Galaxy Tab S6 Vs S5e Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series has long been a favorite among Android tablet users who demand power, portability, and productivity. When choosing between the Galaxy Tab S6 and the S5e, many consumers face a tough decision: is the newer S6 truly better than its predecessor in ways that matter for everyday use? While both tablets were released within a year of each other—S5e in late 2019 and S6 earlier that same year—the differences in design, hardware, and software integration can significantly affect user experience.

This isn't just about specs on paper. It's about how those specs translate into actual performance, battery life, stylus functionality, and long-term usability. Whether you're using your tablet for creative work, media consumption, or remote productivity, understanding these nuances helps determine if an upgrade from the S5e to the S6—or choosing one over the other secondhand—is justified.

Design and Build: Premium Materials Meet Practicality

The Galaxy Tab S6 embraces a sleek aluminum unibody construction, giving it a premium feel that stands out in hand. At 420 grams (Wi-Fi model), it’s slightly heavier than the S5e but still comfortable for extended use. The bezels are slim, maximizing screen real estate while maintaining symmetry with front-facing stereo speakers tuned by AKG.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab S5e uses an all-metal chassis as well, but with a more minimalist aesthetic. It’s lighter at 400 grams and thinner at 5.7mm, making it arguably more portable. However, it lacks the S Pen garage—a defining feature of the S6—which allows for automatic charging and storage of the included stylus.

Tip: If you frequently take notes or sketch, the S6’s built-in S Pen slot eliminates the risk of losing your stylus.

While the S5e wins on pure portability, the S6 delivers a more integrated, professional-grade design tailored for creators and multitaskers.

Display and Audio: Clarity Meets Immersion

Both tablets feature 10.5-inch displays, but they differ significantly in technology and quality. The S6 uses a Super AMOLED panel with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. Its 2560 x 1600 resolution ensures sharp text and crisp video playback. With support for HDR10+, streaming services like Netflix and YouTube look stunning.

The S5e, meanwhile, uses a Super AMOLED display too—but it's a flat-panel version without curved edges. While still bright and colorful, it doesn’t quite match the contrast depth or viewing angles of the S6. Both have quad speakers (two front-firing, two top/bottom), but the S6 benefits from enhanced tuning and dynamic sound balancing depending on orientation.

“Audio quality often gets overlooked, but when watching videos or attending virtual meetings, clear, balanced sound makes a tangible difference.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance Comparison: Hardware That Ages Differently

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S6 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, a flagship processor from 2019 that remains capable even today. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM (depending on configuration), it handles multitasking, photo editing, and even light gaming with ease. The S Pen also introduces Bluetooth LE functionality, enabling remote camera shutter control and presentation navigation.

The S5e, while efficient, uses the mid-tier Snapdragon 730G. This chip performs well for web browsing, video calls, and media apps, but struggles under heavy loads such as running multiple DeX sessions or complex Adobe apps simultaneously. With only 4GB or 6GB of RAM, memory constraints become noticeable faster.

Feature	Galaxy Tab S6	Galaxy Tab S5e
Processor	Snapdragon 855	Snapdragon 730G
RAM Options	6GB / 8GB	4GB / 6GB
Storage (Base)	128GB (expandable via microSD)	64GB (expandable)
S Pen Charging	Yes (magnetic back + USB-C charging)	No (requires separate purchase and manual charging)
Rear Cameras	Dual 13MP + 5MP ultra-wide	Single 13MP
Battery Capacity	7,040 mAh	7,040 mAh
DeX Support	Yes (desktop mode with keyboard cover)	Limited DeX functionality

Despite having the same battery size, the S6 typically lasts slightly less due to its higher-power components. However, optimizations in One UI and adaptive brightness help maintain around 10–12 hours of mixed usage. The S5e may edge ahead in standby efficiency, especially for passive tasks like reading or music playback.

Real-World Use Case: From Student to Freelancer

Consider Maya, a university student turned freelance graphic designer. She bought the S5e in early 2020 primarily for note-taking and streaming lectures. Over time, she began experimenting with digital illustration using Adobe Illustrator Draw. Initially satisfied, she soon hit performance bottlenecks—apps would reload constantly, multitasking lagged, and her third-party stylus lacked precision.

After switching to the S6, Maya noticed immediate improvements. Her S Pen stayed magnetically attached and charged automatically. Drawing felt responsive, and she could run Photoshop Express alongside Slack and Chrome without slowdowns. For her workflow, the extra cost of the S6 paid off in reduced frustration and increased output.

This scenario illustrates a key principle: the value of an upgrade depends not just on raw specs, but on how your needs evolve over time.

Should You Upgrade? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Deciding whether to move from the S5e to the S6—or choose one over the other today—depends on your priorities. Follow this timeline-based checklist to evaluate your situation:

1. Assess Your Current Usage (Week 1): Track how often you use your tablet for demanding tasks—video editing, multitasking, drawing, etc. Note any lags or app reloads.
2. Evaluate Accessories (Week 2): Are you using a stylus? Would automatic charging and air commands improve your experience?
3. Test Media Consumption (Ongoing): Compare video clarity and speaker balance between devices if possible. Does AMOLED make a visible difference?
4. Check Software Updates (One-Time): The S6 received updates up to Android 13 with One UI 5.1; the S5e stopped at Android 12. Longevity matters.
5. Calculate Cost vs. Benefit: On the used market, the price gap is now narrow. If the S6 costs less than $50 more, the performance and S Pen advantages likely justify the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Tab S5e use the S Pen?

Yes, but not natively. You must buy a compatible S Pen separately, and it won’t magnetically attach or charge. Functionality is limited compared to the S6.

Is the Galaxy Tab S6 still supported with software updates?

Officially, major OS updates ended with Android 13, but security patches may continue through 2024. Samsung typically provides four years of security updates from launch date.

Which tablet is better for watching movies?

The S6 offers superior visual immersion thanks to its high-contrast AMOLED display and advanced audio tuning. While both play HDR content, the S6 delivers a more cinematic experience.

Final Verdict: When the Upgrade Makes Sense

The Galaxy Tab S6 isn’t merely “newer” than the S5e—it’s meaningfully different in ways that impact daily usability. The inclusion of the S Pen with magnetic attachment and charging, superior processing power, dual rear cameras, and full DeX support elevates it beyond a simple incremental update.

For casual users focused on streaming, reading, and light browsing, the S5e remains a solid, lightweight option. But for students, creatives, or professionals relying on their tablet as a mini workstation, the S6 offers tangible benefits that accumulate over time—faster app switching, reliable stylus access, and smoother software longevity.

Tip: If buying secondhand, prioritize the S6 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for future-proofing.

In most cases, yes—the newer model is worth the upgrade, especially given how close the current prices have converged. The investment pays dividends in responsiveness, versatility, and long-term satisfaction.

🚀 Ready to maximize your tablet potential? Share your own S Pen tips or upgrade story in the comments below—we’d love to hear what works for you!