I’ve been exploring the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra for a week now. Samsung unveiled this gem at its latest event. The brand also introduced its smaller sibling, the Galaxy Tab S11. And even the much-anticipated Galaxy S25. But today, I’m focusing on just one product. This is the tablet that wants to replace your laptop. I am, of course, talking about the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. I got my hands on it. And I’m sharing my first impressions of this tech powerhouse.

A Subtly Refined Design

At first glance, the tablet looks very similar to its predecessor. However, Samsung has made subtle but significant changes. The back of the device is sleeker. Indeed, the magnetic slot for the stylus is gone. I will come back to this point later. The lines on the back are also closer to the edges. This gives it a more understated and modern feel.

On the front, the camera notch has been reduced. This is great news for immersion. However, this comes with a sacrifice. We lose the ultra-wide-angle selfie camera. Personally, I find this a bit disappointing. I often used that sensor for group video calls.

The most impressive change remains its thinness. The tablet is record-breakingly thin. It measures only 5.1 mm in thickness. Its weight is also slightly lower. It comes in at 692 grams for the Wi-Fi model. This lightness greatly improves its portability. It’s easier to hold with one hand.

The Screen: The Real Star of the Show

The screen is undoubtedly the highlight of this tablet. He have been slimmed down even more. They are now just 5.2 mm. This enhances immersion dramatically. You feel like you are holding just an image in your hands. But the real revolution is something else.

Samsung has incorporated a brand-new anti-reflective coating. This is technology inherited from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This coating changes everything. It significantly reduces glare. I was able to use it outdoors. The screen remains perfectly readable, even in direct sunlight. It provides incredible viewing comfort.

For the rest, we find Samsung’s usual excellence. The tablet features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. Its giant 14.6-inch diagonal is ideal. It turns the tablet into a real productivity tool. Multitasking becomes a true pleasure. Watching movies is an immersive experience. The Quad HD+ resolution (2960 x 1848 pixels) offers perfect sharpness. Additionally, the adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz ensures perfect fluidity.

Performance Powered by MediaTek

Inside, Samsung made a surprising choice. No in-house Exynos chip. No Snapdragon either. The manufacturer continues its collaboration with MediaTek. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is equipped with the 9400 processor. This processor delivers top-tier performance. It also optimizes energy efficiency.

Some might be worried about this choice. However, there is no reason to be. Last year’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra already used a MediaTek chip. I never experienced any slowdowns on it. Even when doing demanding video editing. The new chip is even more powerful. It is paired with 12 or 16 GB of RAM.

Furthermore, this processor includes a next-generation Neural Processing Unit (NPU). It accelerates all Galaxy AI features. Live translation or advanced photo editing run locally. Everything is fast and smooth.

The S Pen: Completely Reinvented

The S Pen is one of the biggest changes this year. Samsung has abandoned the traditional cylindrical design. The new stylus has a flat-sided shape. It reminds me of a carpenter’s pencil. This design choice is excellent. The grip is much more comfortable and natural. Most importantly, the stylus no longer rolls on the table.

Performance has also been improved. The latency has been reduced to just 0.2 milliseconds. Writing and drawing are almost instantaneous. It truly feels like writing on paper. It’s a real joy for taking notes or sketching.

As I mentioned, the stylus storage has changed. It no longer attaches magnetically to the back. Now, it snaps onto the top edge of the tablet. This is a divisive change. I quite liked the storage on the back, near the camera sensors. I invite you to share your opinion on this.

Battery and Charging: A Mixed Bag

Regarding the battery, Samsung has made a small effort. The capacity has slightly increased. It is now 11,600 mAh. This minor improvement is welcome. Combined with the more efficient processor, the battery life should be excellent. We can expect it to last a full day of intensive work without any issues.

However, the charging aspect is disappointing. The tablet is still limited to 45W charging. This is very slow for such a huge battery. It takes between 70 and 80 minutes for a full charge. On such a premium product, I expected better. Faster charging would have been appreciated.

Price and Availability: What You Need to Know

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a high-end product. Its prices reflect this. Here are the prices for the Wi-Fi versions:

• 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM: €1339
• 512 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM: €1459
• 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM: €1759

Only one 5G version is available. It offers 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM for €1489.

Samsung is offering an attractive pre-order deal until October 5th. With any purchase, the Book Cover Keyboard is included for free. Additionally, you get a €200 trade-in bonus on your old device.

My Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?

So, what’s the final word on this new tablet? It’s a gentle improvement. Samsung didn’t revolutionize everything. The brand has perfected a formula that was already working very well. The anti-reflective screen is, for me, the best new feature. It provides unmatched user comfort. The new S Pen is also a clear success.

If you own a Tab S10 Ultra, the upgrade is not essential. However, if you are looking for the ultimate productivity and multimedia tool, go for it. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is unquestionably the most complete Android tablet on the market. It comes closer than ever to its goal of replacing a laptop.