Galaxy Tab S6 Vs S7 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series has long set the benchmark for Android tablets, blending productivity, creativity, and entertainment in a sleek package. When the Galaxy Tab S7 succeeded the S6, many users wondered: is this more than just an incremental update? For current S6 owners debating whether to upgrade, the answer isn’t always obvious. While both devices deliver premium experiences, the differences lie in subtle but meaningful improvements that can significantly affect daily use.

This comparison dives deep into the hardware, software, display, stylus functionality, and overall user experience to determine whether the jump from the S6 to the S7 justifies the cost—especially if you're already invested in the S6 ecosystem.

Design and Build: Refinement Over Revolution

The Galaxy Tab S6 and S7 share a similar aluminum unibody design language, with slim bezels and a focus on portability. Both are lightweight and comfortable to hold, but the S7 introduces a few refinements. The most noticeable change is the slightly larger 11-inch display (up from 10.5 inches), which increases screen real estate without drastically increasing device size thanks to reduced bezels.

The S7 also swaps the glossy back panel of the S6 for a matte finish, reducing fingerprint smudges and improving grip. While the S6 feels premium, the S7’s build quality feels more modern and practical for everyday carry.

Tip: If you frequently use your tablet on the go, the S7’s matte finish and slightly larger screen offer better visibility and comfort during extended sessions.

Display and Refresh Rate: A Game-Changing Difference

One of the most significant upgrades in the S7 is its 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the S6’s standard 60Hz. This might sound like a technical detail, but in practice, it transforms the user experience. Scrolling through web pages, navigating apps, and especially using the S Pen feels noticeably smoother and more responsive.

The S7’s LTPS TFT display also offers improved brightness and color accuracy over the S6’s Super AMOLED panel. While AMOLED delivers deeper blacks, the S7’s higher peak brightness (500 nits vs. 398 nits) makes it more usable outdoors. For creative professionals or frequent note-takers, the responsiveness of the 120Hz screen paired with the S Pen is a major advantage.

“High refresh rates aren’t just about gaming—they make every interaction feel more intuitive and immediate.” — David Kim, UX Designer at Mobile Interface Lab

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the Tab S7 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, while the S6 uses the older Snapdragon 855. This may seem like a modest generational leap, but the 865+ delivers around 15–20% better CPU and GPU performance, which translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better handling of graphically intensive tasks like video editing or 3D modeling.

Both tablets support up to 8GB of RAM and come in 128GB or 256GB storage variants, but the S7 includes UFS 3.0 storage, which offers faster read/write speeds than the S6’s UFS 2.1. In real-world use, this means quicker file transfers and reduced lag when working with large media files.

Battery capacity is nearly identical—7,040mAh in the S6 versus 8,000mAh in the S7—but the S7’s more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate help extend battery life despite the larger screen. Users report consistently gaining an extra 1.5 to 2 hours of mixed usage on the S7.

Key Hardware Differences at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy Tab S6	Galaxy Tab S7
Display Size & Type	10.5\" Super AMOLED	11\" LTPS TFT (120Hz)
Processor	Snapdragon 855	Snapdragon 865+
RAM / Storage	6/8GB / 128/256GB (UFS 2.1)	6/8GB / 128/256GB (UFS 3.0)
Battery	7,040 mAh	8,000 mAh
Refresh Rate	60Hz	120Hz
S Pen Latency	42ms	26ms
Weight	420g (Wi-Fi)	498g (Wi-Fi)

S Pen and Productivity: Where the S7 Shines

The S Pen is central to the Tab S experience, and here the S7 pulls ahead decisively. With reduced latency dropping from 42ms on the S6 to just 26ms on the S7, writing and drawing feel closer to pen-on-paper. The magnetic attachment and wireless charging remain, but the S7’s updated software supports palm rejection and tilt detection more reliably.

For students, artists, or remote workers, this improvement matters. Whether you're annotating PDFs, sketching illustrations, or taking meeting notes, the S7’s S Pen delivers a more natural and precise experience.

The S7 also introduced enhanced DeX mode, allowing desktop-like multitasking with resizable windows—a feature absent on the S6. This turns the tablet into a laptop replacement when paired with a keyboard cover, making it far more viable for serious productivity.

Tip: Pair the S7 with the Book Cover Keyboard to unlock full DeX functionality and transform your tablet into a mini workstation.

Real-World Example: Upgrading for Remote Work

Consider Sarah, a freelance graphic designer who used her Galaxy Tab S6 for client sketches and project management. After upgrading to the S7, she noticed immediate benefits: her illustration apps responded faster, the 120Hz screen made zooming and panning smoother, and DeX mode allowed her to run multiple design tools side-by-side without switching apps. The improved S Pen accuracy reduced rework on client drafts, saving her nearly two hours per week. Though the upgrade cost $500, the time savings and enhanced output justified the investment within three months.

This scenario illustrates how specific use cases—especially those involving creativity or multitasking—can make the S7 upgrade not just worthwhile, but transformative.

Software and Long-Term Support

Another factor in favor of the S7 is its longer software support. Samsung promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S7, whereas the S6 received only two OS upgrades. As of 2024, the S6 is no longer receiving major updates, while the S7 continues to get optimizations and new features.

This longevity ensures better app compatibility, improved security, and access to newer Samsung ecosystem integrations like improved Smart Switch, multi-device workflows, and enhanced Knox protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I upgrade from the Galaxy Tab S6 to the S7?

If you rely heavily on the S Pen, multitasking, or outdoor usability, the upgrade is worth it. However, if your S6 still performs well and you use it primarily for media consumption, the improvements may not justify the cost.

Can the Galaxy Tab S6 still handle everyday tasks?

Absolutely. The S6 remains capable for browsing, streaming, light productivity, and note-taking. It’s aging gracefully, though it lacks the fluidity and future-proofing of the S7.

Is the S Pen from the S6 compatible with the S7?

Yes, the S Pen is cross-compatible between models. However, you won’t benefit from the lower latency and improved responsiveness unless you’re using the S7’s optimized system.

Checklist: Is the Galaxy Tab S7 Upgrade Right for You?

• ✅ Do you use your tablet for drawing, note-taking, or creative work?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by slow app switching or screen lag?
• ✅ Do you want longer software support and future OS updates?
• ✅ Do you often work outdoors or in bright environments?
• ✅ Are you using a keyboard cover or aiming for laptop-like productivity?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S7 upgrade is likely a smart investment.

Final Verdict: Incremental But Impactful

The Galaxy Tab S7 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the S6, but it refines nearly every aspect of the experience. The 120Hz display, faster processor, improved S Pen, and expanded DeX capabilities collectively elevate the tablet from a great media companion to a genuine productivity powerhouse.

For casual users, the S6 remains a strong device. But for professionals, creatives, or anyone pushing their tablet beyond basic use, the S7 delivers tangible benefits that accumulate over time. The upgrade cost is real, but so are the gains in efficiency, responsiveness, and long-term usability.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S6 to the S7? Share your experience in the comments—your insights could help others decide whether the jump is worth it for their workflow.