Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series continues to stir debate over the ideal tablet size, and with the recent release of the Galaxy Tab S11 line, the company offers users two distinct options: the massive 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and the more modest, yet highly capable, 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11. After spending about a month testing the 11-inch model extensively, I found it to be the better fit for most users, especially those who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance.
### Size Matters: The 11-Inch vs. 14.6-Inch Debate
Samsung first introduced the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab 8 Ultra in 2022, which was praised for its premium build and impressive specifications. However, its large size and premium price tag made it less practical for everyday use, especially for those seeking a tablet that could double as a laptop replacement. The tablet runs on Android, not Chrome OS, which limited its functionality for some users looking for a more traditional desktop-like environment.
Fast forward to 2024, Samsung has retained the large 14.6-inch model as the Tab S11 Ultra, priced at $1,200, but has reintroduced a smaller 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11 priced at $800. Samsung also discontinued the 12.4-inch model, arguably because it fell into an awkward middle-ground. Personally, I found the 11-inch model to be the sweet spot—it’s easier to carry around and more affordable, making it a better choice for daily use, travel, and light office work.
### Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Tab S11 carries forward Samsung’s reputation for sleek, modern design. At just 5.1mm thick, it matches the slimness of Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro M5, a direct competitor that retails at $1,299. The tablet also retains an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust-proof and waterproof, capable of surviving submersion in up to five feet of water for 30 minutes. The aluminum frame offers added durability against scratches and minor drops, although I still recommend investing in a protective case.
Unlike the Tab S11 Ultra, which sports a camera notch that some users dislike, the smaller Tab S11 features an uninterrupted display with its front-facing camera discreetly tucked into the bezel. This design choice contributes to an immersive viewing experience without distractions.
### Display: Bright, Sharp, and Vibrant
One of the standout features of both Tab S11 models is their OLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering deeper blacks and excellent contrast compared to traditional LCD screens. Samsung has doubled the peak brightness from the previous generation—from 930 nits on the Tab S10 to an impressive 1,600 nits on the S11 models—making outdoor viewing easier in bright sunlight.
Despite anti-glare technology, some glare issues persist, especially outdoors. The 14.6-inch Ultra’s anti-glare coating is a physical layer that can be scratched off, which proved to be a concern when previous models accidentally sustained minor blemishes on the coating. Interestingly, the 11-inch model forgoes this coating, which may be preferable for users worried about screen durability.
In terms of resolution, the Tab S11 offers 2,560x1,600 pixels at 275 pixels per inch (ppi), making it slightly sharper than the Ultra’s 2,960x1,848 resolution at 240 ppi. For comparison, the 13-inch iPad Pro M5 sports a resolution of 2,752x2,064 pixels at 264 ppi, putting Samsung’s smaller model on competitive footing in terms of sharpness and clarity.
### Performance and Processor
The Galaxy Tab S11 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset, featuring a Cortex X925 core clocked at 3.73 GHz and a 12-core ARM Immortalis G925 GPU. This upgrade delivers approximately 25% better overall performance than the previous Tab S10 generation, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and enhanced AI capabilities.
Compared to the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus from three years ago, the Tab S11 feels significantly snappier. While the older model still handles basic productivity, streaming, and cloud gaming adequately, the performance gap is noticeable. Samsung’s current trade-in program offers $450 for a Tab S8 Plus, which could make upgrading