Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) vs. Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 series offers affordable Android tablets for everyday use. But with two iterations – the 2020 model and the A7 Lite – deciding which one to choose can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make the right decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) boasts a slightly more powerful chipset and better display, offering a smoother experience. However, the A7 Lite is more compact, lighter, and often more affordable, making it a great choice for portability and budget-conscious buyers. It's a close call!

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 112021, May 27
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, June 18
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends
Dimensions247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in)212.5 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)366 g (Wi-Fi), 371 g (LTE) (12.91 oz)
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density)
Size10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio)8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 610PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP2 MP
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassAccelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 7040 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Gray, Silver, GoldGray, Silver
ModelsSM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505NSM-T225, SM-T220, SM-T225N, SM-T227U
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 140 EUR
SAR-0.68 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.01 W/kg (body)0.64 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)

  • More powerful processor
  • Larger, higher-resolution display
  • Slightly better build quality
  • More premium feel

  • Slightly less portable
  • Can be more expensive

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

  • More portable and lightweight
  • More affordable
  • Good for basic tasks
  • Easier one-handed use

  • Less powerful processor
  • Smaller, lower-resolution display
  • Less premium feel

Display Comparison

The Tab A7 (2020) features a 10.4-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200. The A7 Lite has a slightly smaller 8.7-inch display with a resolution of 1333 x 800. While both are LCDs, the A7 (2020) offers a sharper image and more immersive viewing experience due to its higher resolution and larger size. The A7 Lite's smaller size does make it more manageable for one-handed use.

Camera Comparison

Both tablets feature an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality is generally acceptable for video calls and casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The A7 (2020) might offer slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.

Performance

The Tab A7 (2020) is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, a more capable chipset than the A7 Lite's MediaTek Helio P22T. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall performance, especially in demanding games. The A7 Lite is adequate for basic tasks like browsing and streaming, but may struggle with more intensive applications.

Battery Life

Both tablets have a 5100 mAh battery. Real-world battery life is comparable, offering around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. Charging speed is identical at 15W wired.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 (2020)? Users prioritizing performance, a slightly larger screen, and a more premium feel. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite? Those seeking a more portable, lightweight tablet for on-the-go entertainment and basic tasks, especially on a tighter budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite worth it?
The A7 Lite is a great value if you prioritize portability and affordability. It's perfect for casual users and students who need a tablet for basic tasks and entertainment.
❓ Which Samsung tablet has the better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 (2020) has the better performance thanks to its Snapdragon 662 chipset. It handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly.