Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: Oversized and underpowered
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra debuted in September 2025. After trying it ourselves, we found it to be a solid tablet, but less powerful than other models.
After careful hands-on testing, we feature our favorite gear and gadgets as Mashable Selects products in our dedicated shopping guides.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra launched in September 2025, ushering in the next generation of the brand's tablets. The S11 Ultra is a beefy model, one of the largest tablets we've had in our hands. With a 14.6-inch screen, it dwarfs the tablets we're used to, even Apple's 13-inch models.
With its large size, we expected a lot from this device and ultimately wondered if it lives up to the performance and power of elite tablets like Apple's iPad Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a mixed bag, offering stellar battery life but with more to be desired in terms of performance. Here's everything you need to know about the device and if it's worth its $1,319.99 price.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Specs and Price
Let's take a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a pricey model at $1,319.99. In contrast, the more affordable Galaxy Tab S11 with an 11-inch display is available for $979.99.
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Memory: 12GB
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Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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Processor: Octa-Core
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Cameras: 13.0 MP + 8.0 MP rear camera, 12.0 MP front camera, and UHD 4K video recording.
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Audio: Quad speakers
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Ports: One USB-C
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Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Great displays with split screens
With split screens, I can watch a show and color at the same time. Unfortunately, the screenshot blocked out my show. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Since tablets are all screen, it's essential that a device has displays that are actually impressive. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra's 14.6-inch display offers ample space for entertainment or work needs. Its resolution is 2960 x 1848, powered by Dynamic AMOLED.
While watching shows on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, the content looks just as good on the tablet as it does on my Samsung OLED 4K TV, just in a smaller format.
Additionally, it maximizes its surface area. With split-screen capabilities, you can open and view multiple apps at once. For work productivity, this means being able to view documents and work on emails simultaneously. Alternatively, a more enjoyable use is to catch up on shows while playing your favorite mobile games.
It's got some power, but not nearly enough as we want
For its size, I expected the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra to be a powerful unit, rivaling the likes of Apple's iPad Pro. It certainly surprised us, but maybe not in the way we hoped. Don't get it wrong, this is still a robust model. It handled streaming and internet browsing like a pro. Plus, it didn't falter when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Using the tablet's multi-window function, I watched The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City on the Peacock app while playing Subway Surfers. The show streamed in 4K while Subway Surfers ran without a glitch.
But when it comes to actual numbers, we look to the Geekbench 6 test. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has a multi-core score of 8,797, which is far superior to that of a Chromebook, but can't compare to higher-end laptops. In fact, it can't really compare to Apple's tablets. The iPad Pro scores over 16,000 on its multi-core score, while the iPad Air scores 10,498, meaning the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra doesn't quite measure up. That being said, it does score higher than the basic iPad.
For its price tag, at $1,319.99, it should perform better. You can find a 13-inch iPad with the same specs and a better Geekbench 6 multi-core score for $1,099.
Impressive battery life that goes for days
The standout feature on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is one you can't see. We conducted Mashable's standard battery life test, looping the 1080p version of "Tears of Steel," a short open-source Blender movie, at 50 percent brightness and 50 percent volume until the tablet ran out. The results astounded us, the battery lasting for 16 hours and 6 minutes, which is about how long we hope the very best laptops run for.
It comes with a nice, lightweight stylus
The lightweight S Pen is a dream to write with, emulating the feel of an actual pencil. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
In a world where Apple forces you to buy a stylus to accompany its tablets, Samsung includes a stylus with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. The S pen has a hexagonal shape, emulating the feel of a classic pencil. It moves easily, and while I'm not an artist, I did love using it to write. It feels practically weightless in your hand, so you can move quickly across the page. It magnetically clings to the tablet, although I wouldn't say it has a particularly strong hold, as it can be easily knocked off.
An oversized screen for professionals, but awkward for everyone else
The biggest drawback of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is that it's too large. Compared to other tablets, this 14.6-inch model is a behemoth, wider than even my MacBook Pro. Its size makes it awkward to hold, and it would be best used with the keyboard cover, especially if you're planning on working.
For the average user, having that much space is overkill and potentially a hindrance. If you're taking the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra on a plane, it will occupy most of the space on the tray table. On the other hand, for artists, a larger screen means more space to design and illustrate.
It may not look like it, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a robust tablet — but it might be too big. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra isn't for everyone. If you're a professional or creative individual looking for an Android tablet with ample power, then this is a worthwhile investment. I think it's priced a little too high compared to other tablets with similar specs, but the included S Pen makes it a better value.
However, if you're open to tablets of all operating systems, I think you have better options. For a large tablet with similar specs, Apple's 13-inch iPad Air with M3 chip offers better performance at a lower price of $1,099. If you're looking for a compact, travel-friendly Android tablet, consider the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 instead.
$1,012.79 at Amazon
How we tested
We assessed the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra along the same parameters we evaluate all tablets, including performance, displays, usability, and special features.
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Performance: We looked at the specs of the tablet, including its processors, operating systems, memory, and storage. We used the Geekbench 6 test to assess its computing power.
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Battery life: We ran our standard battery rundown test, streaming the 1080p version of "Tears of Steel," a short open-source Blender movie, at 50 percent brightness and 50 percent volume until the tablet ran out.
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Displays: Tablets are one big screen, so displays matter. We assessed the GPU and resolution of the device, as well as its screen size.
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Usability: Through daily use, we inspected the usability of the tablet. We assessed aspects like screen size, placement of front-facing cameras, ports, weight, and how useful special features were.
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Special features: Not all tablets are created equal, so we assessed the special features on this model. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, that includes the S pen's writing capabilities and split screen displays.
Shopping Reporter
Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.
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