Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Series: Bold, Familiar, and Expensive
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 lineup is almost here, and while it feels like a natural continuation of the Tab S10 series, there are a few decisions that make this release stand out. From a surprise shift in processors to laptop-level pricing, the S11 and S11 Ultra tell us a lot about Samsung’s strategy for tablets in 2025.
The Ultra That Wants to Be a Laptop
The Tab S11 Ultra is Samsung’s statement piece. At 14.6 inches, this display isn’t just for watching Netflix — it’s big enough to replace your everyday laptop if you pair it with a keyboard. The bezels are barely there, and yes, the notch survives. This time, it’s a softer semicircle that feels less intrusive, but it will still divide opinions just like Apple’s Dynamic Island.
What really caught my eye is the processor. Instead of going with Qualcomm again, Samsung is trying something different: the MediaTek Dimensity 9400. That’s a bold move, and it shows Samsung’s confidence in MediaTek’s flagship chips finally standing shoulder to shoulder with Snapdragon.
The Regular Tab S11: Practical, Subtle, Reliable
If the Ultra is for power users, the Tab S11 feels like the safe bet for everyone else. An 11-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, up to 512GB of storage, and classic Silver and Gray finishes — this is the tablet that won’t turn heads but will quietly do its job. It’s easy to imagine students, casual users, or professionals slipping this into a bag without fuss.
Battery and Cameras: Built for the Everyday Grind
Samsung didn’t skimp on battery either. The S11 packs 8,400mAh, while the Ultra goes big with 11,600mAh — both with 45W fast charging. Cameras? Nothing groundbreaking, but 13MP rear + 12MP front is more than enough for Zoom calls or a quick snap. And yes, both tablets will run Android 16 with One UI 8, so you’re set for years of updates.
Pricing: Entering Laptop Territory
Here’s where the Tab S11 story gets controversial. The Ultra starts at $1,200 and stretches to a staggering $1,700 for the 1TB model. That’s not just tablet money anymore — that’s laptop, even gaming laptop money. The regular Tab S11 at $860 feels far more reasonable, but still pricier than many competitors.
Samsung clearly isn’t chasing budget buyers here. This is about taking on Apple’s iPad Pro, and the price tags show it.
Final Thoughts: Worth It or Too Much?
Personally, I think Samsung is doubling down on two very different audiences:
- The Ultra is for professionals who want to ditch their laptop.
- The regular Tab S11 is for users who just want a premium tablet without crossing into MacBook-level pricing.
The big question is simple: would you spend $1700 on a tablet, or would you still trust Apple’s iPad ecosystem at that price?
