The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) and the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) represent compelling options in the crowded budget tablet space. While both aim to deliver an affordable multimedia experience, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware and software philosophies. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall usability to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a more versatile Android experience and slightly better performance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) is the superior choice. However, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) offers excellent value for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem and primarily focused on content consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 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 | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 11 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | SM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505N | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)
- More powerful Snapdragon 662 processor
- Access to the full Google Play Store
- Faster 15W charging
- More versatile Android OS
- Potentially higher price point
- May require additional software customization
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Lower price point
- Seamless integration with Amazon services
- Excellent value for Prime members
- Warm display color temperature for reading
- Limited app ecosystem (Fire OS)
- Less powerful Helio P60T processor
- Slower 9W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are 10.4-inch IPS LCD panels, but detailed specifications like brightness and color gamut are unavailable. However, the Fire HD 10's display is known for its slightly warmer color temperature, which some users may prefer for extended reading sessions. The lack of high refresh rate or advanced panel technology like LTPO on either device means neither is ideal for fast-paced gaming or motion-sensitive content.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strength for either tablet, and detailed specs are limited. Both are likely equipped with basic camera sensors suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. Focusing on the chipsets, the Snapdragon 662 typically offers better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in slightly improved image quality from the Tab A7, though the difference will be minimal in real-world use. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits their photographic potential.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Tab A7 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm), while the Fire HD 10 features the MediaTek Helio P60T (12nm). The 12nm process of the Helio P60T is less efficient than the 11nm Snapdragon 662, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with similar peak clock speeds (2.0 GHz), the Snapdragon 662’s Kryo cores offer a more modern architecture, generally translating to better sustained performance and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 662 is likely to handle demanding apps and light gaming with more ease than the Helio P60T.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are expected to offer around 8-10 hours of typical usage. The Snapdragon 662’s more efficient 11nm process gives the Tab A7 a slight edge in battery life. The Fire HD 10 supports 9W charging, while the Tab A7 supports 15W charging. This faster charging capability on the Tab A7 means quicker top-ups, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) if you need a tablet capable of running a wider range of Android apps, require Google Play Store access, and value a more open operating system. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you are a Prime member, heavily utilize Amazon services like Kindle and Prime Video, and prioritize affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Amazon Fire HD 10's Fire OS limit my app choices compared to the Tab A7?
Yes, Fire OS is a heavily customized version of Android that primarily directs users to the Amazon Appstore. While many popular apps are available, you won't have access to the full Google Play Store ecosystem on the Fire HD 10, potentially limiting your app options.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the Tab A7 powerful enough for light gaming?
The Snapdragon 662 is capable of handling light gaming titles and casual games without significant issues. However, demanding 3D games may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 will struggle more with graphically intensive games.
❓ How does the Amazon ecosystem integration affect the Fire HD 10 experience?
The Fire HD 10 is deeply integrated with Amazon services. Prime members will benefit from seamless access to Prime Video, Kindle books, and Amazon Music. However, this integration also means a greater emphasis on Amazon's content and services, potentially at the expense of other platforms.
