Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Hands-On: Revolutionizing Productivity with Upgraded Desktop Mode and S Pen

September 4, 2025

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 display

Samsung has introduced two new contenders for inclusion in our top Android tablets ranking with the debut of the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. These devices were revealed during Samsung’s presentations at IFA, featuring several enhancements that make me eager to test them out with my suite of work applications, assessing their potential to supplant my laptop.

The Galaxy Tab S11 is priced starting at $799/£799 and features an 11-inch screen, whereas the Ultra model boasts a large 14.6-inch display and starts at $1,199/£1,199. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is not only expansive but also the thinnest Galaxy Tab yet at just 5.1mm (0.2 inches) thick, and it weighs less than its predecessors at 692 grams (24.4 ounces).

At 469g (16.5 ounces), the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11 might not set records like the Ultra, but it’s still a significant release. Samsung previously limited its Galaxy Tab S10 lineup to Plus and Ultra models. With competitors like the iPad Pro available in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, and the OnePlus Pad 3 (our top-rated Android tablet) lacking a smaller version, Samsung is wisely targeting this market segment.

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Galaxy Tab S11

Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Starting price

$799 / £799

$1,199 / £1,199

Display

11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2,560 x 1,600)

14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with anti-reflection layer (2,960 x 1,848)

Refresh rate

120Hz adaptive

120Hz adaptive

Chipset

Dimensity 9400 Plus

Dimensity 9400 Plus

RAM

12GB

12GB, 16GB (with 1TB storage)

Storage

128GB, 256GB, 512GB / Expandable up to 2TB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB / Expandable up to 2TB

Cameras

13MP rear, 12MP front

13MP main and 8MP ultrawide rear, 12MP front

Battery

8,400 mAh

11,600 mAh

Charging

45W wired

45W wired

Operating system

Android 16 with One UI 8

Android 16 with One UI 8

Size

9.99 x 6.51 x 0.22 inches

12.85 x 8.21 x 0.20 inches

Weight

469g / 1.06 pounds

692 grams / 1.52 pounds

Dust/water resistance

IP68

IP68

Colors

Gray, Silver

Gray, Silver

Samsung claims these new tablets’ AMOLED 2X displays can reach up to 1,600 nits of brightness, potentially keeping them at the forefront of the market in terms of screen luminance. The Ultra model also benefits from a slightly increased display area due to a redesigned, smaller notch, although it has one less camera.

Alongside these tablets, Samsung has introduced a redesigned S Pen with a hexagonal barrel and a firm cone tip, a significant departure from the previous soft-tipped versions. Unlike before, this new S Pen lacks a magnetic strip for attachment. However, those familiar with the Apple Pencil might find the new design comfortably familiar.

For those who multitask, the Galaxy Tab S11 series offers improved DeX desktop mode capabilities. When connected to a monitor, users can now extend their workspace rather than just mirroring it, thanks to the Extended mode. Additionally, DeX now allows the use of up to four separate workspaces, providing ample space to spread out applications.

The large screen of the Galaxy tablets enhances Samsung’s Galaxy AI features. Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Google Gemini can now be displayed in a movable overlay, making it easy to manage alongside other applications. Tools like Drawing Assist are optimally utilized with a stylus on a large screen.

Essential productivity applications such as Notion, Goodnotes, LumaFusion, and Clip Studio Paint come pre-installed on the Tab S11 series, complete with bonuses like templates or free trials to sweeten the deal. It’s clear Samsung is pushing for these tablets to be used more like traditional laptops, as evidenced by the enhancements to the DeX feature.

The Galaxy Tab S11 is powered by the Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset, Samsung’s first 3nm chip used in a tablet. This new chipset reportedly delivers a 24% improvement in CPU performance, a 27% boost in GPU performance, and a 33% increase in NPU performance compared to the previous Galaxy Tab S10.

Storage options for the Galaxy Tab S11 include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the Ultra model offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations. Standard models come with Wi-Fi only, but there is an option to include 5G for an additional cost.

The potential for productivity is greater than ever with updates to DeX, the redesigned S Pen, and the new chipset. However, those looking for a top-tier tablet will find that the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra effortlessly handle basic tasks like browsing and streaming.

But these aren’t the only innovations Samsung announced at IFA. For example, consider the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung’s new entry-level flagship smartphone.

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