This time of year, Samsung releases a new version of its flagship Galaxy Tab S series tablet. The update has been a modest improvement over the past few years, and this year’s Galaxy Tab S11 is no different. However, there are some significant advancements, including a more powerful processor and a slightly slimmer design, which makes the already impressive Android tablet even better.
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A big change: While the Tab S11 cable is still available in two sizes, Samsung keeps the 14.6-inch Ultra’s giant, but discards the 12.4-inch Plus in favor of the smaller, more affordable 11-inch model. I like this move because I tend to find the 14.6-inch model a little too large (and expensive) and prefer the more compact 11-inch size over the 12.4-inch size.
The price of the S11 Ultra has not changed. It starts at $1,200 and has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. As for the 11-inch Tab S11, it starts at $800, the same as RAM and storage. Both models retain their MICROSD card slots, so you can easily add more storage by purchasing a microSD card with 2TB capacity (this is higher than the 1.5TB capacity card supported by the Tab S10).
The Tab S11 Ultra is slightly smaller and lighter than the Tab S10 Ultra.
Slightly smaller, lighter, smaller bezel
Samsung also stressed that both tablets are now slightly thinner and lighter than their predecessors. The Ultra is 5.4mm thick and 5.1mm thick, while the current bezel is 5.2mm, while the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is 5.3mm. Its weight increased from 718 grams to 692 grams. The Tab S11 is now 5.5mm thick, while the Galaxy Tab S9 is 5.9mm. Its border increased from 5.9mm to 5.5mm, and its weight dropped from 498g (for Tab S9) to 482g.
Watch the following: Back to the Future: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 returns 11-inch size
These changes are relatively small, but the device is a little smaller and lighter, and Samsung also managed to get the battery slightly larger and stuff the battery into Ultra: 11,600 mAh, while the Tab S10 has 11,200 mAh. The TAB S11 has the same capacity as the 8,400-MAH battery in the Tab S9.
The Tab S11 Ultra has an extra camera on the back, but it drops the extra front-facing camera on the Tab S10 Ultra. Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 FE smartphone is in photos for comparison.
As for the camera, both models have a 12-megapixel front cam and a 13-megapixel rear camera. Ultra adds a second 8-megapixel speeding camera to the back. By comparison, the Tab S10 Ultra has a 13-megapixel and 8-megapixel overspeed rear camera and a 12-megapixel overspeed front camera, so the new model lacks a 12-megapixel overspeed front camera.
Sorry to throw all these numbers at you, but when it comes to tablets, the specifications do matter. So I will keep them coming – combined with some of the most important upgrades.
Processor and screen brightness upgrades
Both models are powered by Samsung’s 24% faster CPU performance, 27% faster GPU performance and NPU performance than the MediAtek 9400 Chip in the Tab S10 series, both of which are powered by Mediatek Dimention 9400 Plus processors. NPU stands for neural processing units, which helps drive AI performance and machine learning tasks. During my limited time with the Tab S11 Ultra, I noticed that the AI processing seems to have some zippers.
Samsung used to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 elite processor in its flagship films, but moved to Mediatek chips from last year’s Tab S10, which some people were upset about. We haven’t benchmarked the Tab S11 yet, but the current flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 4 processor does have strong CPU performance. On the other hand, its GPU performance is generally not as good as the Mediatek Dimente 9400 Plus, and it runs more efficiently and is slightly less energy efficient. So each processor has its advantages and disadvantages, and I ended up with the Tab S11 with OnePlus Pad 3which has different aspect ratios, but comes with a Snapdragon 8 Elite 4 processor, currently available for $649.
The peak brightness has risen. The display technology is in units of 120Hz refresh rate.
Another important upgrade seems to be in the screen brightness. Both models now offer 1,600 NITS peak brightness, while the Tab S10’s 930 Nits peak brightness. I should add that the monitors are AMOL, not LCD, with a 120Hz refresh rate, so these are really top-notch tablet monitors. The resolution of the Tab S11 Ultra is 2960 x 1848 (240 ppi), while the Tab S11 has a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 (275 ppi). By comparison, Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro Display offers 2752 x 2064 pixel resolution at 264 ppi, while specifications 11-inch iPad Pro Shown as 2420 x1668 pixel resolution of 264 ppi.
I should also point out that the larger Tab S11 Ultra has an extra tensile coating, while the 11-inch model doesn’t. Both screens are reflective, but have a huge 14.6-inch display that helps with more reversal pull technology.
The last hardware change is the S Pen. It has been redesigned with a hexagonal grip and a new larger conical tip for better control. The S-pen is included in the tablet, which is great, although you have to pay an extra for the box or keyboard case.
The new S-pen (right) has a conical tip and hexagonal grip. The previous pen is on the left.
A few feature updates will also enter TAB S10
Other changes are software-related and upgraded Samsung’s DEX mode, which stands for “Desktop Experience”. This mode provides a more PC-like interface for the tablet and allows you to connect to a TV or monitor as well as a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Samsung makes jumping into DEX mode easier, allowing you to create a true two-person monitor setup and support multiple screens and up to four custom workspaces.
Samsung also created a shortcut wheel interface when using the S Pen, making access to certain features easier. Both new features will be updated to the Tab S10 model later this year with software, so they are not unique to the Tab S11.
Take a look at the slightly narrow bezel on the Tab S11 Ultra. “Introduction Now” is a new feature that gives you the highlights of the day.
In short, this is almost the new Tab S11 model. Once I get a sample of comments, I will be benchmarking and do more hands-on testing and comparisons with other advanced Android tablets.
As always, use a grain of salt to get these list prices, as Samsung often offers discounts and equipment to weigh in on options to lower them. This should be the case this time.
