for everyday use, or is it primarily for artists?
The S Pen offers benefits beyond artistic applications. It’s excellent for note-taking in meetings or lectures, annotating documents, and navigating the interface with precision. Students and professionals who frequently handwrite notes will find the S Pen invaluable. However, if your primary use case doesn’t involve these activities, the P11 Plus’s performance advantage may be more appealing.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Lenovo's Android skin and Samsung's One UI?
Samsung’s One UI is a more polished and feature-rich software experience, offering a wider range of customization options and exclusive features like Samsung Notes and DeX. Lenovo’s Android skin is typically closer to stock Android, offering a cleaner interface but potentially lacking some of the advanced features found in One UI. Software updates are also generally faster and more consistent on Samsung devices.
