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Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M5 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (2025)

iPad Pro M5 or Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra? We compare performance, displays, and value to find the best premium tablet for creators and professionals in 2025.

EM

Ethan Mercer

Editor-in-Chief

The premium tablet market has two clear champions: Apple's iPad Pro 13-inch with M5 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Both cost over a grand, both promise desktop-level performance, and both target the same audience of creators and professionals who need more than a media consumption device.

Here's what's at stake: The iPad Pro brings Apple's M5 chip and a stunning 13-inch OLED display for $1,299 ($1,199 on Amazon). The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra counters with a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED screen, included S Pen, and DeX desktop mode for $1,199 ($999 on Amazon). According to TechRadar and Tom's Guide, the iPad Pro edges ahead with 9.5/10 ratings versus the Samsung's 9.0/10, but that gap narrows when you factor in real-world pricing and included accessories.

The verdict? The iPad Pro wins on performance and ecosystem polish, but it's closer than the ratings suggest. Here's how they stack up across every category that matters.

Quick Navigation

  1. 1

    AppleNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model

  2. 2

    SamsungGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle

1

iPad Pro 13-inch M5

AppleNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M5
8.4
Combined Score / 10
Clara
7.5
Ethan
7.2
Critics
9.5
$1199.00Best Price
2

Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

SamsungGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
8.6
Combined Score / 10
Clara
8.5
Ethan
7.5
Critics
9.2
$999.00Best Price

How We Review

Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.

Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.

Sources analyzed for this article: 2 products across multiple expert reviews.

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