The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, while released in 2020, remains a compelling option in the Android tablet space, particularly as prices have fallen. However, Lenovo’s Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 offers a newer chipset and a potentially more efficient experience. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two tablets to determine which one delivers the best value and performance in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and established brand recognition, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 865 5G+ chipset provides a performance edge, especially for demanding tasks. However, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 offers a more modern, efficient architecture and faster charging at a potentially lower price point.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 05 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, August 21 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) | 263.7 x 166.7 x 6.8 mm (10.38 x 6.56 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 498 g (Wi-Fi), 500 g (LTE), 502 g (5G) (1.10 lb) | 480 g (1.06 lb) |
| | Stylus support, 9ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) | Stylus support (magnetic) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1536 x 2560 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.2 inches, 357.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 120Hz, 420 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) | Mediatek MT8797 Kompanio 1300T (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| 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 | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| 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 JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector, video output |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Samsung DeX | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 20W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Po 8200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, Phantom Navy | Storm Grey, Oat |
| Models | SM-T870, SM-T875, SM-T876B | ZAB50194GB, ZAB50043SE |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| SAR | 1.26 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 616573 (v9)
GeekBench: 2827 (v5.1) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- More powerful Snapdragon 865 5G+ chipset for demanding tasks.
- Faster 45W wired charging.
- Established brand reputation and ecosystem.
- Older chipset architecture (7nm+).
- Potentially lower battery efficiency.
- May be more expensive than the Lenovo option.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- More efficient 6nm Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset.
- Potentially longer battery life.
- Faster charging support (QC3).
- Slightly less raw processing power compared to the Snapdragon 865.
- Less established brand in the tablet market.
- 20W charging is slower than the Tab S7's 45W.
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Tab S7’s Snapdragon 865 is built on a 7nm+ process, while the P11 Pro Gen 2 utilizes the more efficient 6nm Kompanio 1300T. This process node difference suggests the Lenovo tablet will exhibit better thermal management and potentially longer battery life during sustained use. The lack of specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Kompanio 1300T’s efficiency gains are a key advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both feature capable main sensors for casual photography and video conferencing. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung potentially leaning towards more saturated colors and Lenovo aiming for a more natural look.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7’s Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ features an octa-core CPU with a prime Cortex-A77 core clocked at 3.09 GHz. This is paired with additional Cortex-A77 cores at 2.42 GHz and Cortex-A55 cores at 1.80 GHz. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 counters with an octa-core CPU featuring four Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. While the Snapdragon 865 boasts a higher clock speed on its prime core, the Cortex-A78 architecture in the Kompanio 1300T offers improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock), potentially closing the performance gap. The 6nm process of the Kompanio also contributes to better sustained performance by reducing thermal throttling.
Battery Life
The charging capabilities are a significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 supports 45W wired charging, allowing for a potentially faster 0-100% charge. Conversely, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is limited to 20W charging with QC3 support. While the Tab S7’s faster charging is appealing, the Kompanio 1300T’s 6nm efficiency could translate to longer real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity (data not provided). The efficiency of the chipset will have a larger impact on overall usage time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 if you need a tablet capable of handling intensive multitasking, demanding games, and benefit from the wider ecosystem of Samsung accessories. Buy the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 if you prioritize battery efficiency, a more modern chipset architecture, and faster charging speeds, and are comfortable with a less established tablet brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Kompanio 1300T is a capable chipset, it won't match the raw GPU power of the Snapdragon 865 in the Tab S7. Expect to play Genshin Impact at medium settings for a smooth experience, but you may need to lower the graphics further for sustained gameplay. The Tab S7 will offer a more consistent high-framerate experience.
❓ How much does the 45W charging on the Tab S7 actually improve charging speed in real-world use?
The 45W charging on the Tab S7 will significantly reduce charging times compared to the P11 Pro Gen 2’s 20W charging. Expect a 0-50% charge in around 30-40 minutes with the Tab S7, while the P11 Pro Gen 2 will likely take closer to an hour. However, the actual charging speed will depend on the charger and cable used.
❓ Is the Mediatek Kompanio 1300T chipset known for overheating under load?
The Kompanio 1300T is generally well-regarded for its thermal efficiency, thanks to its 6nm manufacturing process. It's less prone to overheating than older, less efficient chipsets. While it may throttle under extremely prolonged, heavy loads, it should provide consistent performance for most typical tablet use cases.
