Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Is This Actually Worth $1000?

Look, I get it. A thousand dollars for a tablet sounds wild. But here's the thing: this isn't just a bigger iPad Mini. This is a genuine work device that happens to be a tablet.

The 14.6-inch screen is where the magic happens. It's big enough that you can actually split-screen two apps and use both comfortably. Video editing, photo work, spreadsheets, writing, all feel natural on this display. The 120Hz refresh makes everything feel responsive. Scrolling through your email or social media is noticeably smoother than cheaper tablets.

Performance-wise, reviewers consistently say there's no lag. With 12GB of RAM, you can have tons of apps open and switch between them instantly. That matters if you're actually working, not just browsing.

The S Pen inclusion is a real win. You don't need to drop another $100+ on a stylus. If you sketch, take notes, or edit photos, having it in the box is genuinely valuable.

Now, the real question: should you buy it? If you're a casual tablet user who watches Netflix and scrolls Instagram, absolutely not. An iPad Air or even a base iPad does that just fine for less money. But if you're thinking about this as a laptop replacement for travel, for creative work, or for someone who needs a serious portable device, it makes more sense.

The weight (718g) is noticeable. This isn't something you'll hold one-handed for hours. But it's not unreasonable for what it is. Pair it with a good case and stand, and you've got a legitimate workstation.

One honest caveat: Android's tablet app ecosystem still lags behind iOS. Some apps don't scale perfectly, and you won't get the same polish in every application. That said, the core apps most people use (Google Suite, Adobe, Microsoft, Zoom) work beautifully here.

The $999 price point (down from $1199) softens the blow a bit. You're not quite in iPad Pro territory anymore, and for what you get, it's defensible. Samsung's promise of seven years of updates means this won't feel abandoned in 18 months either.

Bottom line: this is a premium device for people who actually need a premium tablet. If that's you, it delivers.

The Premium Android Tablet Paradox

Samsung's built something genuinely impressive with the Tab S11 Ultra. The specs are strong, the display is world-class, and the software integration through DeX actually works. But here's the problem: Samsung is asking you to pay iPad Pro money for an Android tablet, and that math only works if you're already locked into Samsung's ecosystem.

Let's talk performance first. The Dimensity 9400+ is a capable chip that handles video editing, gaming, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. Reviewers confirmed zero lag with 12GB RAM, which matters at this size. But Apple's M-series chips still outpace it in raw performance, and when you're charging $1,199, performance parity is table stakes, not a selling point.

The display is where Samsung actually wins. That 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate is objectively better than most iPad Pro screens. It's a legitimate technical advantage, and it's the primary reason to consider this over an iPad. If you're doing color-critical work or watching content, this screen is exceptional.

Here's where it gets complicated: the software. DeX mode is genuinely useful for productivity, and Samsung's 7-year update promise beats Apple's track record. But Android's tablet app ecosystem is still fragmented. Developers optimize for phones first, and tablets get scaled-up phone apps. iPad has a completely different problem, but at least it has thousands of tablet-first apps. That's not a minor difference when you're spending four figures.

The included S Pen is nice, though it doesn't justify the price premium on its own. The design is solid but heavy at 718 grams. The cameras are forgettable. Battery life is adequate but not exceptional for something this large.

Here's my investor perspective: Samsung's asking you to pay flagship prices for a device that's genuinely good but operating in a smaller market. The iPad Air at $599 offers better value. The iPad Pro at $1,299 offers better software. This Tab S11 Ultra is excellent hardware trapped in an ecosystem disadvantage. It's a 7.5 because it's well-built and the display is phenomenal, but it's not worth $1,199 unless you're already Samsung-committed. At $799 to $899, this becomes a 8.5. At $1,199, you're paying for potential that Android tablets haven't fully realized yet.