The iPad has long been the go-to tablet for personal use, but recent global price increases by Apple make it harder to justify for everyday spending. The base model, once priced at AU$599, now starts at AU$749 for the 128GB version, a 25% jump. In this context, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ emerges as a compelling alternative, priced at just AU$359 for the 256GB variant, less than half the cost of the entry-level iPad.
The Galaxy Tab A11+ offers excellent value, especially when on sale at Amazon with a 35% discount bringing it to an all-time low. The 128GB model is also discounted by 30% to AU$279, but is currently out of stock; orders can still be placed at that price. The 256GB variant not only provides more storage but also boosts RAM from 6GB to 8GB, ensuring better performance. For comparison, a 256GB iPad costs AU$949, a difference of AU$590.
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Solid performance with few compromises
We haven't tested this budget tablet ourselves, but our colleagues at Android Central gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it Samsung's best cheap tablet. Despite cost-cutting elements like a less powerful chipset compared to the S-series, the Tab A11+ delivers smooth performance and seven years of software support.
The display is an 11-inch TFT LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and 1920x1600 resolution. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD expansion up to 2TB, four speakers, and two cameras (8MP rear, 5MP front). The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset handles light gaming and multitasking well, even with multiple browser tabs open alongside note-taking apps.
DeX mode and adequate battery for daily use
The tablet supports Samsung's DeX desktop mode, usually reserved for premium S-series smartphones, making it a decent laptop replacement, though not for heavy productivity. The 7040mAh battery lasts just over a day with average use, and the 25W fast charging is not particularly fast. The TFT LCD screen isn't the brightest at 480 nits peak. There is no S Pen support, but at this price, it's a fair trade-off.
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The extended software support and ample storage reduce battery strain, prolonging the device's lifespan. For those seeking a no-frills yet capable tablet, the Galaxy Tab A11+ is a smart buy, especially after Apple's iPad price hike.
