Tabs. Yes, that same gadget that we were ready to write off in 2019 have made a comeback of sorts. Blame it on WFH and the need for a larger screen. Apple’s iPad has captured a large chunk of the premium tab segment driven by a dedicated iPad OS and a comprehensive portfolio. Samsung has been the ‘go to’ option for Android diehards and now Lenovo is upping the ante. The brand’s new Yoga Tab 11 is riding heavily on its unique design element – the kickstand. Is that reason enough to make this a serious contender for an Entertainment Tab.

We’re still waiting for an Android answer to iPad OS: 

We’ll take the bull by the horns first – the OS. We’ve enjoyed using Android tabs like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 and Lenovo’s Tab P11 Pro. These tabs boast of brilliant displays, solid battery life and a slinky build that lets you slip them into your thinnest portfolios. They’re all great binge watch companions, perfect to play catch up with downloaded episodes of your favourite shows on a flight. But that’s not the only reason people buy premium tabs. Our recurring gripe has been the lack of a dedicated Tab-specific OS, an Android answer to iPad OS. That remains our primary crib with this new tab from Lenovo. 

The kickstand has our attention: 

It’s clever, it’s practical. The Yoga 11 gets its increased flexibility from a kickstand that’s seamlessly integrated into the design. It gives you multiple viewing angles without a fuss. We also like the elegant fabric finish on the rear of the device that is reminiscent of a premium Microsoft Surface build. The kickstand lends an extra heft though; it also adds a slight bump that makes the device lean to one direction  when you place it flat on a table. It’s almost as if Lenovo wants you to use this device with the kickstand at all times. We’re good with that. The viewing angles worked whether I was watching Netflix, scanning my email or doing a Zoom call. There’s one downside though, it’s tough to add a keyboard (unless it’s a standalone Bluetooth keyboard) to this device. 

It’s got the hardware to get stuff done:

At its heart is the MediaTek Helio G90T Octa-core processor. There’s a choice of hardware variants – 4GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB. It’s enough for occasional gameplay; we would have liked to see a 120Hz refresh rate though. The Yoga 11 is kitted with a 11-inch IPS LCD display (2000 x 1200 pixels / peak brightness of 400 nits) that maxes out at a refresh rate of 60Hz. The 7500 mAh battery is quite robust. Our tests validated Lenovo’s 15-hour video playback claim.  

Is it for you?

If you’re looking at a work + play device, the Yoga 11 doesn’t quite cut it. The Precision Pen 2 that allows you to take notes is not part of the standard bundle and a keyboard is tough to integrate too. But even if you find a Bluetooth Keyboard and invest in the Pen, it’s the lack of a robust tab-specific OS that drags down the work creds of this device. However, if you’re looking at an entertainment screen, the Lenovo Yoga 11 won’t let you down. Colours are vibrant on the 2K display, sound quality on the JBL quad speakers is quite impressive too. It’s also geared for video calls if you need a second screen that allows you to continue to get stuff done on your laptop or primary work screen. It explains Lenovo’s pitch for the Yoga 11 a ‘Family Entertainment tablet’. Spot on. 

Bottomline: 

What we like: kickstand with multiple viewing angles, display, sound quality.  

What can be better: Lack of a Tab-specific OS, no stylus pen in the box. 

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 starts at Rs 29,999/-