The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite and Amazon Fire Max 11 vying for attention. While both aim to deliver a versatile tablet experience, they take drastically different approaches. The Tab S10 Lite focuses on raw performance and longevity, while the Fire Max 11 prioritizes affordability within the Amazon ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite emerges as the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Exynos 1380 chipset, coupled with an impressive 87:42h battery endurance and 2000 charge cycles, provides a smoother, longer-lasting experience. While the Fire Max 11 offers a lower price point, its Mediatek chipset struggles to match the S10 Lite's capabilities.
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 25 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.6 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 524 g (1.16 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2112 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~228 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass (cellular model only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired, 100% in 120 min | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver, Coral Red | Gray |
| Models | SM-X400, SM-X406, SM-X406B | KFSNWI |
| Price | $ 249.99 | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 87:42h endurance, 2000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class E (0 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite
- Superior performance with the Exynos 1380 chipset
- Exceptional battery life (87:42h endurance)
- Long-term battery health with 2000 charge cycles
- Likely higher price point
- May lack Amazon ecosystem integration
Amazon Fire Max 11
- Lower upfront cost
- Seamless integration with Amazon services
- Potentially lighter and more portable
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Limited battery endurance (estimated)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but considering the market positioning, the Tab S10 Lite likely features a higher resolution and potentially a more color-accurate panel than the Fire Max 11. Samsung’s history with LCD technology suggests a brighter display with wider viewing angles. The Fire Max 11, aiming for cost-effectiveness, likely utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Bezels are also likely slimmer on the S10 Lite, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but given the focus of these devices, camera quality isn't a primary differentiator. We can assume both tablets feature basic camera setups suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of specific sensor information suggests neither device will excel in photography. Any differences in image quality will likely stem from software processing rather than hardware capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) boasts a more advanced manufacturing process than the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J. While both are octa-core CPUs with a similar Cortex-A78/A55 configuration, the Exynos 1380’s 5nm node translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management. The S10 Lite’s CPU clock speeds (2.4GHz vs 2.2GHz) further contribute to its performance advantage. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Samsung tablet. The Fire Max 11 will likely struggle with resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite’s battery endurance of 87:42h is a standout feature, significantly exceeding what’s expected from a tablet in this price range. The 2000 charge cycles indicate exceptional long-term battery health. The Fire Max 11’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 15W charging is considerably slower than the S10 Lite’s 25W charging (120 minutes to 100%). This means the S10 Lite will spend less time tethered to a charger, and its battery will retain capacity for a longer period.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like multitasking, gaming, and creative work, and if long-term battery health is a priority. Its superior processing power and endurance justify the higher price. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you are deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem, primarily consume media, and prioritize a lower upfront cost, understanding that performance will be limited compared to the S10 Lite.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S10 Lite overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm manufacturing process and Samsung’s thermal management solutions are designed to prevent significant overheating. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the S10 Lite should maintain stable performance without excessive throttling, unlike devices with less efficient chipsets.
❓ How much does the slower 15W charging of the Fire Max 11 impact its usability?
The Fire Max 11’s 15W charging is considerably slower than the Tab S10 Lite’s 25W charging. This means it will take significantly longer to fully recharge the battery, potentially disrupting workflow or entertainment if you frequently run low on power. The S10 Lite’s faster charging offers greater convenience.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire Max 11 a good choice for users who don't use Amazon services?
The Fire Max 11 is heavily integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem. While you can sideload apps, the experience is optimized for Amazon services. Users who primarily rely on Google Play Store apps and services may find the Fire Max 11 less convenient and more restrictive than the Tab S10 Lite.
