Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11 Launch: Features, Price, and What’s New in 2025

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Series Launches: The iPad Pro Alternative for Android Fans

Samsung has officially launched its 2025 flagship tablets — the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11 — starting at $1,200 and $800, respectively. With upgraded processors, immersive AMOLED displays, and a redesigned S Pen, the new lineup aims to rival Apple’s iPad Pro. But one thing is noticeably missing: the “Plus” model.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Series Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra features a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display with an anti-reflective coating and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and offers internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. The Ultra is clearly designed for power users, creators, and professionals who want a laptop-level experience in tablet form.

The standard Galaxy Tab S11, meanwhile, comes with a more compact 11-inch AMOLED display, Wi-Fi 6E support, and storage options from 128GB up to 512GB. Priced at $800, it delivers a premium Android tablet experience without the Ultra’s extra size and cost.

Unlike last year, when Samsung released both a Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10 Plus, the company has now skipped the mid-tier “Plus” model entirely. This leaves buyers with only two options — the base S11 and the top-end Ultra.

Performance and Hardware

Samsung has equipped the Tab S11 series with the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, marking the second consecutive year the company has used MediaTek chips in its tablets. Both devices ship with One UI 8 and Samsung Galaxy AI features, which the company says will help with productivity, multitasking, and creativity.

Jay Kim, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, highlighted the blend of AI and hardware innovations:

“The Galaxy Tab S11 series combines AI innovation with refined hardware to deliver a true multitasking experience. With Galaxy AI and multimodal capabilities, these flagship tablets enable efficiency, creativity, and seamless workflows across the large screen.”

RAM starts at 12GB, with the Ultra going up to 16GB on higher storage models. This hardware combination makes the S11 lineup a serious competitor for the Apple iPad Pro, especially for Android fans looking for a productivity-first tablet.

Redesigned S Pen: More Natural and Productive

Both the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra ship with a redesigned S Pen. The new pen features a cone-shaped tip for improved shading and angled strokes, plus a hexagonal body that feels like a real pencil for more comfortable long-term use.

The S Pen now supports Quick Tools for instant access to pen styles and colors, along with Sticky Notes integration, allowing users to jot down notes without leaving their current app. This functionality mirrors some of the intuitive gestures found on the Apple Pencil Pro, giving Samsung users a smoother creative experience.

Durability: Waterproof Advantage Over iPad

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Tab S11 series is its IP68 rating. This means the tablets are dust-tight and can survive submersion in water for up to 30 minutes in depths of one meter.

For context, Apple’s iPad Pro does not have an official IP rating, making Samsung the only major brand offering waterproof flagship tablets outside of rugged models. This durability could be a significant selling point for students, outdoor workers, or frequent travelers.

Pricing and Availability

• Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: Starting at $1,200 for the 256GB/12GB RAM variant, with higher options offering up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.

• Galaxy Tab S11: Starting at $800 for the 128GB/12GB RAM variant, with models available up to 512GB storage.

Both models come in Gray and Silver finishes and are available starting today worldwide.

Why the Plus Model is Missing

Samsung’s decision to skip the “Plus” model this year reflects a strategic shift. In 2024, the company launched the Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10 Plus but omitted a base S10. Now in 2025, the company has reversed the approach, offering only the base and Ultra models.

By removing the mid-sized option, Samsung is streamlining choices for consumers: either go big with the Ultra or save money with the base S11. This could simplify buying decisions but may disappoint users who wanted a mid-range, mid-size option.

How It Compares to the iPad Pro

For years, the Apple iPad Pro has dominated the premium tablet category. With the Galaxy Tab S11 series, Samsung is doubling down on Android productivity, durability, and AI-driven features. The inclusion of a redesigned S Pen, waterproof design, and massive Ultra model screen size gives Samsung clear differentiators.

Still, some reviewers suggest that while the Tab S11 Ultra is the closest Android equivalent to the iPad Pro, the lack of a Plus model feels like a missed opportunity for consumers who want balance between performance and price.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra bring premium design, advanced AI tools, powerful hardware, and unmatched durability to the Android tablet space. While the absence of a “Plus” model may leave some fans disappointed, the new lineup cements Samsung’s place as the only true rival to Apple in the high-end tablet market.

For Android users, the Tab S11 series may be the best iPad Pro alternative yet.

Related Links:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S11 price, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra price, Samsung Tab S11 specs, Samsung Tab S11 Ultra specs, Samsung S11 tablet review, Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 vs iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab S11 release date 2025, Samsung flagship tablets 2025, Galaxy Tab S11 features, Samsung S Pen redesigned, Galaxy Tab S11 AI features, Galaxy Tab S11 AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, Samsung tablet waterproof IP68, Galaxy Tab S11 storage options, Galaxy Tab S11 RAM, Samsung Tab S11 battery life, Galaxy Tab S11 vs Tab S10, Samsung Tab S11 buying guide.