Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs S6: Which Samsung Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 was a flagship Android tablet that set a high bar for its time. Now, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE arrives as a more affordable, feature-rich alternative. But does the 'FE' designation mean significant compromises? We dissect the key differences between these two tablets to determine which one offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the better buy. Its newer Snapdragon 778G (Wi-Fi model) or 750G (5G model) chipset offers comparable everyday performance to the Tab S6’s Snapdragon 855, coupled with a larger display and significantly faster charging, all at a typically lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, May 252019, July 31. Released 2019, August
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 18Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions284.8 x 185 x 6.3 mm (11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 in)244.5 x 159.5 x 5.7 mm (9.63 x 6.28 x 0.22 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight608 g (1.34 lb)420 g (14.82 oz)
 Stylus supportStylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)
Display
Resolution1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density)1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~287 ppi density)
Size12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 321.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDSuper AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) - 5G modelOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) - Wi-Fi modelOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi modelQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 619 - 5G modelAdreno 642L - Wi-Fi modelAdreno 640
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.0
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
Single8 MP, AF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
 Tuned by AKGTuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE (Wi-Fi), 5.2, A2DP, LE (5G)5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (5G)Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro (5G model only)Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Samsung DeXSamsung DeX ANT+
Battery
Charging45W wired, 100% in 190 min15W wired
TypeLi-Po 10090 mAhLi-Po 7040 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, Mystic PinkMountain Gray, Cloud Blue, Rose Blush
ModelsSM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735SM-T860, SM-T865
PriceAbout 650 EURAbout 600 EUR
SAR-0.70 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.15 W/kg (body)1.22 W/kg (body)
Tests
DisplayContrast ratio: 1886:1 (nominal)-
Loudspeaker-27.2 LUFS (Good)-
PerformanceAnTuTu: 292530 (v8), 355430 (v9) GeekBench: 1904 (v5.1) GFXBench: 9.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

  • Larger 10.9-inch display for enhanced multitasking
  • Faster 45W charging for quicker power-ups
  • Available 5G connectivity for on-the-go access

  • Snapdragon 750G (5G model) is less powerful than the 778G or 855
  • LCD panel lacks the vibrancy of OLED displays

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

  • Slightly higher peak CPU performance with Snapdragon 855
  • More compact and portable design
  • Generally lower price point (depending on availability)

  • Significantly slower 15W charging
  • Smaller 10.5-inch display
  • No 5G connectivity

Display Comparison

Both tablets feature LCD panels, but the Tab S7 FE boasts a larger 10.9-inch display compared to the Tab S6’s 10.5-inch screen. The Tab S7 FE achieves a measured peak brightness of 522 nits and a 1886:1 contrast ratio, providing a vibrant viewing experience. While the Tab S6’s display quality is still excellent, the larger size and higher contrast of the S7 FE make it more suitable for media consumption and split-screen multitasking. Neither display utilizes LTPO technology, meaning refresh rate scaling isn't present.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department, and this comparison isn't a major deciding factor. Both feature relatively basic camera setups. Focusing on the main sensors, the Tab S6 and S7 FE both offer acceptable image quality for casual snapshots. The S7 FE doesn't offer any significant camera improvements over the S6, so users shouldn't expect a dramatic difference in photo or video quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tab S6 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), while the Tab S7 FE comes in two variants: a 5G model with the Snapdragon 750G (8nm) and a Wi-Fi model with the Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The Snapdragon 778G, found in the Wi-Fi S7 FE, employs Cortex-A78 cores, offering a noticeable architectural advantage over the Kryo 485 cores in the Snapdragon 855. While the 855 has a higher peak clock speed, the 778G’s more efficient 6nm process and modern core design deliver comparable, and in some cases, superior real-world performance. The 5G variant with the 750G will be slightly less performant than the 778G version. Both tablets benefit from ample RAM, though the specific configurations vary.

Battery Life

The Tab S7 FE’s larger size allows for a larger battery capacity (8000 mAh vs. 7040 mAh in the Tab S6). However, the real game-changer is the charging speed. The Tab S7 FE supports 45W wired charging, achieving a full charge in approximately 190 minutes, while the Tab S6 is limited to 15W charging. This faster charging significantly reduces downtime and makes the S7 FE more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you prioritize a larger screen for multitasking, need 5G connectivity for on-the-go productivity, or value faster charging speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 if you can find it at a substantial discount and absolutely require the slightly higher peak CPU performance for demanding tasks, and are willing to accept slower charging and a smaller display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Wi-Fi Tab S7 FE handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G is capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth gaming experience for most titles.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Tab S7 FE worth the extra cost if I have reliable Wi-Fi access?
If you frequently travel or work in areas with limited Wi-Fi, the 5G connectivity can be a significant benefit. However, if you primarily use your tablet at home or in the office with a strong Wi-Fi connection, the 5G model may not be worth the additional expense.
❓ How does the S Pen experience differ between the Tab S7 FE and the Tab S6?
Both tablets support the S Pen, but the S7 FE's S Pen is slightly larger and has a more comfortable grip. The latency is comparable on both devices, providing a responsive writing and drawing experience.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in multitasking performance between the two tablets?
The Tab S7 FE, particularly the Wi-Fi model with the Snapdragon 778G, offers a slight edge in multitasking due to its more efficient processor and larger RAM capacity. You'll be able to run more apps simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.