Summary
- Tab S11 Ultra's 14.6-inch AMOLED 120Hz screen and lighter 690g build are compelling.
- Big performance gains with the Dimensity 9400+: CPU +24%, GPU +27%, NPU +33%
- Buds 3 FE's feature bigger 11mm drivers, solid battery life, and built-in Galaxy AI tools.
During its recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Tab S11 series as well as the Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds. As the year has shown, Samsung has pulled no punches in debuting new and innovative smartphones, including the latest Galaxy S25 FE. However, the introduction of the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, in particular, rounds out a solid year of product releases for the company.
Galaxy S11 Tab Ultra
- Brand
- Samsung
- Storage
- Up to 1TB
- CPU
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
- Battery
- 11,600mAh
- Ports
- USB-C
- Camera (Rear, Front)
- 13-megapixel Wide, 8-megpixel Ultrawide
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra boats a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage with an upgraded 11,600mAh battery.
- Display type
- 14.6-inche Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Size
- 8.2 × 12.8 × 0.2-inches (326.4 x 208.6 x 5.4mm)
- Weight
- 690 g
- RAM
- Up to 16GB
- Front Camera
- 12-megapixel Ultrawide
The Galaxy Tab S11 series is big and bold, thanks to the Ultra tablet
With a 14.6-inch display, the Tab S11 Ultra bridges the gab between tablets and laptops
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 series includes the base model as well as the Tab S11 Ultra. Neither device offers a massive overhaul in design or overall aesthetic compared to last year's tablets. In fact, it was difficult to decipher whether these were new devices from afar. However, it's what Samsung has actually opted to upgrade that makes this a somewhat meaningful upgrade. For context, I spent most of my time toying around with the Tab S11 Ultra as its 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display called to me, sporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
When picking up the Tab S11 Ultra, it became very apparent that Samsung's new-found obsession with thin devices has carried over to its tablet line. The Ultra-level device carries over the 8.2 × 12.8 × 0.2-inches (208.5 x 326.3 x 5.1mm), yet reduces the overall weight of the device. This year's tablet weighs 23oz (690g), a modest reduction from the 25oz (718g) of its predecessor. Although it's not that big of a difference, I immediately noted the weight change and feel like it would be easier to use the tablet for longer periods.
The Tab S11 Ultra carries over a lot from its predecessor, including the f/2.0 13-megapixel 26mm main camera on the rear, alongside a f/2.2 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. This is coupled with the use of a dual front-facing camera array comprised of a f/2.2 12-megapixel 26mm wide and f/2.4 12-megapixel 120-degree ultrawide lenses. Although I'm not expecting to go out and film content with the tablet, the front-facing cameras should be sufficient to use during Zoom calls or Discord video chats.
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra boasts big performance upgrades
Samsung leverages the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chip for meaningful improvements
Samsung is adopting the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, upgrading from last year's MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. Built on an improved 3nm process, the chip offers more performance per milliwatt than the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, says the tech giant. According to Samsung, the latest high-end tablet boasts a 24% improvement in CPU performance when compared to its predecessor. The GPU is up 27% and the NPU's performance is up a staggering 33%.
The improvements to the NPU should also improve the use of Galaxy AI and other built-in AI tools.
As far as what this will mean for the bottom line, it's likely that the already improved 11,600mAh battery (up from 11,200mAh) will be better optimized for all-day use. Samsung claims that the Tab S11 Ultra is able to support up to 23 hours of use. Workflows should also be expected to be better optimized. The device supports Samsung DeX with multiple screens and Extended Mode for multitasking. Users can also take advantage of up to four workspaces on the device.
The improvements to the NPU should also improve the use of Galaxy AI and other built-in AI tools. Although I didn't spend much time with each tool, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra also supports tools like Gemini Live, Writing Assist, Drawing Assist and more. Plus, the Galaxy AI window is movable, so it shouldn't impact your productivity.
With all of this in mind, the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra launch at $800 USD/1,200 CAD and $1,200 USD/$1,500 CAD, respectively, on Samsung's website. Both devices are available in grey and silver colorways.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE feature improved speakers
The upgrade from 6.5mm drivers to 11mm should offer way better sound quality
At Samsung's event, I also briefly tested out the Galaxy Buds 3 FE. Samsung is approaching this year's entry-level earbuds with modest improvements overall. Given the base Galaxy Buds 3 adopted 11mm speakers for more dynamic sounds, it's great to see that this year's FE is following suit. Samsung also uses the same canal type design for a comfortable fit throughout use.
Overall, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE aren't really doing anything we haven't already seen from the Buds 3 series. As far as the battery is concerned, Samsung claims the buds can offer 8.5 hours of playtime with ANC off, or four hours of talk time with ANC turned on. There are also AI tools built in, like Galaxy AI interpreter, which provides real-time in-person translation. I've yet to test this feature myself, but it's one I've been eager to use as I've already been a fan of the Interpreter app on Galaxy devices.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE are available in black and grey on Samsung's website for $150 USD/$179 CAD.
Galaxy Buds 3 FE
- Brand
- Samsung
- Charging Case Included?
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.4
- IP Rating
- IP58
- Driver Size
- One-way dynamic driver
- Case battery
- 515mAh
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE feature improved sound quality and a reasonable price tag.
- Colors
- Black and gray
- Compatibility
- Android 11.0 or higher
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes