Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Review: Compact, Capable & Cheap

At a look

Knowledgeable’s Ranking

Professionals

• Trendy & extremely moveable
• 90Hz refresh fee
• 7 years of software program assist
• Even cheaper than earlier than

Cons

• Painfully gradual charging
• Fundamental cameras
• Some bloatware

Our Verdict

Samsung might need left quite a bit the identical as its predecessor, however has made vital upgrades whereas additionally lowering the worth. Smaller tablets which are low cost and never completely terrible are arduous to seek out, making this a transparent winner if that’s what you want.

Value When Reviewed

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Greatest Pricing At the moment

Greatest Costs At the moment: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11

Whereas a lot tech is refreshed yearly, Samsung waited somewhat longer to launch a brand new technology of price range Android pill. The Galaxy Tab A11 is right here finally although, aiming to be the very best worth pill cash can purchase. 

It’s price stating that Samsung determined to skip the Tab A10 title, maybe due to the two-year hole since the A9 collection launched. The Galaxy Tab A9 was one in all our favorite low cost tablets of all time, so the Tab A11 has massive sneakers to fill. 

Whereas the Galaxy Tab A11 – kindly offered for assessment by AO – may be unattainable to inform aside from the Tab A9 by merely taking a look at it, it does include some upgrades and even a cheaper price. 

Once you put this all collectively, together with the truth that small price range tablets are arduous to return by as of late, the Tab A11 is a winner.

Design & Construct 

• Seems to be similar to Tab A9 
• Brilliantly moveable 
• Two colors 

There’s oddly little to say in regards to the Galaxy Tab A11 design and that’s as a result of Samsung has actually used the A9’s chassis. It’s similar down to each millimetre, button, port and bezel.  

You title it, it’s visually the identical. This new mannequin is a tiny bit heavier, however we’re speaking 3-4g, relying on whether or not you select Wi-Fi or LTE, so not an quantity you’d discover. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

The one different distinction I can see right here is that the Tab A9 got here in a pleasant Navy Blue color – which I examined –  however that’s not accessible within the Tab 11. There are solely two colourways on sale. 

I’ve been testing the Gray possibility (beforehand referred to as Graphite) however there’s additionally Silver if you happen to choose. 

The repurposed design makes it really feel a tad dated however it’s nonetheless a trendy little pill and at this value, model isn’t usually excessive up the precedence listing for producers. 

I’d say the very best factor in regards to the Galaxy Tab A11’s design is how compact it’s. At simply 8mm and 335g, this factor will go in every single place with you with out being a hindrance. Actually, I may even match it in a few of my (males’s) trouser pockets. 

If you’re on the lookout for an affordable, compact, moveable Android pill, then that is it.

Chris Martin / Foundry

There’s no IP ranking for mud or water resistance, however we wouldn’t count on that in a price range pill. Happily, the gadget feels quite extra premium than the worth suggests, with a principally metallic construct, although not unibody.  

Like one of many classics of small tablets, the Google Nexus 7, it’s designed for use in portrait mode like your cellphone, however stereo audio system are positioned so they’re on both facet when held in panorama. 

All in all, it’s an unattainable recreation of spot the distinction from its predecessor, however ‘if it ain’t broke’… 

Display & Audio system 

• 8.7-inch LCD 
• New 90Hz refresh fee 
• Stereo audio system now have Dolby Atmos 

Simply by trying, it appears as if the display and audio system are similar to the Galaxy Tab A9, however that is the place the A11’s greatest upgrades are hiding. 

The display has remained the identical dimension, which for me is a superb steadiness of ‘greater than your cellphone however sufficiently small to be extremely moveable’, and makes use of LCD tech, however Samsung has elevated the refresh fee to 90Hz – this was beforehand solely accessible on the Tab A9+. 

If this implies nothing to you, it helps the expertise feel and appear smoother, particularly when scrolling by means of content material. Because the display is refreshing extra instances per second, it’s much less jerky.

Be aware: Any banding you may see within the photographs of the display right here is just a results of taking pictures of it and never seen by the human eye.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Though issues like an AMOLED panel can be good, it’s an excessive amount of to count on at this value. I may choose holes within the show efficiency, mentioning viewing angles and inconsistent lighting, however it’s all completely acceptable. 

For much less cash than plenty of earbuds, you get a superbly vibrant and crisp picture and there’s good peak brightness, too. I measured it at 528 nits (within the center), which is somewhat higher than the Tab A9. 

For those who want a bigger display than 8.7-inch, the Galaxy Tab A11+ offers an 11-inch show. As does the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2.

Transferring on to the audio system; they’re positioned simply as earlier than. For those who maintain the pill in panorama mode, they’re on both facet and in the direction of the highest, so that you received’t cowl them up.

Chris Martin / Foundry

It’s a intelligent system for when you’re watching video content material and there’s Dolby Atmos assist now, too. It’s not an enormous enchancment, nevertheless it does create a extra spacious really feel to the sound. 

You continue to get a headphone port, so there’s no want to attach Bluetooth headphones if you happen to don’t need to. 

Specs & Efficiency 

• Mediatek Helio G99 
• As much as 8GB RAM 
• As much as 128GB storage 

By way of efficiency, all the things is similar because the Tab A9, beginning with the Helio G99 processor, which is now three years outdated. 

The entry-level mannequin comes with a primary 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage however you may double each to eight/128GB if you happen to splash an additional £40, which can be a really sensible funding.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Not solely will that further storage imply you may obtain extra apps and so forth, however the reminiscence will assist with efficiency – particularly in the long run. Samsung nonetheless affords a MicroSDXC card slot so it’s doable so as to add storage (as much as 2TB) to both mannequin do you have to run out (bear in thoughts the OS, plus different pre-installed bits take up round 20GB). 

As soon as once more, I’ve been testing the cheaper and extra primary spec mannequin and whereas it’s not snappy like a hungry crocodile, it’s actually not painfully gradual and one thing that ought to be averted like some price range tablets. 

After all, a more moderen processor can be welcome and there’s an opportunity the pill would possibly battle by the point it will get its remaining software program replace however that’s partly as a result of Samsung affords lengthy assist (extra on that later). 

Chris Martin / Foundry

The underside line is the Galaxy Tab A11 is a flexible all-rounder so long as you don’t push its limits with duties that ought to be reserved for costlier and highly effective tablets. You may browse the net, use social media, take a video name and do a bit of sunshine gaming with out main hiccups.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 benchmarks

I discover it barely odd which you can as soon as once more go for a Wi-Fi solely mannequin or an LTE (4G) model of the Tab A11, however client alternative is welcome and if you happen to want 4G information on the go in your low cost pill, you may have it if you happen to’re completely happy to pay further. 

In different wi-fi specs, there’s not a lot to jot down residence about, with a primary setup consisting of Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 5. Retaining prices down is the secret, so that you get outdated specs with no frills – there’s no NFC or a fingerprint scanner – however you in all probability received’t discover. 

Cameras 

• 8Mp rear digital camera 
• Upgraded 5Mp entrance digital camera 

Whereas the Galaxy Tab A11 has the identical 8Mp digital camera as its predecessor, it’s nice to see a tech firm prioritise the entrance digital camera for an improve. 

On a pill, we really feel this one is much extra essential as you’re extra probably to make use of the gadget for duties comparable to video calls. Taking pictures with the rear digital camera is awkward, even on a compact gadget like this and, if you happen to want high-quality outcomes, you ought to be capable to use your cellphone as an alternative. 

I’d personally quite there wasn’t a rear digital camera in any respect. This is able to lower your expenses and cease the pill wobbling on a flat floor because of the lens protruding.

Chris Martin / Foundry

As soon as once more, the rear digital camera ought to solely be used if you happen to completely need to. The standard is primary and fuzzy, with issues getting the white steadiness proper, amongst different issues – and that’s when utilizing it in daylight. 

The front-facing digital camera is now much more usable, with affordable high quality if the lighting is nice. There’s a wider shot mode if you happen to choose, which I might use for the reason that framing isn’t nice in any other case – holding the pill usually places you proper on the backside of the body. 

The portrait mode isn’t too dangerous both and I’ve additionally discovered the upgraded digital camera helped the face unlock function work higher, as properly. 

Battery Life & Charging  

• 5100mAh  
• Adapter not included  
• 15W charging 

We’re again to a piece the place nothing has been modified for the reason that Tab A9, so the Galaxy Tab A11 has a battery no bigger (or smaller even) than many telephones. 

Happily, the low-power chip working issues right here does an inexpensive job of conserving issues environment friendly. In our regular PCMark for Android Work 3.0 battery take a look at, the pill managed 12 hours and 59 minutes. 

That’s 48 minutes higher than its predecessor and you’ll as soon as once more see an hour of streaming eat somewhat over 10% of the battery energy.

Chris Martin / Foundry

That’s not dangerous and may get you thru most flights. Nevertheless, issues aren’t in any respect cheery with regards to charging. 

Samsung doesn’t present an adapter within the field and charging is painfully gradual at simply 15W most. 

I attempted numerous chargers I need to hand and the very best I noticed was 7% in quarter-hour and 14% in half-hour, similar to the Tab A9. You’ll must plan upfront when taking the Tab A11 out and about as a result of a full cost takes a number of hours. 

Software program & Apps 

• Android 15 
• One UI 7 
• Lengthy software program assist promise 

As you would possibly count on from a price range pill, the Galaxy Tab A11 doesn’t include the newest variations of software program, so that you get Android 15 with Samsung’s personal One UI 7 interface. 

There’s an replace to Android 16 and One UI 8 rolling out on the time of writing, however I haven’t seen it pop up on my pattern but. As such, I’ve examined it on the software program you get out of the field, however you might be able to improve it right away – although One UI 8 is a delicate replace anyway.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Regardless of being two years newer than the Galaxy Tab A9, the expertise feels very related, which means that general, it’s fairly clear, trendy and straightforward to navigate. 

Samsung provides some options you don’t see on its telephones because of the bigger display, comparable to the sting panel. Right here you may swipe in from the facet the place there’s an nearly hidden gray tab to get fast entry to a choice of apps you select. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

That’s the default, however you can too change on different panels within the settings, comparable to Folks, Duties, Climate and extra, which you’ll be able to then scroll by means of. It’s price messing round with, as some may actually be helpful and time-saving. 

When you’ve gotten an app open full display, you get somewhat taskbar on the backside like a desktop PC. Right here you may entry the navigation buttons, app icons and a shortcut to all of your apps. 

It’s somewhat small and appears dated to me, however you may customise it somewhat or change it off if you happen to don’t prefer it. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

Extra helpful in my expertise is with the ability to run two apps directly and alter how a lot of the display every takes up. I don’t hassle doing this on a cellphone display, however it’s much more advantageous on this bigger dimension. 

As is typical for a Samsung Galaxy, there are plenty of pre-installed apps, together with the corporate’s personal, that are nearly all simply duplicates of higher Google ones. There’s additionally a choice of Microsoft apps and the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Temu, TikTok and Monopoly Go. 

Whereas these would possibly assist preserve the price of the pill down and might nearly all be uninstalled, it’s nonetheless fairly bloated. You don’t get any Galaxy AI options at this value, however Google Gemini is inbuilt that can assist you with numerous issues, although you may’t use Circle to Search, which is a disgrace.

Chris Martin / Foundry

There’s an enormous hidden improve with regards to software program as a result of Samsung now guarantees a whopping seven years of assist. That’s up from 4 years on the Tab A9 and matches its flagship gadgets, together with the Galaxy Tab S11 Extremely.

Many rivals don’t even make a promise of how lengthy you’ll get new OS variations and safety patches, so this provides plenty of worth. One of many major questions which can’t be answered is how the processor will deal with the newest software program and apps in seven years’ time, however Samsung clearly believes it will likely be capable of. 

Value & Availability 

Launched quietly in September, the Galaxy Tab A11 begins at simply £149, which is really £20 cheaper than its predecessor. 

It’s as soon as once more accessible in 4 fashions, relying in your reminiscence and storage wants, in addition to the necessity for information connectivity. There are solely two primary colors this time round, although. 

Listed below are all of the fashions to select from: 

• 4/64GB – £149 
• 8/128GB – £189 
• 4/64GB + LTE – £199 
• 8/128GB + LTE – £239 

As talked about earlier, it might be well worth the further £40 for double the RAM and storage, particularly when occupied with efficiency in the direction of the tip of its lifespan. 
 
Oddly, the Galaxy Tab A11 isn’t accessible within the US but, however you should purchase it within the UK from nearly in every single place that sells tech, together with the official Samsung retailer, Amazon, Argos, Currys and Very. 

Our assessment pattern was offered to us by AO. 

Take a look at our information to the very best price range tablets to see what the Galaxy Tab A11 is up towards. 

Chris Martin / Foundry

Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11? 

Whereas the Galaxy Tab A11 seems to be similar to its two-year-old predecessor, that doesn’t matter all that a lot. 

It’s a trendy pill that’s a uncommon breed as of late. Actually compact, however large enough when in comparison with most telephones to make it worthwhile. 

Samsung has added some essential upgrades right here in addition to lowering the worth. The constraints of the Tab A11 are completely affordable contemplating the worth on provide. 

Most significantly, you now get a 90Hz refresh fee on the display, making the expertise smoother, plus there’s a whopping seven years of software program assist, eclipsing rivals. 

Moreover, the entrance digital camera has been upgraded, making it much more helpful for video calls and selfies.

You’ll must restrict your expectations the place efficiency is anxious, however the Galaxy Tab A11 is an exceptionally good worth pill. If you need a compact, moveable Android pill at a really inexpensive value, then you needn’t look any additional. 

Specs

• Android 15, One UI 7
• 7 years software program assist
• 8.7in, HD+, TFT LCD, 90Hz
• MediaTek Helios G99
• 4/8GB RAM
• 64/128GB storage
• microSD card slot (as much as 2TB)
• 8Mp major digital camera
• 5Mp front-facing digital camera
• Stereo audio system with Dolby Atmos
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• 4G LTE (non-obligatory)
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Headphone jack
• USB-C port
• 5100mAh battery
• 15W charging
• 211 x 124.7 x 8mm
• 335g
• Launch colors: Gray, Silver