Galaxy Tab S11 review: User's view after switching from Tab S9
My Galaxy Tab S9 has been a great companion. The display was awesome, the power was on point and the S Pen worked great. I was honestly wondering if upgrading to the Tab S11, two generations newer model, makes any sense at all. But after just a few hours with the new one, I have to say that the differences are more noticeable than I expected and the upgrade has paid off.
First impressions: Thinner and feels faster
Right out of the box, you'll notice that Tab S11 is noticeably thinner. It's not a dramatic difference, but it feels a bit better in the hand and feels more modern. But what surprised me more is the overall agility of the system. My Tab S9 was definitely not slow, but the S11 is just a step ahead everywhere. Switching between apps, working with multiple windows in DeX mode and loading games is lightning fast. The jump in performance thanks to the new MediaTek processor and the increase in RAM to 12 GB in the base is really noticeable.
Where the upgrade is most visible:
With a Pen that finally fits your hand: The new S Pen has a hexagonal shape, similar to a classic pencil. It feels much more natural and comfortable to hold than the round stylus on the Tab S9. The nib has also been improved to be more precise and writing and drawing is now much closer to the feeling of writing on paper. For someone who often takes notes, this is a great enhancement. However, the S Pen no longer has a bluetooth connection and is therefore passive. For someone who has used the S Pen e.g. to the remote control, that could be a problem. I personally don't mind, I use it mainly for writing and appreciate that it no longer needs charging.
Brighter display and longer support: The display on the Tab S9 was fantastic, but the S11 takes it even further with a higher maximum brightness. In direct sunlight, legibility is slightly better. But software support was also a key factor for me. Samsung promises 7 years of updates, meaning the Tab S11 will be a safe and modern tablet for many years to come, while support for the Tab S9 is slowly coming to an end.
What's left of the old?
The battery has the same capacity, but thanks to the more efficient chip, my tablet lasts a little longer on a single charge. The cameras are still rather complementary and for video calls absolutely sufficient, but it's not for taking holiday photos. And yes, you still have to buy the charger separately.
Is the switch worth it?
If you're happy with the Galaxy Tab S9 and don't need the latest features, you don't necessarily need to upgrade. It's still a high-end tablet. But if, like me, you use your tablet daily for work or study, take frequent notes, and want the security of the latest software for years to come, then switching to the Tab S11 makes sense. That feeling of smoother operation, a vastly improved S Pen and useful AI features make everyday use a much more enjoyable experience. The difference of two generations is simply noticeable here.
