The Android tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from budget-friendly to premium. We pit the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, a long-standing favorite for its balance of features and price, against the newer Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, which aims to disrupt with its powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and blazing-fast charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect the core differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial performance leap over the Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. While the Tab S6 Lite remains a compelling budget option, the Pro offers a significantly improved experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 02 | 2022, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 16 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) | 285 x 185.2 x 6.7 mm (11.22 x 7.29 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 467 g (1.03 lb) | 620 g (1.37 lb) |
| | Stylus support | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 12, MIUI Pad 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | Tuned by AKG | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, gyro | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 60% in 36 min, 100% in 68 min |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 10000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray | Black, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610 | - |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| SAR | 1.45 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- More affordable price point
- Lighter and more portable design
- Familiar Samsung One UI experience
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 15W charging
- Less immersive display
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Larger, more immersive 12.4-inch display
- Higher price tag
- Potentially larger and heavier form factor
- Xiaomi’s MIUI for Pad may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
While both tablets offer adequate displays for their price points, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely boasts a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy given its positioning. The Tab S6 Lite’s display, while functional, is likely to exhibit lower peak brightness. The larger 12.4-inch screen on the Xiaomi model provides a more immersive viewing experience. Details like PWM dimming rates are unavailable, but the larger screen size of the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 will be more noticeable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a primary concern for tablet users, but the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 likely features a more capable camera system. While specific sensor details are missing, Xiaomi generally prioritizes camera quality in its devices. The Tab S6 Lite’s camera is likely adequate for basic scanning and video calls, but will fall short in low-light conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither tablet is designed for serious photography.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, deliver significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. The 7nm process node also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This means smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Xiaomi. The Tab S6 Lite will struggle with demanding games and applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4’s 67W wired charging is a standout feature. It can reach 60% charge in just 36 minutes and 100% in 68 minutes, minimizing downtime. The Tab S6 Lite’s 15W charging is comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Xiaomi effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Snapdragon 870’s improved efficiency also contributes to better battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite if you prioritize portability, a familiar Samsung ecosystem, and a lower upfront cost, primarily for light tasks like note-taking and media consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 if you demand strong performance for gaming and multitasking, value rapid charging, and appreciate a larger, more immersive display. The Pro is the better choice for power users and those seeking a future-proofed tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is a relatively older chipset and is prone to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks. While it can handle casual games, expect performance drops and potential stuttering in graphically intensive titles. The 10nm process node isn't as efficient as the 7nm Snapdragon 870.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 870 in the Pad 5 Pro 12.4 handle multitasking compared to the Tab S6 Lite?
The Snapdragon 870 excels at multitasking. Its octa-core architecture and ample processing power allow for seamless switching between apps and running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdown. The Tab S6 Lite, with its Exynos 9611, will struggle with heavy multitasking, leading to noticeable lag.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 compatible with standard USB-PD chargers?
Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4 supports PD3.0 charging, meaning it's compatible with many standard USB-PD chargers. However, to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports that wattage. Using a lower-wattage charger will still charge the tablet, but at a slower rate.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each tablet, and is expandable storage supported?
Specific storage configurations weren't provided. However, Xiaomi typically offers multiple storage options for its Pro models, potentially including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Tab S6 Lite often comes in 64GB and 128GB variants. Expandable storage via microSD card is a common feature on both devices, but confirm the maximum supported capacity for each model.
