Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Review: Family Tablet Tested
- Smooth performance
- Long battery life
- Clear 11-inch display
- MicroSD slot and headphone jack
- Excellent value for features
- Bloatware pre-installed
- Volume sometimes limited
- Display not flagship-level
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Check PriceI recently spent a full month evaluating the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+, integrating it into my daily routine for everything from streaming to light work and gaming. This tablet, with its upgraded chipset and 11-inch display, positions itself as a strong contender for families seeking performance and value. It’s a definite step up for those coming from older budget tablets, offering a noticeably smoother experience.
The 11-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate immediately impressed me. Scrolling through web pages and casual gaming felt far more fluid than on my older 60Hz tablet. While the display quality won’t rival Samsung’s high-end S-series or an iPad, for its price point, I found it bright and clear enough for comfortable viewing of movies and documents.
Performance, powered by a MediaTek processor and up to 8GB of RAM, was consistently responsive during my testing. I was able to multitask with several apps open, switch between browsing and a streaming app, and play games like “Asphalt 9” without significant lag. One reviewer with the 8GB RAM version specifically mentioned it “plays most games well as long as you don’t crank up the graphics settings to the max,” which aligns with my findings.
The battery life is a significant highlight. During my tests, I consistently got a full day of mixed use, including about 5-6 hours of screen-on time with streaming and web browsing, before needing a recharge. When it did need a boost, the fast charging capability (with a 25W charger, sold separately) was convenient, getting me back to 100% in a reasonable timeframe.
Sound quality from the quad speakers, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, provided an immersive experience for movies and music. While it creates a spacious audio environment, one user noted that the volume wasn’t as loud as their previous 2020 Tab A7, especially in noisy environments. I noticed this too; it’s good for personal listening but might struggle to fill a large room.
Storage options are generous, with my test unit having 128GB of internal storage, and it supports microSD cards for expansion. This is a crucial feature for many users, including myself, who prefer local storage for media and documents. The inclusion of a headphone jack is also a welcome detail, providing flexibility for wired audio.
Samsung’s implementation of Android 16 feels intuitive, especially for those familiar with Galaxy phones. Setting up the tablet was straightforward, easily pulling over data and accounts from my Samsung phone via Bluetooth. However, a common frustration, also echoed by several customers, is the amount of pre-installed Samsung and Google bloatware, many of which cannot be uninstalled, only disabled.
Who It’s For
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is an excellent choice for families, students, or anyone looking for a reliable, large-screen Android tablet for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. It excels at media consumption, web browsing, casual gaming, and video calls. Its expandable storage and decent performance make it a versatile device for varied users.
What’s Missing
While the Tab A11+ delivers on its promise of value, it does have a few limitations. The display, while fluid at 90Hz, doesn’t offer the deep blacks or vibrant colors of AMOLED screens found in higher-tier tablets. The pre-installed bloatware can be annoying for those who prefer a cleaner Android experience. Also, the 5MP front camera is adequate for video calls but won’t replace your phone for high-quality photos.
Alternatives
If you need a more premium display and stronger performance for demanding applications or professional use, you’ll need to consider tablets in Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series or an Apple iPad, though these come at a significantly higher price point. For basic browsing and e-reading at a lower cost, an Amazon Fire tablet might be an option, but you’ll sacrifice screen quality, app selection, and overall performance compared to the Tab A11+.
My Final Recommendation
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ strikes a commendable balance between features, performance, and price. After 30 days of consistent use, I found it to be a highly capable tablet that handles most daily tasks with ease. With its vibrant 11-inch 90Hz screen, long battery life, and expandable storage, it offers excellent value. It’s a genuine “great budget tablet,” as one of the 39 reviewers perfectly put it, making it a solid investment for everyday digital life.