Samsung’s latest flagship tablet impresses in many ways, but raises questions about its true intent and value for upgraders.
Samsung’s Continued Push into the Premium Tablet Space
Samsung has maintained its annual tradition of releasing high-end Android tablets. In 2025, the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra stand as the latest entries in this elite segment. While the Android tablet market remains relatively sparse at the premium level, Samsung continues to carry the torch with confidence.
- Flagship ambition: These devices aim to rival not just other Android tablets, but Apple’s iPad Pro series as well.
- Targeted power users: Samsung’s strategy seems to cater to productivity-focused users, but the execution feels somewhat muddled.
Design Upgrades, But At A Cost
On the surface, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a refined and modern-looking device. Samsung has clearly trimmed the fat—literally.
- Thinner and lighter: A more compact footprint with significantly slimmer bezels enhances its premium appeal.
- Material trade-offs: The removal of the glass back panel may improve durability, but it also eliminates wireless charging for the S Pen.
- Stylus downgrade: Samsung also removed Bluetooth capabilities from the S Pen, removing gesture controls and disappointing long-time users.
Familiar Display, Familiar Questions
One of the most lauded features—the display—is undeniably top-tier. But it also raises eyebrows.
- Same display as last year: While vibrant and sharp, the screen is nearly identical to the S10 Ultra’s, offering little incentive for recent upgraders.
- Lack of standout features: The overall experience doesn’t introduce any defining innovations or surprises.
Performance is Strong, But Still Not PC-Grade
Despite its flagship status, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra seems unsure of whether it wants to replace your laptop or simply complement it.
- Performance plateau: For users expecting PC-like functionality, the experience remains limited to what Android and DeX can offer.
- Comparisons to Apple: Apple’s iPads with M-series chips have narrowed the gap with traditional laptops. Samsung, though capable, hasn’t shown the same ambition here.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?
The tablet will certainly impress users upgrading from older models, especially the Tab S9 series or earlier.
- Great for new adopters: If you’re entering the flagship tablet world or coming from older hardware, it’s a powerful and beautiful machine.
- Skip if you have the S10 Ultra: The upgrades are too minor to justify a full-price replacement.
Final Thoughts: Power Without Direction
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is undeniably premium, but it struggles with identity. It offers refined hardware but lacks the innovation or ecosystem integration needed to justify its price for recent upgraders. If Samsung wants these tablets to compete with laptops or lead the Android tablet renaissance, it needs to push further—in performance, software, and vision.
