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Does the Tab S5e have enough power to keep up with the Galaxy Tab S6?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Get everything done

$629 at Amazon

Pros

  • Updated processor
  • S Pen support
  • Up to 8GB of RAM
  • Dual-rear cameras

Cons

  • Weighs more
  • More expensive

The true successor to the Galaxy Tab S4 has arrived. The Tab S6 provides a flagship-tablet experience for Android lovers. With up to 8GB of RAM, coupled with the Snapdragon 855 chipset, the Tab S6 will fly through your daily tasks. This even includes more power-intensive ones like photo or video editing.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Budget powerhouse

$350 at Amazon

Pros

  • Lighter weight
  • Cheaper
  • Same display size and type

Cons

  • Limited to 6GB of RAM
  • No S Pen support
  • Limited to 128GB of built-in storage
  • Keyboard cover does not include trackpad

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is one of the most impressive "budget" tablets that money can buy. With up to 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and up to 15 hours of battery life, the Tab S5e can handle many of your daily tasks. You just won't be able to take advantage of Samsung's magic with the S Pen.

When it comes to Samsung tablets, there are quite a few options, and the same can't be said for other manufacturers in the tablet space. For some time, there was concern that Samsung would be stepping away from flagship Android tablets after the release of the Galaxy Tab S5e. However, that's no longer the case. The most obvious question now is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs. S5e competition plays out.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs. S5e Similar in many facets

Pictured: Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e.

At first glance, you may not notice much of a difference between Samsung's Galaxy Tab S5e and the GalaxyTab S6. Both devices have similar features, such as the 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, with the same 2560x1600 resolution. You will also find an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, quad AKG-tuned speakers, and even the same 13-megapixel primary rear camera.

Even the weight is surprisingly similar, with the Tab S5e coming in at just 0.9 pounds (400g) and the new Tab S6 weighing just 20g more. This is even more impressive, considering that Samsung has included the same 7,040mAh battery, which supports a 15W fast charger.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
Display 10.5-inch Super AMOLED 10.5-inch Super AMOLED
Processor Snapdragon 855 Snapdragon 670
RAM 6GB/8GB 4GB/6GB
Storage 128GB/256GB 64GB/128GB
Rear Camera(s) 13MP + 5MP 13MP
Front Camera 8MP 8MP
Speakers Quad Quad
Battery 7,040mAh 7,4040mAh
Weight 420g 400g
Dimensions 244.5 x 159.5 x 5.7mm 245 x 160 x 5.5mm
Fingerprint Scanner In-display Side-mounted
S Pen Support Yes No

On the productivity front, both have a big display that can be combined with a detachable keyboard cover. This makes it easy to triage emails or get some actual work done without needing to be in front of a "true" computer. Even with a budget option like the Tab S5e, this option is surprising and extremely welcome.

For those concerned about privacy, there's no reason to be alarmed; both the Tab S6 and S5e both have a fingerprint scanner. The scanner in the S6 is embedded in the display, while the S5e's scanner is on the side of the tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 vs. S5e The differences make this easy

Pictured: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6.

However, once you dive a bit deeper into the specs and functionalities, the differences begin to make themselves known. When it comes to RAM, the battle between the Galaxy Tab S6 vs. S5e is not really there as both have configurations with 6GB of RAM, this is the base option for the former, and the top-of-the-line option for the latter. The Tab S6 can be bumped up to 8GB of RAM, coupled with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Comparatively, the base configuration for the S5e pairs 4GB of RAM with 64GB of base storage, along with a 6GB/128GB model.

Before, we mentioned that both of these have a 13-megapixel primary camera, but the Tab S6 has an extra lens. On the rear of the S6, you will find a secondary 5-megapixel wide-angle lens, if you like taking pictures with the enormous and unique viewfinder.

We've already touched on the specification differences, but there's another big difference between these two tablets. To keep the Tab S5e as a budget pick, Samsung opted not to include S Pen support. This leaves you looking to other stylus options, which can be rather frustrating if you were trying to use the Tab S5e as a notebook.

In the case of the Tab S6, Samsung includes an S Pen in the box, removing the need to make an additional purchase. Plus, you'll get added benefits such as the ability to use it as a remote control and the new Air Gestures to control your tablet without touching it.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the Galaxy Tab S6 is the pick for those who need the full productivity powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S5e is still a fine option if you don't care about S Pen support and just want a solid Android tablet without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Productivity powerhouse

$629 at Amazon $650 at Best Buy $728 at Walmart

The new flagship Android tablet to beat

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S6 sets the bar pretty high for flagship tablets with impressive specs, included S Pen, and optional keyboard case.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Save some dough

The Tab S5e should not just be overlooked

$350 at Dell $350 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy

The Galaxy Tab S5e is fantastic for what you get at the price point with a gorgeous display and a surprising spec sheet.