Samsung’s latest flagship tablets, the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, were unveiled globally in early September, and markets like Nigeria have already welcomed them. Yet here in Kenya, Samsung Mobile Kenya has remained completely silent about local availability. But that silence might not last much longer.
Firmware hints reveal an imminent launch
Fresh Android 16-based firmware files for the “AFR” region, Samsung’s internal code for markets like Kenya and the wider East African region, have now surfaced for both devices:
- Galaxy Tab S11 (SM-X736B): Firmware version X736BXXU2AYI4
- Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (SM-X936B): Firmware version X936BXXU2AYI4
AFR firmware is what ships on Samsung devices sold locally, so the existence of these builds is one of the clearest signs that launch plans are already in motion. Considering Nigeria received the tablets just recently alongside the more affordable Tab A11, it’s very likely Samsung is gearing up to bring the Galaxy Tab S11 series to Kenya and neighbouring markets.
However, there’s still a twist: we couldn’t trace any AFR firmware for the Tab A11, which suggests Samsung may skip the budget model in this region or bring it later.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything officially… yet
Samsung Mobile Kenya hasn’t issued a press statement or teased anything on social media. But the firmware trail rarely lies, and with the Nigerian roll-out already done, it’s just a matter of time before Kenyan retailers start listing the new models or Samsung drops an announcement.
So if you’ve been eyeing the Galaxy Tab S11 or its Ultra sibling, this is the strongest sign yet that a local launch is imminent. And based on the specs alone, these tablets are among the most powerful Android slabs released to date.
What makes the Tab S11 series special?
Samsung launched the tablets with a focus on Galaxy AI, advanced productivity and redesigned hardware. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, especially, is Samsung’s thinnest tablet ever at just 5.1 mm yet still packs a monster battery, a new 3nm chipset, an upgraded DeX experience and a redesigned S Pen.
To give you a clearer idea of what each model offers, here’s a side-by-side specs breakdown:
Galaxy Tab S11 vs Tab S11 Ultra key specs & features
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S11 | Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2560×1600, 120Hz, up to 1600 nits | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960×1848, 120Hz, up to 1600 nits + Anti-reflection |
| Thickness | 5.5 mm | 5.1 mm (thinnest Galaxy Tab yet) |
| Weight | 469g (Wi-Fi) / 471g (5G) | 692g (Wi-Fi) / 695g (5G) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ | MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ |
| RAM & Storage Options | 12GB + 128GB 12GB + 256GB 12GB + 512GB MicroSD up to 2TB | 12GB + 256GB 12GB + 512GB 16GB + 1TB MicroSD up to 2TB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 13MP + 8MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Battery | 8,400 mAh, 45W fast charging | 11,600 mAh, 45W fast charging |
| OS & Software | Android 16 + One UI 8 with Galaxy AI | Android 16 + One UI 8 with Galaxy AI |
| S Pen | Redesigned S Pen included | Redesigned S Pen included |
| Samsung DeX | Enhanced, Extended Mode | Enhanced, Extended Mode |
| Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 7 |
| Durability | IP68, Armor Aluminum | IP68, Armor Aluminum |
| Colours | Gray, Silver | Gray, Silver |
| Accessories | Book cover keyboard slim, screen protector | Book cover keyboard slim, frame cover, screen protector |
From students to creatives to business travellers, Samsung is clearly positioning these tablets as laptop-lite workhorses with AI and multitasking at the centre. The upgraded DeX mode even lets you create up to four separate workspaces and pair the tablet with an external monitor using Extended Mode.
The redesigned S Pen, now with better tilt support, a new ergonomic shape and floating Quick Tools, makes both models powerful canvases for writing, sketching and note-taking. Add features like Gemini Live, Circle to Search with live translation, Drawing Assist, and Writing Assist, and you’re looking at some of the most productivity-focused tablets Samsung has ever shipped.
What about pricing?
No local pricing hints yet, but based on Nigeria’s rollout, you can expect the Ultra to sit in premium laptop territory, with the standard Tab S11 priced slightly lower. However, Kenyan availability will determine the actual numbers.
Unless Samsung pulls a surprise U-turn, the AFR firmware sighting is a reliable sign that the Tab S11 lineup is coming to Kenya and East Africa soon. Retailers, carriers and Samsung partners will likely start teasing the devices in the coming weeks.
