Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Review: Lite version of the flagship tablet with S-Pen

Samsung now offers its tablet flagship Galaxy Tab S6 in a less expensive version. It is called Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, starts at 379 Euros (~$425), and shares more than the name with the flagship model, which still costs at least 600 Euros (~$673) in online shops.
The design of the 10.4-inch Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is almost identical to the more expensive Galaxy Tab S6, and the familiar S-Pen digitizer is also a part of the “small” Galaxy Tab package.
Samsung’s mainstream tablet is primarily designed for users who want to capture their creative ideas immediately without the use of paper. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is not only supposed to replace your notepad though, but is also a multimedia device with its WUXGA+ display and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Samsung does not ignore the smart home, either, because you can also use it as a command center for IoT devices in combination with the SmartThings app. We review the LTE version of the tablet, which retails for 439 Euros (RRP/~$492).
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
83.1 % v7 (old) | 06 / 2020 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3 | 467 g | 7 mm | 10.40" | 2000x1200 | |
85.4 % v7 (old) | 10 / 2019 | Apple iPad 7 2019 A10 Fusion, A10 Fusion GPU | 483 g | 7.5 mm | 10.20" | 2160x1620 | |
79.4 % v7 (old) | 01 / 2020 | Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F SD 439, Adreno 505 | 580 g | 23 mm | 10.10" | 1920x1200 | |
87.8 % v7 (old) | 10 / 2019 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 SD 855, Adreno 640 | 420 g | 5.7 mm | 10.50" | 2560x1600 | |
84.5 % v7 (old) | 05 / 2019 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 SD 670, Adreno 616 | 400 g | 5.5 mm | 10.50" | 2560x1600 |
Case - Almost identical to the Galaxy Tab S6
At 7 mm (0.28 in), the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is not quite as slim as the 10.5-inch Galaxy Tab S6 (5.7 mm/0.22 in), but it still feels good in the hand and almost looks like its bigger sibling. The slightly smaller diagonal size of the display (10.4 inches) is hardly noticeable, either.
The Lite version of the tablet also has slim 8mm (0.31 in) bezels all around the screen, so it looks very elegant. Contrary to the more expensive Galaxy Tab S6, the Lite does not get a fingerprint scanner, so you are limited to a PIN or pattern as well as 2D facial recognition for authentication.
The rear of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is, similar to the frame, made of metal and has a silky-matte shine, either in “Oxford Gray” like our review unit or “Angora Blue”. There are plastic bands at the two shorter edges for the radio antennas. The 8 MP main camera only protrudes slightly from the rear panel, so the tablet does not wobble around when you put it on a table. The dual speakers from AKG located at the two shorter edges support Dolby Atmos.
Connectivity - Wi-Fi and LTE version are identical
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is powered by the efficient mainstream SoC Exynos 9611. Samsung’s own chip features eight processor cores (4x Cortex A73,4x Cortex A53) in combination with the ARM Mali-G72 MP3 graphics adapter, which is also a mainstream chip.
Contrary to the Galaxy Tab S6, you only get the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with one memory and storage size, both for the Wi-Fi and LTE model (379 Euros/~$426 or 439 Euros/~$492, respectively). You always get 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD card by up to 1 TB (exFAT format). In addition to media files, you can also store apps on the microSD card.
Neither the Galaxy Tab S6, nor the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite support NFC, but the cheaper version gets a 3.5 mm stereo jack. In return, the Lite version has to waive the pogo pins for the connection with an optional keyboard as well as the DeX mode, which can transform the tablet into a Windows-like desktop view. The USB-C port only meets the slow 2.0 standard (USB 3.1 Gen.1 on the Tab S6), but it also supports fast charging.
Software - Android 10, OneUI and Bixby
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite runs Android 10 with Samsung’s own One UI 2.1 user interface. The tablet is available since April 30th, so the Android security patches were up to date at the time of review (beginning of June). You can use around 49 GB of the 64 GB storage after the initial set-up. In addition to the Google and Samsung apps, there are also several preinstalled apps like Netflix, Spotify as well as the SmartThings app to control your smart home devices.
Samsung’s smart assistant Bixby is integrated into the One UI and can be used to search for Netflix movies or shows, for example. You just press the Bixby button for a short while to start a conversation. The accompanying Bixby app launches when you quickly press the function button twice or swipe to the right side on the start screen.
Communication and GPS - Not very fast, but accurate location
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite communicates via Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 (WLAN 802.11ax). The LTE model also gets a 4G module, but Samsung does not list the maximum transfer rates. The Exynos 9611 SoC is capable of 600 Mbps (downstream) and 150 Mbps (upstream), respectively.
Our standardized test with the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 router determines decent transfer rates. With an average result of 613 Mbps (receive), it is just slightly slower than the Galaxy Tab S6. However, the send performance is much lower at 231 Mbps. The transfer rates also fluctuate quite a bit with extreme values between 120 Mbps and 380 Mbps.
The GPS module of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite allows a precise location. It takes a while indoors, but the location is accurate down to 5 meters (~16.4 feet), and even down to 3 meters (~9.8 feet) outdoors.
As always, we test the accuracy of the GPS module with a bicycle ride, which is 12 km (~7.5 miles) long this time. We compare the results with the professional navigation device Garmin Edge 500, which is also in our backpack. The result is very good, because the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite does not show any deviation, so it is well suited for all apps that require precise GPS data.
Cameras - 8 MP sensor with problems in the dark
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is equipped with a dual camera (13 MP ultra-wide angle lens + 5 MP wide angle), the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is limited to a wide-angle lens with a resolution of 8 MP (1/4.0 inches, f1.9). The camera app is very similar though.
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite also supports the picture mode Live Focus, which blurs the background and pronounces the object in the front. You can also use the Live Focus with the 5 MP selfie camera and combine it with plenty of filters to edit the background. Other picture modes include the panorama and the professional mode, where you can adjust exposure, white balance, and ISO value manually.
The camera app also includes an automatic HDR mode, the augmented reality app Bixby Vision as well as AR Zone. Among others, Bixby Vision can recognize QR codes or products and can translate or extract texts. AR Zone can be used to edit selfies with beauty effects, filters, and AR emojis.
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite takes decent pictures in combination with good lighting conditions (scenes 1, 3, and 4), even though they look a bit artificial due to rich colors and a slight shift towards red. The camera also has problems to capture small details. Still, this is no problem for the occasional snapshot. Only darker environments (scene 2) are a real problem for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and the picture contents look very blurry.
Both the main camera as well the selfie cam can record videos in up to 1080p at 30 frames per second and offer a solid picture quality.
We also tested the camera in a controlled environment, but the camera still shows some color deviations (see test chart), and the high deviations in the upper test chart clearly show that poor lighting conditions are too challenging for the camera. The test chart itself is pretty sharp and you can even see small details very well.


Accessories and Warranty - Samsung S-Pen is included
Samsung ships the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with a modular power adapter (8.7W), a USB cable (USB-A to USB-C), the Samsung S-Pen, a SIM tool, as well as a quick-start guide and warranty information. The warranty period for the tablet is 24 months.
Samsung also offers the Book Cover EF-BP610 for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in its online shop. The protective cover retails for around 70 Euros (~$79), is available in the colors Gray, Blue, and Pink, and offers two opening angles as well as an integrated mount for the S-Pen.
Input Devices & Handling - Magnetic mount for the S-Pen
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite executes inputs very quickly and there are no major loading times when you launch apps. If the tablet is turned off, it only takes a few moments before the user interface is ready.
The included S-Pen can also be used to navigate the menus, which helps avoid fingerprints on the screen. It also supports 4096 pressure levels and allows creation of precise drawings and sketches. Users that want to start using the S-Pen, but do not really know how, should test the pre-loaded apps PenUp and Notes. PenUp offers numerous pictures and templates you can draw and paint, while Notes acts as a digital notepad. The S-Pen of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite does not support Bluetooth, which means it does not support gesture control, either.
The S-Pen can be mounted at the right side of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. The connection is pretty solid and is also maintained when you move the tablet around a bit faster or lift it up.
Display - High-contrast TFT panel
The 10.4-inch TFT display has a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, which results in a pixel density of 225 PPI. This means it is quite a bit lower compared to the Galaxy Tab S6 with its WUXGA+ resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
Our test unit manages an average luminance of 476.8 cd/m², which is a common result for tablets nowadays (see our comparison table). The maximum luminance is 506 cd/m², and still a good value of 469 cd/m² with an even distribution of bright and dark contents (APL50).
|
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 503 cd/m²
Contrast: 1734:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.4 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.89
ΔE Greyscale 7.5 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
94.5% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.19
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite TFT, 2000x1200, 10.4" | Apple iPad 7 2019 IPS, 2160x1620, 10.2" | Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F IPS, 1920x1200, 10.1" | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 Super AMOLED, 2560x1600, 10.5" | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 Super AMOLED, 2560x1600, 10.5" | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen | 16% | 3% | 23% | 30% | |
Brightness middle | 503 | 499 -1% | 392 -22% | 446 -11% | 452 -10% |
Brightness | 477 | 470 -1% | 359 -25% | 445 -7% | 453 -5% |
Brightness Distribution | 91 | 87 -4% | 88 -3% | 86 -5% | 90 -1% |
Black Level * | 0.29 | 0.49 -69% | 0.36 -24% | ||
Contrast | 1734 | 1018 -41% | 1089 -37% | ||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 4.4 | 0.97 78% | 2.7 39% | 2.7 39% | 1.7 61% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 10.4 | 1.98 81% | 5.4 48% | 5.4 48% | 3.7 64% |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 7.5 | 0.9 88% | 3.8 49% | 2.1 72% | 2.4 68% |
Gamma | 2.19 100% | 2.135 103% | 2.24 98% | 2.05 107% | 2.07 106% |
CCT | 7700 84% | 6571 99% | 7276 89% | 6468 100% | 6337 103% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
Screen flickering / PWM detected | 81970 Hz | ≤ 16 % brightness setting | |
The display backlight flickers at 81970 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 16 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 81970 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8623 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. |
You cannot change the basic display parameters of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, what you see is what you get. This is a strong contrast ratio of 1734:1 on the one hand, which results in rich colors. However, the tablet also lacks a bit of color accuracy on the other hand, and contents appear slightly too cool due to the high color temperature of 7700 K.
Display Response Times
↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
---|---|---|
27.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 14 ms rise | |
↘ 13.2 ms fall | ||
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 66 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
45.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 21.2 ms rise | |
↘ 24 ms fall | ||
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 76 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.7 ms). |
Thanks to the high luminance reserves, the Galaxy Tab S6 also performs well outdoors. There is no problem to see the display content as long as you can avoid reflections from direct light sources. The high viewing angle stability obviously helps, because the brightness only drops slightly when you look at the screen from the side.
Performance - Sufficiently powerful for daily tasks and web browsing
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is equipped with the mainstream SoC Samsung Exynos 9611. The eight-core CPU consists of four Cortex A73 cores clocked at up to 2.3 GHz and four efficient Cortex A53 cores clocked at up to 1.7 GHz. Graphics calculations are handled by the ARM Mali-G72 MP3.
As expected, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is clearly behind the Galaxy Tab S6 in terms of performance, but is on a similar level compared to the Galaxy Tab S5e. Lenovo’s Yoga Smart Tab is on the last place.
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (152185 - 187087, n=7) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F |
Subjectively, the web browsing performance of the Samsung tablet leaves a good impression. If we run the browser benchmarks, the Lite tablet is usually average within our comparison group. The Galaxy Tab S6 and the Apple iPad 7 2019 have a close battle for the first spot.
Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Tablet (19.9 - 334, n=68, last 2 years) | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (27.5 - 30.6, n=7) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) |
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (47.5 - 51.9, n=7) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) |
WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
Average of class Tablet (36 - 435, n=38, last 2 years) | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (46 - 57, n=7) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) |
Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
Average of class Tablet (2.59 - 572, n=60, last 2 years) | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (26.6 - 30.5, n=7) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) |
Octane V2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Tablet (763 - 105178, n=87, last 2 years) | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (7442 - 10687, n=7) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F (Chrome 79) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Chrome 80.0.3987.99) | |
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (4332 - 6212, n=7) | |
Average of class Tablet (319 - 34733, n=74, last 2 years) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 (Chrome 74.0.3729.136) | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 (Chrome 77.0.3865.116) | |
Apple iPad 7 2019 (Safari 13) |
* ... smaller is better
There is no criticism for the storage performance of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. The UFS 2.0 storage is tuned for short loading times, but is also above average in terms of random read and write operations. It cannot keep up with the performance of the Galaxy Tab S6 though.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 | Average 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash | Average of class Tablet | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AndroBench 3-5 | -26% | 59% | -31% | -16% | 117% | |
Sequential Read 256KB | 483.7 | 295.6 -39% | 1416 193% | 294.4 -39% | 513 ? 6% | 1154 ? 139% |
Sequential Write 256KB | 219.3 | 238.9 9% | 522 138% | 197.1 -10% | 175.2 ? -20% | 794 ? 262% |
Random Read 4KB | 119.8 | 64.8 -46% | 191.6 60% | 79.2 -34% | 117.1 ? -2% | 196.6 ? 64% |
Random Write 4KB | 195.8 | 16.76 -91% | 170.2 -13% | 18.79 -90% | 81.1 ? -59% | 198.2 ? 1% |
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard | 78.3 ? | 86.5 ? 10% | 70.5 ? -10% | 76.1 ? -3% | 73.4 ? -6% | |
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard | 65.3 ? | 65.4 ? 0% | 54.5 ? -17% | 60.8 ? -7% | 55.4 ? -15% |
Gaming Performance - Modern games are not completely smooth
The gaming experience on the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite mainly benefits from the good stereo sound. However, the gameplay itself is not completely smooth, as shown by our test tool Gamebench. Modern titles like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends run comparatively smooth, but are far away from a buttery smooth experience.
Emissions - Powerful stereo sound with Dolby Atmos
Temperature
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite also feels very good in the hands because it stays cool all the time, both while idling and under maximum load. We can measure up to 34.8 °C (94.64 °F) at the surface.
However, the SoC inside the chassis has some temperature problems, because it throttles its performance quite often. The GFXBench battery test shows the throttling even during less demanding applications (test scenario T-Rex) and especially very demanding apps (test scenario Manhattan).
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34.8 °C / 95 F, compared to the average of 33.7 °C / 93 F, ranging from 20.7 to 53.2 °C for the class Tablet.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 31.1 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 33.2 °C / 92 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.7 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 29.9 °C / 86 F.
Speakers
The stereo speakers of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite are located at the two narrow sides of the case. They support Dolby Atmos and create a rich sound with very linear mids and high tones. The tablet is not particularly loud at up to 80.2 dB(A), but even deep mids are represented decently – pretty rare among tablets.
External speakers or headphones can be attached via 3.5 mm stereo jack or via Bluetooth. Samsung does not ship the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with headphones.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.2 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 31% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 63% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 23% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 71% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.8% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (2.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (11.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 10% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 86% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 129%
Compared to all devices tested
» 6% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Energy Management - Long battery runtime
Power Consumption
4.24 watts on average while idling and 6.99 watts under load – the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is an efficient tablet and is therefore pretty similar to its Samsung siblings Galaxy Tab S6 and Galaxy Tab S5e. They have pretty much the same consumption figures, just like the Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
min: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 7040 mAh | Apple iPad 7 2019 mAh | Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F 7000 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 7040 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 7040 mAh | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | -67% | 4% | -1% | 4% | |
Idle Minimum * | 1.21 | 2.2 -82% | 1.28 -6% | 1.96 -62% | 2.07 -71% |
Idle Average * | 4.24 | 6.7 -58% | 4.5 -6% | 2.8 34% | 3.94 7% |
Idle Maximum * | 4.34 | 8.2 -89% | 4.59 -6% | 2.82 35% | 3.96 9% |
Load Average * | 6.99 | 11.3 -62% | 5.71 18% | 5.31 24% | 4.07 42% |
Load Maximum * | 8.79 | 12.5 -42% | 6.99 20% | 11.91 -35% | 5.73 35% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
Thanks to the efficient eight-core SoC and the lower display resolution (and therefore more efficient screen) compared to the Galaxy Tab S6, the Lite version manages very long battery runtimes. Our Wi-Fi browsing test runs for 13:12 hours and 15:50 hours for 1080p video playback, which is clearly ahead of the rivals.
The 8.7W power adapter needs around 4 hours to charge the battery of the tablet. It took around 1.5 hours before our unit was back at 50 percent.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 7040 mAh | Apple iPad 7 2019 mAh | Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705F 7000 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-T860 7040 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e SM-T720 7040 mAh | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Runtime | -24% | -3% | -17% | -18% | |
Reader / Idle | 2120 | 1486 -30% | 2083 -2% | 1276 -40% | 1263 -40% |
H.264 | 950 | 802 -16% | 919 -3% | 872 -8% | 864 -9% |
WiFi v1.3 | 792 | 707 -11% | 795 0% | 556 -30% | 623 -21% |
Load | 309 | 196 -37% | 288 -7% | 340 10% | 300 -3% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Tablet for creative users with compromises
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a reasonable lite version of the Galaxy Tab S6. Similar to the tablet flagship, the Lite model is also shipped with Samsung’s S-Pen, which is a great tool for drawings and notes. You do not get surround sound from four speakers, but the “small” Galaxy Tab does support Dolby Atmos and creates a powerful sound.
It is no problem that the screen of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is slightly smaller at 10.4 inches compared to the Galaxy Tab S6 at 10.5 inches. The lower resolution on the other hand is just okay – 2000 x 1200 pixels for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite vs. 2560 x 1600 pixels for the galaxy Tab S6.
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite only costs half of the Galaxy Tab S6, but is almost as good as a tablet for multimedia and creative users.
The Wi-Fi model of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite only costs 379 Euros (~$425), about half the price you have to pay for the flagship tablet from Samsung. The LTE SKU retails for 439 Euros (~$492). Sure, you do not get a high-end SoC for this price, but the Exynos 9611 is a good mainstream chip in combination with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. The gaming performance of the tablet would have benefitted from more power.
The performance is not the only difference to the high-end sector: Contrary to the Galaxy Tab S6, the Lite version does not have a docking port, and the desktop mode DeX is missing as well. There is no Super AMOLED display, either, so you have to live with the much paler TFT panel. The dual camera is replaced by a single 8 MP lens with decent quality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- 06/05/2020 v7 (old)
Manuel Masiero