Analysis and first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11

1. 📦 Introduction and specifications of the Galaxy Tab S11

✅ The Galaxy Tab S11 has a retail price of $800.
✅ Available in silver and gray colors.
✅ Three configurations: 12GB RAM/128GB storage, 12GB RAM/256GB storage (free upgrade for a limited time), and 12GB RAM/512GB storage.
✅ It stands out for its thinner and lighter design compared to the Tab S9, the new S Pen, updated Samsung Dex, and an improved processor.

2. 🔍 Unboxing and first look at the new S Pen

✅ The unboxing reveals the tablet and the new S Pen.
✅ The S Pen has a hexagonal design, offering a completely new feel.
✅ Includes a SIM eject tool, documentation, and a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable.
✅ The tablet has a design similar to other Samsung tablets, with connection pins on the back for new accessories.
✅ It has a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera.

3. 📐 Physical tour: Design, ports, and size comparison

✅ The power button and volume controls have been swapped compared to the Tab S9.
✅ Includes two microphones on the top and a Micro SD card slot (up to 2TB).
✅ Four-speaker configuration (two on each side).
✅ USB Type-C port with 45W super fast charging.
✅ It is thinner (5.5mm) and lighter than the Tab S9, with the same battery size (8,400 mAh).
✅ The weight is 463g, making it more manageable than the Tab S11 Ultra.

4. 📱 Screen and biometrics: First impressions after a few days of use

✅ The optical fingerprint scanner on the side is fast and accurate.
✅ The 11-inch screen is enjoyed for its smaller size and light weight.
✅ It is more versatile for use in portrait mode.
✅ Comparable to the Tab S11 Ultra in specifications, except for the lack of a rear ultra-wide camera, a slightly smaller battery, and the absence of an anti-reflective screen.

5. 🔆 Screen quality and user experience

✅ Despite not having an anti-reflective screen, the screen is very good and bright.
✅ Considered the best 11-inch tablet from Samsung to date due to its light and thin design, and its excellent screen.
✅ The device is comfortable to use as a portable device.

6. ✍️ Note-taking with the S Pen

✅ Note-taking with the S Pen is enjoyable.
✅ The new S Pen design takes some getting used to, but any S Pen from previous generations can be used.
✅ It's easy to take notes quickly and get on with the day.

7. 🖥️ Samsung Dex and software performance

8. 🎮 Gaming with a mobile controller

9. 📸 Front camera test

✅ The front camera is the same as on the Tab S11 Ultra and records in 4K at 30fps.
✅ It is a very good camera for a mobile device, superior to many laptop cameras.

10. 🔋 Battery life

✅ Close to 8 hours of screen time was obtained on the first battery cycle.
✅ Usage included gaming, productivity, and YouTube viewing.
✅ Battery life is satisfactory, especially considering the quality and brightness of the screen.
✅ It is estimated that this high-end tablet offers an additional hour of battery life compared to Samsung's mid-range tablets.

11. ⌨️ Accessories: Book Cover Keyboard Slim

✅ New accessories are needed due to the new connection points.
✅ The Book Cover Keyboard Slim has no trackpad and is very light.
✅ It has a silicone finish on the outside.
✅ There is no magnetic slot for the S Pen.
✅ Side protection is limited.
✅ The key travel is very shallow, which does not provide a pleasant typing experience.
✅ The keys are cramped.
✅ Samsung will launch a Pro keyboard next year.

12. 📖 Accessories: Book Cover Case

13. 📳 Absence of haptic feedback

⚠️ The new Tab S11 tablets do not have haptic feedback or a vibration motor.
⚠️ This is strange, as Samsung used to include haptic feedback, although it was not of the best quality.

14. 🤔 Final thoughts on the Galaxy Tab S11

✅ The author is impressed with the Tab S11.
✅ The software is very smooth.
✅ The extra money invested in this tablet is justified by the excellent screen and the additional hour of battery life.

Vortex Gaming