Apple iPad (7th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad (7th generation) compared with Galaxy Tab A7
AppleiPad (7th generation)SamsungGalaxy Tab A7
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019October 2020
Display
Screen size10.2″10.4″
Resolution2160 × 1620 (better)2000 × 1200
Sharpness265 pixels per inch (better)224 pixels per inch
PanelLCDLCD
Brightness500 nits–
Display typeRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCDTFT LCD, WUXGA+, 16 million colours; 10.4-inch full rectangle
Pixel density264 ppi–
Display featuresOleophobic coating–
Performance
ChipA10 FusionQualcomm Snapdragon 662
Memory3 GB3 GB
Storage32 GB, 128 GB (better)32 GB, 64 GB
CPU64-bit A10 Fusion with embedded M10 coprocessor; 3 GB RAM confirmed by iFixitQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (SM6115), four CPU cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz in Samsung’s original Russian launch table. Original 3 GB RAM/32 GB and 3 GB/64 GB configurations; microSD up to 1 TB for media
Cameras
Rear camera8 MP8 MP
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera1.2 MP5 MP (better)
Rear cameraf/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illumination8 MP autofocus; no flash. Full HD 1920 × 1080 recording at 30 fps
Front cameraFaceTime HD; f/2.2; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timer5 MP, positioned on the long edge for landscape video calls
Video recordingRear 1080p at 30 fps; 720p slow motion at 120 fps; 3x video zoom; stabilised time-lapse; front 720p–
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 13 hours
Battery (mAh)–7,040 mAh
Fastest charging–15 W
Battery capacity32.4 Wh–
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusSupported, sold separatelyNot supported
Keyboard made for itYesNo
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsing7,040 mAh typical, 6,820 mAh rated in the exact South African maker footnote. Up to 13 hours in Samsung’s US family specification sheet means average expected performance under typical usage conditions, not continuous video playback
ChargingUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supportedUp to 15 W Adaptive Fast Charging. Original maker Russian launch includes a 7.75 W charger; the 15 W adapter is sold separately
USB-CLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jackUSB Type-C, USB 2.0; 3.5 mm stereo headphone socket
Wi-FiDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMOWi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2.4 and 5 GHz, VHT80; Wi-Fi Direct
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 5.0
Mobile networkGigabit-class LTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and GSM/EDGE; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support and eSIM; cellular model weighs 493 gOptional LTE SM-T505, 477 g; Wi-Fi SM-T500, 476 g in maker launch tables. One physical nano-SIM in the exact European manual
Stylus supportApple Pencil (1st generation), sold separatelyNo active Samsung S Pen support in Notebookcheck’s original exact-model test
KeyboardsSmart Keyboard through Smart Connector, sold separatelyNo dedicated keyboard connector in the exact device layout; launch accessory is a Book Cover stand. General Bluetooth keyboards are separate peripherals
Design
Weight483 g476 g (better)
Thickness7.5 mm7 mm (better)
Height × width250.6 × 174.1 mm157.4 × 247.6 mm
Operating systemiPadOSAndroid
BiometricsTouch ID in Home buttonFace recognition; no fingerprint reader in exact controls and independent tests
SpeakersStereo speakersFour speakers with Dolby Atmos
MicrophonesDual microphonesTwo microphones in the exact European user-manual device layout
SensorsGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS/GNSS on cellular modelAccelerometer, gyro, geomagnetic, Hall and light sensors; GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo
MaterialsEnclosure made from 100% recycled aluminiumMetal body; no IP rating established in the maker sources read
ColoursSilver, Gold, Space GreyDark Grey, Gold and Silver. Silver has a white front bezel; Dark Grey and Gold have black bezels
Software at launchiPadOSAndroid 10; One UI 2.5 in Notebookcheck’s original full review and maker feature illustration. Current exact UK support publishes an Android 12 user guide. This original SM-T500/SM-T505 is separate from the later SM-T503/SM-T509 refresh and A7 Lite
In the boxiPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power AdapterTablet, 7.75 W charger, USB cable and quick-start documentation in original maker/review evidence; LTE includes an ejection pin

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