Lenovo Tab P11 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Which Budget Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The Lenovo Tab P11 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE occupy a similar space in the Android tablet market – offering a large screen experience without the flagship price tag. However, significant differences in chipset choice and feature sets mean one is likely a better fit for your needs. This comparison dives deep into the specs to reveal which tablet delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the superior choice. While the Lenovo Tab P11 offers a compelling price, the S7 FE’s more powerful Snapdragon 750G (or 778G) chipset, brighter display, and S Pen support justify the price premium, especially for productivity and creative tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Tab P11 Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, January 072021, May 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, February 10Available. Released 2021, June 18
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in)284.8 x 185 x 6.3 mm (11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight490 g (1.08 lb)608 g (1.34 lb)
 Stylus supportStylus support
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density)1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)TFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)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
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi model
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 619 - 5G modelAdreno 642L - Wi-Fi model
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single13 MP, (wide), AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)5 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE (Wi-Fi), 5.2, A2DP, LE (5G)
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (5G)
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro (5G model only)
 -Samsung DeX
Battery
Charging20W wired45W wired, 100% in 190 min
TypeLi-Po 7700 mAhLi-Po 10090 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Grey, Platinum GreyMystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, Mystic Pink
ModelsTB-J606FSM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 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 Tab P11

  • Significantly more affordable
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • Lightweight and portable

  • Less powerful processor
  • Display lacks brightness and vibrancy
  • Limited feature set

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

  • More powerful Snapdragon 750G/778G chipset
  • Brighter and larger display
  • S Pen support for enhanced productivity

  • Higher price point
  • Can be slightly heavier than the Tab P11
  • Software updates may be slower than on some other brands

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 522 nits compared to the Lenovo Tab P11’s unspecified brightness. Both share a similar 1886:1 contrast ratio, suggesting comparable black levels. The larger screen real estate of the S7 FE (12.4” vs 11”) further enhances the viewing experience. While neither display utilizes advanced technologies like LTPO, the S7 FE’s higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The Tab P11’s display specs are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department, but the S7 FE likely holds a slight edge. While specific camera specs for the Tab P11 are limited, Samsung typically prioritizes camera quality even in its mid-range devices. The S7 FE’s camera system, while not flagship-level, benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms. Focusing on the main sensors is key, as both tablets likely feature low-resolution auxiliary cameras of limited utility.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lenovo Tab P11 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process. This is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it will struggle with demanding applications. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 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 778G, in particular, represents a substantial leap in performance, featuring a Cortex-A78 prime core alongside more efficient Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the S7 FE. The smaller fabrication process (8nm/6nm vs 11nm) also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE takes 190 minutes to reach 100% charge with its 45W wired charging, while the Lenovo Tab P11 charges at 20W. While the Tab P11’s lower wattage suggests a slower charge time, the actual battery capacity of both devices isn’t specified. The S7 FE’s faster charging is a clear advantage for users who need to quickly top up their tablet. The more efficient Snapdragon 750G/778G in the S7 FE may also contribute to longer real-world battery life, despite potentially similar battery capacities.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 if you prioritize extreme affordability and primarily need a tablet for basic media consumption, web browsing, and light tasks. It’s a solid option for casual users on a tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you value performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the versatility of the S Pen for note-taking, sketching, or precise navigation. It’s the better choice for students, artists, and anyone who wants a more capable tablet experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Wi-Fi version of the Tab S7 FE offer a noticeable performance improvement over the Snapdragon 750G in the 5G version?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G is a more powerful chipset than the 750G. It features a faster prime core (Cortex-A78 vs Cortex-A77) and a more efficient CPU architecture, resulting in noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While both are capable chips, the 778G provides a more premium experience.
❓ Is the S Pen included with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE worth the extra cost for someone who primarily uses a tablet for media consumption?
While the S Pen might not be essential for pure media consumption, it adds significant versatility. You can use it for precise navigation, quick note-taking while watching videos, or even basic sketching. If you foresee any need for input beyond touch, the S Pen is a valuable addition. It's also useful for signing documents or annotating PDFs.
❓ How does the Lenovo Tab P11 handle multitasking with several apps open simultaneously?
The Lenovo Tab P11, with its Snapdragon 662, can handle moderate multitasking. However, opening numerous apps or switching between resource-intensive applications may result in noticeable slowdowns or app reloading. It's best suited for running a few apps concurrently rather than heavy multitasking.