Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Tab A11+, and on paper it looks like one of the more compelling budget Android tablets to land in the sub-$250 range in a while. Between a smoother 90Hz display, a larger storage option at launch, and a meaningful RAM bump, it’s positioned as a practical upgrade for everyday streaming, browsing, schoolwork, and light productivity.
Galaxy Tab A11+ official specs: what you get for $249
The Galaxy Tab A11+ is built around an 11-inch display with a 1920×1200 resolution. Samsung is using a TFT LCD panel, but it also adds a 90Hz refresh rate—an upgrade that should make scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother than typical 60Hz budget screens.
Design-wise, the tablet comes in a metal unibody chassis and carries an IP52 dust/water resistance rating. That certification doesn’t mean you should treat it like a rugged device or submerge it, but it does suggest extra peace of mind for everyday situations such as dust exposure and minor splashes.
Core hardware highlights
- Display: 11-inch TFT LCD, 1920×1200, 90Hz
- Build: metal unibody design
- Durability rating: IP52 dust/water resistance
- Battery: 7,040 mAh
- Charging: 25W over USB-C
- Software: Android 16 out of the box
- Expandable storage: microSD card slot
Samsung is shipping the Galaxy Tab A11+ with Android 16 from day one, which is notable in the budget segment where new tablets sometimes arrive running older versions. However, there’s currently no information about how many years of Android or security updates this model will receive.
A RAM bump that matters in the budget tablet world
One of the most meaningful improvements in the Galaxy Tab A11+ is memory. According to the original reporting, Samsung has increased the base RAM from 4GB on the prior model to 6GB this time around. That may not sound dramatic at first glance, but for affordable Android tablets it can be the difference between a device that feels merely adequate and one that stays smooth under routine multitasking.
Extra RAM helps with everyday scenarios such as:
- switching between apps (for example, a browser, notes, and YouTube)
- keeping more tabs or background apps from reloading
- maintaining responsiveness as apps and web pages become heavier over time
Samsung is also offering an 8GB RAM configuration, which is positioned as an upgrade option. Still, the fact that the most affordable variant begins at 6GB should translate into better usability for more people, especially those who plan to keep the tablet for several years.
MediaTek MT8775: performance expectations
The Galaxy Tab A11+ runs on the MediaTek MT8775 chipset. While raw benchmarks don’t tell the full story, the report points to an on-paper comparison suggesting the MT8775 should be capable for the class, referencing a CPU benchmark comparison.
In practical terms, this kind of processor is typically aimed at daily tablet tasks rather than high-end gaming or heavy creative workloads. Combined with 6GB of RAM, it should handle streaming, video calls, browsing, and casual games without becoming frustrating—assuming Samsung’s software tuning is solid.
Cameras, audio, and biometrics: the practical basics
Samsung is keeping things straightforward with the cameras. The Galaxy Tab A11+ includes an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. This is broadly in line with what buyers expect in this price bracket: adequate for document scanning, quick snapshots, and video conferencing rather than photography.
For unlocking and authentication, the tablet uses camera-based face recognition. There’s no fingerprint sensor, which is a trade-off that remains common in lower-cost tablets. Face recognition can be convenient for casual use, but it’s not always as consistent across lighting conditions as a dedicated fingerprint reader.
Notable ports and extras
- 3.5mm headphone jack: included
- microSD expansion: supported
- USB-C charging: with 25W charging support
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack will be particularly welcome for users who prefer wired headphones for classes, commutes, or shared living spaces, and for families who want a simple, reliable audio option without pairing Bluetooth devices.
Galaxy Tab A11+ price and US release date
Samsung’s pricing is one of the headline details here. The Galaxy Tab A11+ will launch in the US on January 8 for $249, and that price includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
That configuration is especially notable when compared with the previous generation’s entry point. The report notes that the Galaxy Tab A9+ started at $219 but only included 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage at that base price. While the A11+ costs more, the jump in memory—and particularly the included storage at launch—suggests Samsung is pushing more value into the spec sheet where it counts most for day-to-day ownership.
Why the Galaxy Tab A11+ stands out under $250
Budget Android tablets have always been a popular category, but genuinely “good” options below $250 can be harder to find, especially as component costs shift and manufacturers cut corners on RAM, storage, or display quality. The Galaxy Tab A11+ appears to address several of the most common pain points buyers have with low-cost tablets:
- Smoother screen experience: 90Hz refresh rate can make the whole UI feel more premium.
- More memory: 6GB RAM on the baseline should reduce slowdowns and app reloads.
- Modern software at launch: Android 16 out of the box is a strong starting point.
- Expandable storage: microSD support helps keep long-term costs down.
- Useful durability bump: IP52 adds a layer of everyday resilience.
There are still compromises—TFT LCD rather than a higher-end panel type, and no fingerprint sensor—but that’s expected at this price level. What matters is whether the overall package feels balanced, and the combination of display, RAM, and storage suggests Samsung is aiming to deliver a smoother “living with it” experience than many budget tablets.
Conclusion
With an 11-inch 90Hz display, a meaningful jump to 6GB of RAM, Android 16 out of the box, and a $249 US launch price that includes 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Galaxy Tab A11+ looks like a sizable step forward for Samsung’s budget tablet lineup and a strong contender for buyers shopping under $250.
Attribution: This article is based on reporting originally published by 9to5google.com regarding the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ official specs, price, and release details.
<<>>
Related Articles
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected Upgrades, Specs Rumors, and Possible Launch Window
- LG Gallery TV announced ahead of CES 2026 to rival Samsung’s The Frame
- Samsung Will Add Google Photos to Its TVs in 2026, Starting With Memories
Based on reporting originally published by 9to5google.com. See the sources section below.
Sources
- 9to5google.com
- https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-welcomes-galaxy-a17-5g-galaxy-tab-a11-galaxy-ecosystem/
- https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/7099vs6555/Mediatek-MT8775-vs-Qualcomm-SM6375