Galaxy Tab S11 Series Can Actually Run Linux Apps

The Galaxy Tab S11 series recently hit stores, and it turns out the new tablets have a hidden feature that could appeal to power users. Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority confirms that the Galaxy Tab S11 supports the Linux Terminal app, letting the tablet run a full Debian-based Linux environment in a virtual machine.

Linux support is probably the coolest feature Samsung didn’t tell about Galaxy Tab S11

Linux Terminal has two main requirements: a compatible version of the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) and chipset support for “unprotected” virtual machines. Because of this, the app only works on certain devices, like Google Pixel tablets. Many Snapdragon-powered devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, cannot run it, while Samsung’s Exynos-powered Galaxy Z Flip 7 can.

Credits: Reddit user u/LeftAd1220

The Galaxy Tab S11 packs the Dimensity 9400+ and runs Android 16-based One UI 8. That makes it fully capable of running Linux apps. According to Reddit user u/NSuknyarov, the Linux Terminal app runs smoothly on the Galaxy Tab S11. While graphical Linux apps aren’t yet supported out of the box, Redditor u/LeftAd1220 has documented ways to manually enable them.

Credits: Reddit user u/NSuknyarov

Although Google’s Pixel Tablet was the first Android tablet to support the Linux Terminal, the Galaxy Tab S11 brings more power, memory, and display output options. Combined with Samsung DeX, this turns the tablet into a versatile portable Linux workstation, as Mishaal highlights.

Whether Snapdragon chips will follow remains uncertain, but the Galaxy Tab S11 demonstrates the potential for Android tablets to rival traditional laptops for power users. With Linux Terminal support, the Galaxy Tab S11 offers a feature Samsung didn’t heavily advertise. And it’s cool.