When comparing the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 Lite to the Tab A7, the primary aim was to provide an Android tablet that is both budget-friendly and performance-driven. In this analysis, we will delve into aspects such as design, build quality, display, gaming performance, and ultimately offer our concluding thoughts on the A7 Lite versus the Tab A7, helping you decide which one suits your needs best.
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Design and Build
When we compare these two tablets side by side, one immediately notices that the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is notably smaller. In terms of size, the A7 Lite features an 8.7-inch display, while the Tab A7 boasts a larger 10.4-inch screen.
When it comes to portability the Tab A7 Lite is indeed smaller and lighter. However, it’s still not compact enough to slip into a pocket like a phone, so I typically find myself treating it like any other tablet and stowing it in my bag. On the upside, its size makes it more comfortable to hold and if you have smaller hands, you may actually prefer this form factor.
The Tab A7 falls into a more conventional tablet size category, akin to the Tab A7 and the iPad 9. When it comes to design, there are both similarities and notable distinctions. Both tablets feature rounded corners and a curved edge on the back. However, the A7 Lite boasts slimmer bezels on the sides and larger ones at the top and bottom, while the Tab A7 maintains uniform-sized bezels all around its display. Interestingly, the bezels on the Tab A7 appear quite substantial considering the device’s size, leaving me to ponder whether Samsung could have potentially reduced the tablet’s dimensions while keeping the same screen size by slimming down the bezels.
Both tablets have a power button and volume controls on the right, a USB-C port for charging and accessories, a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack so you can use wired headphones or a headset for gaming, and a microSD card slot, which can be used to expand the internal storage by up to one terabyte.
The Tab A7 places its front camera on the long side of the device, whereas the Tab A7 Lite positions it on the short side. Additionally, the Tab A7 features four speakers, while the A7 Lite has two. Both tablets utilize the front-facing camera for biometric authentication through face recognition, and I’ve found that both methods work seamlessly. Neither tablet incorporates a fingerprint sensor into the display or the power button, but you can opt for authentication using a pattern, PIN, or password.
Display
Now, let’s delve into the quality of the displays, beginning with the specifications, and then we’ll discuss how these specifications translate into real-life usage.
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Tab A7 Lite boasts an 8.7-inch display with a resolution of 1340 by 800, featuring a five-by-three aspect ratio and a pixel density of 179 pixels per inch. In essence, the primary advantage of the A7 Lite is its more compact size.
Galaxy Tab A7
The Tab A7, on the other hand, sports a larger 10.4-inch display with a noticeably higher resolution of 2000 by 1200. It maintains the same five-by-three aspect ratio but offers a superior pixel density at 224 pixels per inch. This translates into several advantages the Galaxy Tab A7 provides a more expansive view when you’re watching videos, offering a higher resolution for full HD content. It also allows you to see more of a webpage without the need for constant scrolling, making it a better choice for multitasking with two apps open side by side.
However, it’s worth noting that neither tablet is particularly bright, so you might encounter some difficulty when viewing dark scenes in movies or using them in well-lit conditions.
In terms of content consumption, both the A7 Lite and Tab A7 are suitable, but the Tab A7 stands out with its overall sharper and more visually appealing display. Additionally, the glass on the Tab A7 seems to be less prone to collecting fingerprints.
User Experience
In this particular case, given that we’re dealing with budget tablets, the difference in processing power holds significant weight. The Tab A7 Lite, powered by the MediaTek MT8768, struggles to deliver a smooth and lag-free user experience when it comes to tasks like opening and switching between apps, playing games, or managing a high number of browser tabs. On the other hand, the Tab A7, with its Snapdragon 622 chipset, may not be a powerhouse, but it proves quite capable, noticeably enhancing the overall user experience.
Interestingly, my 64-gigabyte A7 Lite is equipped with four gigabytes of RAM, whereas the equivalent size Tab A7 only has three gigabytes. Despite having less RAM, the Tab A7 still manages to handle app switching and tab management with less noticeable lag. It’s understandable that Samsung had to make compromises to maintain affordability. However, it would have been a nice touch to see four gigabytes of RAM on the Tab A7, even though we didn’t get the six gigabytes that might have been ideal.
Speakers Audio Quality
Regarding the speakers, the A7 Lite surprisingly offers two speakers that perform quite well, especially when you activate Dolby Atmos. However, the Tab A7 outshines with its four speakers, delivering notably fuller and more immersive audio. In terms of volume, both tablets provide ample loudness for a tablet, so volume won’t be a concern. But if you frequently enjoy movies or music on your tablet, the A7 is the preferred choice for its superior audio quality.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that both tablets feature a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, which is great for connecting wired headphones or a wired gaming headset. This adds to the versatility of these devices for audio-related activities.
Performance
| Device | Single-Core Performance | Multi-Core Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | 158 | 861 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | 316 | 1405 |
It’s crucial to keep in mind that these tablets fall into the budget category. Therefore, I’m not comparing their performance to flagship models, but rather aiming to provide a realistic perspective on what it’s like to use them before making a purchase decision.
For those of you who are interested in benchmark scores, here’s a breakdown of the single-core and multi-core performance, The A7 Lite scored 158 in single-core performance compared to the A7’s 316, and in multi-core performance, the A7 Lite scored 861 versus the A7’s 1405. In both cases, the A7 registers significantly higher scores.
It’s worth noting that, especially if you’re familiar with my channel, I often emphasize that additional performance isn’t always a critical factor, especially when comparing flagship models. Most devices, including budget ones, can handle the everyday needs of the average user.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, there’s a notable difference between these two tablets, influenced by both their display and processing power. While I was able to play games like PUBG, COD Mobile, and Asphalt on both devices, the gaming experience was notably better on the Tab A7. Gameplay was smoother, with less lag and stuttering.
For instance, when playing PUBG, the A7 Lite can only handle medium frame rates, whereas the Tab A7 can go up to high frame rates. While I personally prefer playing on the highest settings like smooth and extreme or 90 FPS when available, being able to shift from medium to high frame rates does make a noticeable difference during gameplay. Of course, less demanding games should run without any issues on either tablet.
S-Pen and Keyboard
For me, it ultimately boils down to choosing between the more portable option and the better overall gaming experience. This is a decision where you weigh the benefits of portability against a larger and superior display. Personally, I lean towards the Tab A7 because it offers a more visually appealing and easily discernible experience.
Typically, I discuss keyboard and styling options, but it’s worth noting that neither of these tablets is compatible with Samsung’s S Pen. When it comes to keyboard cases, the Tab A7 emerges as the superior choice due to its larger size, which allows for a more spacious and comfortable keyboard for typing. Of course, you always have the option to use an external keyboard with both tablets to enhance your typing experience.
Battery Life and Charging
When we consider battery life, the A7 Lite is equipped with a 5100 milliamp-hour battery, while the larger Tab A7 packs a 7040 milliamp-hour battery. In my usage, I managed to get approximately nine to 12 hours of battery life on both tablets when engaged in activities like web browsing and video streaming. However, it’s worth noting that this figure drops significantly when playing more demanding games like PUBG or COD Mobile.
Both tablets offer 15-watt fast charging capabilities, but neither one includes a 15-watt charging adapter in the package. If you want to take advantage of the faster charging speed, you’ll need to purchase a compatible adapter separately.
Cameras
Both tablets come equipped with an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. While the rear-facing cameras are serviceable, they are not exceptional. To be honest, I rarely use the cameras on my tablets because my phone offers better camera quality and is more convenient for photography and video.
Moving on to the front-facing cameras, the Tab A7 features a five-megapixel camera, whereas the Tab A7 Lite disappointingly has only a two-megapixel camera. Both front-facing cameras are suitable for video calls, but don’t expect them to deliver flagship-level selfie quality.
For me, I primarily use these front-facing cameras for video calls, and there’s an important distinction in their placement. On the A7 Lite, the camera is located on the short edge or the top, similar to the setup on various iPad models. In contrast, the Tab A7 positions the camera on the long edge. This means that when the tablet is in a case or a stand, the camera is centered and positioned higher above the table, resulting in a better angle for video calls.
Final Though
The pricing for these tablets is as follows: Galaxy Tab A7 Lite starts at $104 for the 32-gigabyte version with three gigs of RAM and goes up to $200 for the 64-gigabyte variant with four gigs of RAM. On the other hand, the Tab A7 starts at $230 for the 32-gigabyte model and is priced at $280 for the 64-gigabyte version, both equipped with three gigabytes of RAM.
Considering the compromises Samsung had to make on these tablets, the choice ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable and compact tablet primarily for tasks like watching YouTube, web browsing, social media, playing less demanding games, or using cloud-based gaming services, and you don’t prioritize a super responsive user experience, the Tab A7 Lite can certainly handle these tasks.
However, if you’re willing to allocate an additional $70 to $80 to your budget and desire a larger and superior display, enhanced audio quality, a slightly improved camera system, and more processing power that can genuinely impact general usage and gaming, then the Tab A7 is the better choice. It offers better overall value and is likely to serve you well in the long run.
