Latest news with #RyanWhitwam
Android Authority
a day ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Galaxy Tab S11 leak suggests the Ultra is getting a major battery upgrade
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority TL;DR The battery specifications for the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra have leaked. The base model may come with a typical capacity of 8,400mAh. The Ultra could have an advertised capacity of 11,700 or 12,000mAh. Samsung is currently working on the next additions to the Galaxy Tab line. Not much is currently known about the Galaxy Tab S11 series, other than it's expected to launch in the second half of the year, there may not be a Pro model, and AI will be a point of focus. But we're getting some new information that now reveals the battery specifications. According to GalaxyClub, Samsung is going with two tablets again for the Galaxy Tab this year. A Pro model won't be a part of this two-pronged approach, but a base model will. The report claims that the base model will feature a battery with a rated capacity of 8,160mAh, but the advertised capacity will likely be 8,400mAh. This would mean the battery capacity for the Tab S11 is the same as the Tab S9. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is said to have a rated capacity of 11,374mAh, which would be 500mAh more than the Tab S10 Ultra. As for the advertised capacity, the Tab S10 Ultra's battery comes in at 11,200mAh. As such, it's expected that the Tab S11's advertised capacity could end up being around 11,700mAh, or even 12,000mAh. This is a pretty big deal considering Samsung has not upgraded the Ultra model's battery since its debut with the Tab S8 series. So this would be the first time an Ultra has received a bigger battery. It's still unclear when Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Tab S11 series. The company does have an Unpacked event coming up soon for its foldables. However, it's possible that these tablets could end up missing this event. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
16-05-2025
- Android Authority
I want a standalone DeX mode on the Galaxy Z Fold 7
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority It feels like it was only yesterday that the original Galaxy Z Fold launched and promised us an exciting look at the future. That was six years ago, though, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 now feels like any other phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely be more of the same, and it makes me wonder what Samsung could do on the software side to make its next foldable more exciting. Then it hit me — Samsung should give the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a standalone, improved version of DeX to make it the multitasking legend we want big-screen foldables to be. Would you want a standalone DeX mode on the Galaxy Z Fold series? 0 votes Yes, I'd use it all the time. NaN % Maybe, I might use it from time to time. NaN % No, I don't need this. NaN % I don't care either way. NaN % An excellent secondary screen Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority Recently, I had to use my Steam Deck as my work computer while my PC was out of action, and it gave me the idea. When I hooked my Steam Deck up to my external monitor and other peripherals, I initially planned to turn off the Deck's internal display, assuming it wouldn't be big enough to be useful. I was wrong, as it was the perfect place to keep my media player, keeping my main screen free for work tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold series could do the same thing. I have the Z Fold 4, and its internal display would be the perfect place to keep a media player, my tasks app, or perhaps a chat app while using my monitor for more important tasks. However, unlike my Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, which can mirror or extend its display via DeX, the Z Fold series doesn't let you use the built-in screen for anything more than a virtual trackpad, even with a keyboard and mouse connected. This is one reason why a full DeX mode on the Z Fold series makes sense. The perfect version of DeX for foldables already exists Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority One UI 6 added what Samsung calls 'new' DeX to its tablets. It's similar to Stage Manager on iPadOS, where apps are opened as free-form windows by default rather than full screen. This would be a great way to use DeX on a Z Fold device, too, as you wouldn't need to hook up a mouse or keyboard to interact with it properly. Pairing this version of DeX with the S Pen feels like unlocking a whole new realm of productivity on my Tab S10 Plus, and it would feel right at home on a Fold as well. Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority Of course, the Galaxy Z Fold series has smaller screens than the gigantic Tab S10 Plus, but it's still big enough to get things done across multiple apps. As seen above, I already put three apps into splitscreen, with multiple pop-up apps over the top, and I do this frequently. The issue I have is getting all the apps I want open and arranging them as I like. With how One UI currently works on foldables, you have to do a lot of long-pressing and dragging to get all the apps you need into the desired window layout, and sometimes I can't be bothered to go through that effort. A foldable-optimized version of the 'new' DeX experience that shows a menu when you tap an app icon and asks if you want a split-screen version or a pop-up window would remove much of the friction I'm dealing with now. Realistically, I don't see this happening. I want it, and I'm sure others feel the same, but we're the minority. It's like waiting for small phones to make a comeback. Many people online are begging for good, small smartphones like the iPhone 12 Mini or the old ASUS Zenfone models, but not enough people buy them to make a device like that successful. Sadly, I don't think there are enough people out there who want a foldable-optimised DeX mode, but I can dream. Would you like to see multitasking improvements come to Samsung's foldables, perhaps in the form of an improved DeX? Let me know in the comments.
Android Authority
08-05-2025
- Android Authority
T-Mobile will give you a free phone with a trade-in, regardless of its condition or your plan
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority TL;DR T-Mobile is offering the Moto Edge 2024 for free with any trade-in, including damaged phones. This deal works with all plans without requiring any changes, including older legacy ones, though you'll need to pay a $35 connection fee. Is it worth it? Mostly. While the Moto Edge 2024 has solid performance and fast charging, it comes with limited software support and some bloatware. Looking for a free phone on T-Mobile's network? While there are plenty of promotions out there that do just that, many require newer (and often higher-end) plans to qualify. The good news is that if you want a free phone that works with any plans, including legacy plans, you may just be in luck. A verified T-Mobile employee on Reddit has revealed that the Moto Edge 2024 is currently available for any plans with any trade-in. Even better, the phone's condition or model doesn't matter either. That means cracked phones or those with other issues will still be accepted as long as the IMEI can be verified. Be aware that the phone might be free, but you will be required to pay a $35 connection charge. Beyond that, there doesn't seem to be any other catches. No plan changes required. The bigger question is whether or not the Moto Edge is worth it. Android Authority had lots of positive things to say about the device in our official Moto Edge 2024 review. The phone has decent performance, excellent fast charging, IP68 resistance, and plenty of other stand-out features. You may not find the very fastest processor here, but the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is more than capable of delivering a solid experience. On the flipside, the Edge also only gives you three years of security updates and two years of OS updates. You'll also find quite a bit of bloatware here. Still, if you don't plan on leaving T-Mobile and need a new device? You could certainly do much worse. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
05-05-2025
- Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series wishlist: All the features I want to see
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Android tablets may still lag behind their iPad counterparts, but there are still some decent options out there if you're looking to buy a Google-flavored slate. The two models that make up Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 series are among the best premium Android tablets you can get your hands on in 2025. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra launched more than six months ago, so it's a good time to ponder what comes next from the South Korean tech giant. We'd expect the Galaxy Tab S11 series to be announced later this year, so let's take a look at the improvements on our wishlist for Samsung's next flagship Android tablets. Return of the 11-inch model Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Probably the least popular decision Samsung made with its Galaxy Tab S10 series was the omission of the smallest model with an 11-inch display. That left potential buyers with only the choice between the massive Tab S10 Plus and its 12.4-inch screen or the positively ginormous 14.6-inch Tab S10 Ultra. I would prefer a more reasonably-sized display, and while Samsung still sells the older Galaxy Tab S9 at a discounted price, that model came out in the summer of 2023. It's possible Samsung will skip the smaller screen size once again and reserve that feature for the recently unveiled Galaxy Tab S10 FE. There's surely demand for a brand-new premium 11-inch slate from Samsung, though, so I hope that's what Samsung has in store for us. The first credible leak about the Galaxy Tab S11 series suggests we may get our wish. We discovered mentions of two new Samsung tablets with codenames gts11 and gts11u, likely the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. There's no word of a Plus model yet, but an updated smaller device could make up for that. Snapdragon 8 Elite C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Up until the Galaxy Tab S9 series, Samsung's tablets followed a similar pattern to its flagship phones in terms of chipset. The devices would ship with a top-of-the-line Snapdragon processor in North America while using a slightly less performant Exynos chip in Europe. In a curious move, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and S10 Ultra made the switch to a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC instead of Qualcomm's best or Samsung's own silicon. There weren't too many complaints, since the MediaTek chips offered fast performance and decent efficiency. Like many people, I'd prefer a return to Snapdragon processors for the next Samsung tablets, not least for better emulation support. For its Galaxy S25 phones, Samsung went all in on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, in every market. And if our Galaxy S25 Ultra review is anything to go by, that Snapdragon 8 Elite processor would absolutely fly in a Samsung tablet. Unfortunately, as we recently reported, it looks like Samsung is gearing up to use MediaTek SoCs again for its Galaxy Tab S11 series. The rumored Dimensity 9400 processor would be an upgrade over the Dimensity 9300+, at least, but I'd still prefer to see the tablets ship with the latest Snapdragon chip. Redesigned Ultra model Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority Following a Reddit link opens the default app, which is designed without concern for tablets. It may be one of the more unique tablets on the market, but I'd love to see the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra get a full redesign. In our review, Ryan noted that the slim bezel is 'barely enough to hold the tablet without accidentally touching the screen'. Another consequence of this super-thin bezel is that the dual front-facing cameras have to be housed in a less-than-aesthetically pleasing notch. Slightly larger bezels would make the device more comfortable to hold and allow for a uniform border around the screen. This would also allow the front cameras to be placed neatly within the bezel, so here's hoping Samsung sees sense and rejigs the design of the Ultra model. More iPad-like aspect ratio Mahmoud Itani / Android Authority Another design choice I'd like to see Samsung steal from Apple is the aspect ratio of its tablet displays. Both the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra feature 16:10 screens, which is great for watching wide content but not a lot else. It makes for an incredibly awkward experience on the huge Tab S10 Ultra, especially since very few apps are optimized for such a large, wide display. Apple typically uses a 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio for its iPads, depending on screen size, and I find this more comfortable for most use cases. It depends on what you use your tablet for, but for reading web content, drawing, note taking, and multitasking I'd almost always prefer a squarer aspect ratio. I don't expect Samsung to go down this route, as it likely sees this feature as a key differentiator of its products. One can dream, though. Monthly security updates Paul Jones / Android Authority With the Galaxy Tab S10 series, Samsung promises an incredible seven years of software support, but there's a small catch. Unlike its flagship phones, which get the usual monthly patches, Samsung only updates its tablets every quarter. That might not seem like a big deal in terms of rolling out new features, but if you only update a device four times a year, you leave it open to security issues. I'd love to see Samsung bring its update schedule for its tablets in line with its phones. Offering users peace of mind with monthly security updates for the Galaxy Tab S11 series would be a welcome upgrade. Which feature do you most want to see on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series? 0 votes Snapdragon 8 Elite NaN % 11-inch model NaN % Redesigned Ultra model NaN % Ipad-like aspect ratio NaN % Monthly security updates NaN % Other (let us know in the comments) NaN % Will there be a Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series? C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Samsung has launched new Tab S series models on an almost yearly basis since 2014, and there's no reason to believe 2025 will be any different. If previous years are anything to go by, we'd expect new Galaxy Tab S devices to arrive sometime between late summer and the end of fall. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 — February 9, 2022 February 9, 2022 Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 — July 26, 2023 July 26, 2023 Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 — September 27, 2024 I did wonder if Samsung would change the naming convention for its upcoming Galaxy Tab S devices to match the year, as it did with the Galaxy S20 series back in 2020. By jumping from the S10 in 2019 up to the S20 the following year, the company signaled a new era of premium Galaxy phones. This also coincided with the launch of the first 'Ultra' phone in the lineup. According to our recent report, Samsung is referring to its next flagship tablets as gts11 and gts11u, which could mean it's sticking with the Galaxy Tab S11 moniker. There's plenty of time for this to change, however, and it might make it easier for consumers if it markets the new products as the Galaxy Tab S25 series to match its smartphones. Should you wait for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series? Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority It's hard to say whether or not you should wait since there's no release date or solid info on new features at this point. If you've been waiting for an update to the Galaxy Tab S9 and its more manageable form factor, the rumored return of the smaller Galaxy Tab S11 might be worth waiting for. The current generation Galaxy Tab S10 ($999.99 at Samsung) or Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra ($1199.99 at Samsung) will be plenty good enough for most people. And if you're looking for a great Android tablet with a smaller display, you may be happy to save some money and go for the older Galaxy Tab S9 ($799.99 at Samsung) or the recently unveiled Galaxy Tab S10 FE ($499 at Samsung). Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus Big battery • Bright display • Precision input MSRP: $999.99 Portable productivity The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus offers up a beautiful 12.4-inch display, high-resolution stylus input, and enough power to replace a small laptop. See price at Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Gorgeous, massive OLED screen • Powerful multitasking features • Comes with S Pen stylus MSRP: $1,199.00 The extra-large, extra-powerful, extra-expensive Android tablet of your dreams. The 14.6-inch display on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra makes it a delight for media consumption. Precision input with a stylus makes this Android tablet a beast for creators, and the optional detachable keyboard makes for a true laptop replacement. See price at Samsung
