Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra Review: Slimmer, Smarter, and Built for Galaxy AI

Introduction

Slimmer and Lighter, Yet Sturdier Than Ever

One of the most noticeable improvements in the Tab S11 series lies in its physical design. Samsung has managed to slim down the devices even further, with the Tab S11 Ultra measuring just 5.1mm thick and weighing approximately 692g, while the regular Tab S11 comes in at around 5.5mm thick and 482g. To put this into perspective, the Tab S11 Ultra is thinner than a standard pencil and only about six times thicker than a credit card.

Immersive Displays Designed for Every Scenario

Samsung continues to lead in display technology with the Tab S11 series. The Tab S11 features a vibrant 11-inch WQXGA AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering buttery smooth scrolling and responsiveness ideal for reading, browsing, or casual gaming.

The Tab S11 Ultra, on the other hand, boasts a massive 14.6-inch WQXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that reaches up to 1,600 nits in peak brightness. This makes it perfect for professionals who edit photos, stream high-definition content, or work outdoors. Thin bezels enhance the immersive experience, while HDR support ensures every colour and shadow is rendered with cinematic precision.

A Redesigned S Pen That Feels Like a Real Pen

With the Tab S11 Ultra, Samsung introduces a re-engineered S Pen that is more comfortable and intuitive than ever. The new hexagonal shape provides a pencil-like grip that improves control during long writing or drawing sessions. Beyond its ergonomic improvements, the S Pen benefits from advanced AI-driven enhancements. Galaxy AI now powers real-time handwriting recognition, formatting, and auto-summarisation of notes. Tilt and pressure sensitivity has also been refined, giving creatives more precision when sketching or shading. When not in use, the pen magnetically attaches to the back of the device where it also charges wirelessly.
 

The Tab S11 Ultra comes bundled with an all-new hexagonal S Pen:

• Feels more like a real pen with its six-sided grip

• New AI-assisted handwriting recognition auto-summarises and formats notes

• Tilt and pressure support enhanced for drawing and digital art

• Magnetic snap and wireless charging via the back of the tablet

For note-takers and illustrators, this is the best S Pen yet.

All-Day Battery Life with Smarter Power Management
Battery life has also seen meaningful improvements in the S11 lineup. The Tab S11 Ultra houses an impressive 11,200mAh battery, while the Tab S11 includes an 8,400mAh battery. Both support fast charging, allowing users to top up quickly and get back to work. The integration of the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip enhances power efficiency, and Galaxy AI learns your usage habits to optimise background processes. Whether you're attending virtual meetings, taking notes, or watching movies, these tablets are designed to last through a full day without compromise.

Galaxy AI Makes Everyday Tasks Effortless

One of the most transformative additions to the Tab S11 series is the integration of Galaxy AI. This suite of intelligent features redefines how users interact with their device. AI Note Assist can summarise handwritten content into neatly formatted text, while Live Translate facilitates real-time translations during voice calls. Transcript Assist is ideal for converting meeting recordings into editable documents, and Photo Assist offers intelligent editing tools like object removal and background fill. Importantly, many of these features function offline after downloading language packs, ensuring privacy and productivity even without internet access.

Some standout features include:

• AI Note Assist: Summarises, formats, and titles your handwritten notes

• Live Translate (Calls): Translate voice calls and messages in real time

• Transcript Assist: Converts voice recordings into smart notes

• Photo Assist: Smart suggestions, object removal, and background fill

• Interpreter Mode: Split-screen live translation for two users

Samsung DeX Turns Your Tablet into a Workstation

Samsung DeX has evolved, and on the Tab S11 series, it delivers a more seamless desktop-like experience than ever. Users can connect wirelessly to compatible monitors or TVs and enjoy a full PC interface complete with resizable windows, taskbars, and keyboard support. With up to three windows open simultaneously, it's ideal for multitasking - whether you're writing an email while referencing a PDF and attending a video call. Clipboard sync and extended display options further reinforce the Tab S11's credentials as a serious productivity tool.

• Connect wirelessly to TVs or monitors

• Multitask with up to 3 resizable windows

• Keyboard/Mouse support + clipboard sync

• Works great for office work, editing, and school presentations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the S Pen included in both models?

A: Only the Tab S11 Ultra comes with the new hexagonal S Pen. The regular Tab S11 supports S Pen input, but it’s sold separately.

Q: Can Galaxy AI work without an internet connection?

A: Yes, many AI features — like Note Assist, Photo Edit, and Live Translate — work offline after downloading necessary packs.

Q: How durable is the ultra-thin design?

A: Despite being just 5.1mm thin, Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 screen make it sturdy for daily use.

Q: Is it worth upgrading from Tab S10 Ultra?

A: If you value lighter weight, AI tools, and an upgraded S Pen — yes. Performance-wise, the jump is moderate unless you need AI and multitasking.

Q: Which is better for students or creatives?

A: Students may prefer the Tab S11 for portability and price. Digital artists or power users will love the Ultra’s screen size and AI stylus features.

Conclusion

The Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra represent a well-rounded leap forward in Samsung’s tablet lineup. From the ultra-slim design and immersive display to the deeply integrated Galaxy AI and enhanced S Pen, every detail has been thoughtfully refined. Whether you're a student taking notes, a creative sketching ideas, or a professional running DeX on the go, these tablets deliver a seamless, intelligent experience. If you’re still using an older Tab or looking for a laptop alternative, the Tab S11 series is worth every consideration.

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