At IFA 2022, Lenovo presented the new edition of the Android tablet Tab P11 Pro with the suffix Gen 2. Compared to the first edition, the new Pro model relies on a bright OLED screen, a strong processor, and a lot of features that might also qualify the device as a notebook replacement. Our Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review clarifies what the device is capable of and where its weaknesses might lie.
Technical data
| CPU | MediaTek Kompanio 1300T; 4x 2.60 GHz (ARM Cortex-A78) + 4x 2.00 GHz (ARM Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G77 MC9 |
| Memory | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| System memory | 256 GB (UFS 3.1); expandable by 1 TB (microSD) |
| Display | 11.2 inches; 2560×1536 pixels; OLED; 120Hz |
| Connectors | 1x USB Type-C 3.0 |
| Mobile Standards | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Cameras | Front: 8 megapixels, f/2.0; Rear:13 megapixels, f/2.4, AF |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh |
| Weight | 476 grams |
| Features | Precision Pen 3 included or sold separately; Keyboard Pack sold separately |
| Price | € 519.99 * |
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review: scope of delivery, design and workmanship
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 comes in a white-purple box, whose contents are quite surprising. The manufacturer not only includes a USB-A to USB-C charging cable with a length of two meters, but also the matching USB-A power adapter, which is quite rare nowadays.
But the scope of delivery does not end there. The manufacturer even includes a stylus in the form of the Precision Pen 3 in the box, along with a SIM card tool and the usual manuals and warranty cards. Thus, you are already well-equipped with the purchase.
Alternatively, you can turn the tablet into a detachable notebook with the two-piece Lenovo Keyboard Pack, which the manufacturer also provided us with for testing purposes. It consists of a magnetic kickstand cover and a flat keyboard that connects to the tablet via the Pogo pins and even has a touchpad. We will tell you whether the combination could actually replace a notebook in the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review below.
Design and workmanship
- High-quality, classy design
- Impeccable build quality
- Memory expandable via microSD card
With its angular shape and flat sides, the Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is not only remotely reminiscent of the current iPad models from Apple. Lenovo relies on a robust metal casing that leaves a very high-quality impression.
The back is two-tone: The upper third, which also houses the 13-megapixel camera, comes in a matte, dark gray color. The lower area, on the other hand, is much more shimmery, whereby these areas also shift depending on the incidence of light.
It always looks chic, but magically attracts unsightly fingerprints even after unpacking. So polishing is the order of the day here. There is also a pill-shaped frame in the upper area of the back, where the stylus is held magnetically. It is also charged here. You can also position the stylus on the long upper or lower side, where it is also held magnetically, but is not charged.
In terms of dimensions, the tablet is also pleasantly compact. The tablet is 264 mm wide, 166 mm high and only 6.7 mm deep and thus fits easily into a pocket or backpack. The weight of 476 grams without the stylus or 488 grams with the stylus also qualifies the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 as a practical companion for on the go.
Otherwise, the build quality is impeccable. Fortunately, you will not find any sharp edges or gaps; the tablet looks like it was cast from one piece.
The Pogo pin connectors for connecting the keyboard cover are found on the underside, but that’s all that’s visible here. On the right side of the tablet you’ll find a separate volume up and volume down button, quite far up. The power button, on the other hand, is found on the short upper side in the right corner. Framed between two of the four speakers is the SIM card slot, which turns out to be a memory expansion slot when you open it – it only accepts a microSD card to expand the 256 GB system memory. Memory cards with a maximum capacity of 1 terabyte can be used.
The two other speakers are found on the bottom of the tablet, which accommodate the USB-C port in the middle. Unfortunately, this only works in the USB 3.0 standard and enables a decent charging speed with the help of the included 20-watt power supply.
Hell and colorful OLED display
- High-color, high-contrast OLED display
- Convincing maximum brightness
- Elegant speakers with Dolby Atmos
One of the equipment highlights of the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is undoubtedly the OLED display. It has a diagonal of 11.2 inches and a fairly high WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,635 pixels. Thus, the tablet achieves a pixel density of 267 ppi and excellent sharpness.
Furthermore, the device offers a refresh rate of 120 hertz, which allows smooth animations and gaming. The maximum brightness of 600 cd/m² is also pleasing and enables good legibility even in sunny outdoor use – but you only get the full brightness when you activate the automatic brightness.
Otherwise, the display is pleasantly stable in viewing angles and scores with rich colors and high contrasts, which is typical for OLEDs. HDR and Dolby Vision standards are also supported, which makes the Tab 11 Pro Gen 2 perfectly suitable for watching movies and series with various streaming providers. In any case, Lenovo’s device is far ahead in the Android segment in terms of display.
The movie but also music enjoyment is completed by the total of four speakers from the manufacturer JBL, which achieve an excellent volume and can score with a good Dolby Atmos sound. However, they cannot replace real external speakers or good Bluetooth headphones.
Working with the Precision Pen 3
- Precision stylus
- Practical additional functions
It goes without saying that the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 offers a touchscreen. However, the included Precision Pen 3 can be used for quite a few other practical functions besides drawing or writing.
Of course, it also masters the basics and scores with an accurate handwriting recognition, thanks to which even written text can be converted into text on the tablet. It also has a dedicated key that can be used for erasing notes, for example. In PowerPoint, it is also possible to switch back and forth between the different slides at the touch of a button.
The stylus feels good in the hand and offers real added value. However, if you are thinking about buying the tablet, you should definitely study the scope of delivery, because not every retailer already includes the Precision Pen 3 and it costs around 60 Euros extra individually.
Practical test of the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
- Smart working speed
- Good gaming performance
- Fast Wi-Fi 6
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 also cuts a very good figure in everyday use. The tablet is equipped with Android 12 ex-works and is quickly ready for use after the initial setup, which takes around 15 minutes.
The working speed is extremely fast thanks to 8 gigabytes of working and fast UFS 3.1 system memory. However, the installed MediaTek Kompanio 1300T processor with its total of eight processing cores (four performance cores with 2.60 GHz each; four A55 efficiency cores with 2.00 GHz each) also ensures a surprisingly strong everyday performance, which can then also be confirmed in the benchmark results.
With 9,575 points in PCMark’s Work 3.0 benchmark, 763 points in the single-core and 2,303 points in Geekbench 5’s multi-core test, the tablet shows good everyday qualities and is on par with the upper Android mid-range.
The installed ARM Mali-G77 MC9 GPU scores 4,294 points in the 3DMark Wild Life test and thus reveals that the tablet is definitely also suitable for gaming. Of course, upper-class tablets deliver even more performance, but they also cost a few hundred Euros more.
| Benchmark | Result |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 9,575 points |
| Geekbench 5 single core | 763 points |
| Geekbench 5 Multi-Core | 2,303 points |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 4,294 points |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 1,255 points |
The rest of the equipment also cuts a good figure in practice. Wireless surfing is excellent thanks to Wi-Fi 6 with good reception performance and high speeds. Bluetooth version 5.1 enables the connection with other accessories, such as headphones or mice.
Mobile Internet via LTE or 5G is unfortunately not offered – not even as an option, which I find a bit unfortunate. The Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 also lacks a 3.5 mm jack and does not have an IP certification. So caution is advised when it comes to dust, dirt and water.
The two cameras deliver a decent, but not outstanding image quality. However, both lack noticeably in sharpness, but the given quality is sufficient for the one or other video call or scanning documents.
Is the tablet suitable as a notebook replacement?
- Convincing notebook mode with keyboard pack
- Special function mode for ChromeOS feel
- Keyboard with good feel
However, the tablet is quite a potent Chromebook replacement for mobile work, especially in combination with the aforementioned Lenovo Keyboard Pack, which also serves as a protective cover and does not look too bulky.
The plastic keyboard doesn’t feel particularly high-end, but it allows for quick and comfortable typing. Navigating through the menus or apps also works flawlessly with the touchpad. Especially when you want to quickly write an e-mail, note or text on the go, the accessory, which costs around 140 Euros, offers real added value if you want to use it.
Here, the tablet also switches to a so-called “function mode” if desired, where the Android user interface changes and adapts to that of ChromeOS to improve operation with mouse and keyboard. Including task performance and more. Very handy and almost feels like on a regular notebook.
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Battery
- 8,000 mAh battery capacity
- Average battery life of around 8 hours
The battery is something like the Achilles’ heel of the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2. The capacity already turns out to be manageable with 8,000 mAh – after all, the predecessor already offered more here. The OLED panel is also more energy-hungry than LC displays, which has a noticeable impact on the battery runtime.
Lenovo’s advertised “all-day battery life” probably refers to a normal workday, because the P11 Pro Gen 2 achieves almost 8 hours of mixed usage time with slightly reduced brightness. Not bad, but not an outstanding rate either. At full brightness and intensive use, the tablet sometimes runs out of breath after just under six hours.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review: conclusion
In the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 review, the tablet scores with an excellent OLED display with rich colors and 120 hertz, a convincing equipment and other features that are often only found in much more expensive devices.
Thanks to the optional keyboard cover and the successful Precision Pen 3, the device becomes a real mobile notebook replacement. The tablet is also suitable for more demanding tasks and games thanks to its fast working speed, and it also cuts a good figure in media consumption with its display and convincing speakers.
There are no tablets for around 500 Euros in the Android mid-range that offer an OLED screen, which makes the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 all the more exciting. However, you have to accept an average battery life in return. Mobile Internet like LTE or 5G is not even available as an option, while the fingerprint-prone casing needs regular cleaning. If this does not bother you, you will get a lot for your money.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
Design & workmanship
Display
Features
Performance
Battery
Value for money
87/100
Fast and modern Android mid-range tablet that scores with an excellent OLED display, strong speakers, and practical features.
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