I’m using the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, and here’s what you need to know before buying one

I’m using the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, ready for our full review treatment.

I’m a few days into evaluating them, and I want to talk through the differences between these two Android tablets.

Why? Because before parting with any money, there are some really important things to know.

What about the spec and price?

Two big differences

If you’re shopping for a brand-new, flagship-status Samsung tablet, the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will likely be at the top of your shopping list.

The Galaxy Tab S11 starts at $800, while the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra starts at $1,200, meaning there’s a massive gulf between the prices, so what’s different?

The most obvious is the size of the screen. The Tab S11 has an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED, but the Tab S11 Ultra has an enormous 14.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen.

When I say enormous, I mean it.

The Tab S11 Ultra is huge, and nearly three inches taller and two inches wider than the Tab S11. It’s also more than 200 grams heavier.

Take a look at the comparison above (Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra on the left) and see how much more tablet there is overhanging my hand.

It’s a real handful, and I’ve found it a little ungainly when holding it to watch a video or play a game. I don’t have the keyboard accessory for it, which I think would add a different dimension, but this will also add another $210 to the price.

What’s more, the two screens look basically the same. The resolutions are different, but the Tab S11 Ultra’s pixel density is a little lower than the S11’s, so you don’t get any boost in sharpness.

One interesting difference between them is how the Ultra handles web content. Rather than stretching pages, it renders them more like a full-size monitor, unlike the smaller Tab S11.

Otherwise, things are very similar throughout. However, the Tab S11 Ultra has a wide-angle camera on the back, and the Tab S11 doesn’t. Still, I can’t imagine that spec swaying anyone.

Big batteries inside

But one beats the other

The most meaningful spec difference between the two Tab S11 tablets is the battery capacity.

The Galaxy Tab S11 has an 8,400mAh battery, but the Tab S11 Ultra has a much larger 11,600mAh capacity cell.

Simply, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra’s battery lasts longer than the Tab S11’s, which will come as a surprise to no one. However, just how much longer will it last?

I ran a simple video test to find out. I started a 1440p YouTube video playing on both at full brightness, and left it running. The Galaxy Tab S11’s battery lasted 10.5 hours before it reached 2%.

At this time, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra’s battery still had 35% remaining, and the video went on to play for a total of 14.5 hours.

Both tablets support up to 45W wired charging. The Galaxy Tab S11 took an hour and 23 minutes to fully recharge, and the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra took an hour and 29 minutes, making it surprisingly speedy given the additional capacity.

Fingerprints and face recognition

Not the most intuitive

In the short time I’ve spent with both tablets, I’ve been frustrated by the security features. Both have fingerprint sensors, but they’re on the screen and not inside the power key.

While this works well on a device with a small screen, like your phone, it’s awkward and annoying on a tablet, especially one as large as the Tab S11 Ultra.

Worse, the fingerprint sensor is slow to react, and often fails to read correctly on the first try.

There’s face recognition too, but the camera is mounted centrally on the side bezel, which is usually right where my hand is when I pick the tablet up.

You’ll get used to the camera placement, and it works more reliably than the fingerprint sensor. However, all this could have been avoided by putting the sensor in the power key, like many other tablets.

Great sound from both

But one has the edge

Both tablets use the same MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, and there are four speakers on the sides of the chassis.

I’ll note just how thin the 5.1mm Tab S11 Ultra feels, and you will genuinely notice the difference when you hold the 5.5mm thick Tab S11 immediately afterward.

Sound should, in theory, be very similar. However, the extra size of the Tab S11 Ultra seems to give its audio performance a small boost.

It’s unclear whether it gains additional bass or a wider spatial experience,due to the size of the tablet, or just from the speakers being physically further away from each other. Or even a combination of both.

Whichever it is, the Tab S11 Ultra delivers a slightly improved audio experience over the smaller Tab S11. The massive screen is also a real joy to look at, even if it isn’t strictly “better.”

But if I’m holding a tablet to watch something? I’d pick up the regular Tab S11 every time. It’s far more manageable.

Which one have I used more?

First impressions push me towards one model

It’s still early in my review process for the two Galaxy Tab S11 models, but I have found I reach for one more than the other, and the regular Tab S11 is winning the race at the moment.

The more usable size makes it comfortable and convenient, and because there’s no obvious performance difference, both come with the new S Pen stylus in the box, and the software is identical, it’s the tablet I’d likely prefer to use on a regular basis.

The Tab S11 Ultra’s considerably longer battery life may appeal to some, but if your tablet is used mostly at home and near a charger, it may not impact use all that much.

To get the longer battery life and even bigger screen, you’ll have to pay an additional $400, and I’m not seeing that amount in value yet.

Our full review on both is coming soon, but if you’re itching to put one in your shopping basket, this early look may help you make the right choice for you.