Samsung Tab S5e Vs Tab S 10 5 Is The Newer Model Actually Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung released the Galaxy Tab S10.5, it arrived with fanfare—better specs, improved stylus integration, and a sleeker design. But for owners of the still-competent Tab S5e, the question remains: does the upgrade justify the cost? Both tablets occupy similar price brackets and target productivity-focused users, creatives, and media consumers. Yet beneath surface-level similarities lie meaningful differences in performance, longevity, and user experience that can tip the balance.

This isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s about how those numbers translate into daily use—whether you're sketching with the S Pen, streaming movies on a long flight, or juggling documents during a workday. Let’s dissect both devices across key categories to determine whether the Tab S10.5 earns its place as a true successor—or if the S5e still holds its ground.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Not Revolution

The Tab S5e, launched in 2019, set a high bar for slim, lightweight Android tablets. At just 400g and 5.5mm thick, it felt more like a premium e-reader than a full-powered tablet. The Tab S10.5 keeps that DNA but refines it slightly. It’s marginally heavier at 467g (Wi-Fi model), and while it’s only 6.6mm thick, the added weight comes from larger batteries and internal upgrades.

Both models feature aluminum unibody construction, giving them a sturdy yet elegant feel. However, the S10.5 introduces slimmer bezels and a higher screen-to-body ratio, making it look more modern despite nearly identical footprint dimensions. The S Pen now magnetically attaches to the back for charging and storage—a major usability improvement over the S5e, where the pen had to be stored separately.

Tip: If portability is your top priority, the S5e still wins for sheer lightness. But if you value always having your S Pen ready, the S10.5’s magnetic attachment is a game-changer.

Display Quality: From Good to Exceptional

The S5e’s 10.5-inch Super AMOLED panel was impressive for its time—vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. But the Tab S10.5 takes this further with a brighter, sharper 10.5-inch TFT LCD (yes, not AMOLED) that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. While AMOLED fans may mourn the switch, the trade-off brings smoother scrolling, reduced motion blur, and better outdoor visibility thanks to peak brightness exceeding 500 nits.

Resolution remains the same at 2560x1600, but the higher refresh rate makes everything from web browsing to video playback feel more fluid. For artists using the S Pen, the 120Hz screen significantly improves stroke responsiveness, reducing lag between stylus and ink.

“Moving from a 60Hz to a 120Hz display is one of the most noticeable upgrades in mobile usability—it changes how you perceive interaction.” — David Kim, UX Analyst at MobileInsight Group

Performance and Software: Generational Leap

Under the hood, the difference is stark. The S5e runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, a mid-tier chip that handled multitasking well in 2019 but now struggles with heavier apps and prolonged usage. In contrast, the Tab S10.5 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for tablets—an octa-core powerhouse designed specifically for larger devices, offering up to 60% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU speed.

This translates directly to real-world gains: faster app launches, seamless 4K video editing in CapCut, and smoother split-screen workflows. The S10.5 also supports up to 12GB of RAM (vs. 4GB/6GB on the S5e), enabling better background app retention and DeX mode efficiency.

Software support is another critical factor. The S5e launched with Android 9 and received updates through Android 12. The S10.5 ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed four OS upgrades, meaning it will likely run Android 17—a lifespan advantage of at least two additional years.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S5e packs a 7,040mAh battery, which delivered around 12 hours of mixed usage. The S10.5 has a slightly smaller 8,000mAh cell but benefits from a more power-efficient chipset and optimized software. Real-world testing shows comparable endurance—about 10–11 hours of screen-on time—even with the 120Hz display enabled.

Where the S10.5 pulls ahead is charging speed. It supports 45W fast charging (though often sold with a 25W charger), reaching 50% in under 30 minutes. The S5e maxes out at 15W charging, taking over two hours for a full charge.

Feature	Samsung Tab S5e	Samsung Tab S10.5
Display	10.5” Super AMOLED, 60Hz	10.5” TFT LCD, 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	4GB / 6GB	8GB / 12GB
Battery	7,040mAh	8,000mAh
Charging	15W	Up to 45W
S Pen Support	Passive attachment	Magnetic, auto-charging
OS Update Support	Ended at Android 12	Android 13 → Android 17 (expected)

Real-World Use Case: The Freelancer’s Dilemma

Consider Maria, a freelance graphic designer who bought her Tab S5e in 2020. She uses it daily for client calls, sketching concepts in Adobe Illustrator Draw, and managing invoices. Over time, she noticed longer load times in DeX mode, occasional crashes when running multiple apps, and increasing difficulty keeping her S Pen charged and accessible.

After upgrading to the Tab S10.5, her workflow transformed. Apps launch instantly. Her sketches feel more precise with the low-latency S Pen. And because the tablet stays updated until 2027, she doesn’t worry about security patches expiring. For her, the upgrade wasn’t just about performance—it was about future-proofing her business tools.

But not every user needs that level of power. If your primary use is watching Netflix, reading PDFs, or light note-taking, the S5e remains perfectly capable. Many users continue to report smooth performance even today, especially after a factory reset and minimal app installation.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Switch?

Before investing in the Tab S10.5, ask yourself the following:

• Do you regularly use demanding apps like video editors, 3D modeling tools, or advanced design software?
• Is your current tablet starting to lag, crash, or fail updates?
• Do you rely heavily on the S Pen for notes or creative work?
• Are you planning to keep your device for 3+ years?
• Does fast charging matter in your routine?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S10.5 is a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, consider extending the life of your S5e with a case, external keyboard, or cloud backup strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tab S10.5 replace a laptop?

For many users, yes—especially with Samsung DeX, a keyboard, and cloud-based productivity suites. It handles email, spreadsheets, presentations, and even light coding efficiently. However, heavy multitasking or specialized desktop software still requires a full PC.

Is the S Pen included with both models?

The S Pen is sold separately for both tablets. However, the S10.5’s bundled box sometimes includes promotional offers for free or discounted pens, whereas the S5e rarely does anymore.

Will apps run better on the S10.5 even if they’re the same version?

Absolutely. Modern apps are increasingly optimized for higher RAM and faster processors. On the S10.5, apps like Zoom, Notion, and Procreate Pocket run more smoothly, with faster rendering and fewer freezes.

Final Verdict: Worth It for Power Users, Optional for Casuals

The Samsung Tab S10.5 isn’t merely an incremental update—it’s a reimagining of what a mid-sized Android tablet can do. With flagship-grade performance, superior stylus integration, longer software support, and modern charging standards, it justifies its higher price tag for professionals, students, and creatives.

That said, the Tab S5e remains a solid device. If yours still performs well and meets your needs, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade solely for the sake of newness. But if you’ve been experiencing slowdowns, need better multitasking, or want to leverage the latest in mobile productivity, the S10.5 delivers tangible improvements that enhance daily usability.

💬 Have you upgraded from the Tab S5e to the S10.5? Share your experience below—what changed for you? Join the conversation and help others decide their next move.