Expert opinions reveal strengths and shortcomings of Samsung’s flagship tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has drawn attention from tech reviewers across the U.S. and beyond for its ambitious size, features and premium pricing. Experts generally agree that it impresses in areas like display, design and performance, yet several recurring criticisms highlight that “flagship tablet” still comes with trade-offs.
Many reviews praise the tablet’s expansive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, noting its 120 Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness as standout features. Reviewers at NotebookCheck highlighted that the screen achieved up to 1,739 cd/m² in HDR tests and remained readable outdoors thanks to its anti-reflection coating and strong contrast. The slab-thin 5.1 mm chassis and IP68 rating also earned compliments for combining premium build with durability. Another key strength cited is the new S Pen—reviewers found that its redesign provides a more natural writing and sketching feel, even though it lacks Bluetooth remote features found in earlier models.
On the performance front, experts also saw meaningful upgrades. Multiple outlets point to the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset as a solid performer for multitasking, creative workloads and gaming. Tests revealed the Tab S11 Ultra outpaced its predecessor in graphics and multitasking benchmarks, while sustaining respectable thermal behavior. Reviewers also commended the long-term software update promise and the enhancements to DeX mode, which make the tablet more viable for productivity and desktop-style workflows.
However, the consensus among experts is that the tablet is not flawless. A frequent criticism is its size and weight: while the large display is an advantage for media consumption and creativity, reviewers at TechAdvisor and others found the form factor cumbersome for one-hand use or carrying for extended periods. The high price tag was also repeatedly flagged—at U.S. launch levels starting around $1,199 (without accessories), many questioned whether the tablet offered enough advantage over smaller models or high-end laptops. Additionally, color calibration and display optimization didn’t always meet professional-grade expectations; despite the brightness, experts at NotebookCheck and others noted slight calibration issues and a lack of LTPO refresh rate flexibility that some competitors offer.
Another set of critiques centers on ecosystem and productivity limitations. While Samsung has improved DeX and introduced more AI features, several reviewers said the Android tablet app ecosystem still lags behind what you’d expect from a laptop or Apple’s iPad Pro lineup. Productivity using the tablet felt smoother for media and casual use, less compelling for serious workstation replacement. Some reviewers also pointed out accessory costs—notably the keyboard cover and stylus enhancements—added significantly to the total ownership cost for users wanting full workstation functionality.
In summary, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra stands out as one of the most capable Android tablets to date, especially for users prioritizing a large, high-quality display, strong performance and bundled stylus support. For U.S. buyers focused on media, multitasking or creative sketching, the tablet delivers a compelling package. But if you’re seeking a compact device, full laptop replacement, or best-in-class color accuracy without caveats, some expert reviewers suggest looking at alternatives or waiting for future iterations.
Ultimately, the expert review consensus is that the Tab S11 Ultra delivers on many high-end promises, but its premium ambitions come with compromises—size, price, ecosystem maturity—that buyers should weigh carefully.
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