Review: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7″ 32GB WiFi Android Tablet, US Version, 2021, Silver – Decent build quality with efficient battery life

Explore the review of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: strengths, weaknesses, and value for money... Read more

Specifications

Brand	SAMSUNG
Model Name	Tab A7 Lite
Memory Storage Capacity	32 GB
Screen Size	8.7 Inches
Display Resolution Maximum	1340 x 800 Pixels

Introduction

Hey there tech enthusiasts! In today’s review, we’re diving into the world of affordable tablets with the brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. Despite sharing the same name as its bigger brother, this fresh-off-the-shelf device aims to compete in the budget-friendly spectrum. Although we’re looking at an entry-level tablet market, the good news is – you no longer have to default to the conventionalized idea that affordable equals low quality. So, let’s find out if this little guy proves that point!

Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Popping this box open, the first thing we encounter is the tablet itself, a simple yet neat looking device. It’s available in two color combinations – a minimalist white and silver, and a more classic black and grey. Nestled next to the tablet is a surprisingly basic quick start guide, which should get you through the initial setup. Just by the look of things, however, the setup appears to be pretty straightforward.

For charging devices, the package includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and an older, slower Samsung USB wall plug. It should be noted though, that the charging speed offered by the A7 Lite is limited to 15 watts. It may seem slow for a tablet with a large battery, but then again, keep in mind the budget category we’re focusing in.

First Impressions

Returning our gaze to the main hero, the A7 Lite, it’s worth mentioning that the product images online might show it paired with accessories like a flip cover case. However, that’s not included in the combo and must be bought separately.

Though still neatly tucked away in the box, the A7 Lite drew my attention pretty quickly. Not just because it’s the centerpiece here, but the compact size, the metal back cover and the visible framing around the display all give it a sense of steadiness and promise. However, reservations are necessary until we get up close and personal with the device and learn its secrets!

Nitty-Gritty on Pricing and Models

• Base model of A7 Lite priced at $160
• Advanced models around $200 offer more storage and RAM
• No listed fully-loaded A7 Lite model

In this segment, let’s dive deep into the pricing structure and the different models of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. What’s enticing about this tablet is its price range and flexibility. But does it offer a bang for your buck? Let’s find out.

The Base Model

Starting with the base model, it is priced at approximately $160. At this price, you get an A7 Lite with 32 gigabytes of storage and three gigs of RAM. For folks who’re primarily web browsing, light content consumption, and casual usage, this might just suffice. However, potential performance hiccups due to lower RAM are worth keeping in mind if you’re a heavy multitasker.

The More Advanced Models

Moving on to the more advanced models, a few extra dollars, specifically around $200, get you a device with double the storage – 64 gigs and an extra Gigabyte of RAM – 4 GB in total. For heavier users, investing in this model might yield a smoother experience. There’s also the Wi-Fi and cellular variant in the same price range. But note that this one sticks with the 32 gigabytes of storage and three gigs of RAM. If on-the-go connectivity is a must for you, the Wi-Fi and cellular model would be your best bet.

Please note, I couldn’t find a listing of a fully loaded A7 Lite model which carries all the top specs.

Fair Pricing?

By analyzing the pricing structure and the features each model brings to the table, one thing becomes clear – With an increase in price, you get an increase in either storage, RAM, or connectivity. However, the baseline model could’ve potentially benefited from a 4GB RAM offering, giving it that extra edge in the performance department. While $160 isn’t too much of an asking price for a tablet, the compromises you need to make are worth pondering upon.

Remember, each user has individual needs and the value proposition of each model will differ accordingly.

Overview of Appearance and Design

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has an 8.7 inch screen
• Tablet features surprising brightness despite budget-friendly nature
• Tab A7 Lite boasts metallic body with aluminum frame

When you first get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, there is an immediate realization that this tablet is compact enough for comfortable handling, measuring at an 8.7 inch display. This screen size establishes a perfect harmony between portability and usability. However, take note of the obvious borders around the display. While some might prefer slim or absent borders, in this case they serve a purpose. With these borders in place, it’s easier to hold the tablet and keep your fingers off the screen, making it practical regardless of the orientation you use.

Screen Size and Quality

Although the 5×3 aspect ratio screen displays at a peculiar 1340 by 800 resolution, it is forgiving due to the budget-friendly nature of the Tablet. Even though it is a TFT panel, a type of LCD, what strikes me is the surprising brightness it achieves. However, the compromise comes with glaring issues and slightly soft details due to a lower resolution.

Body Material: Comparative Analysis

Moving on to the body and design , Samsung pulls an interesting trick with the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. Instead of going plastic, like many budget tablets do, the A7 Lite boasts a nice, metallic finish to its body with aluminum frame. Some plastic elements surround the camera module and on the edges, but that doesn’t take away the premium feel from the tablet. Shoppers familiar with other budget tablets on the market will immediately note this difference in material choice and build quality.

There is also a rather interesting selection of colors to choose from. You have a white and silver combo, and a more traditional black and grey mix. This offers prospective buyers the flexibility to pick something more in line with their tastes. It seems like Samsung did a good job in ensuring the feel of this device is a notch above the typical budget range device.

Device Configuration and Setup

• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite comes in two color options
• Base model: $160, 32GB storage, 3GB RAM
• Alternate model: $200, 64GB storage, 4GB RAM

When unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, the first thing to grace your eyes is the tablet itself, cleverly nestled between two color options: a silver and white combination or the more classic black and gray combo.

The package also comes with a few more items. Alongside the tablet, there’s a simple quick start guide, which offers some key information to set up the device. For charging purposes, there’s a USB-A to USB-C cable accompanied by a Samsung USB wall plug. Although it’s slower than most would prefer, it serves the purpose considering the budget-friendly range of the device.

Memory and Storage

A point of consideration becomes apparent when discussing the memory and storage of this device. The base model comes with 32 gigabytes of storage and three gigs of RAM. While one may consider this sufficient for light usage, if your sights are set on a bigger storage capacity or expect to multitask significantly on the device, you might want to consider models that offer an increased capacity at a slightly steeper price. Let’s break it down for a clearer understanding:

• The base model: Priced at $160, it provides 32 gigabytes of storage with three gigs of RAM.
• Alternate model: Closer to $200, the storage doubles to 64 gigs with four gigs of RAM.

Besides the already built-in storage, the device also offers an SD card tray, allowing for external memory options if required. With such options available, you can tailor your device to meet your specific needs perfectly. Although the base model may suffice in terms of storage for some, investing in an SD card or going for the higher capacity model would be a more beneficial approach for those planning extensive usage.

In conclusion, the configuration and setup process of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite appear fairly straightforward. However, memory and storage options might be points of contention, given your individual requirements and usage patterns. Going for an additional SD Card or a model with higher memory might serve as potential solutions there.

Deep Dive into Performance

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s performance is surprising
• Display quality is decent, has glare issue
• Efficient sound production from dual speaker setup
• Functional, yet slower for multitasking or heavy apps

Getting down to the nitty-gritty of the performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, I found myself pleasantly surprised on various fronts. However, there were few limitations that are crucial to acknowledge.

Assessing the Display Quality: Pros and Cons

At the outset, the display parameters of the Tab A7 Lite struck me as somewhat unconventional. With the resolution at 1340 by 800 pixels per inch, on an 8.7 inch TFT panel, the display quality was decent considering its budget-friendly price tag. The visuals are adequate for casual viewing, yet the lower resolution is slightly evident in the quality of the images and text. Nevertheless, the tablet screen brightness surpassed my initial expectations, which I found to be quite an advantage, especially when using the device in different lighting conditions.

The Glare Factor

A noteworthy drawback that I should address is the issue of glare. In particularly bright environments, this became somewhat bothersome in my experience. However, the longer I used the tablet, the less I found this to be a hindrance. Essentially, my opinion remains that the display of the A7 Lite is reasonably conducive to casual movie watching, web browsing, and reading.

Audio Quality: A Product of Dual Speaker Setup

Delving into the audio quality, I was impressed by the substantial sound produced by the dual speaker setup on the A7 Lite. Even at full blast, the sound remained crisp and clear, making for a positive content watching experience. The smart placement of speakers further enhances the audio experience. I found I never unintentionally obstructed the sound with my hands, no matter how I held the tablet.

Device Speed and Functionality: How does it hold up?

Moving onto the device’s functional performance, a few things stood out. The Tab A7 Lite operates on the Mediatek Helio P22T chipset, which isn’t the most powerful processor around. However, given the competitive budget pricing, one wouldn’t expect top-tier components.

Speed and efficiency-wise, the 3GB RAM supporting the processor handles day-to-day tasks with decent competence. Standard activities such as web browsing, scrolling through social media apps, and streaming videos run smoothly. Yet, if you value multitasking capabilities or tend to run heavier apps, you might experience some lags and slow-downs. I found that in such scenarios, I ended up wanting to quit or manage the apps running in the background.

Considering the pros and cons from my experience, the performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite makes it quite fitting for basic tasks and casual usage. However, for users who need more extensive functionality or demand seamless multitasking, a higher-spec device might be a better path.

Playing Games on the A7 Lite: What to Expect

• A7 Lite facilitates comfortable gaming with minimal lag
• Compromises on visual quality and load times
• Tradeoff between game performance and cost

If you are like me, using a tablet often goes hand-in-hand with casual gaming sessions. Therefore, it’s crucial for a competitive device such as the A7 Lite to deliver in this aspect as well. So, let’s delve into its gaming capabilities and assess how it performs.

Introduction to Gaming on the Tab

The A7 Lite, priced squarely in the budget category, called for relatively managed expectations when it came to gaming. Outfitted with a MediaTek Helio P22T chipset and a base 3GB RAM, it was clear from the onset that the Tab was not gunning for the ‘number one spot in the gaming tablets list’. Yet, hope was not lost as surprising capabilities were borne out of this seemingly humble gadget.

Game Performance & Visuals: Individual Analysis

The initial load times when getting into games was a bit on the slower side. Despite that, once you were past that stage and into the application, the tablet managed to facilitate comfortable gaming sessions with minimal lag. This unexpected result definitely took me by surprise, considering its specs.

However, there is always another side to the coin. In this case, it was the quality of the visuals. The lower-end processor, coupled with its budget display, meant that games were displayed at relatively lower resolutions. This hindered the overall gaming experience, especially with games that deliver their thrill through high-definition graphics. For instance, Roblox, being a game with a complex setting, presented noticeable delays in world loading.

Note: It’s crucial to manage your expectations when it comes to gaming on this tablet. The A7 Lite can handle most games, albeit with some compromises on visual quality and load times.

My Final Thoughts

Wrapping it up, the A7 Lite presents an interesting dichotomy when it comes to gaming: it is a serviceable device that can handle most titles, but the tradeoff in load times and graphic quality should be taken into consideration before buying it with gaming as a primary purpose. Keeping in mind its price point and the fact it hosts a full Android experience, the Tab manages to stay in the game, albeit skating on thin ice.

Battery Life and Charging Time: A Critical Look

• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has efficient 5100mAh battery
• Offers approximately 15 hours of screen-on time
• Supports maximum 15W charging speed

When it comes to tablets, battery life is a crucial factor. You want a device that can last you a whole day of typical usage without dying in the middle of an important task. Having tested the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite extensively, here’s my critical take on its battery life and charging time.

Battery Life Expectations

The Tab A7 Lite is equipped with a fairly large 5100mAh battery. Given the tablet’s lower resolution LCD display and lower-end specs, it’s quite efficient at power management. During my tests, I was able to get approximately 15 hours of screen-on time, and that was under somewhat heavy usage. These findings suggest that for the typical user who is not constantly gaming or streaming videos, the battery life could extend even further. Certainly a plus for those of us who value long battery life.

Charging Speeds: The Good and Bad

However, things are not as rosy on the charging front. The Tab A7 Lite supports a maximum of 15W charging speeds. In a world rapidly acclimating to fast charging rates, 15W starts to feel a wee bit slow. During my testing, the tablet went from 0% to a 100% charge in about four to five hours. To some, this might not be considered a deal-breaker, especially if you’re someone who tends to charge your devices overnight. However, if you’re more inclined towards quickly topping up during the day, you might find the charging rate a tad underwhelming.

Final Verdict: Despite these minor quirks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite positions itself well in terms of battery life. While the charging speed could certainly be faster, its efficient battery usage might make up for that minor inconvenience for most users. As always though, individual usage patterns will significantly influence the overall experience.

Camera Quality: A Harsh Judgment

• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s camera quality needs improvement.
• Front and rear cameras deliver subpar performance.
• Not ideal for remote meetings or video calls.

For most users, the camera quality on a tablet is not the most important factor when considering a purchase. However, it does help if it’s good enough for the occasional picture, unexpected video call or online meeting. In this category, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite stands to improve quite a bit.

Front & Back Cameras: Not Up to Par

I must bring this o light, the front and rear cameras are a bit of a letdown. The 2-megapixel front camera and the 8-megapixel rear camera just don’t quite cut it. In optimal light conditions, you might be able to capture a decent image, but for most scenarios, the picture quality leaves much to be desired.

The camera struggles with accurately capturing colors and details are often lost. In low light conditions, the performance goes from average to poor. Images are grainy and lack clarity.

Video Calls and Meetings: A Lackluster Experience

For those who are planning to use the A7 Lite for remote meetings or video calls, you might want to reconsider. Its camera underperforms when trying to deliver clear and crisp video quality. Even in good lighting, the video quality is subpar, creating a less-than-ideal experience.

Conclusion

In sum, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite might be a budget-friendly tablet with decent functionality and build quality, its camera quality unfortunately falls behind. It’s clear that this tablet wasn’t built with photography as a priority. If a good camera is high on your priority list, you might want to consider other options available in the market. But if you’re only going to use the camera on rare occasions, then this might not be a deal-breaker for you.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite?

As we come to the conclusion of our review, casting a critical yet unbiased eye on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, it’s important to circle back to a central question: Is this tablet worth investing in, and who will find it most beneficial?

Value For Money

From the comprehensive run-down of its features and capabilities, one notable aspect is that the A7 Lite undoubtedly comes with a host of perks that resonate with its price point. Starting at $160, it’s positioned as an affordable, budget-friendly tablet and, in many respects, it delivers in accordance with that.

Device Performance

Even though it houses some limitations, it does an exemplary job when it comes to basic tasks. Admittedly, larger, more complex applications may give it a run for its money, and multi-tasking can be a bit of a stretch. But overall, this is a device that can handle the everyday essentials without causing too much of a stir.

Gaming Capabilities: A Double-Edged Sword

On one hand, gaming on this device surprised me, mostly because of how smoothly it could run, despite the initial long load times. However, the lower-end processor and lower-quality display means graphic-intensive games do not look as dazzling or as crisp as on higher-end tablets. So, while it does offer gaming capabilities, it’s essential to enter with managed expectations.

A Note on Battery Life

The battery life presents a solid show, supporting extensive usage times stretching into 15 hours or even beyond under casual usage. But on the flip side, it’s disappointing that it takes quite a while to juice up completely. You’ll mostly find yourself reaching for the charger after nearly 4-5 hours, which can be a dampener.

Camera Quality – A Miss

The camera quality, I must confess, is rather disappointing. Equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front shooter, the A7 Lite falls flat in delivering quality images, which directly impacts things as simple as video calls. It’s a significant shortcoming that Samsung should certainly work on in their future releases.

Takeaway

So, with all these insights in mind, is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite the right choice for you? It’s a device that presents a well-rounded package in terms of design, build quality, and even performance to some extent – a good pick if you’re hunting for a secondary device to accomplish basic tasks. But it’s equally important to consider its limited support for high-end gaming or high-quality video calls before making your call. Remember, it all boils down to figuring out if this aligns with what you want from a tablet!

Should you buy the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7″ 32GB WiFi Android Tablet, US Version, 2021, Silver?

Buy it if…

You’re on a Budget

At a base price of around 160 bucks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a budget-friendly device that performs its basic tasks remarkably well.

You Want a Firm, Sturdy Device

This tablet has a high-end build with an aluminum frame and premium materials that are hard to find in other tablets within this price range.

You’re Looking for a Portable Secondary Device

With its relatively compact form, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite can be an excellent choice for a secondary device for web browsing, movie watching, and even a bit of gaming on the go.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re a Heavy Gamer

While casual gaming is possible, the lower end processor and display limit the quality of gaming experience.

You Plan on Taking a Lot of Pictures

The quality of images from the camera isn’t great, it would be difficult to capture satisfactory photos and videos with the included cameras.

You’re Impatient with Charging

Despite the decently large 5100 milliamp capacity battery, the device only supports 15 watt charging speeds. It takes about four to five hours to fully charge from zero percent.

FAQ

What is the starting price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite?

$160

What are the color options for this tablet?

White and silver combination as well as a black and gray color combo.

How much storage does the base model of the Tablet offer?

32 gigabytes

Can I increase the storage of the tablet?

Yes, it can be increased by adding an SD card.

Does the tablet come with a flip cover case?

No, you will have to buy it separately.

What is the tablet’s charging speed?

It supports just 15 watt charging speeds.

Does Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite support gaming?

Yes, it does support gaming but with lower end resolutions.

What is the resolution of the Tab A7 Lite’s screen?

1340 by 800 pixels per inch and a 5×3 aspect ratio.

How long does it take to fully charge?

About four to five hours from zero percent.

Can I use this tablet for Video Calls or Zoom meetings?

Yes, but the camera quality makes it a subpar choice for this task.

Are there higher spec versions of A7 Lite available?

Yes, for a little more, you can get versions with more storage and RAM, and also with cellular capabilities.