The Galaxy Tab S11's new function turns it into a robust Linux PC

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TL;DR

The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 helps operating Linux apps, remodeling the big-screen pill into a flexible productiveness machine. That is notable as a result of it’s the primary MediaTek Dimensity chipset we all know of that may run Android’s Linux Terminal app. Alongside the Galaxy Tab S11, the Xiaomi 15T collection additionally helps the Linux Terminal — however solely after updating to Android 16.

Huge Android tablets are unbelievable units for media consumption, however their productiveness capabilities are all over. Whereas a couple of giant tablets can exchange laptops for some folks, most are, at finest, simply large notepads. The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is firmly within the former class with its huge OLED show and an array of Samsung-exclusive multitasking options. Because of the addition of Linux app help, nevertheless, its computing capabilities transcend these of just about every other Android pill.

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<img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge light@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge light@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png"/><img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge dark@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge dark@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png"/> Earlier this yr, Google launched the Linux Terminal app, permitting you to run full-fledged Linux packages in your Android machine. The app boots an occasion of Debian (a well-liked Linux distribution) in a digital machine (VM). It then allows you to ship instructions to this VM, opening the door to operating many power-user and developer instruments that aren’t natively accessible on Android. This successfully transforms any appropriate Android machine into a robust, transportable Linux PC.

Not each machine has entry to the Linux Terminal app, nevertheless. Whereas each Tensor-powered Google Pixel has it, many Snapdragon-powered units don't. Samsung’s Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Z Fold 7, for instance, doesn't help the Linux Terminal, however its Exynos-powered sibling does.

This discrepancy is as a result of the Linux Terminal app has two key necessities. First, units will need to have a model of the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) that helps the Terminal app. The Android 15 QPR2 replace from March was the primary launch with Terminal help. Second, their chipsets should help operating “unprotected” VMs, i.e., VMs whose reminiscence might be accessed by the host OS. This second requirement is what separates the Galaxy Z Fold 7 from the Z Flip 7; the Flip’s Exynos chipset helps unprotected VMs, whereas the Fold’s Snapdragon chipset doesn't.

<img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Linux Terminal on Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Fold 7" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-1920w-1080h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Linux Terminal on Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Fold 7" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Linux-Terminal-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7-vs-Galaxy-Z-Fold-7-scaled.jpg"/> Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

Left: The Linux Terminal operating on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Proper: The Linux Terminal crashing on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The Galaxy Tab S11 household, nevertheless, isn’t powered by an Exynos or Snapdragon chip, however reasonably a MediaTek one. This created a serious query mark, because it was beforehand unknown whether or not MediaTek’s chipsets met the necessities for the Linux Terminal. To search out out, we would have liked a MediaTek-powered machine operating a model of Android newer than 15 QPR2.

Lo and behold, the Galaxy Tab S11 collection suits that invoice completely. It’s powered by the Dimensity 9400+ and runs Samsung’s One UI 8, which is predicated on Android 16. In line with Reddit consumer NSuknyarov, the Linux Terminal app does certainly work on the brand new pill.

<img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Linux Terminal app running on Galaxy Tab S11" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11.jpeg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-64w-40h.jpeg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-1000w-625h.jpeg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-1728w-1080h.jpeg 1728w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-1382w-864h.jpeg 1382w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-608w-380h.jpeg 608w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11-675w-422h.jpeg 675w" alt="Linux Terminal app running on Galaxy Tab S11" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-running-on-Galaxy-Tab-S11.jpeg"/> A screenshot of the Linux Terminal app on the Galaxy Tab S11.

Whereas the model of the Terminal app on the Tab S11 doesn’t help graphical Linux apps, that performance ought to arrive in a future software program replace. For individuals who are impatient, it’s potential to manually configure graphical app help, as documented by Reddit consumer LeftAd1220.

<img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Graphical Linux apps running on Samsung Galaxy Tab S11" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11.jpeg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-48w-64h.jpeg 48w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-1000w-1333h.jpeg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-810w-1080h.jpeg 810w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-648w-864h.jpeg 648w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-285w-380h.jpeg 285w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11-675w-900h.jpeg 675w" alt="Graphical Linux apps running on Samsung Galaxy Tab S11" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Graphical-Linux-apps-running-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S11.jpeg"/> A photograph displaying graphical Linux apps operating on the Galaxy Tab S11.

The Galaxy Tab S11 isn’t the primary pill to help the Linux Terminal app — that achievement belongs to the Pixel Pill. Nonetheless, the Tab S11 brings a extra highly effective processor, extra reminiscence, and, most significantly, show output to the desk. Mixed with Samsung DeX help, these options help you flip the Tab S11 into an extremely versatile transportable laptop.

The Galaxy Tab S11 additionally isn’t the one MediaTek-powered machine that helps the Linux Terminal app. The brand new Xiaomi 15T collection is appropriate as properly, albeit not out of the field — customers should watch for Xiaomi to roll out its Android 16-based HyperOS 3 replace. This means that the Linux Terminal app will probably work on any Dimensity 9400-powered machine operating Android 16, offered the producer doesn’t deliberately block it. Whether or not older MediaTek chips may also get help stays to be seen. Nonetheless, with Samsung rolling out One UI 8 to the Dimensity 9300-powered Tab S10+, we shouldn’t have to attend lengthy to search out out.

<img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Linux Terminal setting in Xiaomi HyperOS 3" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-scaled.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-36w-64h.jpg 36w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-1000w-1778h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-810w-1440h.jpg 810w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-608w-1080h.jpg 608w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-486w-864h.jpg 486w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-214w-380h.jpg 214w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-675w-1200h.jpg 675w" alt="Linux Terminal setting in Xiaomi HyperOS 3" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-setting-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-scaled.jpg"/><img class="e_ih" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Linux Terminal app in Xiaomi HyperOS 3 on Xiaomi 15T Pro" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-scaled.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-36w-64h.jpg 36w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-1000w-1778h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-810w-1440h.jpg 810w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-608w-1080h.jpg 608w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-486w-864h.jpg 486w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-214w-380h.jpg 214w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-675w-1200h.jpg 675w" alt="Linux Terminal app in Xiaomi HyperOS 3 on Xiaomi 15T Pro" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Terminal-app-in-Xiaomi-HyperOS-3-on-Xiaomi-15T-Pro-scaled.jpg"/> Hopefully, Qualcomm follows swimsuit and brings help for unprotected VMs to its chips so customers with Snapdragon units gained’t be not noted of this productiveness revolution.