Samsung has officially teased its next-gen tablet, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, and while the visuals come from a relatively low-resolution render leaked by the ever-reliable Evan Blass, they still offer a fairly clear preview of the design and features. But this preview is far from universally exciting. With four notable changes—three of them arguably questionable—Samsung appears to be making choices that challenge the expectations of long-time users.
From hardware design tweaks to feature removals, and even chipset decisions that seem more cost-saving than cutting-edge, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra raises questions about the direction Samsung is taking with its flagship tablet series. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.
A Smaller Notch with a Bigger Problem
One of the most immediately noticeable changes in the leaked image is the notch redesign. Samsung has replaced the wide horizontal notch used in previous models with a more compact, V-shaped one. While that may sound like a visual improvement on paper, it doesn’t resolve the fundamental issue that many users have with notches on large-screen devices in the first place. In smartphones, the notch was justified by space constraints and the need to house multiple sensors in a compact form.
But on a tablet, where space is more abundant, the continued presence of a notch feels outdated, especially when high-end selfie cameras can be embedded in phones without such intrusions. To make matters more controversial, the dual front-facing camera setup that defined the Ultra line appears to be gone, replaced by a single front camera. This change potentially removes support for features like auto-framing during video calls, something that’s particularly valuable for business users and creatives.
Sure, Apple’s iPads manage auto-framing with a single lens, and Samsung could implement a similar software trick, but the removal of the dual-camera system still suggests a regression in capability—unless Samsung surprises everyone with an upgraded sensor and smart processing.
Where Did the S Pen Charger Go?
Even more confusing is what’s happening with the S Pen, which has long been a signature feature of Samsung’s tablet lineup. Historically, Galaxy Tab Ultra models have featured a magnetic strip on the back where the S Pen could snap into place and wirelessly charge. In the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra render, that magnetic strip is nowhere to be found. This absence leads to several theories. One possibility is that the magnets and charging area are still there, simply hidden beneath the back panel for a more seamless, minimalist look.
This would be the best-case scenario for users who prefer a clean aesthetic without losing functionality. Another possibility is that Samsung has relocated the S Pen charger to the tablet’s side, similar to Apple’s method with the iPad Pro lineup. That could represent a design alignment shift, even if it sacrifices a bit of Samsung’s unique identity.
But the most worrying interpretation is the one that suggests Bluetooth functionality has been removed from the S Pen entirely. That would mean no air gestures, no remote control capabilities, and potentially a move toward a passive or battery-powered active stylus design—something more in line with Apple’s second-generation Pencil. Supporting this theory is the S Pen’s new look. It’s more angular and seems to mimic the industrial design of Apple’s stylus.
During the Galaxy S25 Ultra launch, Samsung openly stated that less than 1% of users rely on the S Pen’s Bluetooth features, which may be driving this decision. However, that’s a general statement. For tablets specifically—devices often used for note-taking, presentations, sketching, digital art, and multitasking—the percentage of users leveraging Bluetooth features is undoubtedly higher. Removing that functionality could alienate professionals and power users who rely on those capabilities as part of their daily workflow.
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Camera Changes and Design Continuity
The rear camera module also sees a cosmetic change. The individual camera rings that were part of the Tab S8 Ultra’s visual identity have been removed. In their place, Samsung has implemented a more subdued camera housing design, one that strongly resembles the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s rear layout. While this won’t affect the camera’s performance in any measurable way, it does indicate a push toward design consistency across Samsung’s high-end devices. This minimalist visual approach might appeal to some, but others could interpret it as another step toward Apple-like homogeneity.
Finally, a Bigger Battery for the Ultra Model
There is good news too, particularly when it comes to battery life. According to GalaxyClub, a source known for its accuracy in Samsung-related leaks, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will include a larger battery, a much-needed update. Since the release of the Tab S8 Ultra back in 2022, Samsung hasn’t upgraded the battery size, leading to stagnation in one of the most important hardware areas for tablets. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is now expected to feature an 11,700mAh battery, an increase of around 500mAh over its predecessor.
That’s a welcome change, especially for users who use their tablets extensively for productivity and creative tasks. The base model Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, however, won’t receive this benefit and will retain the same battery size as the Tab S9. It’s also worth noting that Samsung is not releasing a Plus variant this time, opting only for a standard and Ultra model.
Dimensity 9400+ Chipset: A Strategic or Compromising Move?
Perhaps the most surprising decision lies in Samsung’s choice of chipset. Instead of continuing with Snapdragon chips across the board, the company is equipping the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+. On paper, it’s a solid chip. Early benchmark figures suggest a 2600 single-core and 8000 multi-core score, faster than the previous Tab S10 Ultra, which came in at 2100 and 7200, respectively.
Still, it doesn’t quite match up to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which boasts multi-core scores exceeding 10,000. While day-to-day users may not notice a vast performance gap in basic tasks, those investing in a flagship tablet priced around $1,200 might expect cutting-edge hardware. The use of MediaTek here might be a cost-saving move, but it risks making the device feel less premium, especially when compared to other Samsung flagships in the same price bracket.
Expected Price and Launch Window
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is expected to launch in the next couple of months, likely aligning with Samsung’s upcoming product announcement schedule. Based on its predecessor’s pricing and the current leak-based feature set, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will likely carry a starting price tag of around $1,200. While some improvements—like battery life and a cleaner rear design—will be welcome, other changes, such as the possible loss of Bluetooth S Pen functions, the shift in chipset, and the downgraded front camera system, could temper enthusiasm. Samsung will need to justify these trade-offs if it hopes to maintain its grip on the premium Android tablet market.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
