The budget tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 and Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) represent two popular choices. While both aim to deliver an affordable tablet experience, they take drastically different approaches to hardware and software. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which tablet offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and versatility, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) is the clear winner. Its Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Tab E 9.6’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming. However, the Tab E 9.6 remains a viable option for basic tasks and Samsung ecosystem users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, July | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 241.9 x 149.5 x 8.5 mm (9.52 x 5.89 x 0.33 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM - cellular model only | No |
| Weight | 490 g (Wi-Fi)/ 495 g (3G) (1.08 lb) | 468 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~157 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.6 inches, 267.2 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHzQuad-core 1.2 GHz - USA model | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 4.4 (KitKat) - EU modelAndroid 5.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) - USA model | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1.5GB RAM, 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.4 | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP; 4.1, A2DP - USA model | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot - USA model | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Music play | Up to 95 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Metallic Black | Slate |
| Models | SM-T560, SM-T561, SM-T560NU | T76N2P |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6
- Familiar Samsung UI (for Samsung users)
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact size for portability
- Significantly weaker processor
- Lower screen resolution
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021)
- Much faster processor (Helio P60T)
- Higher screen resolution
- Wireless charging support
- Amazon Fire OS (may require sideloading for full Android experience)
- Amazon ecosystem integration (can be intrusive)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 9.6-inch and 10.1-inch displays respectively, but the similarities largely end there. While specific brightness data for the Tab E 9.6 is unavailable, it’s likely to be lower than the Fire HD 10 Plus. The Fire HD 10 Plus benefits from a 1920x1200 resolution, resulting in a sharper image compared to the Tab E 9.6’s 1280x800. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s panel technology isn’t cutting-edge, but the higher resolution provides a noticeable advantage for viewing photos and videos. Bezels are comparable on both devices, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic camera setups primarily intended for video calls. Detailed camera specifications for the Tab E 9.6 are scarce, but it’s unlikely to compete with the Fire HD 10 Plus’s 5MP front and rear cameras. Image quality on both devices will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but expect noise and lack of detail in low light. Focusing on camera performance is not a strength of either device.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 utilizes a quad-core processor clocked at either 1.3 GHz or 1.2 GHz (depending on the region). This is a relatively basic processor designed for light tasks. In contrast, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) is powered by the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T, an octa-core chipset built on a 12nm process. The Helio P60T’s Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A53 cores deliver significantly faster processing speeds, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The Fire HD 10 Plus’s superior processing power makes it the better choice for users who plan to run multiple apps simultaneously or engage in light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Tab E 9.6 is not publicly available. The Fire HD 10 Plus boasts a 6100 mAh battery, providing ample power for all-day use with moderate usage. The Fire HD 10 Plus also supports wireless charging, a convenient feature absent on the Tab E 9.6. While charging wattage isn’t specified for either device, the Fire HD 10 Plus’s larger battery and wireless charging capabilities offer greater flexibility and convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 if you need a simple, reliable tablet primarily for basic media consumption, reading, and light web browsing, and you are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) if you prefer a more capable tablet for multitasking, streaming, gaming, and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, even with Amazon’s Fire OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus’s Fire OS limit app compatibility compared to standard Android?
Yes, Fire OS is based on Android but lacks full Google Play Store support. While you can access a curated app store, some apps may not be available. However, users can sideload the Google Play Store, though this requires technical knowledge and isn't officially supported by Amazon.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 suitable for running demanding apps like video editing software?
No, the Tab E 9.6’s quad-core processor and limited RAM are not sufficient for running demanding applications like video editing software. It’s best suited for basic tasks such as web browsing, reading, and streaming video.
❓ How does the performance of the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 Plus compare to other tablets in this price range?
The MT8183 Helio P60T is a relatively powerful chipset for a budget tablet. It significantly outperforms the processors found in many other tablets in the sub-$200 price range, offering a smoother and more responsive experience for multitasking and gaming.
