Samsung’s Tab S11 Ultra trims the fat and pushes DeX further

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11 add One UI 8, Galaxy AI tools, redesigned S Pen and stronger DeX multitasking. Here’s what’s new and why it matters for UAE users.

Abbas Jaffar Ali
By
Abbas Jaffar Ali
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN...
6 Min Read
Galaxy Tab S11 Series adds One UI 8 and better DeX
TL;DR
  • One UI 8 brings multimodal Galaxy AI, Writing Assist and Drawing Assist
  • DeX adds Extended Mode and up to four workspaces for true dual-screen use
  • Ultra is 5.1 mm thin with a 14.6-inch 120 Hz AMOLED and Wi-Fi 7

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S11, along with the Galaxy S25 FE. Both tablets ship with One UI 8 and the latest Galaxy AI features, along with a redesigned S Pen and big updates to Samsung DeX. The Ultra model is Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab yet, measuring 5.1 mm, and features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Availability begins 4 September in select markets, in Grey and Silver. 

YouTube video

Galaxy AI and One UI 8 on a big screen

One UI 8 leans into multimodal AI. The tablets understand what you type, say, and see, then respond in real-time.

  • Gemini Live supports real-time screen sharing and visual input
  • Hold the side button to invoke Gemini and run actions across apps
  • Circle to Search adds on-screen translation as you scroll
  • Writing Assist and Drawing Assist help refine text and sketches
  • A floating Galaxy AI overlay keeps summaries within reach

In practice, that means you can point the camera at an object, share your notes, ask contextual questions, get instant translations on-screen, or refine a sketch for a presentation. The AI tools live where you work, so you’re not bouncing between apps. 

DeX gets Extended Mode and multiple workspaces

Samsung DeX on Tab S11 and S11 Ultra now does more of the heavy lifting.

  • Extended Mode runs DeX across the tablet and an external monitor
  • Drag and drop apps between displays
  • Create up to four custom DeX workspaces
  • Present on one screen while referencing documents on the other

If you connect to a meeting-room TV or a hotel screen, you can treat the setup like a dual-display desktop. One workspace can stay for work, another for creative tasks, and a third for trip planning. It’s a clearer flow for people who split time between meetings, flights and edits. Pair the tablet with the Book Cover Keyboard Slim and use the Galaxy AI Key for quick access to assistants. 

Hardware: thin build, faster silicon, brighter panels

The Tab S11 series focuses on speed and portability.

  • 3 nm processor across the series; S11 Ultra gets NPU/CPU/GPU boosts
  • Ultra: 5.1 mm thin, 14.6-inch 2960×1848, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • S11: 11-inch 2560×1600, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Peak brightness up to 1600 nits, anti-reflection on Ultra
  • Large batteries with 45 W charging: 11,600 mAh (Ultra), 8,400 mAh (S11)
  • Connectivity: Ultra up to Wi-Fi 7; S11 up to Wi-Fi 6E; 5G Sub-6 options
  • Storage: up to 1 TB plus microSD up to 2 TB; RAM up to 16 GB on Ultra

Samsung claims the Ultra achieves gains of 33% (NPU), 24% (CPU), and 27% (GPU) while paired with improved thermals. The slimmer bezels and lighter frames target everyday portability, while the high-brightness AMOLED panels are designed to stay readable outdoors in the UAE’s sun. 

Redesigned S Pen and creator-friendly apps

The in-box S Pen has a new shape and tip for better control.

  • Cone-shaped tip supports higher tilt angles
  • Hexagonal body for a more stable grip
  • Quick Tools float for on-the-fly adjustments
  • Sticky Note captures notes directly over Samsung Notes

Third-party apps are available out of the box, including GoodNotes, Clip Studio Paint, LumaFusion, and Notion, with time-limited offers. Additional options include Noteshelf 3, ArcSite, Sketchbook and Picsart. For students and creators, that’s a direct path from a rough sketch to a refined asset, video timeline, or structured notes. 

UAE context: timing and connectivity

Samsung lists availability from 4 September in select markets. UAE pricing has not been confirmed. Connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7 on the Ultra and Wi-Fi 6E on the S11 will matter for local high-speed fibre and mesh setups, and both tablets support 5G Sub-6 models depending on the market. If you work across offices and cafes, DeX Extended Mode plus 45 W charging should help with those meeting-to-airport days. 

FAQs

What are the key differences between the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Tab S11?

The Ultra features a larger 14.6-inch display, a thinner 5.1 mm body, higher RAM/storage options, Wi-Fi 7, a larger 11,600 mAh battery, and dual rear cameras. The S11 uses an 11-inch panel, Wi-Fi 6E and an 8,400 mAh battery. 

Does the S Pen come in the box?

Yes, the S Pen is included. It is redesigned with a cone-shaped tip and a hexagonal body. BLE is not supported. 

Can I use the Tab S11 Ultra as a dual-screen setup with DeX?

Yes. Extended Mode lets you run DeX across the tablet and an external monitor, move apps between screens and keep up to four custom workspaces. 

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Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN to the Middle East. From computers to mobile phones and watches, Abbas is always interested in tech that is smarter and smaller.