Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) marks the third iteration of this mid-range tablet—but with no meaningful upgrades over its 2022 predecessor. Priced at $329.99 (64GB), it’s the cheapest way to get an S Pen, but sluggish performance and outdated specs make it hard to recommend.
Key Takeaways
- Includes S Pen – Pressure-sensitive stylus for notes/drawing.
- Lightweight aluminum design – Comfortable to hold.
- Long battery life – 7,040mAh cell lasts days.
- Painfully slow – Exynos 1280 + 4GB RAM struggles with basic tasks.
- Dated 60Hz LCD – Washed-out colors, visible backlight bleed.
- No fingerprint sensor – Unreliable face unlock only.
- Same flaws since 2020 – Identical cameras, slow charging, no keyboard support.
Performance: A Dealbreaker
- Exynos 1280 chip lags behind rivals (even the $220 Tab A9 Plus).
- 4GB RAM causes constant app reloads; multitasking is a slideshow.
- One UI bloat worsens the experience—Android 15 may cripple it further.
Benchmarks:
- Geekbench 6: Single-core ~750, Multi-core ~2,100 (below budget phones).
- GPU struggles with 3D games (Fortnite barely hits 30fps on low settings).
Display & S Pen: Mediocre at Best
- 10.4″ 60Hz LCD – Subpar brightness, dull colors.
- S Pen latency is noticeable vs. 90Hz/120Hz Samsung tablets.
- No Bluetooth gestures (unlike premium S Pens).
Battery & Charging
- 7,040mAh battery lasts ~8-10 hours (bright spot).
- 15W charging is slow; no charger included.
Alternatives: Spend a Little More (Or Less)
| Tablet | Price | Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S9 FE | ~$400 | 90Hz screen, faster chip, 6GB RAM, keyboard support |
| iPad (10th Gen) | ~$350 | Blows away Tab S6 Lite in speed, app ecosystem |
| Tab A9 Plus | ~$200 | Same specs without S Pen, but $100+ cheaper |
| Pixel Tablet | ~$400 | Smoother software, USI stylus support, smart dock included |
Final Verdict: Skip It
The Tab S6 Lite (2024) feels like a cynical re-release—same flaws, same price. Unless you absolutely need the cheapest S Pen tablet, spend extra for a Tab S9 FE or save money with a Tab A9 Plus.
Rating: 2.5/5 – Only for die-hard S Pen fans on a tight budget.
