Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 vs Tab A11+: Which Tablet Should You Buy? (2026 UK Guide)

Short answer: if you want a tablet that's easy to hold in one hand for reading, browsing and video calls, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7″) is the better fit and the cheaper starting point. If you want a bigger screen for streaming, split-screen multitasking, note-taking or a bit of light desktop-style work with Samsung DeX, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ (11″) is worth the extra outlay. Both are Android tablets from Samsung's budget A-series, launched in 2025, and we sell both as Open Box (Activated) international stock. The choice between them really comes down to screen size, power and how you plan to use the tablet day to day — not which one is “better” in absolute terms.

This guide puts the two tablets side by side so you can see exactly where they differ: display size, chipset, RAM and storage options, battery, connectivity, audio and price. We'll also walk through a few common buyer profiles so you can match your own use case to the right model, and answer the questions we hear most often from UK shoppers choosing between the two.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 vs Tab A11+: Full Spec Comparison

Prices checked on 5 October 2026 and they change regularly — check the individual product pages linked above (and the full tablets collection) for current stock, variant pricing and availability.

International stock note: every tablet linked in this table is Open Box (Activated) international stock: opened and activated once, then factory reset and checked, not sealed new. Samsung UK may not carry out manufacturer warranty repairs on non-UK units, so our 12-month warranty is your cover. The model code and box printing may differ from UK units.

Screen Size: 8.7″ vs 11″ — Why This Is the Real Decision

The single biggest difference between these two tablets isn't the chipset or the battery — it's the size of the thing in your hands. The Tab A11's 8.7-inch screen is truly one-hand-friendly. You can hold it like a large phone or a paperback book, slip it into a bag side pocket, and use it standing on a commute without your wrist tiring. It's the size Samsung has traditionally aimed at readers, casual browsers and kids.

The Tab A11+'s 11-inch screen is a different proposition entirely. It's a proper “sit back and watch” or “sit down and work” tablet — noticeably wider and taller, better suited to being propped up on a stand, used on a desk, or held with two hands. Video, split-screen apps, spreadsheets and web pages with a lot of horizontal content all benefit from the extra real estate. The trade-off is portability: at 477g versus 335g, the A11+ is roughly 40% heavier and considerably larger in the hand (257.1 x 168.7mm vs 211 x 124.7mm), so it's less of a “grab and go” device and more of a “settle in with it” one.

Performance: Helio G99 vs Dimensity 7300

Both tablets use MediaTek chipsets, but they're not in the same performance tier. The Tab A11 runs a MediaTek chip that Samsung names the MT8781 and spec sites list as the Helio G99: an octa-core design with performance cores at up to 2.2GHz. It's a proven, efficient chip that comfortably handles browsing, video streaming, social media, messaging and light gaming — the everyday tasks most tablet buyers actually use a device for.

The Tab A11+ steps up to the MT8775, listed by spec sites as the Dimensity 7300, with performance cores at up to 2.5GHz; Samsung India says it's built on a 4nm process. We haven't benchmarked the two side by side, but the A11+ has the faster chip on paper. In practice, expect smoother multitasking, quicker app switching, and noticeably better headroom for more demanding games or productivity apps on the A11+. If your use is mostly video calls, Netflix, browsing and the odd game, the Helio G99 in the standard A11 won't leave you wanting — but if you want a tablet that stays snappy for longer, or you plan to run several apps side by side, the A11+'s chipset is a meaningful upgrade, not just a paper-spec bump.

RAM, Storage and Which Variant to Pick

Storage and RAM scale together on both models, so picking a variant is really about how much you plan to keep on the device and how much multitasking headroom you want:

• Tab A11, 64GB / 4GB RAM — the entry point. Fine for browsing, streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, iPlayer), messaging and a modest number of installed apps, especially since storage expands via microSD.
• Tab A11, 128GB / 8GB RAM — doubles both storage and memory. Worth it if you'll download a lot of offline video, install more apps and games, or want the tablet to feel snappier when switching between apps.
• Tab A11+, 128GB / 6GB RAM (WiFi or WiFi+5G) — a sensible middle ground: more storage than the base A11, plus the faster Dimensity 7300 chip and bigger screen.
• Tab A11+, 256GB / 8GB RAM (WiFi or WiFi+5G) — the most storage and RAM in the range. Aimed at buyers who want the A11+ as a more capable, longer-term device; pick the WiFi+5G version if you need mobile data on the move.

Both ranges support microSD expansion up to 2TB, so if budget is tight, it's reasonable to buy a smaller internal storage variant and add a memory card later rather than paying up front for a bigger built-in capacity.

Battery Life and Charging

The Tab A11+'s 7,040mAh battery is considerably larger than the Tab A11's 5,100mAh cell — around 38% more capacity — which lines up with its bigger, higher-resolution screen needing more power to drive. Charging speed also scales up: the A11 charges at up to 15W, while the A11+ supports up to 25W wired charging, so despite the larger battery it shouldn't take proportionally longer to top up. For all-day video streaming, note-taking through a working day, or long journeys away from a plug, the A11+'s bigger battery is a real practical advantage — not just a bigger number on a spec sheet.

Audio: Dual vs Quad Speakers

Both tablets use Dolby Atmos tuning, but the hardware behind it differs. The Tab A11 has dual stereo speakers, which is perfectly serviceable for video calls, YouTube and casual listening. The Tab A11+ steps up to quad speakers, which typically means fuller, more directional sound — particularly noticeable when the tablet is held landscape for films or games, where a two-speaker setup can end up firing from one side only depending on how you're holding it. If audio quality for films, music or gaming matters to you, the A11+'s quad-speaker setup is one of the more tangible upgrades on this list.

Software: Samsung DeX and Multitasking

This is a differentiator worth flagging clearly: the Galaxy Tab A11+ supports Samsung DeX, and the standard Tab A11 does not. DeX gives you a more desktop-like interface on the tablet itself — multiple resizable windows, a taskbar, and drag-and-drop between apps — which suits anyone who wants to get real work done (documents, spreadsheets, email triage) rather than just consuming content. Worth noting: Samsung says DeX on the Tab A11+ doesn't support Extended Mode for a dual-screen setup, so don't buy it expecting a second-monitor desktop. It's still a real productivity boost over the base A11, just not a monitor-replacement solution.

The A11+ also ships with the newer Android 16 and One UI 8 out of the box, alongside Samsung Knox security, while the standard A11 ships on Android 15. Both will receive OS and security updates going forward (Samsung UK lists security updates until 30 September 2032 for the A11 and 30 November 2032 for the A11+), but the A11+ started one version ahead.

WiFi-Only vs Needing Mobile Data

Both tablets are available as WiFi-only models, and both have a cellular option if you need to stay connected away from a WiFi network:

• The Tab A11 offers a 4G LTE variant for mobile data alongside the standard WiFi-only version. LTE is a sensible, budget-friendly way to get always-on connectivity on the smaller tablet.
• The Tab A11+ offers a WiFi + 5G variant alongside its WiFi-only version, giving you faster mobile data speeds where 5G coverage is available (speed and availability depend on your network and location).

If you already have a phone with a decent data plan, tethering or a personal hotspot may make the WiFi-only version of either tablet all you need. If you want the tablet itself to carry a SIM, both size ranges have you covered for mobile data (we don't claim native voice calls on either) — you just need to decide whether 4G on the smaller A11 or 5G on the larger A11+ suits your usage and budget better.

Design and Build

Both tablets share a similar design language — flat sides, a centred rear camera module, and a look clearly inspired by Samsung's Galaxy S phone range — and both come in matching Grey and Silver finishes, so you're not choosing between different aesthetics, just different sizes. The Tab A11+'s slimmer profile (6.9mm thick versus the Tab A11's 8mm) is a natural consequence of fitting a bigger battery into a larger chassis while keeping the tablet feeling sleek rather than bulky. Samsung Australia lists an IP42 rating for the Tab A11 and IP52 for the Tab A11+ (Samsung UK's spec pages don't list one), so treat them as splash-resistant at best, not waterproof, and take normal care around liquids for both.

Both ranges use USB-C for charging and data, and both include a 3.5mm headphone jack — useful if you'd rather plug in wired headphones than rely on Bluetooth, particularly for younger family members or anyone who prefers not to worry about charging a second device.

Everyday Use Case Scenarios

Specs on a page only tell you so much — here's how the difference tends to play out in real, everyday situations.

• The commuter or one-handed reader: if you want something you can hold up on a train, prop against a coffee cup, or read in bed without your arm getting tired, the Tab A11's smaller size and lighter weight (335g vs 477g) make a real difference over a 20-30 minute session. This is the scenario where the A11+'s extra screen space stops being an advantage and starts being a mild inconvenience.
• The family entertainment tablet: if it's mostly going to sit on the sofa arm or kitchen counter for streaming, kids' apps and video calls, the Tab A11+'s bigger screen and quad speakers make shared viewing noticeably better — several people can comfortably watch from a normal seating distance, which is harder to manage on the smaller 8.7″ panel.
• The student: note-taking, research across multiple browser tabs, and the odd document all benefit from the Tab A11+'s larger display and DeX support. If budget is the main constraint though, the Tab A11 128GB variant still handles lecture recordings, PDFs and revision apps without trouble — it's just a smaller working area.
• The traveller who needs mobile data: both ranges offer a cellular option, so the decision here is really about screen size again — the Tab A11 LTE variant is easier to slip into a bag or coat pocket for use on the move, while the Tab A11+ WiFi+5G variant is better suited to someone who wants a bigger screen with 5G data when away from WiFi.
• The gamer or multitasker: the A11+'s faster chip is most noticeable here — smoother frame rates in more demanding games, and less lag when switching between several open apps. If gaming or heavy multitasking is a priority, the Tab A11+ is the safer choice of the two.

Value for Money

Because both tablets sit in Samsung's budget A-series rather than the premium S-series, neither is trying to compete with flagship tablets on raw power — the comparison that matters is between the two of them, and what your extra pounds buy you moving from the A11 to the A11+. Stepping up from the cheapest Tab A11 WiFi variant to the Tab A11+ WiFi variant gets you a larger, higher-resolution screen, a substantially faster chipset, 38% more battery capacity, quad speakers instead of dual, and Samsung DeX — for a comparatively modest difference in price (£137 for the Tab A11 WiFi 64GB against £171.99 for the Tab A11+ WiFi 128GB, at our prices on 5 October 2026). Where the gap widens is on the cellular variants: the Tab A11+ WiFi+5G starts at £219 for 128GB (£340.25 for 256GB), against £151.99 for the Tab A11 LTE 128GB, so it's worth being clear on whether you actually need 5G speeds and that much storage before choosing the top-spec option.

Which One Suits You?

Choose the Galaxy Tab A11 if:

• You want the most portable, easiest-to-hold option for reading, browsing and video calls
• You're buying on a tighter budget and want the lowest entry price in the range
• Your use is mostly light — streaming, messaging, social media, the odd game
• You want a secondary or “kids' tablet” that's easy to carry and less costly to replace

Choose the Galaxy Tab A11+ if:

• You want a bigger screen for films, split-screen multitasking or reading documents
• You want noticeably stronger performance for gaming or running several apps at once
• You want Samsung DeX for a more desktop-like way of working on the tablet
• You want a bigger battery and quad speakers for longer, more immersive sessions
• You're happy to pay more upfront for the extra screen size, power and features

Portability vs Screen Real Estate

If you regularly carry your tablet around — commuting, travelling, using it on the sofa one-handed — the Tab A11's smaller size and lighter weight will feel far more natural day to day. If your tablet mostly stays at home or in a bag that's already carrying other things, and you'll use it propped up rather than held, the Tab A11+'s larger screen pays off every time you watch something or work on it.

Budget vs Premium (Within the A-Series)

Both tablets sit in Samsung's budget A-series, so neither is a “flagship” purchase — but within that range, the Tab A11 is the more affordable entry point, while the Tab A11+ asks for a bit more money in exchange for a materially better display, chipset, battery and audio setup. Think of the A11 as “does everything most people need, cheaply,” and the A11+ as “does everything, and does more of it, more comfortably.”

🌍 International Stock & Warranty

Every Galaxy Tab A11 and Tab A11+ we sell is Open Box (Activated) international stock, sourced from markets such as the UAE or Europe rather than through Samsung UK. The box has been opened and the tablet activated once, then factory reset and checked. It isn't sealed new, though it's cosmetically in as-new condition. The model code and box printing may differ from UK units, but both run the same Android and One UI software and work in the UK.

Samsung UK may not carry out manufacturer warranty repairs on non-UK units, so The Tech Gadgets' own 12-month warranty is your cover. It starts on the delivery date and covers faults that develop during normal use, and your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply on top.

↩️ Returns & Packaging

You can cancel within 14 days of delivery under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, and you can open the box to inspect the tablet; we may reduce the refund if it has been handled more than needed to check it. We also accept change-of-mind returns for up to 30 days after delivery if the tablet is unused and complete with everything it came with. None of this affects your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

❓ FAQ

Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ worth the extra cost over the standard A11?
If you'll use the tablet for streaming video, multitasking, gaming or any kind of productivity work, yes — the A11+'s bigger screen, faster Dimensity 7300 chipset, larger battery and quad speakers are all real, noticeable upgrades, not just marketing spec bumps. If you mainly want a light, portable tablet for browsing and video calls, the standard A11 already does that well and costs less.

Which is better for watching video: the Tab A11 or the Tab A11+?
The Tab A11+ has the edge for video — its larger 11″ WUXGA display, bigger battery for longer playback, and quad Dolby Atmos speakers all make for a more immersive viewing experience. The Tab A11's 8.7″ screen is still perfectly watchable, especially held closer for one-person viewing, but it's the smaller and less powerful audio setup of the two.

Which is better for reading: the Tab A11 or the Tab A11+?
For reading e-books, articles or comics one-handed, the Tab A11's smaller, lighter 8.7″ body is more comfortable to hold for long periods. The Tab A11+'s larger screen suits reading PDFs, documents or magazine-style layouts where you want to see more of the page at once.

Which is better for work or productivity?
The Tab A11+ is the clear choice if productivity matters — it's the only model in this comparison with Samsung DeX support, plus the extra screen space makes split-screen multitasking (email next to a browser, notes next to a video call) far more usable. The standard Tab A11 can still handle light productivity tasks like email and browsing, but doesn't offer DeX.

Do both the Tab A11 and Tab A11+ come in LTE or 5G versions?
Yes, but the cellular technology differs by model. The Tab A11 is available with 4G LTE alongside its WiFi-only version. The Tab A11+ is available with WiFi + 5G alongside its WiFi-only version. Both cellular versions are for mobile data; we don't claim native voice calls. Both size ranges also have WiFi-only variants if you don't need built-in mobile data.

Do I need to buy the largest storage option?
Not necessarily. Both the Tab A11 and Tab A11+ support microSD expansion up to 2TB, so you can start with a smaller internal storage variant and add a memory card later for photos, videos and offline files, rather than paying more upfront for built-in storage you might not need immediately.

Is UK manufacturer warranty included with these tablets?
No. Both are Open Box (Activated) international stock, and Samsung UK may not carry out manufacturer warranty repairs on non-UK units. The Tech Gadgets' 12-month warranty is your cover, alongside your Consumer Rights Act rights — see the International Stock & Warranty section above.

Ready to compare the full range? Browse all current variants, colours and prices in our tablets collection, see every live Tab A11 price and configuration on our Tab A11 Deals page, or head straight to the Galaxy Tab A11 or Galaxy Tab A11+ product pages for full details and current stock.