Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs S7: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
Looking for a new tablet and torn between two top contenders? You’ve landed in the right place! We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and its successor, the S7, to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Both tablets boast impressive specs and features, but there are key differences that set them apart. This comparison will explore the design, display, performance, and features of each device to provide you with a comprehensive overview.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply a media enthusiast, understanding the nuances of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs S7 is crucial. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the processor and battery life to the S Pen experience and overall value.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Tab S6 | Tab S7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.5 inches | 11 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | TFT LCD |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 13MP + 5MP | Dual 13MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 7,040 mAh | 8,000 mAh |
| S Pen | Included | Included |
| Operating System | Android 9 (Upgradable) | Android 10 (Upgradable) |
| Audio | Quad Speakers | Quad Speakers |
| Weight | 420g | 498g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption. However, it lacks the higher refresh rate found in the S7.
- S7: Boasts an 11-inch LTPS TFT LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming. While not AMOLED, it’s still a quality display.
- Winner: S7
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. This is a capable processor that handles most tasks well, but it’s now a generation behind.
- S7: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor. This provides a significant performance boost compared to the S6, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Winner: S7
RAM and Storage
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Offers ample memory for multitasking, though the storage options are limited.
- S7: Offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The RAM options are similar, but the newer processor benefits from them.
- Winner: S7
Battery
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Comes with a 7,040mAh battery. Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use.
- S7: Features an 8,000mAh battery. Provides longer battery life than the S6, easily lasting a full day and potentially longer depending on usage.
- Winner: S7
Stylus (S Pen)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Includes an S Pen with low latency, providing a smooth and responsive writing and drawing experience. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet for charging and storage.
- S7: Also includes an S Pen with improved latency and features. The S Pen attaches magnetically, but the location is redesigned slightly, but still easy to attach and detach.
- Winner: Tie
Cameras
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Features a dual-camera setup on the rear: 13MP main and 5MP ultrawide. The front-facing camera is 8MP. Provides decent photo and video quality for a tablet.
- S7: Also features a dual-camera setup on the rear: 13MP main and 5MP ultrawide. The front-facing camera is 8MP. Camera performance is similar to the S6.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Features a sleek and premium design with an aluminum unibody. It’s relatively lightweight and compact for its size.
- S7: Maintains a similar premium design aesthetic. The build is slightly more refined, and the larger display gives it a different feel.
- Winner: Tie
Software and Features
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI. Offers a range of features, including DeX mode for a desktop-like experience.
- S7: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, typically with a newer Android version. Offers the same features as the S6, plus some software improvements and potentially longer software support.
- Winner: S7
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Tab S7 |
| Performance | Tab S7 |
| Battery Life | Tab S7 |
| Software | Tab S7 |
| Value | Tab S6 (Potentially) |
What They Have in Common:
- S Pen Support: Both tablets include an S Pen, offering a similar writing and drawing experience with low latency and various features.
- Quad Speakers: Both devices feature quad speakers tuned by AKG, providing a rich and immersive audio experience ideal for media consumption.
- Dex Mode: Both tablets support Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like experience.
- High-Quality Build: Both tablets feature premium designs with aluminum unibody construction, providing a sleek and durable feel.
- Expandable Storage: Both tablets offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand storage capacity beyond the base configurations.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Vs S7 Buying Guide
Display Quality and Features
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 features a vibrant 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for media consumption and creative tasks. The S7, on the other hand, boasts a larger 11-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother and more responsive experience. While the S7’s resolution is slightly lower, its high refresh rate significantly enhances scrolling and gaming.
The S7’s display includes HDR10+ certification, further improving the visual experience with richer colors and contrast. This makes the S7 the superior choice for users who prioritize a more immersive and fluid display experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content.
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor, coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for most tasks. It handles multitasking, gaming, and creative applications with ease, offering a responsive user experience. The S7 upgrades to the Snapdragon 865+ processor, delivering a significant performance boost.
The S7’s improved processor, along with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, allows for faster app loading times, improved graphics performance, and smoother overall operation. This makes the S7 a better choice for demanding users who require maximum performance for resource-intensive applications like video editing or playing the latest games.
S Pen and Stylus Integration
Both tablets come with the S Pen, offering a seamless writing and drawing experience. The S Pen on the Tab S6 has low latency, making it feel natural and responsive. It offers features such as air gestures and remote control functionality. The S7’s S Pen also has low latency, but it comes with improvements like an even more refined feel.
The S7’s S Pen also attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet, while the S6 has a slot. The S7’s S Pen is even more responsive and provides a more natural writing experience. The S Pen is a key feature of both tablets, but the S7’s S Pen integration is slightly improved.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 features a 7,040mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The battery life is sufficient for watching videos, browsing the web, and light productivity tasks. It supports 15W fast charging, allowing for relatively quick charging times.
The Galaxy Tab S7 has a larger 8,000mAh battery, offering potentially longer battery life. It also supports faster 45W charging. This means the S7 can last longer on a single charge and can be charged much more rapidly. This makes the S7 a better choice for users who prioritize battery longevity and faster charging.
Camera System and Multimedia Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 has a dual-camera setup with a 13MP main sensor and a 5MP ultrawide lens, capturing decent photos and videos. The front-facing camera is 8MP, suitable for video calls. The Tab S7 has a dual-camera system, with a 13MP primary lens and a 5MP ultrawide lens.
The S7 also has an 8MP front-facing camera. The video recording capabilities are similar. Both tablets are suitable for basic photography and video calls. The S7 might offer a slight improvement due to its newer processor and image processing capabilities, but the difference is minimal.
Design and Portability
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 has a sleek and lightweight design, making it highly portable. It features a premium build with an aluminum frame, available in a variety of colors. The Tab S7 also boasts a premium design, but it’s slightly larger due to its larger screen.
The S7 maintains a similar build quality, but with a more modern aesthetic. Both tablets are easy to carry around. The design differences are subtle, with the S7 offering a more immersive display due to its larger size and thinner bezels. The choice depends on personal preferences.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Tab S6 If…
- You want a slightly more compact and lighter tablet.
- You find the Tab S6 at a significantly lower price point.
- You don’t need the latest processor or display technology.
Buy Tab S7 If…
- You prioritize a faster processor for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- You want a larger and higher refresh rate display for a more immersive experience.
- You value the latest software features and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the screen size of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display. This screen size provides a comfortable viewing experience for media consumption, browsing, and productivity tasks. The display’s high resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, making it ideal for various applications.
What processor does the Galaxy Tab S7 use?
The Galaxy Tab S7 is equipped with the Snapdragon 865+ processor, a high-performance mobile platform. This processor provides exceptional speed and efficiency, enabling smooth multitasking, lag-free gaming, and fast app loading. It significantly enhances the overall user experience.
Does the Tab S6 support a high refresh rate?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 does not have a high refresh rate display. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means the screen refreshes 60 times per second, which is adequate for everyday use but not as smooth as tablets with higher refresh rates.
What is the battery capacity of the Galaxy Tab S7?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 has an 8,000mAh battery. This larger battery capacity allows for extended usage, providing enough power for a full day of typical activities. It’s designed to keep up with your daily demands, from work to entertainment.
Does the S7 come with an S Pen?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 includes an S Pen in the box. The S Pen is a key feature, offering a natural and responsive writing and drawing experience. It enhances productivity and creativity, allowing users to take notes, sketch, and navigate the tablet effortlessly.
What are the charging speeds of the Tab S6 and S7?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 supports 15W fast charging. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 supports 45W fast charging. The S7 offers significantly faster charging speeds, reducing the time needed to fully charge the device. This is a major advantage for users who need quick power replenishment.
Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is better for gaming due to its more powerful processor (Snapdragon 865+), higher refresh rate display (120Hz), and improved graphics performance. The smoother display makes games look more fluid and responsive, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 emerges as the superior choice, boasting a more powerful processor, a smoother 120Hz display, and faster charging capabilities. While the Tab S6 remains a capable tablet, the S7 offers a more refined user experience, particularly for gaming and demanding tasks. The S7’s enhancements make it the better overall value.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7