Samsung has released two new 7-inch tablets for 2016, the Galaxy Tab E Lite and the Galaxy Tab A. They have a lot things in common but there are some significant differences between them as well, both of which I’ll outline in this comparison review.
But first let’s start with some background info on both models. The Tab E Lite replaces the Tab 3 Lite, and the Tab A is the newer version of the Tab 4. The Tab A and Tab 4 are very similar but the Tab A has better cameras and supports higher capacity microSD cards, and it lacks the IR blaster and silver frame found on the Tab 4.
The retail price of the Tab 3 Lite and the Tab A are very close at $119 and $149 respectively, but Samsung often runs sales so the prices fluctuate a lot.
For only $30 more it seems like a no-brainer to go with the Galaxy Tab A for the better hardware and newer software, but again a lot comes down to price. The Tab 3 is likely to hover under $100 most of the time so that makes the price difference more significant.
Check out my dedicated Galaxy Tab E Lite review and Galaxy Tab A review for more details about each and to watch video walkthroughs.
Similar Features – Tab E Lite vs Tab A
- Both have 7-inch screens (but with different resolutions).
- They both have 8GB of internal storage.
- Both feature the same quad-core 1.3GHz processor (SC8830 and Mali-400 MP GPU).
- MicroSD card slot.
- Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi Direct support.
- Bluetooth 4.0.
- GPS.
- 3.5 mm stereo jack.
- Micro USB port.
- Single speaker, with similar sound.
- Similar design, same button and port placement.
- Samsung’s TouchWiz software extras (though slightly different between models).
- Both are available in black and white.
Galaxy Tab E Lite Differences
- Display: 1024 x 600 resolution (171 ppi); 16:9 ratio.
- Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system.
- Supports microSD cards up to 32GB.
- Battery: up to 9 hours; 3,600mAh.
- RAM: 1GB.
- No front camera.
- 2MP rear camera.
- Dimensions: 7.61″ x 4.58″ x 0.38″.
- Weight: 308 grams.
- Get a free ebook per month via exclusive Kindle for Samsung app (oddly not available on the Tab A, just the regular Kindle app).
- MSRP: $119 at Amazon
Galaxy Tab A Differences
- Display: 1280 x 800 resolution (216 ppi); 16:10 ratio.
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system.
- Supports microSD cards up to 200GB.
- Battery: up to 11 hours; 4,000mAh.
- RAM: 1.5GB.
- 2MP front camera.
- 5MP rear camera.
- Dimensions: 7.35″ x 4.27″ x 0.34".
- Weight: 277 grams.
- The Tab A’s screen has better viewing angles, better clarity, better color, and a wider range of brightness settings, including an outdoor mode and a reading mode.
- Higher resolution screen supports HD videos.
- Multi-window mode has the added feature of dragging images and text from window to window.
- Comes with a Radio app that can pickup local stations without using an internet connection (requires plugging in headphones for an antenna).
- MSRP: $149 at Amazon
Christine says
Does either galaxy tab a or e 7″ have google play access??
Nathan says
Yeah, all Samsung tablets have Google Play, even the Nook-branded ones.
Amber says
Are the covers the same for an e lite 7 or regular samsung 7inch
Nathan says
No, they’re slightly different.
Sam says
Which would u recomend for kids
Nathan says
It doesn’t really make a difference but they do make an E Lite version for kids: Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite Kids.
Xochitl Ramirez says
I buy the samsung galaxy E lite for my 5 year old son, and the Samsung galaxy tab A 7.0 for my 12 year old son my question is wich one is better for my 10 year old daughter? Samsung galaxy A 7.0 or E lite?
Nathan says
I would think the Tab A since it’s better. I don’t see why age would make much of a difference either way…
LeoQuestions says
If you really need to equip your young kids with tablets, and you have deep pockets, why not get all three set up with both models?
Then they can learn to stare into their screens all day and totally lose their humanity.
john says
if someone broke into my apartment, and i had to use one of them there tablets for protection what one would provide better blut force trama?
Jerome Richardson says
Then you gotta go with the 10 inch ones lol 🙂
Jeremy says
Go with the e. It’s heavier and cheaper to replace.
Dez says
I think the E Lite becuz it’s loaded with books from Amazon. Hitting them with a few books May stun or alter they’re being
Sabina Howard says
Forget the tablet and grab your frying pan
Alvin Myers says
If the tab e supports a 32gb SD card and I put in a 64 what is the problem if any?
Penny says
How do they get GPS? How can that work when I am out on the road?
Charles Hill says
I put an SD card in for more memory but I can’t move the apps to the SD card what to do?
Martin says
Can I download an app to get local radio stations on the Elite?
Ten says
I like to watch drama on some web, which one load faster
Dez says
It says they have the same processor for Speed
IsaacM says
I would go with the E Lite for its amazon books support and great gaming experience.