Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs. Tab A 10.1 (2019): A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset delivers a significantly smoother experience. However, the Tab A 10.1 (2019) provides excellent value for casual users seeking a basic tablet for media consumption and light tasks.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, July 31. Released 2019, August | 2019, February 15. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 244.5 x 159.5 x 5.7 mm (9.63 x 6.28 x 0.22 in) | 245.2 x 149.4 x 7.5 mm (9.65 x 5.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 469 g (1.03 lb) |
| Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~287 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 321.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| UFS 3.0 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| 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 | Panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Tuned by AKG | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector | 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 | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Samsung DeX ANT+ | ANT+ | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6150 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mountain Gray, Cloud Blue, Rose Blush | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SM-T860, SM-T865 | SM-T515, SM-T510 |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.70 W/kg (body) | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.22 W/kg (body) | 1.36 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- More efficient chipset for better battery life under load
- Potential for a superior display with AMOLED technology
- Higher price point
- Slower 15W charging
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
- More affordable price
- Potentially longer battery life in light usage
- Solid build quality for the price
- Less powerful processor, prone to throttling
- Lower display quality compared to the S6
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, the specifics are not provided. However, given the Tab S6’s positioning, it likely boasts a higher resolution and potentially an AMOLED panel with superior color accuracy and contrast compared to the Tab A 10.1’s LCD. The S6’s premium status suggests a higher peak brightness, making it more usable outdoors. The Tab A 10.1, being a more budget-oriented device, likely prioritizes cost-effectiveness over display fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Given the market segment, the Tab A 10.1 likely features a basic camera setup focused on video calls and casual snapshots. The Tab S6, while not a photography powerhouse, likely includes a more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The presence of a higher-end chipset in the S6 allows for more sophisticated computational photography features, resulting in improved image quality in various lighting conditions. We can assume the Tab A 10.1 will have a simpler camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab S6’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-level processor, featuring an octa-core configuration with a high-clocked Kryo 485 prime core at 2.84 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tab A 10.1’s Exynos 7904 (14nm). The 7nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 855 offers significantly better power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance. The Exynos 7904, while capable, will likely exhibit more throttling under prolonged heavy loads. The S6’s superior CPU architecture translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Snapdragon 855’s efficiency partially offsets the Tab A 10.1’s potential larger battery. The Tab S6’s 15W wired charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards, but the efficient chipset means it may not require frequent top-ups. The Tab A 10.1, with its less power-hungry Exynos 7904, might offer slightly longer battery life in typical usage scenarios, but will struggle to maintain performance during intensive tasks, potentially leading to faster battery drain under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 if you need a tablet for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior processing power and potential for S Pen integration make it ideal for creative professionals and power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) if you prefer a budget-friendly tablet for web browsing, streaming videos, and basic productivity – a solid choice for students or families.