Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Review: For those who need a good inexpensive tablet
Today we are reviewing the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 tablet. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite tablet has been constantly evolving since its initial debut in 2020, followed by subsequent releases in 2022, and now the latest version in 2024. With each iteration, Samsung has refined its formula, aiming to deliver a compelling tablet experience at an accessible price point. Priced just over $300, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has garnered significant attention and is speculated to be one of Samsung’s best-selling tablets to date.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024: Video Review
Specs | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 |
Display | 10.4-inch, 2000 x 1200 (WUXGA+), TFT |
OS | Android 14.0 |
Processor | Exynos 1280 |
RAM + ROM | 4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB |
Camera | 8MP Rear, 5MP Front |
Connectivity | LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 |
3.5mm jack | Yes |
Audio | Stereo speakers |
SIM | Nano-SIM |
Battery | 7040 mAh |
Charging | 15W wired |
Dimensions | 154.3 x 244.5 x 7.0mm |
Weight | 465g (Wi-Fi) | 467g (LTE) |
Color | Gray, Mint, Rose Gold |
Specs
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite boasts a robust set of specifications, including an Exynos 1280 processor. Its 10.4-inch TFT LCD display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, providing an immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and productivity tasks.
In terms of storage and memory, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers flexibility with options for either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, supplemented by 4GB of RAM. Users also have the convenience of expanding storage further using a microSD card.
Running on Android 14.1 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 overlay, the tablet delivers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps and services from the Google Play Store.
Battery life is another area where the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite excels, thanks to its 7,040mAh battery capacity.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024: Design
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 maintains its signature sleek metal casing, albeit with a refreshed color palette that now includes options like black, mint green, and pink. Its dimensions of 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm and weight of 465 grams ensure a portable yet substantial feel in hand.
Retaining the familiar rounded corners, the tablet exudes a sense of familiarity and comfort in its build quality. The symmetrical black screen bezels frame the display, giving it a sleek and uniform appearance. Positioned at the top is a 5-megapixel webcam, enabling facial recognition for quick and easy unlocking of the tablet.
On the rear of the device, there’s an 8-megapixel camera, though it lacks an LED flash or additional camera sensors. The tablet boasts a full metal body construction, imparting a premium feel reminiscent of higher-end devices like iPads. Antennas for Wi-Fi and LTE are seamlessly integrated into the body, contributing to its high-end aesthetic.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers a standard headphone jack. On one side, there’s a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, though the absence of USB 3.0 or 3.1 may disappoint some users. The opposite side houses another speaker, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a SIM card slot for models with cellular connectivity. Additionally, the volume rocker and power button are conveniently located for easy access.
The inclusion of the Samsung S-Pen adds a layer of versatility to the tablet, allowing users to unleash their creativity or take precise notes with ease. Though it cannot be attached to the tablet, its inclusion as a bundled accessory ensures users can immediately take advantage of its functionality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024: Display
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite features a 10.4-inch LCD display, which, while competent, doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the manufacturer’s modern AMOLED displays in terms of brightness, refresh rate, and color reproduction. With a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, the display offers a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch.
While the resolution is considered adequate for a tablet of this size, it may not deliver the same level of sharpness and clarity as higher-end devices like the Galaxy Tab S9. Nevertheless, text and icons appear sharp enough for most users, providing a satisfactory viewing experience within its price range.
One notable limitation is the display’s refresh rate, which is capped at 60Hz. While this is standard for many tablets, it falls short of the smoother 90Hz. Despite this, the display still offers good viewing angles, colors, and contrast, ensuring an enjoyable experience for multimedia consumption and general usage.
Software
The software experience on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Edition is familiar and robust, running Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 overlay. Samsung has been diligent in updating its recent lineup to Android 14, ensuring users benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
With Android 14 and One UI 6.1, users can expect a seamless and intuitive user experience, with a range of features and customization options. While the software may not introduce groundbreaking changes, it provides a stable and reliable foundation for everyday use.
Pre-installed apps from both Google and Samsung are included, offering a comprehensive suite of productivity and entertainment tools. Among these is the acclaimed Samsung Notes app, which is particularly well-suited for use with the included S Pen. Air Command functionality further enhances the S Pen experience, providing quick access to a variety of useful features and shortcuts.
One standout feature of the software is its support for Samsung DeX desktop mode, which allows users to transform their tablet into a desktop-like experience. While it’s unfortunate that the tablet lacks native support for connecting an external display via USB, users can still enjoy the benefits of DeX by connecting a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth or USB.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Edition comes equipped with updated internal hardware, featuring the new Samsung Exynos 1280 processor. This marks one of the key improvements compared to its predecessors, promising enhanced performance for a smoother user experience. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, the tablet offers a balanced combination of power and storage capacity.
While the storage configuration currently stands at 64GB, it’s possible that Samsung may release additional storage options in the future to cater to varying user needs. The tablet is available in both Wi-Fi and LTE 4G versions, with both variants featuring GPS functionality, providing users with accurate location tracking capabilities.
Benchmark comparisons reveal a significant performance boost with the new Exynos 1280 chipset, outperforming both the 2020 and 2022 editions of the tablet. This places it ahead of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus and the Lenovo Tab M11, which are priced lower but offer less powerful hardware.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Edition falls short in performance compared to higher-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Fe and the Xiaomi Pad 6. Despite this, it still delivers commendable performance for its price point, as demonstrated by smooth gameplay in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile with HD graphics.
Camera
Sporting an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite provides users with the essentials for capturing photos and videos.
Within the camera app, users have access to standard shooting modes such as portrait, photo, and video, along with additional features like Pro mode, food mode, panorama, and hyperlapse. Video recording is supported at up to 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second.
While the camera performance may not rival that of flagship smartphones, it offers respectable quality for casual photography and video calls. Images captured with the rear camera exhibit decent detail and color reproduction, particularly in well-lit environments. Similarly, the front camera performs adequately for video conferencing and selfie capture.
Audio
In terms of audio, the tablet’s speakers deliver decent sound quality, although they may not match the audio performance of higher-end devices. Nevertheless, they provide adequate audio experience for an immersive entertainment, making the tablet suitable for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has 7,040mAh battery, coupled with 15W wired charging capabilities. These specifications remain almost identical to its predecessor.
To assess its endurance, a typical battery drain test was conducted, revealing that the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 lasted approximately 7 1/2 hours under rigorous conditions. While this test represents a more extreme scenario, the results align closely with those of the 2022 model, indicating consistent performance in terms of battery life.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024: Conclusion
My impression of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is nuanced, reflecting both its strengths and limitations. On one hand, I appreciate the introduction of a new model with an improved processor, offering users enhanced performance at an affordable price point. The inclusion of the S Pen adds value, particularly for those seeking a tablet with pen support without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, the likelihood of the tablet’s price dropping soon after release adds to its appeal, potentially making it one of the best options in the budget tablet market with pen functionality.
However, my impression is also tempered by the existence of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Fe, which offers superior features and capabilities for a relatively small price difference. The Galaxy Tab S9 Fe boasts a water and dust-resistant body, a brighter display with a higher refresh rate, a fingerprint sensor, and more storage as standard.
Ultimately, individual preferences and budget constraints will determine which tablet is the better fit for each user.
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