Mid-Range Tablet Showdown: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE, Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, and Apple iPad 11

The mid-range tablet market is buzzing with competition, and three standout models—the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, and the Apple iPad 11—are vying for your attention. Priced between $350 and $400 depending on the market, these tablets offer premium features at a reasonable cost. This article compares their design, display, performance, stylus support, software, and battery life to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

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Design and Build Quality

All three tablets boast high-quality aluminum bodies with seamless transitions to their displays. The iPad 11 is slightly thicker but lighter than its competitors, though their dimensions are roughly similar. The Galaxy Tab S10FE stands out with IP68 water and dust resistance, a unique feature in this price range. Each tablet includes a reliable fingerprint reader in the power button. However, none have a headphone jack, and only the S10FE offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage. For external monitor connectivity, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and iPad 11 support it, while the S10FE does not. The Pad 7 Pro also has the fastest USB port (USB 3.2 Gen1) compared to the USB 2.0 ports on the other two.

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Display

Display sizes and specs vary slightly. The iPad 11 features an 11-inch display with a resolution of 2360×1640 pixels at 60 Hz and 500 nits brightness. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro has an 11.2-inch display with a sharper 3200×2136 resolution, supporting up to 144 Hz and 800 nits peak brightness. The Galaxy Tab S10FE offers a 10.9-inch display at 2304×1440 pixels, with a 90Hz refresh rate and 800 nits brightness. While Xiaomi’s display is the sharpest and smoothest, the iPad 11 delivers better colors, especially for HDR content, and appears just as bright in real-world use. However, the iPad’s non-laminated display creates a visible air gap between the panel and touchscreen, which may bother some users, particularly at 60 Hz. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize resolution, refresh rate, or color accuracy.

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Accessories

The iPad 11 benefits from a vast ecosystem of third-party accessories, including stylus pens, keyboard covers, and cases. While specific accessory brands aren’t discussed here, the iPad’s magnetic keyboard cases and styluses are versatile, with features like backlighting, shortcut keys, and stylus storage. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro and Galaxy Tab S10 FE also support styluses, but the iPad’s accessory ecosystem is more extensive, offering more options for customization and productivity.

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Audio

The Galaxy Tab S10FE takes the lead in audio quality, delivering pleasant sound with more bass and slightly higher volume. The iPad 11’s speakers are solid but fall short of the S10FE’s richness. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro’s speakers are the weakest, sounding tinny in direct comparison.

Performance

Performance varies significantly. The Galaxy Tab S10FE is powered by an Exynos 1580 chip with 8GB to 12GB RAM and 128GB to 256GB storage. The iPad 11 uses an Apple A16 chip with 6GB RAM and 128GB to 512GB storage. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro features a Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 with 8GB to 12GB RAM and 128GB to 512GB storage. Both the S10FE and iPad 11 offer 5G options, while the Xiaomi does not.

In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the iPad 11 leads in CPU performance, followed by the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, with the S10FE trailing. For graphics, the Pad 7 Pro excels in 3D benchmarks, but the iPad 11 delivers superior visuals in gaming. In real-world gaming tests, such as Fortnite, the S10 FE struggles, running smoothly only on medium settings with reduced resolution. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro supports higher graphics settings, while the iPad 11 offers the best visual quality, even on medium settings. For gamers, the iPad 11 and Pad 7 Pro are strong contenders, with the latter benefiting from its 144Hz display.

Stylus Support

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is the standout for stylus users, as it includes the S Pen, which performs nearly as well as the one on Samsung’s premium Tab S10 Ultra. Samsung’s software enhances the stylus experience, making it ideal for note-taking and drawing. The iPad 11 supports the Apple Pencil, but its non-laminated display creates an air gap that can affect precision drawing. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro’s Focus Pen is solid but lacks the refined software support of its competitors. For stylus-centric tasks, the S10 FE is the clear winner.

Software

Software is a key differentiator. The Galaxy Tab S10FE and iPad 11 outperform the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro in software polish. The S10 FE benefits from Samsung’s promise of seven years of Android and security updates, ensuring longevity. Apple’s iPad 11, while not explicitly stating update duration, typically receives updates for many years. However, its 6GB RAM limits support for features like Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager. The iPad also has a larger selection of tablet-optimized apps, including Adobe Photoshop and alternatives. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, running Android 15, is slated for only two major updates (up to Android 17) and security patches until 2031. Its desktop and multitasking modes feel less polished, and some apps lack optimization.

Battery Life

In battery tests, playing an HD YouTube video at maximum brightness, the Galaxy Tab S10FE lasts 8.5 hours, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro achieves 7.5 hours, and the iPad 11 manages 5 hours. The S10FE leads in endurance, making it a great choice for extended use.

Conclusion

Each tablet has distinct strengths. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE excels for stylus users, offers the best audio, and has the longest battery life, plus IP68 protection. The Apple iPad 11 is ideal for gamers and those seeking a robust app ecosystem and long-term software updates, though its display refresh rate and battery life lag. The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro boasts the sharpest, smoothest display and strong performance but falls short in audio and software support.

If you’re unsure, the iPad 11 is a safe bet due to its performance, extensive app and accessory ecosystem, and resale value. However, if stylus support is your priority, go for the Galaxy Tab S10FE. For a high-refresh-rate display and solid gaming, consider the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. Your choice depends on what features matter most to you.

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