The sub-$200 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) are two of the leading contenders. While both aim to deliver an affordable Android experience, they take different approaches to performance and features. This comparison dives deep into the hardware to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab’s Snapdragon 439, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Lenovo offers a unique smart assistant mode, the Samsung’s overall polish and performance edge make it the winner.
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 242mm x 166mm x 8.5-24mm | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 580 g (1.28 lb) | 476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) |
| | Built-in 3-stage kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | YT-X705X | SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab
- Unique built-in stand for hands-free viewing.
- Integrated Google Assistant functionality.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Significantly weaker processor (Snapdragon 439).
- Slower charging speed (10W).
- Likely less responsive user experience.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 662).
- Faster charging (15W).
- Smoother multitasking and app performance.
- Generally better build quality.
- Lacks the integrated stand and smart assistant features of the Lenovo.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Neither tablet boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the display comparison is largely absent from the provided specs. We can infer that the Samsung, being a slightly newer model, *may* have a marginally better panel, but without nit brightness or color gamut data, it's difficult to say. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. The lack of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their photographic capabilities. Focusing on the chipset difference is far more relevant than scrutinizing the cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) features the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm), a significant upgrade over the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab’s Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm). The Snapdragon 662 utilizes Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz, compared to the Snapdragon 439’s Cortex-A53 cores peaking at 1.95 GHz. This translates to approximately a 30-40% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 also contributes to better power efficiency. While both tablets likely feature similar RAM configurations, the superior processing power of the Samsung will result in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab’s battery capacity is unknown, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) likely has a capacity around 7040 mAh. The Samsung also supports 15W wired charging, compared to the Lenovo’s 10W. This faster charging speed will allow users to replenish the battery more quickly, minimizing downtime. However, the Snapdragon 662’s improved power efficiency may partially offset the difference in charging speeds, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite the Lenovo’s potentially larger capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab if you prioritize a built-in stand and hands-free Google Assistant functionality for kitchen use or video calls. Its unique form factor caters to specific use cases where voice control and convenient positioning are paramount. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) if you value a more responsive and capable tablet for general use, including streaming, browsing, and light gaming. The Snapdragon 662 offers a significantly better experience for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 662 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 662 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab’s Snapdragon 439 will struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How useful is the built-in stand and Google Assistant functionality on the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab?
The stand is particularly useful for hands-free video calls, following recipes in the kitchen, or watching videos. The integrated Google Assistant allows for voice control of smart home devices and quick access to information without needing to pick up the tablet. However, these features are niche and won't appeal to all users.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 a significant improvement over the Lenovo's 10W charging?
Yes, the 15W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. While a full charge will still take several hours, it will be considerably faster than the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, minimizing downtime and keeping you connected for longer.
