Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 10.5 inches, 256GB WiFi Review
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a premium tablet. For under $250, you get a stunning OLED display and an S Pen, making it the ultimate budget Android powerhouse.
The 30-Second Version
The best sub-$250 Android tablet, period. You get a flagship-grade OLED screen and an S Pen in the box, making it a ridiculous value despite its age.
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the best Android tablet you can get for under $250, and that's the only thing you need to know. It's a renewed model, which means it's not brand new, but for this price you're getting a shockingly capable machine that punches way above its weight. The included S Pen and optional keyboard support make it a legit 2-in-1, and that gorgeous Super AMOLED screen is still a knockout years later.
Performance
Honestly, the performance surprised us. For a tablet that's a few generations old, it still feels snappy. Our data shows its CPU and GPU land in the 75th and 74th percentiles, which means it's faster than most tablets out there. You can switch between apps, do some light photo editing, and even play some games without it breaking a sweat. The 8GB of RAM is the real hero here, keeping everything running smoothly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- That Super AMOLED screen is still absolutely stunning for media. 92th
- The included S Pen is a game-changer for notes and sketches and it magnetically attaches. 77th
- 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is a fantastic combo at this price. 77th
- It's incredibly lightweight and feels premium in the hand. 76th
Cons
- It's a renewed unit, so cosmetic wear is a real possibility.
- Battery life is just average, sitting in the 49th percentile.
- The rear camera is basically just for scanning documents.
- Connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) scores are below average.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | 2.42 GHz |
| GPU | QUALCOMM SM8150 |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
Display
| Size | 10.5" |
| Resolution | 1600 |
Features
| Stylus Support | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| OS | Android |
Value & Pricing
At $224, this is a steal. You're getting flagship-level features from a few years ago for less than half the original price. The value is off the charts if you can live with it being a renewed model and don't need the absolute latest specs.
vs Competition
The obvious competitor is an iPad. For similar money, you might find a base model iPad 9th Gen. The iPad will have better app optimization and longer software support, but you'll be giving up the gorgeous OLED screen, the included stylus, and the desktop-like DeX mode. Compared to a newer budget Android tablet, the Tab S6's build quality, screen, and S Pen support run circles around them. It's an older flagship vs. a new mid-ranger, and the flagship wins.
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 10.5 inches, 256GB WiFi | Apple iPad Pro Apple - 11-inch iPad Pro M5 chip Wi-Fi 256GB with | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Samsung - Galaxy Tab S10+ - 12.4" 256GB - Wi-Fi - | Microsoft Surface Pro Microsoft - Surface Pro - Copilot+ PC - 13” - | Lenovo Lenovo - Idea Tab Pro - 12.7" 3K Tablet - 8GB RAM | GPD GPD Pocket 4: Mini Laptop with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2.42 GHz | Apple M5 | Mediatek MT6989 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 | MediaTek Dimensity | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| RAM (GB) | 8 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 8 | 32 |
| Storage (GB) | 256 | 256 | 256 | 512 | 256 | 2048 |
| Screen | 10.5" 1600x2560 | 11" 2420x1668 | 12.4" 2800x1752 | 13" 2880x1920 | 12.7" 2944x1840 | 8.8" 2560x1600 |
| OS | Android | iPadOS | Android 14 | Windows 11 Home | Android 14 | Windows 11 Home |
| Stylus | true | true | true | false | true | false |
| Cellular | false | false | false | false | false | false |
Common Questions
Q: Is the 'renewed' condition a big deal?
It can be. You're not getting a pristine new tablet. Expect possible minor cosmetic flaws and accessories that might not be original Samsung. The trade-off is the killer price.
Q: Can I really use this like a laptop?
With the optional keyboard cover, yes. Samsung's DeX mode turns the interface into a desktop-like experience with resizable windows. It's great for productivity, but it's still Android, not Windows.
Q: How long will it get software updates?
It's old, so don't expect many (if any) future Android version updates. You'll likely get security patches for a little while longer, but plan on this being its final form software-wise.
Who Should Skip This
If you need guaranteed long-term software support and the absolute best battery life, skip this. Go buy a newer base model iPad instead. Also, if 'renewed' gadgets make you nervous, look for a new budget tablet, but know you'll be making big compromises.
Verdict
If your budget is tight and you want a premium Android tablet experience, buy this. The combination of the brilliant screen, included S Pen, and strong performance for the price is unmatched. Just go in with your eyes open about the 'renewed' condition and average battery life.