Samsung Tab S5e Vs A7 Is The Older More Expensive One Really Worth It

When shopping for a mid-range Samsung tablet, two models often come up in conversation: the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e and the Galaxy Tab A7. One is older and priced higher due to its premium positioning; the other is newer, more affordable, and marketed toward casual users. But does the extra cost of the Tab S5e actually translate into meaningful benefits? For buyers weighing value against longevity, performance, and build quality, this comparison matters.

The Tab S5e launched in 2019 as part of Samsung’s flagship S-series, promising near-high-end features at a lower price than the Tab S6. The Tab A7 arrived in 2020 as a budget-friendly option with modest upgrades over previous A-series tablets. Despite their overlapping price range today—especially with discounts on the older S5e—many consumers struggle to determine which offers better long-term value.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The first noticeable difference between these two tablets lies in their construction. The Tab S5e features an all-metal unibody design, making it feel solid and refined in hand. At just 5.5mm thick and weighing 400g (Wi-Fi only), it remains one of the slimmest and lightest Android tablets ever released. This makes it ideal for extended reading, travel, or media consumption without fatigue.

In contrast, the Tab A7 uses a plastic chassis, which keeps costs down but sacrifices some durability and perceived quality. It’s slightly thicker at 6.9mm and heavier at 476g. While not cumbersome, the added heft becomes noticeable during prolonged one-handed use. However, the A7 includes a built-in kickstand—a feature absent on the S5e—which adds versatility for watching videos or video calls on a desk.

Tip: If portability and premium feel are priorities, the S5e’s metal body and slim profile offer a noticeably better experience than the plasticky A7.

Display and Audio: Where the S5e Shines

Both tablets sport 10.4-inch displays, but the differences in panel technology and audio output are significant. The Tab S5e uses a Super AMOLED screen with a 2560x1600 resolution, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Whether you're streaming HDR content or reading in sunlight, the display performs admirably.

The Tab A7, meanwhile, uses a TFT LCD panel with a lower resolution of 2000x1200. While adequate for general use, it lacks the punch and clarity of AMOLED, especially in dark environments. Colors appear flatter, and viewing angles aren’t quite as consistent.

Audio is another area where the S5e pulls ahead. It features quad speakers tuned by AKG and supports Dolby Atmos, producing rich, room-filling sound. The A7 has dual speakers that are decent for casual listening but lack bass depth and volume headroom. For movie lovers or podcast enthusiasts, the S5e provides a far more immersive experience.

“Even in 2024, the Tab S5e’s display and speaker combo remains unmatched in its current price bracket.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Performance and Software: Old Flagship vs New Budget

Under the hood, the Tab S5e runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670—a chip from 2018 designed for efficiency and mid-tier performance. Despite its age, it handles everyday tasks smoothly thanks to 4GB or 6GB of RAM (depending on storage variant) and a clean software environment. Samsung optimized One UI for larger screens, so multitasking with split-view apps feels intuitive.

The Tab A7 uses the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, a 2020 chip built on a more efficient 11nm process. While technically less powerful in CPU benchmarks, it includes modern features like improved AI processing and better thermal management. Paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, it runs Android 10 (upgradable to Android 12), while the S5e launched on Android 9 and can reach Android 11 with One UI 3.1.

In real-world usage, both tablets handle web browsing, YouTube, and social media without lag. However, the S5e generally feels snappier when switching between apps or using camera-intensive applications. Its superior build allows for better heat dissipation, reducing throttling during longer sessions.

Software support is a concern. The Tab S5e received three major OS updates and four years of security patches—now concluded. The Tab A7 is also nearing the end of its update cycle but may receive one final security drop. Neither qualifies for Android 13 or later, limiting future app compatibility.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Tab S5e	Samsung Tab A7
Release Year	2019	2020
Display	10.5” Super AMOLED (2560x1600)	10.4” TFT LCD (2000x1200)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 670	Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
RAM	4GB / 6GB	3GB / 4GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (microSD expandable)	32GB / 64GB (microSD expandable)
OS (Launch / Max)	Android 9 → Android 11	Android 10 → Android 12
Battery	5100 mAh	7040 mAh
Charging	Fast charging via USB-C	Standard charging via USB-C
Speakers	Quad AKG-tuned + Dolby Atmos	Dual speakers + Dolby Atmos
Build	Aluminum body, no kickstand	Plastic body, built-in kickstand
Weight	400g (Wi-Fi)	476g

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Capacity

The Tab A7 wins on paper with a 7040mAh battery compared to the S5e’s 5100mAh. However, real-world results vary due to screen efficiency and processor optimization. The S5e’s AMOLED display consumes less power when showing dark content, giving it surprisingly competitive endurance. With moderate use—email, browsing, and an hour of video—it lasts about 8–9 hours.

The A7, despite its larger battery, suffers from a less efficient LCD panel and background bloatware, averaging around 10–11 hours. While better overall, it charges more slowly and lacks fast-charging support. The S5e supports 15W fast charging, allowing a 50% charge in roughly 45 minutes—useful for travelers or commuters needing a quick top-up.

Tip: If you prioritize fast charging and OLED efficiency over raw battery size, the S5e remains relevant even with a smaller cell.

Real-World Use Case: Student Media Consumption

Consider Maria, a university student who uses her tablet primarily for lecture videos, e-books, and note-taking. She bought a refurbished Tab S5e for $180, drawn by its lightweight design and superior screen. After six months of daily use, she reports crisp text readability, excellent audio during online classes, and minimal strain during back-to-back study sessions.

Her roommate chose the Tab A7 for $220 new, attracted by the kickstand and brand-new warranty. While satisfied with the battery life, she finds the screen dimmer in shared dorm lighting and misses the responsiveness of the S5e when flipping through PDFs. The plastic body also shows scratches after being tossed in a backpack regularly.

This scenario illustrates that while the A7 offers practical perks, the S5e delivers a more enjoyable user experience for media-heavy tasks—even years after release.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Is the Tab S5e still supported with updates?

No. The Tab S5e reached its end-of-life for major OS updates with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. Security patches have also ceased, meaning it won’t receive further official support. However, it remains functional for most apps as of 2024.

Can either tablet use the S Pen?

Neither model natively supports the S Pen. The Tab S5e lacks both hardware and software integration. The A7 does not support active styluses, though basic capacitive pens work for touch input. For S Pen functionality, consider the Tab S6 Lite or newer S-series models.

Which is better for streaming Netflix?

The Tab S5e is superior for streaming due to its AMOLED display, higher resolution, and quad speakers with Dolby Atmos. It also supports HD playback on most platforms, whereas the A7 may be limited to SD on certain apps unless connected to Wi-Fi with high bandwidth.

Final Verdict: Is the Older, More Expensive S5e Worth It?

Yes—but with caveats. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e justifies its higher price tag (when found at reasonable resale prices) through superior materials, display quality, audio, and overall refinement. It was built as a lifestyle device for entertainment and mobility, and it still excels in those areas.

The Tab A7 isn’t a bad choice, particularly if you want a brand-new device with slightly better battery life and a kickstand. But it targets budget-conscious families or secondary users, not those seeking a premium experience.

If you’re buying secondhand or finding the S5e discounted below $200, it’s a compelling upgrade over the A7. However, if you need guaranteed software support, prefer newer hardware, or plan to keep the tablet beyond 2025, the A7—or better yet, a newer model like the Tab A8 or S6 Lite—might serve you better long-term.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Check current prices for both models, test them in-store if possible, and prioritize what matters most: build quality and media experience (S5e), or freshness and battery stamina (A7).