After witnessing the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, I can’t shake the feeling that we may have reached the zenith.
Being the go-to “tablet guy” in this area, I’ve encountered nearly every type of tablet that has come across my desk. There may be a few exceptions, but none can rival Samsung’s premium tablet collection.
Since the debut of the first Ultra Galaxy Tab with the Tab S8 series, I’ve regarded this line as the ultimate option available. And from what I’ve gathered from Brady’s initial thoughts, it seems that the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will uphold this reputation once it launches.
There’s something captivating about the nearly 15-inch display, coupled with the sleek design, S Pen, and expandable storage. The Tab S11 Ultra ticks all those boxes once again, managing to be even slimmer than its predecessor while retaining most of the same features, except for reverting to a single selfie camera.
Now, a query comes to mind that I struggle to answer: what could Samsung possibly pursue next? Some innovative ideas spring to mind, like transforming it into a foldable device akin to Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold that operates on Android.
That might be the most sensible next step, as I honestly don’t believe Samsung, or any competitor, can introduce anything else that could be termed as “ground-breaking.” At least not while maintaining the “traditional” slate of glass or aluminum. The Tab S11 Ultra is just 5.1mm thin, which is 0.3mm less than last year’s variant, and now competes with the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro.
It’s a peculiar sensation to realize that when it comes to the utmost pinnacle of excellence, we may have hit the limit. If Samsung retains the Ultra line, I assume we’ll see mostly minimal design updates (if any), along with a specifications upgrade and potential changes in Android.
Where else could Samsung enhance?
So if this is “it” for the design, what’s next?
I appreciate you asking! For one, I would absolutely love to see Samsung stop restricting RAM options for the 1TB variant. With the Tab S11 Ultra, you have 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. The only avenue to secure 16GB of RAM is by opting for 1TB of storage, and vice versa, which is just infuriating.
I comprehend the need for profit margins and such, but really. Settle on one RAM configuration and keep everyone satisfied. It might not irritate me as much if this were a unique occurrence, but it’s not. Samsung employs the same approach with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, where the only path to the maximum RAM is through the highest storage capacity.
Aside from that little annoyance, the sole other hardware change I’d like to see is a cellular option in the United States. Just like in previous years, the only way to obtain the Tab S Ultra with cellular capability is to import a model launched in another country. Samsung isn’t even providing a cellular Galaxy Tab S11 variant, leaving the Tab S10 Plus to fulfill the connected option, which is a peculiar decision.
There’s one more thing that I’d genuinely LOVE to see Samsung implement, and it doesn’t even need to wait for the Tab S12: adopt the iPad Pro keyboard design. If I’m working at a desk or table at a café, the Smart Cover Keyboard works decently.
However, the moment I want to lounge on the couch and utilize the tablet as a laptop with the keyboard, it becomes a balancing act. The idea of a detachable back cover that functions as a stand is appealing, but the keyboard part itself is quite subpar. It’s so flimsy that I inadvertently click the trackpad if I apply too much pressure on one side.
None of these issues exist with the iPad Pro keyboard, and it’s frustrating that Samsung hasn’t made much of an effort to alter the design. And no, introducing a dedicated AI key doesn’t count, nor does providing the Book Cover Keyboard Slim, which lacks a trackpad.
I mean, Samsung charges as much as some Chromebooks just for the Book Cover Keyboard ($350). Is it too much to expect a keyboard case that transforms a laptop-sized tablet into an Android laptop?
Additionally, I should note that there isn’t even a new Book Cover Keyboard debuting with the Tab S11 Ultra, only the Slim version has been announced. What I’m hoping is that Samsung has been working on a redesign that addresses my concerns effectively, and it simply wasn’t ready in time.
Then again, perhaps that’s just optimistic thinking.
Seize the moment while conditions are favorable.
Even though we weren’t anticipating
