Samsung's tablet lineup offers options for every user, but navigating the choices can be tricky. We're pitting the refreshed Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) against the established Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) to determine which provides the best blend of performance, features, and value. This comparison focuses on the core differences stemming from their chipsets and how those translate to real-world usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is the superior choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a 5nm process, delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the Tab A7 10.4's Unisoc T618. While both charge at the same 15W, the S6 Lite's processing power justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 18 | 2024, March 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 21 | Available. Released 2024, March 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 247.6 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 477 g (1.05 lb) | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro (wi-fi model only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Silver, Gold | Gray, Mint, Rose Gold |
| Models | SM-T509 | SM-P620, SM-P625 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | $ 215.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.54 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022)
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Suitable for basic tasks like browsing and video playback.
- Decent build quality for its price range.
- Unisoc T618 chipset struggles with demanding apps.
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to potential throttling.
- Likely has a less advanced display panel.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- Significantly faster Exynos 1280 processor.
- 5nm process offers better efficiency and thermal performance.
- More responsive and capable for multitasking and gaming.
- Higher price compared to the Tab A7 10.4.
- 15W charging is relatively slow.
- May be overkill for users with very basic needs.
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.4-inch displays, but detailed display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided. However, given the Tab S6 Lite's positioning, it likely benefits from superior color accuracy and potentially a higher peak brightness. The A7 10.4, being a more budget-oriented device, may utilize a less advanced panel. Bezels are likely comparable, but the S6 Lite's overall build quality is expected to be higher.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but both tablets likely feature modest camera setups. Given the market segment, focusing on camera quality isn't a priority. The Tab A7 10.4 likely has a simpler sensor array. The S6 Lite may have slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab S6 Lite (2024) boasts the Exynos 1280 (5nm), featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Tab A7 10.4's Unisoc UMS512 T618 (12nm) with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Cortex-A78 cores in the S6 Lite also offer a noticeable architectural advantage over the A75 cores in the A7, resulting in faster single-core performance. This impacts app launch times, multitasking smoothness, and overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both tablets share the same 15W wired charging capability. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Exynos 1280's superior power efficiency in the S6 Lite (2024) will likely result in longer real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A7 10.4. The 5nm process allows the S6 Lite to accomplish more per watt, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2022) if you need a basic tablet for light tasks like web browsing, email, and occasional video streaming, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, more demanding apps, light gaming, and a more future-proof experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Tab S6 Lite (2024) overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, built on a 5nm process, is significantly more thermally efficient than the Unisoc T618. While it can get warm during prolonged gaming, the S6 Lite (2024) is less prone to significant throttling, maintaining smoother frame rates for longer periods compared to the A7 10.4.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Tab S6 Lite (2024) and Tab A7 10.4 (2022) noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The S6 Lite (2024)'s faster processor and more efficient architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience, even with everyday tasks. The A7 10.4 can feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Will the 15W charging significantly impact the charging time for either tablet?
15W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect both tablets to take around 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0%. However, the S6 Lite's more efficient chipset may reach a usable charge level slightly faster due to reduced power draw during charging.
