Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs S5e: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds. However, the Tab S5e remains a compelling option for those seeking a long-lasting battery and a more budget-friendly price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e |
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 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. 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 x 160 x 5.5 mm (9.65 x 6.30 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.82 oz) | 400 g (14.11 oz) |
| Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~287 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~288 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.5 inches, 321.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 615 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Tuned by AKG | Tuned by AKG/HARMAN | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Samsung DeX ANT+ | ANT+ | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mountain Gray, Cloud Blue, Rose Blush | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | SM-T860, SM-T865 | SM-T725, SM-T720 |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 410 EUR |
| SAR | 0.70 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.22 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 152610 (v7) GeekBench: 5684 (v4.4) GFXBench: 6.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 855)
- Better performance for demanding apps and games
- Potentially more accurate display
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Potentially shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
- Higher price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
- Faster charging speed (18W)
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient processor
- More affordable price
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 670)
- Less capable for demanding tasks
- Potentially lower display quality
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature LCD panels, detailed display specifications are missing. However, considering the S6’s positioning, it likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially wider color gamut compared to the S5e. The S5e’s focus on value suggests a more standard LCD experience. Bezels are likely comparable, but the S6’s premium build may translate to slightly thinner bezels. Color accuracy will vary, but the S6 is expected to offer more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given the tablets’ age and market segment, camera performance isn’t a primary focus. Both likely feature similar basic camera setups. The S6, being the higher-end model, *may* have slightly better image processing capabilities, but don’t expect flagship-level camera quality from either device. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device are unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Galaxy Tab S6’s Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a significant leap over the Tab S5e’s Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10nm). The 855 features an octa-core CPU with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz, alongside performance and efficiency cores, offering substantially faster processing speeds for demanding applications. The S5e’s Snapdragon 670, with its 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 360 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver cores, is geared towards efficiency and everyday tasks. The 7nm process node of the 855 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The S6 will handle graphically intensive games and multitasking with ease, while the S5e may struggle with the same tasks.
Battery Life
The Tab S5e’s 18W wired charging is faster than the S6’s 15W charging. However, battery capacity isn’t specified. The S5e’s Snapdragon 670 is more power-efficient, potentially offsetting the slower charging speed with longer battery life. The S6’s more powerful processor will consume more power, potentially resulting in shorter battery life despite any capacity differences. Real-world usage will determine the actual battery performance, but the S5e is likely to offer longer runtimes for typical tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously. Its superior processing power and responsiveness make it ideal for power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e if you prioritize all-day battery life, portability, and a lower price. It’s a fantastic choice for media consumption, light productivity, and casual use.