The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G, while an older model, remains a compelling option due to its established brand recognition and 5G connectivity. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, however, enters the arena with a newer Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset and faster charging, aiming to disrupt the mid-range tablet market. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing established performance and 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G is a solid choice. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 offers a more modern chipset built on a 6nm process and faster 20W charging, making it the better option for those seeking improved efficiency and quicker power-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January 29 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, January 30 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 159.5 x 5.7 mm (9.63 x 6.28 x 0.22 in) | 263.7 x 166.7 x 6.8 mm (10.38 x 6.56 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~287 ppi density) | 1536 x 2560 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 321.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.2 inches, 357.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm | - |
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by AKG | Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector, video output |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Samsung DeX
ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mountain Gray | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Models | SM-T866N | ZAB50194GB, ZAB50043SE |
| Price | About 800 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 616573 (v9)
GeekBench: 2827 (v5.1) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G
- Established Snapdragon 855+ performance
- 5G connectivity for on-the-go access
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Older chipset architecture
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially shorter software support
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- Modern Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset (6nm)
- Faster 20W charging with QC3
- Potentially longer software support lifecycle
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Mediatek chipset may have less brand recognition
- Performance may not match peak Snapdragon 855+ bursts
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given Samsung's history with AMOLED displays, the Tab S6 5G likely features a vibrant and color-accurate panel. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, being a 'Pro' model, likely aims for a high-resolution display as well. The absence of refresh rate data makes it difficult to assess smoothness, but Samsung often includes higher refresh rates in its 'S' series tablets. Bezels will be a key visual differentiator, and user reviews will be crucial for assessing real-world brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, given the market positioning, neither tablet is likely to excel in photography. The focus will be on adequate performance for video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of information regarding sensor size and optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests both tablets will struggle in low-light conditions. Image processing will likely be the key differentiator, with Samsung potentially offering more vibrant and saturated images, while Lenovo might aim for a more natural look.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ (7nm), a flagship-class chip from 2019. Its octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) delivers strong performance. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, however, employs the Mediatek Kompanio 1300T (6nm). While the Snapdragon 855+ boasts higher clock speeds, the Kompanio 1300T benefits from a more modern 6nm manufacturing process, potentially leading to better power efficiency and sustained performance. The Kompanio's CPU (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) utilizes newer ARM cores, which offer architectural improvements over the Kryo cores in the Snapdragon. This suggests the Lenovo tablet may handle multi-tasking and newer applications more efficiently.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, the charging capabilities offer a clear advantage to the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 with its 20W wired charging and Quick Charge 3 (QC3) support. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G is limited to 15W charging, meaning significantly longer charge times. While a larger battery on the Samsung tablet could partially offset this, the faster charging of the Lenovo device translates to less downtime and greater convenience. The 6nm process of the Kompanio 1300T also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G if you absolutely need 5G connectivity in a tablet and value the Samsung ecosystem. Its Snapdragon 855+ still provides capable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 if you prioritize a more efficient processor, faster charging speeds, and a potentially longer software support lifecycle, all at a competitive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Kompanio 1300T in the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Snapdragon 855+ has a more established gaming reputation, the Kompanio 1300T is a capable processor. Its newer architecture and efficient 6nm process should allow for smooth gameplay in most popular titles at medium to high settings. However, demanding games at maximum settings may experience some frame drops.
❓ How much does the lack of 5G connectivity on the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 impact its usability for travelers?
The absence of 5G means the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 relies on Wi-Fi for internet access. For travelers frequently in areas with poor Wi-Fi, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G's 5G connectivity provides a significant advantage. However, for most users, Wi-Fi is sufficient, and the benefits of the Lenovo's newer chipset and faster charging may outweigh the lack of 5G.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 15W and 20W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. 20W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2. While 15W isn't slow, the extra 5W and QC3 support translate to a much more convenient charging experience, especially for users who frequently need to top up their tablet quickly.
