The tablet market caters to diverse needs, from demanding professional environments to casual entertainment. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 targets users requiring extreme durability, while the Amazon Fire Max 11 aims to deliver a large-screen experience at an accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core strengths and weaknesses to determine which tablet reigns supreme for your specific use case.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing durability and a full Android experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is the clear winner. Its Exynos 1380 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and its ruggedized design offers peace of mind. However, the Amazon Fire Max 11 presents a compelling value proposition for casual users seeking a large display and media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 68 | - |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 10 | 2023, May 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 23 | Available. Released 2023, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 213.8 x 126.8 x 10.1 mm (8.42 x 4.99 x 0.40 in) | 259.1 x 163.7 x 7.5 mm (10.20 x 6.44 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 433 g (15.27 oz) | 490 g (1.08 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~283 ppi density) | 2000 x 1200 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~68.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT8188J |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 11, Fire OS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, charging/accessories connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Tactical Edition | Gray |
| Models | SM-X306B | KFSNWI |
| Price | $ 629.99 | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.53 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5
- Superior performance with the Exynos 1380 chipset.
- Ruggedized design for enhanced durability.
- Full Android experience with access to the Google Play Store.
- Likely higher price point.
- Potentially less optimized for media consumption compared to Fire OS.
Amazon Fire Max 11
- Significantly more affordable.
- Large 10.1-inch display for immersive viewing.
- Tight integration with Amazon's ecosystem.
- Less powerful Mediatek MT8188J chipset.
- Fire OS is a modified Android experience with limited Google services.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing for both, the Fire Max 11's larger 10.1-inch screen offers more viewing real estate. The Active5 likely prioritizes screen durability over peak brightness, given its ruggedized nature. The Fire Max 11's panel is likely IPS LCD, while the Active5 may also utilize IPS, but with a reinforced cover glass. Color accuracy is expected to be standard on both, geared towards acceptable viewing rather than professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary focus for either tablet. The Active5 likely features a basic camera setup adequate for documentation or quick scans. The Fire Max 11’s camera specs are also likely modest. Given the context data, detailed analysis is limited, but it’s safe to assume image quality will be acceptable for casual use but not competitive with smartphone cameras. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither device is intended for serious photography.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset demonstrably outperforms the Amazon Fire Max 11’s Mediatek MT8188J. The Exynos 1380 features a more modern CPU architecture with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, compared to the Fire Max 11’s two Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1380 also contributes to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both utilize a 6x Cortex-A55 configuration for efficiency, the Active5’s overall processing power is significantly higher, making it better suited for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Fire Max 11 includes 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards. The Active5’s battery capacity is unknown, but its more efficient Exynos 1380 chipset could offset a potentially smaller battery size. The Active5 may also support faster charging, though this is unconfirmed. The Fire Max 11’s slower charging speed will require more time to reach a full charge, potentially impacting usability for users who need quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 if you need a tablet capable of withstanding drops, dust, and water exposure, and require a full-featured Android experience for work or specialized applications. Buy the Amazon Fire Max 11 if you prioritize affordability, enjoy Amazon's ecosystem, and primarily intend to use the tablet for streaming video, reading, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Tab Active5 get hot during prolonged use, like gaming or video editing?
The Exynos 1380's 5nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While it will generate heat under heavy load, it's less prone to significant throttling compared to older or less efficient chipsets. The Active5's ruggedized design may also incorporate thermal management features to further mitigate heat buildup.
❓ How restricted is the Amazon Fire OS experience compared to standard Android? Can I sideload apps easily?
Amazon Fire OS is a heavily modified version of Android, lacking direct access to the Google Play Store and Google Mobile Services. While you can sideload apps, it's not a seamless process and may require technical expertise. The experience is geared towards Amazon's content ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on Amazon apps and services.
❓ Is the ruggedized design of the Tab Active5 bulky or uncomfortable to hold for extended periods?
The Active5's ruggedized design does add some bulk compared to standard tablets. However, Samsung has attempted to balance durability with ergonomics. The added grip provided by the textured casing can actually improve handling, especially in challenging environments. It's a trade-off between protection and sleekness.
❓ What kind of accessories are available for the Amazon Fire Max 11, and are there keyboard/stylus options?
Amazon offers a range of accessories for the Fire Max 11, including a keyboard case and a stylus. These accessories enhance the tablet's functionality for productivity and creative tasks. The keyboard case provides a more comfortable typing experience, while the stylus enables precise input for drawing and note-taking.
