Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Review: Premium Android Tablet Excellence

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is a premium Android tablet that delivers exceptional performance, a stunning AMOLED display, and impressive battery life. With the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor and 12GB of RAM, this 11-inch tablet targets users who demand flagship-level specifications without compromise.

At £699-£899, the Tab S11 sits firmly in premium territory, competing directly with Apple's iPad Pro range. The included S Pen and expandable storage add genuine value, though the missing charger and high accessory costs prove disappointing.

Display Excellence

Record-Breaking Brightness

The 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2nd generation display represents one of the finest tablet screens available. With a maximum brightness of 1,435 cd/m², the Tab S11 easily handles reflections even in direct sunlight—a remarkable achievement for any mobile display.

The screen offers extremely high contrast, vibrant saturated colours, and a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling and video playback. The higher pixel density compared to previous generations ensures razor-sharp text and images.

Display Quality: 9.5/10

The display alone justifies serious consideration of the Tab S11. Whether you're editing photos, watching films, or reading documents, the screen quality remains consistently excellent across all use cases.

Performance and Speed

Flagship-Level Power

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor paired with 12GB of RAM delivers performance that rivals dedicated laptops. From office applications to photo and video editing, the tablet breezes through tasks without hesitation.

The local AI features work instantly thanks to the powerful chip. Image generation, document summarisation, and intelligent text processing happen locally without cloud dependencies.

Performance: 9.0/10

For demanding users who run multiple applications simultaneously or work with large files, the Tab S11 provides ample headroom. The performance remains consistently smooth even under heavy load.

Battery Endurance

All-Day Capability

The Tab S11 achieved over 9 hours in testing—easily lasting a full workday. This proves particularly impressive given the bright, high-resolution display and powerful processor.

The charging time proves commendably short, though Samsung's decision not to include a charger in the box remains disappointing. You'll need to purchase a suitable USB-C charger separately or use an existing one.

Battery Life: 9.0/10

For users who travel frequently or work away from power outlets, the Tab S11's battery endurance provides genuine peace of mind.

Build and Design

Premium Construction

The tablet feels genuinely premium in its sleek aluminium housing. At 570 grammes, it strikes an excellent balance—light enough for extended one-handed use, yet substantial enough to feel well-built.

The 8mm thin bezel gives the device a modern, streamlined appearance. The magnetic S Pen now charges along the edge rather than in a rear notch, providing a cleaner design whilst maintaining convenient stylus access.

Build Quality: 9.0/10

The construction quality matches expectations for a premium tablet. Every element feels precisely engineered with no flex, creaking, or loose components.

Camera Capabilities

Best-in-Class Tablet Cameras

The 13MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash delivers consistently high image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions. For a tablet, the camera performance proves surprisingly capable.

The front-facing camera ranks among the best selfie cameras tested in Android tablets, making the device excellent for video calls and online meetings.

Camera Quality: 8.5/10

Whilst tablet cameras typically serve as secondary features, the Tab S11's imaging capabilities genuinely impress. You won't hesitate to use them when needed.

Software and Features

Android 16 with Comprehensive AI

The Tab S11 ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, topped with Samsung's Galaxy AI suite. Google's Gemini Live integration allows camera-based problem-solving—point at something and ask questions.

Features like Circle to Search, text translation, and document summarisation work seamlessly without leaving your current app. The improved DeX mode transforms the tablet into a notebook-like experience with up to four simultaneous workspaces.

Software & Features: 8.5/10

The software experience feels polished and feature-rich. The AI capabilities add genuine utility rather than serving as mere gimmicks.

Value Proposition

Premium Price Demands Deep Pockets

The Tab S11's biggest weakness remains its very high price tag. At the premium end of the tablet market, it competes directly with Apple's iPad range, and many users will find the cost difficult to justify.

The lack of an included charger adds insult to injury. The optional Book Cover Keyboard Slim costs an additional £230. However, the expandable storage via microSD (up to 2TB) means you won't need to purchase the most expensive storage variant.

Value for Money: 7.0/10

For users who can afford it and need the best Android tablet experience, the Tab S11 delivers. Budget-conscious buyers should explore alternatives.

Comparisons

vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+

The S11 has a smaller 11-inch display versus 12.4 inches, but offers higher pixel density, significantly better battery life (1.5 hours more), and double the maximum brightness. The S10+ may appeal to those preferring a larger screen.

vs Apple iPad Pro 11"

Both are premium 11-inch tablets with excellent displays. The iPad Pro offers Apple ecosystem integration and potentially better app optimisation, whilst the S11 includes the S Pen, has expandable storage, and offers more AI features out of the box.

vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

The S9 FE is significantly cheaper but lacks the AMOLED display, flagship processor, and premium build quality of the S11. It's a good budget alternative if you don't need the absolute best.

Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 earns its 8.7/10 rating by excelling in nearly every area. The stunning AMOLED display with record-breaking brightness, flagship performance, excellent cameras, and long battery life make it one of the best Android tablets available.

The included S Pen and expandable storage add genuine value. However, the very high price and missing charger prevent it from achieving a higher score.

At this price point, Samsung competes directly with Apple's iPad Pro, and the decision will largely come down to ecosystem preference and whether you need the flexibility of Android with DeX mode and expandable storage.

If you can afford it and want the best Android tablet experience, the Galaxy Tab S11 is an excellent choice. Just budget extra for the charger and optional keyboard case to unlock its full potential as a laptop replacement.