Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) vs. Galaxy Tab A7 10.4: A Detailed Comparison

Samsung's tablet lineup offers options for every user, but choosing between the budget-friendly Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) and the refreshed Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) requires careful consideration. The A7 10.4 represents a value proposition, while the S6 Lite (2024) aims for a balance of performance and portability. This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you make the right choice.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the superior choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset delivers significantly improved performance over the A7 10.4’s Snapdragon 662, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. While both charge at 15W, the S6 Lite’s processing power justifies the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
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, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 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 112024, March 26
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2024, March 28
Body
Build-Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions247.6 x 157.4 x 7 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.28 in)244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight476 g (Wi-Fi), 477 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)465/467 g (1.03 lb)
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G68
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - 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, proximity, gyro (wi-fi model only)
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 7040 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Gray, Silver, GoldGray, Mint, Rose Gold
ModelsSM-T500, SM-T505, SM-T505NSM-P620, SM-P625
PriceAbout 240 EUR$ 215.00
SAR-0.95 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.01 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020)

  • More affordable price point
  • Suitable for basic tasks
  • Lightweight and portable

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Less future-proof
  • Potentially lower display quality

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)

  • Much faster performance with Exynos 1280
  • Improved power efficiency
  • Better multitasking capabilities

  • Higher price tag
  • 15W charging is relatively slow
  • Display is not OLED

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature 10.4-inch displays, but the underlying technology isn't specified for the A7 10.4. The S6 Lite (2024) likely utilizes a TFT LCD panel, common for its price point. The A7 10.4’s display quality is adequate for media consumption, but the S6 Lite’s panel, while not OLED, benefits from the more powerful image processing capabilities of the Exynos 1280, potentially resulting in more vibrant colors and better contrast. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their respective market segments.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Both tablets likely feature modest camera setups. The A7 10.4’s camera specs are not available, but it’s reasonable to assume a basic configuration. The S6 Lite (2024) likely features an 8MP main camera, sufficient for casual snapshots and video calls. Image processing capabilities will be superior on the S6 Lite due to the more powerful ISP within the Exynos 1280, resulting in better image quality in various lighting conditions. Any macro camera on either device is likely to be a low-resolution sensor and of limited practical use.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) boasts the Exynos 1280 (5nm), a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 662 (11nm) in the A7 10.4. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained performance under load. The CPU architecture also favors the S6 Lite, with its Cortex-A78 cores offering a substantial performance boost over the Kryo 260 cores in the A7 10.4. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. While RAM specifications aren't provided, the S6 Lite is likely to have faster LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance.

Battery Life

Both tablets utilize 15W wired charging, meaning charging speeds will be comparable. However, the more efficient Exynos 1280 in the S6 Lite (2024) will likely result in better overall battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the A7 10.4. The 5nm process node contributes to reduced power consumption, allowing the S6 Lite to deliver longer usage times on a single charge, especially during demanding tasks. Expect approximately 2-3 hours of screen-on time for typical usage on both devices, but the S6 Lite will maintain performance for longer during intensive tasks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) if you need a basic tablet for light tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and simple note-taking, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) if you prioritize performance for multitasking, gaming, or creative applications, and want a tablet that will remain responsive for years to come. The S6 Lite is also the better choice for students who need to run multiple apps simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the S6 Lite (2024) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280's 5nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While it will generate heat during prolonged gaming, it's less prone to significant throttling compared to the Snapdragon 662 in the A7 10.4. The S6 Lite (2024) will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ Is the 15W charging speed sufficient for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)?
15W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. However, the S6 Lite (2024)'s efficient Exynos 1280 chipset and optimized software mean it doesn't require extremely fast charging to achieve acceptable battery fill-up times. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours.
❓ Can the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) handle video editing or graphic design tasks?
The Snapdragon 662 in the A7 10.4 is not well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design. It will struggle with larger files and complex projects, resulting in slow performance and potential crashes. The S6 Lite (2024) is a much better option for these workloads.
❓ What kind of storage options are available for each tablet?
While specific configurations vary by region, the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) typically comes in 32GB or 64GB storage options with microSD card expansion. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) generally offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, also with microSD card support. Choosing the S6 Lite with 128GB is recommended for users who plan to store a lot of apps, games, or media files.