Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e was introduced in 2019 as a mid-range tablet offering a balance of performance and affordability. With its 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, slim design, and robust accessory support, it became a popular choice for both casual users and productivity seekers. But how does the Galaxy Tab S5e compare with its contemporaries, such as the Google Pixel Slate, Huawei MediaPad M5, and Apple iPad Air (3rd Gen)? In this post, we’ll explore the Tab S5e’s specifications, highlight its unique strengths, and discuss its accessory support in comparison with other leading tablets of the time.
Detailed Specifications
Below is a table outlining the detailed specifications of the four Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e models, including Wi-Fi and LTE variants with different storage capacities.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e (Wi-Fi) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e (Wi-Fi + LTE) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e (Wi-Fi) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e (Wi-Fi + LTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $399 | $479 | $449 | $529 |
| Release Date | April 26, 2019 | April 26, 2019 | April 26, 2019 | April 26, 2019 |
| Operating System | Android 9 | Android 9 | Android 9 | Android 9 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 | Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 |
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Storage Expandable | Up to 256 GB | Up to 256 GB | Up to 256 GB | Up to 256 GB |
| Screen Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Display Size | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels | 1600 x 2560 pixels | 1600 x 2560 pixels | 1600 x 2560 pixels |
| Brightness (nits) | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
| Main Camera | 13 MP | 13 MP | 13 MP | 13 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 7040 mAh | 7040 mAh | 7040 mAh | 7040 mAh |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging |
| Weight | 400 g | 401 g | 400 g | 401 g |
| Dimensions | 245.0 x 160.0 x 5.5 mm | 245.0 x 160.0 x 5.5 mm | 245.0 x 160.0 x 5.5 mm | 245.0 x 160.0 x 5.5 mm |
| Colors Available | Black, White | Black, White | Black, White | Black, White |
| Design Material | Plastic, Metal | Plastic, Metal | Plastic, Metal | Plastic, Metal |
| Water Resistance | None | None | None | None |
| Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Speakers | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Accessory Support | Basic Cover, Keyboard | Basic Cover, Keyboard | Basic Cover, Keyboard | Basic Cover, Keyboard |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
Alternative Tablets: Google, Huawei, and Apple
Let’s compare the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e with other tablets released around the same time.
- Google Pixel Slate (2018):
- Display: 12.3-inch Molecular Display, 3000 x 2000 resolution.
- Chipset: Intel Core m3 / i5 / i7 options.
- RAM: 4 GB to 16 GB.
- Battery: 48Wh battery with 10-12 hours of usage.
- Accessories: Supports Pixelbook Pen (sold separately) and detachable keyboard.
- Huawei MediaPad M5 (2018):
- Display: 10.8-inch IPS LCD, 2560 x 1600 resolution.
- Chipset: Kirin 960.
- RAM: 4 GB.
- Battery: 7500 mAh with fast charging.
- Accessories: Supports M-Pen (sold separately) and optional keyboard.
- Apple iPad Air (3rd Gen, 2019):
- Display: 10.5-inch Retina Display, 2224 x 1668 resolution.
- Chipset: A12 Bionic chip.
- RAM: 3 GB.
- Battery: 30.2Wh with 10 hours of usage.
- Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and Smart Keyboard (both sold separately).
Accessory Comparison
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is its wide range of accessory support, making it a more versatile tablet compared to its rivals.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e: Supports a Basic Cover and Keyboard, making it a cost-effective option for productivity on the go. The USB Type-C port allows for fast charging and data transfer.
- Google Pixel Slate: While more powerful, the Pixel Slate requires purchasing both the Pixelbook Pen and detachable keyboard separately, adding to the total cost.
- Huawei MediaPad M5: Similar to the Galaxy Tab S5e, the MediaPad M5 supports the M-Pen and keyboard, but the accessories are sold separately.
- Apple iPad Air (3rd Gen): Apple’s Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st Gen) offer excellent integration but come at a higher price, making the Tab S5e a more budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e offers an excellent balance of performance, display quality, and productivity features. Its super-slim design, Super AMOLED display, and robust accessory support make it a compelling choice for those seeking a mid-range tablet. While it lacks the raw power of the Google Pixel Slate or the premium feel of the iPad Air, the Tab S5e provides exceptional value for users looking for an affordable device that still delivers on performance.
For students, professionals, or anyone in need of a reliable tablet for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e remains a fantastic choice, especially when paired with a keyboard cover for enhanced productivity.