Samsung has officially brought back the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11, an 11-inch flagship Android tablet designed for users who want portability without compromising performance. After skipping the smaller base model last year, Samsung now delivers a premium yet compact device, starting at $799.99 in the US. The tablet is available from September 4, 2025, through Samsung.com and Best Buy, although only in a Wi-Fi version for US buyers.

Key Specifications

• Display: 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, up to 1,600 nits brightness
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm)
• RAM & Storage: Starts at 12 GB + 128 GB, up to 512 GB, microSD expandable (up to 2 TB)
• Software: One UI 8 with Galaxy AI, DeX Extended Mode
• Stylus: Redesigned S Pen, included in the box
• Battery: 8,400 mAh, 45W wired charging
• Build: Armor Aluminum, IP68 rating
• Cameras: 12 MP front (ultrawide), 13 MP rear with autofocus
• Price: From $799.99 (Wi-Fi only in the US)

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Tab S11 continues Samsung’s minimalist design with clean lines, flat sides, and uniform bezels. It’s slim, lightweight, and built with Armor Aluminum, offering durability without adding bulk. The IP68 water and dust resistance makes it more rugged than most tablets in its class.

Samsung has positioned the Tab S11 as a tablet that is easy to carry, comfortable to hold in one hand, and suitable for reading, note-taking, or work on the go.

Display: AMOLED Brilliance

The 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is the standout feature, delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth 120Hz refresh rates. The brightness has been upgraded significantly, peaking at 1,600 nits, making it much more usable outdoors compared to the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, which maxed out at 650 nits.

The bezels are slim, giving a modern look, though not as thin as the Tab S11 Ultra. One key difference is that only the Ultra has the anti-reflective coating, so the standard S11 may show glare in bright environments. Samsung does offer an optional AR screen protector for those who want better outdoor readability.

Performance: 3nm Power

Samsung chose the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm) to power the Tab S11. The processor brings noticeable improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU performance compared to last year’s Dimensity 9300+.

Benchmark results:

• Geekbench 6: 2,776 (single-core), 8,811 (multi-core)
• 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 6,313 (best loop), stability score of 67%

These numbers beat last year’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (2,111 / 7,319 in Geekbench) and show strong GPU performance for gaming, creative apps, and multitasking.

The tablet also starts with 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, expandable with microSD up to 2 TB — a feature missing from Apple’s iPad Pro lineup.

Software and Productivity

The Galaxy Tab S11 launches with One UI 8 and brings a big upgrade to Samsung DeX. The new Extended Mode allows the Tab S11 and an external monitor to act as two separate displays. This means you can keep notes or chats open on the tablet while presenting slides on a monitor.

Galaxy AI integration includes:

• Writing Assist: Rephrase or re-tone emails directly in Samsung apps
• Drawing Assist: Converts rough sketches into polished diagrams
• Gemini Live: Summarizes articles directly into Samsung Notes

This makes the Tab S11 not just an entertainment device, but also a serious productivity tool.

S Pen: Redesigned and Included

Samsung continues to ship the S Pen in the box, unlike Apple which charges extra for its Pencil. This year, the S Pen gets a redesign:

• Cone-shaped tip for precision
• Hexagonal body for better ergonomics
• Matches the tablet’s color

It feels closer to a real pencil, making long sessions of writing or drawing more comfortable. Latency improvements weren’t highlighted, so the changes are mostly about ergonomics.

For apps like GoodNotes, Clip Studio Paint, or PDF annotation, the new S Pen design is a meaningful upgrade.

Accessories

The Book Cover Keyboard Slim has been updated for the Tab S11, while a Pro Keyboard is expected in early 2026. The Slim keyboard makes the Tab suitable for note-taking and productivity but does not fully replace a laptop keyboard.

Audio and Cameras

• Speakers: Quad speakers tuned by AKG, Dolby Atmos support, strong for size
• Front Camera: 12 MP ultrawide, ideal for video calls and online meetings
• Rear Camera: 13 MP with autofocus and document scanning tools

The cameras aren’t groundbreaking, but they deliver reliable performance for calls, scanning, and casual photography.

Battery and Charging

The 8,400 mAh battery supports 45W wired charging. You’ll need to supply your own adapter, as Samsung doesn’t include one in the box. Wireless charging is not supported, which is standard in tablets.

Battery life should comfortably cover a full day of work and media use, with quick charging making it practical for travel.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 vs iPad Pro M4

The iPad Pro M4 offers:

• Tandem OLED display with better anti-reflective coating
• Faster M4 processor and exclusive pro apps like Final Cut and Logic
• Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro accessories (sold separately)

The Galaxy Tab S11, in contrast, provides:

• Expandable storage up to 2 TB via microSD
• S Pen included in the box
• IP68 water resistance
• Lower entry price ($799 vs $899 for iPad Pro 11″)

If you’re tied to Apple’s software ecosystem, the iPad remains the best choice. But for Android users who want flexibility, storage expansion, and productivity features without extra accessory costs, the Tab S11 is the better value.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy Tab S11?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 re-establishes the 11-inch flagship tablet as a compact yet powerful option. It combines a bright AMOLED display, efficient 3nm performance, IP68 durability, and an included S Pen.

For users who want portability with flagship features, the Tab S11 is one of the best Android tablets available. If you already own the Tab S10 Plus, the upgrade is worth it for the brighter display, improved performance, and smarter DeX. If you prefer larger screens, the Tab S11 Ultra remains the ultimate choice.

At $799.99, the Galaxy Tab S11 strikes a strong balance between performance, portability, and value, making it the best small Android flagship tablet of 2025.