Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs S6 Lite: A Deep Dive Comparison

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 FE and S6 Lite represent compelling options in the Android tablet space, but cater to slightly different needs. The S6 Lite, a long-standing favorite, offers a streamlined experience at a competitive price. The S7 FE, however, aims to bridge the gap between affordability and functionality with a larger display and more powerful processor options. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE emerges as the superior choice. While the S6 Lite remains a solid budget option, the S7 FE’s more powerful Snapdragon 778G (Wi-Fi model) or 750G (5G model) chipset, coupled with its larger display, provides a noticeably more responsive and versatile experience, justifying the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 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, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE-A
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, May 252020, April 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 18Available. Released 2020, May 16
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 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM
Weight608 g (1.34 lb)467 g (1.03 lb)
 Stylus supportStylus support
Display
Resolution1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) - 5G modelQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) - Wi-Fi modelExynos 9611 (10nm)
GPUAdreno 619 - 5G modelAdreno 642L - Wi-Fi modelMali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP5 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo 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
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C
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)Accelerometer, proximity, gyro
 Samsung DeXANT+
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 PinkChiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray
ModelsSM-T730, SM-T733, SM-T736B, SM-T735SM-P610N, SM-P615, SM-P610
PriceAbout 650 EURAbout 380 EUR
SAR-1.45 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU1.15 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, more immersive display
  • More powerful Snapdragon 778G/750G processor
  • Faster 45W charging
  • Included S Pen for note-taking and drawing

  • Higher price point
  • Larger size and weight may reduce portability

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

  • More affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Good battery life for basic tasks
  • S Pen support (sold separately)

  • Less powerful Exynos 9611 processor
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Smaller display

Display Comparison

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a larger display, but the S6 Lite isn’t far behind. The S7 FE achieves a measured peak brightness of 522 nits and a 1886:1 contrast ratio, offering a vibrant and clear viewing experience. While both utilize LCD panels, the larger canvas of the S7 FE is more conducive to split-screen multitasking. The S6 Lite, while offering a respectable visual experience, lacks the sheer screen real estate for power users. Both tablets lack high refresh rate displays, which is a common omission in this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet excels in the camera department, but the S7 FE has a slight edge. Both feature modest camera setups primarily intended for video calls and quick snapshots. Detailed analysis of sensor sizes and lens apertures is less critical here, as image quality is not a primary selling point. The S6 Lite’s camera is adequate for basic use, but the S7 FE’s slightly improved optics and image processing offer marginally better results. The inclusion of a 5MP front camera on the S7 FE versus the S6 Lite’s 5MP camera is a minor improvement for video conferencing.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tab S7 FE offers two chipset options: the Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) and the more potent Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm). The 778G, with its Cortex-A78 cores, delivers a substantial performance uplift over the S6 Lite’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The Exynos 9611, while capable for everyday tasks, struggles with more demanding applications and multitasking. The 6nm process of the 778G also translates to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended use. The S7 FE’s CPU architecture (Octa-core with A78 cores in the Wi-Fi model) is a generation ahead of the S6 Lite’s Cortex-A73 cores, resulting in faster app loading and smoother overall performance.

Battery Life

The S7 FE’s larger battery capacity is offset by its larger display and more powerful processor. While the S6 Lite charges at a slower 15W, the S7 FE supports 45W wired charging, achieving a full charge in approximately 190 minutes. In real-world usage, both tablets offer all-day battery life with moderate use. However, the S7 FE’s faster charging is a significant convenience, allowing for quicker top-ups when needed. The S6 Lite’s slower charging speed can be a drawback for users who frequently need to recharge their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE if you prioritize a larger screen for multitasking, note-taking with the included S Pen, and a more future-proof processor for demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite if you prefer a more compact and lightweight tablet for portability, and your primary use cases involve basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity – all while staying within a tighter budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Tab S6 Lite overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to throttle under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles will likely experience frame drops and reduced performance after extended play. The Tab S7 FE’s Snapdragon 778G/750G offers significantly better thermal management and sustained performance.
❓ Is the S Pen included with the Tab S7 FE a significant upgrade over purchasing one separately for the S6 Lite?
Yes, the included S Pen with the S7 FE is a substantial benefit. The S Pen enhances the tablet’s functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigation. Purchasing an S Pen separately for the S6 Lite adds to the overall cost, making the S7 FE a more compelling package for S Pen users.
❓ Which tablet is better suited for students taking digital notes?
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the better choice for students. Its larger display provides more space for note-taking, and the included S Pen offers a more natural writing experience. The S7 FE’s more powerful processor also ensures smoother performance when running note-taking apps and multitasking.
❓ Does the 5G connectivity of the S7 FE model justify the price increase over the Wi-Fi version?
The value of 5G connectivity depends on your usage scenario. If you frequently travel or need internet access in areas without Wi-Fi, the 5G model can be beneficial. However, for most users who primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, the Wi-Fi version offers similar performance at a lower price point.