The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, while a generation older, remains a compelling option in the Android tablet space, particularly as prices have fallen. However, Huawei’s MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) enters the arena with a newer chipset and significantly faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) offers a more compelling package. Its significantly faster 100W charging, coupled with a respectable 11:24 hour active use battery life, outweighs the Tab S7’s slightly older but still capable Snapdragon 865. The brighter display also enhances the overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | N/A |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 05 | 2025, May 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, August 21 | Available. Released 2025, May 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) | 271.3 x 182.5 x 5.5 mm (10.68 x 7.19 x 0.22 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 498 g (Wi-Fi), 500 g (LTE), 502 g (5G) (1.10 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Stylus support, 9ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 2800 x 1840 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~275 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.2 inches, 440.7 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Double-layer OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2000 nits (peak), HDR Vivid |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz & 3x2.00 GHz & 4x1.6GHz) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) | Kirin T92A (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Maleoon 920 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | HarmonyOS 4.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 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 - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| | Samsung DeX | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 100W wired, 85% in 40 min, 100% in 55 min
7.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 10100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, Phantom Navy | Black, Green |
| Models | SM-T870, SM-T875, SM-T876B | MRDI-W09 |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 850 EUR |
| SAR | 1.26 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Mature Snapdragon 865 platform
- Well-established Android ecosystem
- Potentially lower price point
- Slower 45W charging
- Likely dimmer display
- Older chipset
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025)
- Ultra-fast 100W charging
- Bright 1045 nit display
- Excellent battery life (11:24h active use)
- HarmonyOS (may not suit all users)
- Kirin T92A performance may not significantly exceed Snapdragon 865
- Huawei ecosystem limitations
Display Comparison
The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1045 nits. This is a substantial improvement over what the Tab S7 likely achieves (Samsung doesn't publish peak brightness, but it's generally lower). While both tablets likely utilize LCD panels, the higher brightness of the MatePad Pro translates to better outdoor visibility and a more vibrant viewing experience. The larger screen size of the MatePad Pro also contributes to a more immersive experience, particularly for media consumption. We expect both to have similar color accuracy, but the Huawei’s brightness is a clear advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, but the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) likely has an edge. While specific camera specs are unavailable, Huawei generally prioritizes camera performance even in its tablets. The Tab S7’s camera system is adequate for basic tasks, but the MatePad Pro’s image processing and potentially larger sensor size (based on Huawei’s history) should result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. We’d advise against relying on either tablet for serious photography.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G+ remains a potent performer, featuring an octa-core CPU with a prime Cortex-A77 core clocked at 3.09 GHz. However, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) utilizes the Kirin T92A, fabricated on a 7nm process. While the Kirin T92A’s clock speeds are lower (2.4 GHz peak), architectural improvements and potential software optimizations could close the performance gap. The Tab S7 benefits from the mature optimization of the Snapdragon platform, but the MatePad Pro’s charging speed and potentially better thermal management due to the newer chip design could allow for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Tab S7’s LPDDR5 RAM is likely matched by the MatePad Pro, minimizing memory-related bottlenecks.
Battery Life
The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) truly shines in the battery and charging department. Its active use score of 11:24 hours demonstrates excellent endurance. More impressively, it supports 100W wired charging, achieving 85% charge in just 40 minutes and a full charge in 55 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the Tab S7’s 45W charging, which will take considerably longer to fully replenish the battery. While the Tab S7’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the MatePad Pro’s faster charging mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 if you prioritize a well-established ecosystem and are seeking a capable tablet at a potentially lower price point. It’s ideal for users already invested in Samsung’s services. Buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) if you value rapid charging, a brighter display, and are comfortable with Huawei’s HarmonyOS – it’s the better choice for power users and those who frequently rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does Huawei’s HarmonyOS compare to Samsung’s One UI in terms of app availability?
While HarmonyOS has matured significantly, app availability remains a potential concern. The Huawei AppGallery is growing, but it may not have all the apps you’re accustomed to on Google Play. Workarounds like using the App Petal can help, but compatibility isn’t guaranteed. Samsung’s One UI, built on Android, offers a much wider and more reliable app ecosystem.
❓ Will the Kirin T92A in the MatePad Pro 12.2 struggle with demanding games compared to the Snapdragon 865 in the Tab S7?
While the Snapdragon 865 is a proven performer, the Kirin T92A is likely capable of handling most Android games at high settings. The difference in real-world gaming performance may not be substantial, especially considering the MatePad Pro’s potentially better thermal management. However, the Tab S7 benefits from years of game optimization for the Snapdragon platform.
❓ Is the 7.5W reverse wired charging on the MatePad Pro 12.2 useful for charging other devices?
The 7.5W reverse wired charging is primarily a convenience feature. It’s suitable for topping up small devices like earbuds or smartwatches, but it won’t significantly charge a smartphone. It’s a nice-to-have, but not a primary reason to choose the MatePad Pro.
