Samsung has long been a titan in the Android tablet market, consistently delivering premium devices that rival the likes of Apple’s iPad Pro. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, launched in 2025, continues this legacy with a jaw-dropping 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, an ultra-slim design, and a powerhouse MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset. Priced above $1000, it’s positioned as a flagship tablet for professionals, students, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts. But with only incremental upgrades over its predecessor, the Tab S10 Ultra, is it truly the most epic tablet of 2025?
Design & Build Quality: Sleek, Premium, but Heavy
Samsung’s obsession with slim designs reaches new heights with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, measuring a mere 5.1 mm thick—thinner than most laptops and a slight improvement over the Tab S10 Ultra’s 5.4 mm. Despite its size-zero stature, the tablet feels robust, thanks to its Armor Aluminium chassis that wraps around the edges and back.
This durable frame is resistant to scratches and minor wear, making it a reliable companion for daily use, though a keyboard cover (used during much of the review period) adds extra protection. At 692 grams, the Tab S11 Ultra is noticeably heavy, leading to arm fatigue during extended handheld use. It’s best suited for resting on a lap or desk, especially for prolonged tasks like streaming or working.
The design is sleek and professional, with slim bezels framing the massive display, but it’s not a head-turner, available only in Gray and Silver. These muted color options may feel conservative compared to more vibrant offerings from rivals. However, the IP68 water and dust resistance is a standout feature, allowing you to use the tablet in a hot bath or dusty environments without worry.
The slim bezels ensure an immersive viewing experience, and the reviewer noted no accidental touches despite thumbs occasionally straying onto the screen. Overall, the Tab S11 Ultra’s design is a masterclass in combining premium build quality with practicality, though its weight makes it less ideal for one-handed use.
Display: Samsung’s Biggest Strength
The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is the crown jewel of the Tab S11 Ultra, delivering breathtaking visuals that make it a top choice for entertainment and creative work. With a 2960×1848 resolution, the screen offers pin-sharp detail, perfect for editing photos, watching 4K movies, or sketching with the included S Pen. The display supports HDR10+, ensuring vibrant colors and crisp contrast, while an anti-reflective coating enhances outdoor visibility, even under harsh studio lights or sunlight.
The reviewer praised the screen’s performance, noting that reflections are barely noticeable, making it ideal for outdoor use.
The slim bezels maximize the viewing area, and the notch housing the front camera is minimal, barely intruding on the display. Whether you’re streaming Netflix, editing high-resolution images, or multitasking with multiple apps, the Tab S11 Ultra’s display delivers an immersive and versatile experience. Its slight brightness boost over the Tab S10 Ultra further enhances its appeal, cementing Samsung’s reputation for crafting some of the best tablet displays in 2025.
Performance & Hardware: Flagship Powerhouse
Under the hood, the Tab S11 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, an overclocked version of an already potent processor, delivering flagship-level performance. Whether you’re multitasking with three apps in split-screen mode, running apps in Dex desktop mode, or gaming on titles like Wuthering Waves with maxed-out graphics, the tablet handles everything with ease. The reviewer noted smooth gameplay with fluid frame rates even after an hour of gaming, without the device overheating—a testament to its thermal efficiency.
Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, expandable via microSD up to 2TB, a rare feature in premium tablets. With 12GB or 16GB RAM, the Tab S11 Ultra is built for heavy multitasking, making it a viable laptop replacement for professionals. Connectivity is robust, with Wi-Fi 7, LTE options (physical SIM and eSIM), and reliable hotspotting for staying connected on the go. The combination of raw power and expandable storage makes the Tab S11 Ultra a versatile device for both work and play, rivaling ARM-based laptops like those with Snapdragon X chips.
Software & AI Features: Android 16 Meets One UI 8
Running Android 16 with One UI 8, the Tab S11 Ultra offers a polished and feature-rich software experience, backed by Samsung’s promise of 7 years of OS and security updates. This ensures the tablet remains relevant well into the 2030s, a significant advantage for long-term buyers. One UI 8 introduces a suite of AI-powered features, many of which mirror those found on Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones:
- Webpage summarization: Condenses articles in Samsung’s browser, handy for quick research (though the reviewer, a former journalist, had mixed feelings about its impact on journalism).
- AI transcription and translation: Useful for meetings, travel, or content creation.
- Photo editing tools: Enhanced by AI for easier retouching on the large display.
- Circle to Search with Google Gemini: A convenient tool for quick searches directly from the screen.
Multitasking is a breeze, with support for three apps in split-screen mode or floating windows in Dex desktop mode, which mimics a PC-like interface. Users can resize and move windows freely, and Dex supports independent configurations for landscape and portrait modes, preventing icon clutter when rotating the tablet. While One UI can occasionally feel bulky, with rare app misbehavior during heavy multitasking, the software experience is generally smooth and reliable, enhanced by robust Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.
Security & Unlocking Options: Fast and Reliable
The Tab S11 Ultra offers two secure unlocking methods. Face Unlock is lightning-fast, even in low-light conditions, though it struggles when wearing sunglasses or a hat. To address this, Samsung includes a side-mounted optical fingerprint scanner, a rare feature in Android tablets. The scanner is highly reliable, working well unless hands are wet or dirty. These options ensure quick and secure access, making the Tab S11 Ultra user-friendly for both casual and professional use.
S Pen & Productivity Features: Creative and Functional
The included S Pen is a major highlight, magnetically attaching to the top edge of the tablet—a more practical placement than the rear-mounted design of previous models. The reviewer found it less likely to be knocked off, though it may still dislodge in a backpack unless stored separately. The S Pen is ideal for drawing, note-taking, and editing, offering a smooth and responsive experience for creatives and professionals. However, it lacks Bluetooth functionality, limiting it to writing and drawing without remote features like those found in older Galaxy S Ultra smartphone styluses.
The optional keyboard cover transforms the Tab S11 Ultra into a laptop-like device, but it has drawbacks. The slim design adds minimal bulk, and the keys are decently sized with a double-row enter key and function keys for brightness, volume, and Dex shortcuts. Three customizable app shortcut buttons add convenience. However, the shallow key travel and firm typing action make typing less comfortable, and the lack of backlighting hinders nighttime use.
The fixed screen angle is another limitation, making lap-based use awkward and causing issues with the front camera’s positioning during video calls. Despite these flaws, the keyboard cover enhances productivity, especially in Dex mode, making the Tab S11 Ultra a strong choice for work-from-anywhere professionals.
Audio & Entertainment: Immersive and Powerful
The Tab S11 Ultra’s quad-speaker setup delivers loud, bass-rich audio, making it a fantastic device for entertainment. Whether streaming Netflix, YouTube, or music, the speakers provide an immersive experience that rivals some laptops. The reviewer noted impressive audio quality despite the tablet’s slim profile, with no distortion even at high volumes. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users must rely on Bluetooth headphones, which performed flawlessly during testing. For movie buffs and music lovers, the Tab S11 Ultra’s audio-visual combo is a standout, offering a theater-like experience on the go.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Endurance
The 11,600 mAh battery is a powerhouse, delivering 9–10 hours of mixed use—including multitasking, video streaming, and occasional video chats—even with the screen brightness maxed out. The reviewer used the tablet outdoors with high brightness and volume, and it still lasted a full day without needing a recharge. This endurance rivals some Snapdragon X laptops, making the Tab S11 Ultra a reliable work and entertainment companion. The 45W wired charging, while not the fastest compared to some Chinese tablets, is sufficient, though a full charge takes longer than ideal. For users who prioritize all-day battery life, the Tab S11 Ultra delivers in spades.
Camera Setup: Functional but Not Groundbreaking
The Tab S11 Ultra’s camera setup is practical for a tablet, though not a highlight. The 12MP ultra-wide front camera, housed in a minimal notch, supports 4K video at 30fps and performs well for video calls, with clear microphones that capture voices effectively. However, when docked in the keyboard cover, the fixed screen angle causes the camera to point upward, capturing more ceiling than face unless the user leans in awkwardly. The rear features a 13MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, suitable for casual photos or document scanning but not a replacement for smartphone cameras. The cameras are functional for tablet use cases but don’t push boundaries, aligning with the device’s focus on productivity and entertainment.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-slim 5.1 mm design with premium Armor Aluminium chassis.
- Gorgeous 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ and anti-reflective coating.
- Flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Long 9–10 hour battery life, comparable to ARM-based laptops.
- Excellent multitasking with split-screen and Dex desktop mode.
- Included S Pen enhances creativity and productivity.
- 7 years of OS and security updates for long-term reliability.
Cons:
- Expensive, starting over $1000 (keyboard cover sold separately).
- 692 grams feels heavy for prolonged handheld use.
- Keyboard cover has shallow keys, no backlighting, and a fixed angle.
- Limited to Gray and Silver color options.
- 45W charging is slower than some competitors.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is arguably the best Android tablet of 2025, offering a potent blend of premium design, a stunning 14.6-inch AMOLED display, and flagship performance that rivals the iPad Pro M4. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, 11,600 mAh battery, and 7 years of software updates make it a future-proof choice for professionals, students, and creatives who need a versatile device for work and play.
The S Pen and Dex mode enhance productivity, while the immersive display and quad speakers deliver a top-tier entertainment experience. However, its $1000+ price tag (plus the cost of the keyboard cover) and 692-gram weight may deter some, and the incremental upgrades over the Tab S10 Ultra make it a tough sell for existing owners unless the slightly brighter display and improved performance are must-haves.
For new buyers, the Tab S11 Ultra is a powerhouse that competes fiercely with the iPad Pro and other Android tablets like the OnePlus Pad 3. Its combination of a gorgeous screen, robust multitasking, and long battery life makes it ideal for those seeking a laptop replacement or a premium entertainment device. If you’re in the market for a high-end tablet that excels in both productivity and leisure, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a stellar choice in 2025, provided you’re willing to invest in its premium price and can handle its weight.
Starts over $1000 (excl. keyboard cover), varying by storage/RAM.
Up to 9–10 hours of mixed use, ideal for all-day work/play.
Yes, supports three-app split-screen, Dex desktop mode, and floating windows.
Author Section: With over 15 years of experience reviewing technology, UK journalist Chris Barraclough has written for Tech Radar and dozens of PC/smartphone publications, as well as editing Mobile Choice magazine. Like Unbox Therapy, Supersaf, MKBHD and others, he also spent several years presenting tech-based YouTube videos for the likes of Tech Radar and Recombu.
