If you want a tablet that can handle real work and real fun, Samsung’s latest big slate is on your shortlist. In this Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review (2025), we test the display, S Pen, One UI 8’s new DeX experience, battery life, performance, and everyday usability. We also compare it against Apple’s iPad Pro and Windows 2‑in‑1 rivals to see who should buy Samsung’s largest Android tablet this year—and who shouldn’t.
What is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is Samsung’s top‑tier Android tablet for 2025. It pairs an expansive high‑refresh OLED display with an included S Pen, a slim yet rigid chassis, and One UI 8 on Android that leans harder into desktop‑style DeX multitasking. It targets creators, students, and professionals who want a lightweight device that can switch between tablet mode and near‑laptop productivity, especially with Samsung’s keyboard cover and external display support.
- Category: Premium Android tablet
- Audience: Creators, productivity users, students, and frequent travelers
- OS: Android with One UI 8
- Accessories: S Pen included; keyboard cover and hubs optional
Key features deep dive
Display and S Pen experience
The Ultra’s OLED is all about immersion: wide color, deep contrast, high peak brightness for outdoor use, and a fast adaptive refresh that keeps scrolling clean. For note‑takers and artists, the S Pen remains a standout—low latency, good pressure control, and system‑level handwriting features that actually save time.
- Brightness: Excellent sunlight readability with stable color at high nits
- Color: Natural profiles for creators; vivid modes for media binges
- S Pen: Near‑instant ink, palm rejection that keeps up, system gestures for screenshots and selection
DeX and multitasking (One UI 8)
DeX is where the S11 Ultra feels most new. With One UI 8, the desktop‑like mode gets smoother window management, better external display handling, and tighter keyboard/mouse support. App snapping and resizable windows make research, writing, and light creative work less cramped than on older tablet UIs.
- Windows: Snap, tile, and remember layouts
- External displays: Cleaner scaling and app behavior on bigger monitors
- Shortcuts: Desktop‑style keyboard commands speed up routine actions
Related reading: See how Samsung’s latest phones polish productivity and battery discipline in our Galaxy S25 Ultra review (2025)—many One UI 8 touches translate to tablet.
Performance and thermals
The S11 Ultra focuses on responsiveness: quick app launches, smooth UI, and stable sustained performance for multi‑hour document work, browsing, and note‑taking. Heavy 3D games and multi‑track video edits warm the chassis but stay controllable with One UI prioritizing foreground tasks.
- Everyday speed: Snappy navigation, minimal animation stutter
- Creative work: Sketching, large PDFs, and photo edits feel fluid
- Thermals: Warm under sustained load; rarely uncomfortable in hand
Battery life and charging
Endurance is a strong point for a panel this size. With mixed use (notes, reading, 4–5 hours of browsing, some streaming, and pen input), the Ultra typically clears a full day. Adaptive power features in One UI 8 help preserve long‑term health, and USB‑C wired charging is predictably brisk.
- All‑day reliability: Office/class days aren’t a stretch
- Creators: Long drawing sessions drain more; plan mid‑day top‑ups
- Battery care: Routine‑based charging can reduce time pinned at 100%
Cameras and video calls
Tablet cameras are for scanning documents and jumping on calls. The S11 Ultra’s front camera handles framing and exposure well, and mic pickup is solid for meetings. Back cameras are fine for whiteboard captures and quick scans in good light.
- Front camera: Reliable face exposure and stabilization for calls
- Audio: Beamforming mic logic helps in moderate noise
- Docs: Built‑in scanning tools make quick work of forms
Connectivity and accessories
Wi‑Fi handoffs are smooth, Bluetooth multipoint keeps pens, keyboards, and audio stable, and the first‑party keyboard cover is good for emails and notes. For ambient listening at your desk, consider open‑ear wearables like the Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses (2025)—they pair nicely with tablet workflows.
Pricing analysis and value
Pricing varies by region and storage. Rather than list numbers that will change, evaluate the S11 Ultra’s value by your job‑to‑be‑done:
- Note‑first learners and professionals: S Pen + DeX can replace paper and many laptop tasks
- Creators: OLED color and pen control are excellent for sketching and light edits
- Travelers: Lighter than most laptops while still useful for docs and media
Check the official product page for current bundles and trade‑ins: samsung.com.
User experience review: day‑to‑day reality
Tablets succeed when tools get out of the way. The S11 Ultra nails the basics: readable screen in bright rooms, pen ready the moment you tap, and multitasking that doesn’t feel like a compromise. One UI 8’s calmer animations and permission prompts help keep background apps respectful. Battery anxiety fades if you make a habit of topping up over USB‑C while you work.
If you value on‑face, hands‑free capture or ambient audio during study breaks, see our practical take on Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses—the POV camera and open‑ear audio pair well with tablets for tutorials and walk‑throughs.
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra vs the competition
Premium tablets are all excellent in 2025. Your choice depends on pen feel, display preferences, app ecosystem, and whether you need desktop‑class apps or mobile simplicity.
| Device | Best for | Strengths | Trade‑offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra | Pen notes + DeX productivity | OLED, S Pen, improved DeX, strong battery | Android pro apps vary; big footprint |
| iPad Pro (13‑inch) | Pro‑grade creative apps | Top app ecosystem, performance, accessories | Accessories raise total price; different pen feel |
| Windows 2‑in‑1 (Surface‑class) | Full desktop apps | Traditional OS, file workflows, peripherals | Heavier, fans, shorter tablet‑only battery |
Context on Samsung’s broader 2025 direction and long‑term support: 9to5Google. For battery endurance contrasts across flagships, see 9to5Mac’s testing—useful when choosing a phone to pair with your tablet.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gorgeous, bright OLED with smooth adaptive refresh
- S Pen included—great latency and system features
- DeX feels meaningfully more desktop‑like in One UI 8
- All‑day battery for mixed productivity and media
- Solid cameras and mics for calls and document scans
Cons
- Android “pro” app selection still varies by niche
- Keyboard cover adds cost and is best for light typing
- Large size isn’t ideal for one‑hand reading in tight spaces
Who should buy the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?
- Note‑takers who want the fastest path from idea to ink
- Students and consultants who live in docs, PDFs, and research tabs
- Creators who sketch, storyboard, or edit photos on the go
- Travelers wanting a lighter laptop alternative for light work
Who should skip: If you require desktop‑only tools (e.g., niche Windows software) or depend on specific iPad‑only creative apps, you’ll be happier with a Windows 2‑in‑1 or iPad Pro.
Final verdict
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is the most capable Android tablet for pen‑first productivity and large‑screen entertainment in 2025. The OLED, S Pen, and One UI 8’s improved DeX finally make a convincing case for many laptop‑lite workflows. If your apps are available on Android and you value a great pen experience, it’s easy to recommend.
Score: 4.6/5 — A top pick for pen‑centric work and study, with the usual ecosystem caveats.
Frequently asked questions
How does the S11 Ultra compare to the iPad Pro for drawing?
iPad Pro still wins on breadth of pro creative apps. The S11 Ultra’s pen latency and feel are excellent, and Android creative options keep improving. Pick by app ecosystem first.
Can DeX replace a laptop?
For many people: yes for writing, research, email, video calls, and light editing. Heavy spreadsheets, dev tools, and specialized apps still favor Windows/macOS.
Is the keyboard cover good enough for long typing sessions?
It’s fine for notes and emails. For all‑day typing, a full‑size Bluetooth keyboard improves comfort.
How is battery life with lots of pen input?
Still strong. Pen input draws little power compared to high‑brightness video or gaming. Most users get a full workday with mixed use.
Does the S Pen charge or need batteries?
The included S Pen doesn’t require charging for basic writing and drawing. Some advanced gesture features vary by model and may use minimal power.
Can I connect the S11 Ultra to an external monitor?
Yes. DeX supports external displays with better scaling and windowing in One UI 8. A USB‑C hub can add power and peripherals.
Is the display good for HDR movies?
Yes. OLED’s contrast and peak brightness make HDR content pop, with accurate color profiles available for creators.
How does it handle big PDFs and multi‑gig files?
Performance remains smooth for large documents and multi‑tab research. Sustained heavy workloads may warm the chassis but remain controlled.
What’s the best audio accessory to pair with it?
For ambient listening and quick calls without sealing your ears, consider Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses. For isolation and ANC, pick premium earbuds.
How does it compare to using a big‑screen phone?
The tablet’s larger OLED and pen unlock different workflows: comfortable split‑screen research, precise annotations, and a desktop‑like DeX—beyond what even big phones offer. See our Galaxy S25 Ultra review for phone‑first context.
Sources and further reading
- Samsung product information: samsung.com
- One UI 8 and DeX direction: Android Authority
- General Android coverage and reviews: The Verge, GSMArena
- Update policy context: 9to5Google
- Battery endurance context across devices: 9to5Mac
- Broader tech analysis: Android Authority, PCMag
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