Product test
Only a few need more: Lenovo Idea Tab Pro tested
by Michelle Brändle
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro makes me want a tablet again
14/2/2023
Translation: Eva Francis
Lenovo hasn’t reinvented the tablet with the second generation of the Tab P11 Pro. Nevertheless, I enjoyed using it and it makes me see why this device category makes sense. How come? The software and accessories are great. But not everything is perfect.
More than ten years ago, I bought the Nexus 7. I was euphoric at first, but it ended up never finding its place between my smartphone and notebook. As a consequent, I never bought a tablet again. I saw no need to get a successor. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (Gen 2) is (slowly) changing my mind.
Display and speakers: great look and sound
Four JBL speakers provide the sound. They support Dolby Atmos and sit on the right and left of the tablet’s frame if you hold it in landscape mode. This arrangement creates a spatial sound that allows stereo sound to come into its own. Voices can be heard clearly; trebles and mids as well. The bass, however, remains subtle. For a tablet, the sound quality is average. It’s not an acoustic treat just yet.
There’s a small bonus I didn’t pay much attention to: Lenovo Freestyle allows you to use the Tab P11 Pro as an external touchscreen monitor for your Windows computer.
Lenovo didn’t equip the Tab 11 Pro with a fingerprint sensor, but face recognition is available for unlocking. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work reliably, despite reinstalling it several times. I have to use the PIN to unlock the tablet far too often. This is annoying and makes me wish there was a fingerprint sensor.
Enough power to handle anything
In everyday use, I’m more than happy with the Kompanio 1300T’s performance. Apps launch quickly, streams run smoothly and games such as «Diablo Immortal» can be played without any problems. The latter, by the way, is one reason why my enthusiasm for tablets has returned. I don’t want to play the game on a small screen of six or seven inches. Browsing the Internet or writing e-mails and documents is also more fun on a larger display.
Here’s a comparison with the Snapdragon 870 that’s featured in the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro – the same tablet, only a bit larger, older and equipped with an SoC that’s designed for smartphones.
In the tests that determine the CPU’s performance, the Kompanio 1300T doesn’t perform as well as the Snapdragon 870. The difference is obvious, but not dramatic. In terms of graphics performance, the Kompanio 1300T clearly outperforms the Snapdragon 870 on one occasion and is on par with it on another.
You can expand the 256-gigabyte storage with a microSD card if you need more storage.
Software: short time frame for guaranteed updates
The «Myscript Calculator 2» is a calculator that reads your handwriting, so you can use it with the tablet’s stylus. «Lenovo Instant Memo» is a compact note-taking app that can be opened quickly with the Precision Pen 3. The «Nebo» app, which is also preinstalled, can be used for taking more extensive notes. That’s about it when it comes to preinstalled third-party apps. However, Netflix, OneNote and Microsoft 365 can only be uninstalled via the app info menu.
Cameras for video calls and documents
Lenovo’s equipped the Tab P11 Pro with two cameras. There’s a front-facing 8-megapixel camera on the long edge of the display, which is handy for video calls in landscape mode. The image quality is better than with inexpensive webcams, but not as good as with expensive 4K models.
Lenovo’s also installed a 13-megapixel rear camera. It’s great for scanning documents and taking snapshots – as long as the lighting is good. But I don’t intend to take stunning photos with a tablet camera anyway.
Precision Pen 3 and Keyboard Pack: the accessories make a difference
What’s a tablet without accessories? In my opinion, nothing more than an oversized smartphone. For this review, Lenovo provided me with the Tab 11 Pro including the Precision Pen 3 and Keyboard Pack. The latter features a magnetic back cover, an integrated stand and a plug-in keyboard. The cover comes in a leather design that’s a bit old-fashioned. And although I do see the point of the slot for the stylus on the back, it doesn’t look nice at all.
The stand is my favourite accessory. Be it in the kitchen, the living room, the bedroom or even the bathroom, it allows me to set the tablet up in different places in my flat and watch videos or streams. The advantage over a laptop? It takes up less space.
The back of the Tab 11 Pro is magnetically held in place and is divided into three sections. The lower section is the stand, which can be moved freely to adjust the angle of the tablet. The middle section always stays attached to the tablet. The narrow upper section can be opened up so that I can reach the pen, which is also magnetically attached to the back of the tablet.
The keyboard clicks onto the tablet smoothly and can be used immediately. Considering its thin design, it has a long key travel. The actuation points are well noticeable. The touchpad is small, but that’s not a big deal, as the touchscreen is so close. On a solid surface, I can work well with the keyboard. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t want to use it as an everyday work device, as it’s too small and the space between the keys is too tight for my liking.
The Precision Pen 3 can act as a permanent sidekick to the Tab P11 Pro. When it’s attached to the tablet, it charges wirelessly. That’s why I never worry about its battery dying. I find it comfortable to hold and easy to use. In some apps, the more pressure you apply, the thicker the lines are when writing or drawing. I’m happy with it – but I’m not a creative illustrator.
My verdict: longer software support and I’d be a fan
The second-generation Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has reignited my love for tablets. It’s handy, boasts a stylish display and enough power for all kinds of entertainment. The sound quality and battery life are okay, though not outstanding. The charging speed could be better.
However, the Tab P11 Pro has also reminded me that a tablet needs matching accessories. It doesn’t have to be a stylus, but I absolutely need a case with a stand that takes up little space. The keyboard is a practical addition, but I wouldn’t use it much.
I like Android with its subtle adaptations for the tablet. However, what concerns me and actually puts me off the P11 Pro is the limited time for guaranteed updates. I expect to use a tablet longer than a smartphone, so two system updates clearly don’t cut it for me.
Header image: Jan Johannsen
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deWhen I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
