Apple can rest easy: their iPads are the most recommended tablets. A wide range of apps suitable for their large screens has been key to success over Android alternatives, even though Google has stepped up and is working again in this area; it even plans to launch a Pixel tablet in 2023.
But if there’s one manufacturer that can stand up to Apple in the tablet space, it’s Samsung. When Google got rid of these devices, the South Korean company continued to bet on them and the One UI layerwith exclusive features and excellent support for the S Pen, its stylus, competitor to the Apple Pencil.
And beyond focusing on the most high-end tablets, with the Galaxy Tab S8 as a reference, Samsung continues to offer cheaper and more interesting options, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 Edition), which competes directly with Apple’s iPad (2021). Which to buy? We compare their features, differences and prices.
Features iPad (2021) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
specifications |
iPad (2021) |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) |
---|---|---|
Dimensions |
250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm and 487 grams |
244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm and 465 grams |
Filter |
10.2-inch 4:3 aspect ratio Retina IPS LCD display with 1620 x 2160 pixel resolution and 500 nits peak brightness |
10.4-inch TFT LCD screen in 5:3 aspect ratio with 1200 x 2000 pixel resolution |
Processor | RAM | Storage |
Apple A13 Bionic | 3 GB | 64 or 256 GB |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | 4 GB | 64 or 128 GB (expandable by microSDXC) |
cameras |
8MP rear | 12 MP front ultra-wide angle with centered framing |
8MP rear | 5 MP front |
Drums |
8557 mAh – about 10 hours of media consumption |
7040 mAh – fast charging at 15W |
Operating system |
iPadOS 15/16 |
Android 12 with a layer of UI customization |
Others |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, Lightning port, 4G option and compatibility with accessories such as Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm jack, GPS and S Pen compatibility (included), Dolby Atmos sound |
Price |
From 379 dollars |
From 448.99 dollars |
Apple iPad 2021 (10.2-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver (9th generation)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 Edition), 10.4 Inch TFT Display, 64 GB Memory, Wi-Fi, Android Tablet, S Pen Included, Oxford Gray, 36 Months Warranty Included [Exclusiva en Amazon]
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Design: Apple’s iPad (2021) retains the iconic design of its tablets: relatively thick bezels and physical home button. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) relies on a more modern design, with thinner borders. It is virtually identical to the original version of this model, released several years ago.
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Filter: both tablets bet on a screen that, although seen correctly, they don’t incorporate the best that each company offers on other models. The iPad’s is 10.2 inches and still isn’t fully laminated; its aspect ratio is 4:3, so the panel is more square and less rectangular. Samsung has committed to a 10.4-inch TFT LCD panel in 5:3 format, that is to say that it is more rectangular; this panel is more useful for consuming multimedia content, while the iPad panel is more interesting for reading.
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Processor, RAM and Storage: One of the highlights of this iPad is the A13 Bionic chip. It’s not Apple’s most powerful right now, but it’s very well optimized for software and can run apps and games with good performance. Samsung integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chip, mid-range Premium and has also been on the market for a few years. With 4GB of RAM, it’s not the most complete Android configuration, but for basic tasks and casual gaming, even if demanding (if the graphics options are adjusted), it should offer good performance. performance. In storage, there are options of 64 or 256 GB on the iPad, and 64 or 128 GB on the Samsung. However, in the latter it is possible to expand it by micro SD up to 1 TB.
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cameras: Apple has done very well to give more care to the front camera than the rear, since it is the one that is usually used for video calls, and it is of 12 MP Ultra Wide Angle with Center Framing for excellent image quality. Samsung cuts even further at this point and it’s 5MP with Full HD video at 30fps.
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Operating system: iPadOS 15 (iPadOS 16 in a few days) for iPad and Android 12 with the One UI customization layer on the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022). It’s a matter of taste, because for web browsing, media consumption, email, and some sporadic gaming, either works. But if you’re looking for a wide range of apps, iPadOS takes the cake. Google is reworking this aspect, at least with its applications.
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Style: The Apple Pencil is well known and one of the best iPad accessories, but you have to buy it separately and it costs 99 dollars. Samsung includes the S Pen in the purchase of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022), its alternative, and offers performance to match, with very interesting functions thanks to Samsung’s development and the One UI customization layer. This is a plus for Samsung.
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Price: the iPad (2021) starts at 379 dollars, although it is generally easily found around 350 dollars. The Samsung starts at 448.99 dollars, but it is reduced and can be found from 339 dollars.
iPad (2021) VS Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022), which one to buy?
Two tablets competing to have a similar price and target the same audience. If you’re looking for maximum integration with the Apple ecosystem and more compatible/suitable apps for your screen, the iPad (2021) is the best option. If you want more freedom/customization and possibilities offered by the Android operating system and iPadOS does not allow because it is more protected by Apple, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) may be more interesting.
If it is intended to be used for studying, both will serve, but Samsung’s proposal has an incentive: it includes the S Pen, while the Apple Pencil must be purchased separately. And with a compact Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can build an interesting team to work anywhere.
Apple iPad 2021 (10.2-inch with Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Silver (9th generation)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 Edition), 10.4 Inch TFT Display, 64 GB Memory, Wi-Fi, Android Tablet, S Pen Included, Oxford Gray, 36 Months Warranty Included [Exclusiva en Amazon]
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