The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from full-fledged Android experiences to streamlined, content-focused devices. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020) aims to deliver a versatile Android experience at a competitive price, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) prioritizes affordability and integration with Amazon’s ecosystem. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet best suits your digital lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a full Android experience, app compatibility, and S Pen functionality, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the clear winner. While the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) offers excellent value for media consumption within the Amazon ecosystem, its limited software and performance hold it back from broader use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, May 16 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020)
- Full Android OS with Google Play Store access
- Included S Pen for note-taking and drawing
- More powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Potentially higher price point
- Battery life may be shorter than Fire HD 10 during media playback
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Extremely affordable price
- Seamless integration with Amazon services
- Potentially longer battery life for media consumption
- Limited app compatibility due to Fire OS
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.4-inch displays, but details beyond size are scarce. While neither manufacturer specifies peak brightness, the Fire HD 10’s IPS panel is likely to offer wider viewing angles. The Tab S6 Lite’s display technology isn’t specified, but Samsung generally employs high-quality panels. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than fluid visuals. The Fire HD 10’s larger bezels contribute to a less immersive experience compared to the Tab S6 Lite, which benefits from a more modern design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but the focus should be on video conferencing quality rather than image fidelity. The absence of detailed information suggests neither tablet prioritizes camera capabilities.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm) and the Amazon Fire HD 10’s MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T (12nm) represent different approaches to mobile processing. The Helio P60T, built on a 12nm process, *should* theoretically be more power efficient, but the Exynos 9611’s Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz offer a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. Both CPUs utilize the same Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency, but clocked at 1.7 GHz on the Samsung and 2.0 GHz on the Amazon. This suggests the Fire HD 10 prioritizes sustained performance on its efficiency cores. The Exynos 9611’s GPU is likely to provide a smoother experience for gaming and graphics-intensive applications, though neither tablet is a gaming powerhouse. The 10nm process of the Exynos may also lead to better thermal management under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Fire HD 10’s 12nm chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life during media consumption, despite potentially lower peak performance. Both tablets utilize 15W charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Fire HD 10’s focus on media consumption may give it an edge in longevity for that specific use case.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020) if you need a tablet capable of running a wide range of Android apps, taking notes with the included S Pen, and enjoying a more open and customizable operating system. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you primarily consume Amazon content (Prime Video, Kindle books, Audible audiobooks), want a very affordable tablet for basic tasks, and are comfortable within Amazon’s walled garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship processor, its 10nm process and the Tab S6 Lite’s relatively large chassis should mitigate significant thermal throttling during moderate gaming. However, demanding titles played for extended periods may still result in some performance reduction.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire HD 10?
While it's possible to sideload the Google Play Store onto the Fire HD 10, it's a complex process that requires technical expertise and isn't officially supported by Amazon. The experience is often unstable and may not work reliably with all apps.
❓ Is the S Pen on the Tab S6 Lite compatible with other Samsung devices?
The S Pen included with the Tab S6 Lite is compatible with other Samsung devices that support the S Pen, but functionality may vary. It doesn't have the same advanced features as the S Pen included with higher-end Galaxy Note devices.
❓ How well does the Amazon Fire HD 10 handle multitasking?
The Fire HD 10’s MediaTek Helio P60T and limited RAM (spec not provided) can struggle with heavy multitasking. Switching between multiple apps may result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. It's best suited for running one or two apps at a time.
