The 7-inch tablet market remains a battleground for affordability. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G, a veteran of this space, faces off against Amazon’s consistently popular Fire HD 7. While both aim to deliver tablet functionality at a low price, their approaches differ significantly, impacting performance and user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 7 is the better choice. Its quad-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Tab 3 Lite’s dual-core chip, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Tab 3 Lite’s full Android experience and 3G connectivity offer advantages for specific use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, February | 2014, September. Released 2014, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 193.4 x 116.4 x 9.7 mm (7.61 x 4.58 x 0.38 in) | 191 x 128 x 10.6 mm (7.52 x 5.04 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 322 g (11.36 oz) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~58.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | Quad-core (2x1.5 GHz & 2x1.2 GHz) |
| Chipset | Marvell PXA986 | - |
| GPU | Vivante GC1000 | - |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4 (KitKat - customized), Fire 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 200 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (multimedia) | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black, Green, Pink, Yellow | Black, White, Cobalt, Magenta, Citron |
| Models | SM-T111 | KFASWI |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G
- Full Android OS with Google Play Store access
- 3G connectivity for mobile data access
- Potentially more expandable storage (depending on model)
- Significantly slower processor compared to Fire HD 7
- Likely outdated software support
- Potentially lower build quality
Amazon Fire HD 7
- Faster quad-core processor for improved performance
- Tight integration with Amazon services (Prime Video, Kindle)
- Generally more affordable
- Fire OS limitations (limited app selection, Amazon-centric interface)
- No 3G connectivity
- Heavily reliant on Amazon ecosystem
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the Tab 3 Lite, but given its market segment, it’s likely a basic TFT panel. The Fire HD 7’s display is similarly unremarkable. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness, rather than display quality itself. Both will suffice for basic media consumption, but don’t expect vibrant colors or sharp details.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets feature cameras that are best described as functional for video calls rather than photography. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are unavailable for both devices. Given the price point, image quality will be limited in both cases. Expect soft details, poor low-light performance, and generally underwhelming results. Focusing on camera capabilities when choosing between these two is not recommended.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G relies on a dual-core 1.2 GHz Marvell PXA986 chipset. This is a relatively old architecture, designed for efficiency rather than speed. In contrast, the Amazon Fire HD 7 features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz and 1.2 GHz, suggesting a big.LITTLE architecture. This configuration allows the Fire HD 7 to handle multitasking and more demanding applications with greater ease. The additional cores and higher clock speeds translate to a snappier user experience, particularly when navigating the interface or launching apps. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the Fire HD 7 will offer a more playable experience in most titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the Tab 3 Lite, but its dual-core processor and likely smaller battery suggest it will offer moderate battery life. The Fire HD 7, while not boasting exceptional battery life, benefits from a more efficient processor and Amazon’s software optimizations. Real-world usage will vary depending on screen brightness and app usage, but the Fire HD 7 is likely to provide slightly longer runtimes on a single charge. Charging speeds are also likely to be similar, given the budget nature of both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G if you absolutely require a full Android experience with access to the Google Play Store and need 3G connectivity for on-the-go use without relying on Wi-Fi. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 7 if you prioritize performance for the price, are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem (Prime Video, Kindle), and don’t mind the limitations of Fire OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 7’s Fire OS a significant limitation for users accustomed to standard Android?
Yes, Fire OS is heavily customized by Amazon and lacks full Google Play Store access. While you can sideload apps, it’s not a seamless experience. Users reliant on specific Google apps or a wide range of Android apps may find Fire OS restrictive.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G’s 3G connectivity still work with modern cellular networks?
The Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G supports older 3G networks. While still functional in many areas, 3G networks are being phased out in favor of 4G and 5G. Connectivity may be limited or unavailable in some regions.
❓ Can I easily watch Netflix or YouTube on either of these tablets?
Yes, both tablets support Netflix and YouTube, although the experience may be limited by the screen resolution and processor. The Fire HD 7 will likely offer smoother playback due to its more powerful CPU.
❓ Is either tablet suitable for reading ebooks?
Both tablets are adequate for reading ebooks. The Fire HD 7 is particularly well-suited due to its integration with the Kindle ecosystem, but both can handle standard ebook formats.
