Samsung Tab S4 vs S5e – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e & Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e rather than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4.

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e?

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e comes with a significantly thinner 5.5 mm chassis for improved one-handed handling and easier portability during travel and extended use, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has a thicker 7.1 mm body.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e features a much lighter ~400 g design to reduce hand fatigue during long reading or streaming sessions, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 weighs around 482 g.
  • It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for faster and more convenient unlocking in both portrait and landscape orientations, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 relies on face and iris scanning.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e comes with a newer Android version and One UI for access to more modern system features and interface refinements out of the box, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 launches on an older Android version.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e includes slimmer display bezels for a more immersive screen experience in media consumption and split-screen multitasking, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4’s thicker bezels.
  • It uses a more power-efficient Snapdragon 670 chipset to improve battery efficiency during streaming and everyday tasks, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 uses the higher-power Snapdragon 835.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e comes with Bluetooth 5.0 for improved wireless stability and lower power consumption with modern accessories, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is limited to older Bluetooth implementations in practice.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e features a more modern ultra-slim metal unibody design for a sleeker aesthetic and easier bag fit, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 uses a bulkier premium metal build.

Maybe the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Tab S5eSamsung Galaxy Tab S4
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 PieAndroid 8.1 Oreo
UI VersionOne UISamsung Experience
GPUAdreno 615Adreno 540
RAM Options4 GB / 6 GB4 GB
Storage Options64 GB / 128 GB64 GB / 256 GB
Fingerprint SensorYesNo
Thickness5.5 mm7.1 mm
Weight~400 g~482 g
Charging Wattage18W Fast ChargeAdaptive Fast Charge
PriceCheck Samsung Tab S5e PriceCheck Samsung Tab S4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Size: Both tablets feature a 10.5-inch display, providing a large viewing area suitable for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity tasks. This size strikes a balance between portability and immersive screen space.
  • Display Technology: Each model uses a Super AMOLED panel, which delivers deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. This improves visual quality for movies, games, and general browsing.
  • Display Resolution: Both tablets share a 2560 × 1600 resolution, resulting in sharp text and detailed images. This resolution is well-suited for reading, streaming high-definition content, and professional use.
  • Aspect Ratio: The 16:10 aspect ratio is present on both devices, making them comfortable for landscape usage. It benefits split-screen multitasking and widescreen video playback.
  • HDR Support: Both tablets support HDR content, allowing compatible media to display improved contrast and dynamic range. This enhances visual realism in supported streaming apps and videos.
  • Quad Speaker Setup: Each device includes a quad-speaker system, enabling balanced stereo sound in both portrait and landscape orientations. This improves audio immersion without relying on external speakers.
  • AKG Audio Tuning: Audio tuning by AKG is shared between both models, ensuring clearer vocals and more refined sound output. This contributes to a more premium listening experience.
  • Dolby Atmos Support: Both tablets support Dolby Atmos, creating a wider and more spatial soundstage. This feature enhances movies, games, and supported music playback.
  • USB Type-C Port: A USB-C port is used on both devices for charging and data transfer. This allows faster data speeds and compatibility with modern accessories.
  • Fast Charging Support: Both tablets support fast charging, reducing the time required to recharge the battery. This is particularly useful for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
  • microSD Card Slot: Each model includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion. This allows users to store more media, documents, and apps without relying solely on internal storage.
  • Wi-Fi ac Support: Both tablets support Wi-Fi 802.11ac, providing faster and more stable wireless connections. This improves streaming quality and online productivity.
  • LTE Variant Available: Cellular LTE versions are available for both models, enabling mobile data usage without Wi-Fi. This is important for users who need connectivity on the go.
  • Samsung DeX Support: Both tablets support Samsung DeX, allowing a desktop-like interface when connected to a keyboard or display. This enhances productivity and multitasking capabilities.
  • Optional Keyboard Support: Each tablet supports an optional keyboard accessory. This allows users to convert the tablet into a lightweight productivity device for typing and office tasks.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Both models feature an 8 MP front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and online meetings. This ensures consistent image quality across both devices.
  • Rear Camera Resolution: A 13 MP rear camera is present on both tablets, enabling document scanning and casual photography. The shared resolution ensures similar photo detail.
  • Bluetooth Version: Both tablets use Bluetooth 5.0, providing improved range, stability, and efficiency. This benefits wireless accessories such as headphones and keyboards.
  • Metal Unibody Design: Each tablet uses a metal unibody construction, contributing to a premium feel and improved durability. This also helps with heat dissipation and structural rigidity.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Tab S5eSamsung Galaxy Tab S4
Display Size10.5-inch10.5-inch
Display TechnologySuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Display Resolution2560 × 16002560 × 1600
Aspect Ratio16:1016:10
HDR SupportYesYes
Quad Speaker SetupYesYes
AKG Audio TuningYesYes
Dolby Atmos SupportYesYes
USB Type-C PortYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
microSD Card SlotYesYes
Wi-Fi ac SupportYesYes
LTE Variant AvailableYesYes
Samsung DeX SupportYesYes
Optional Keyboard SupportYesYes
Front Camera Resolution8 MP8 MP
Rear Camera Resolution13 MP13 MP
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
Metal Unibody DesignYesYes
Price Check Samsung Tab S5e Price
Check Samsung Tab S4 Price

FAQ

Which tablet is better for performance-intensive tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is better suited for performance-intensive tasks because it uses a higher-tier Snapdragon processor designed for flagship devices. This results in stronger sustained performance for gaming, advanced multitasking, and demanding applications compared to the more efficiency-focused chipset in the Galaxy Tab S5e.

Which tablet is more portable for everyday carrying and travel?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is more portable due to its significantly thinner and lighter body. Its reduced weight and slim profile make it easier to hold for long periods and more convenient to carry in bags.

Do both tablets support Samsung DeX for productivity use?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e and Galaxy Tab S4 support Samsung DeX. This allows users to switch to a desktop-style interface for multitasking, external display use, and keyboard-driven productivity.

Is S Pen support available on both models?
Only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 supports the S Pen. The Galaxy Tab S5e does not support any active stylus input, making the Tab S4 the better option for note-taking, drawing, and creative work.

Which tablet is better for media consumption like movies and streaming?
Both tablets are excellent for media consumption because they share the same Super AMOLED display, resolution, quad speakers, and Dolby Atmos support. The choice mainly depends on whether portability or extra features like a headphone jack matter more.

Do both tablets have the same display quality?
Yes, both tablets use a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with the same resolution and aspect ratio. This results in very similar color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness for viewing content.

Which tablet has better battery capacity?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Galaxy Tab S5e. However, real-world battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and software optimization.

Do both tablets support expandable storage?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e and Galaxy Tab S4 include a microSD card slot. This allows users to expand storage for media, documents, and apps beyond the built-in internal storage.

Which tablet has better biometric security options?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 offers more advanced biometric options, including iris scanning and face recognition. The Galaxy Tab S5e instead relies on a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and basic face unlock.

Is there a headphone jack on both tablets?
Only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The Galaxy Tab S5e removes the headphone jack in favor of a slimmer design, requiring USB-C or wireless audio accessories.

Do both tablets support fast charging?
Yes, both tablets support fast charging through their USB-C ports. This allows quicker recharging compared to standard charging speeds.

Are LTE versions available for both models?
Yes, both tablets are available in Wi-Fi-only and LTE variants. This makes either device suitable for users who need mobile connectivity without relying on Wi-Fi.

Which tablet is better for students and note-taking?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is better for students who rely on handwritten notes or diagrams because of its included S Pen support. The Galaxy Tab S5e is better suited for students who primarily consume content or type notes using a keyboard.

Do both tablets support external keyboards?
Yes, both tablets support optional keyboard accessories. This allows them to be used for typing, document editing, and productivity tasks when needed.

Which tablet feels more premium in hand?
Both tablets use a metal unibody design and feel premium, but they deliver that experience differently. The Galaxy Tab S5e feels sleek and modern due to its thinness, while the Galaxy Tab S4 feels more solid and feature-rich due to its thicker build and additional hardware features.