Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) vs Apple iPad 10.2 (2021): Which Tablet Should You Buy?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 10.2 (2021) generally offers a smoother, more responsive experience thanks to the A13 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem. However, the S6 Lite's included S Pen and more versatile Android OS make it a strong contender for creative users and those seeking broader app compatibility. It's a close call, depending on your priorities.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - A2603 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - A2604 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 14 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 23 | Available. Released 2021, September 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) | 487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb) |
| Stylus support | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Tuned by AKG | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector |
| 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, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| ANT+ | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh | Li-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray | Silver, Space Gray |
| Models | SM-P613, SM-P619 | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| SAR | 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1123:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -29.4 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 617292(v9) GeekBench: 3124 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
- Included S Pen for note-taking and drawing
- More versatile Android operating system
- Generally more affordable
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Less powerful processor than the iPad
- Display not as vibrant as the iPad
- Slower charging speed (15W)
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
- Faster and more responsive performance (A13 Bionic)
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Excellent app optimization
- Slightly better display quality
- Less expandable storage
- Higher price point
- Less open operating system
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 10.2-inch displays with a 2048 x 1536 resolution. The iPad 10.2 boasts a slightly higher measured brightness (513 nits) and a nominal contrast ratio of 1123:1. While the S6 Lite's display is good, the iPad's generally offers slightly better color accuracy and brightness, especially in well-lit environments. The iPad also benefits from Apple's display technology, often perceived as more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is generally not a primary concern for tablets, but the iPad 10.2 holds a slight edge. Both offer basic photo and video capabilities, but the iPad's image processing tends to produce more consistent and pleasing results. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
Here's where the iPad 10.2 truly shines. The Apple A13 Bionic chip significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 732G/720G found in the S6 Lite. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the iPad. While the S6 Lite is capable for everyday tasks, the iPad handles demanding games and applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two. Both tablets offer around 8-10 hours of typical usage. However, the iPad's power efficiency, thanks to the A13 Bionic, can sometimes translate to slightly longer real-world battery life, especially under heavy load.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)? Creative professionals, students needing note-taking capabilities, and Android enthusiasts will appreciate the S Pen and open OS. Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, those prioritizing performance and a streamlined user experience, and families seeking a reliable and easy-to-use tablet.