The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020) established itself as a strong contender in the affordable tablet space, lauded for its included S Pen. Now, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus enters the fray, aiming to disrupt with a more modern chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two tablets, helping you determine which offers the best blend of features and performance for your budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus emerges as the better value. Its Helio G90T chipset, built on a 12nm process, delivers noticeably improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Tab S6 Lite’s older Exynos 9611. While the S Pen is a compelling feature of the Samsung, the P11 Plus’s faster charging and generally snappier experience make it the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, May 16 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 29 |
| 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) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| | - | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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, proximity, gyro | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray | Slate Grey, Platinum Grey, Modernist teal |
| Models | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 | ZA940124SE |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020)
- Included S Pen for note-taking and drawing
- Established Samsung ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design
- Older Exynos 9611 chipset offers limited performance
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially less efficient processor
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G90T chipset
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Generally better value for the price
- Lacks included stylus support
- Lenovo’s software update track record is less consistent than Samsung’s
- Build quality may not feel as premium as the Samsung
Display Comparison
Both tablets likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Tab S6 Lite’s focus on S Pen support suggests a display tuned for accurate input, but without specific data, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices. The absence of high refresh rate panels is expected, focusing instead on power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both devices likely feature modest camera setups geared towards basic video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be similar. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s Mediatek Helio G90T (12nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The G90T utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the S6 Lite relies on older Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. This translates to a substantial performance advantage for the P11 Plus in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 12nm process node of the G90T, while not leading-edge, is more efficient than the 10nm Exynos, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load. The P11 Plus is likely to handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus’s 20W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Tab S6 Lite’s 15W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, making the P11 Plus more convenient for on-the-go users. While a larger battery capacity on the S6 Lite could partially offset this, the faster charging of the P11 Plus is a more impactful real-world benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020) if you prioritize stylus input for note-taking, sketching, or precise navigation and are willing to accept slightly slower performance. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster charging, and better overall performance for media consumption and light gaming, all at a competitive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Exynos 9611 is likely to exhibit noticeable frame drops and stuttering in graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty, especially at higher settings. The Helio G90T in the P11 Plus is significantly better equipped to handle these titles, offering a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 20W charging on the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus compared to the Samsung Tab S6 Lite’s 15W charging?
While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 20W charging on the P11 Plus will likely reduce charging time by approximately 20-30% compared to the S6 Lite. This means less downtime and more time using your tablet.
❓ Is the S Pen on the Tab S6 Lite worth the performance trade-off?
If you are a frequent note-taker, artist, or simply prefer the precision of a stylus for navigation, the S Pen is a compelling feature. However, for general use and media consumption, the performance gains offered by the P11 Plus outweigh the benefits of the S Pen for most users.
