The ultra-premium tablet battle has just been reignited.
Samsung revealed its Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in September and Apple has just hit back with a new 2025 version of the iPad Pro. On the surface, both have a lot in common – sleek designs, large displays and some of the best performance you’ll find on their respective operating systems.
However, they also differ in some pretty fundamental ways, and that’s likely to affect which one you choose. The iPad Pro has plenty going for it, including M5 performance – which could well blow every Android tablet out of the water – and a range of high-quality, dedicated iPad apps.
But if I were deciding which one to buy, I’d go for the Tab S11 Ultra every time. Here’s why.
It’s big enough to actually replace my laptop
If I’m spending £1,000/$1,000 or more on a tablet, it really should be able to replace my laptop.
That simply won’t be possible for some power users, but as someone who relies on web browsing and a small selection of mobile-friendly apps to get work done, it’s well within my reach.
However, multitasking is a top priority, so I can’t be dealing with a small screen. The Tab S11 Ultra emphatically answers my concerns, with a huge 14.6-inch panel that’s bigger than many laptops. Having tried it for myself, the 120Hz OLED panel is absolutely stunning in person.
And more resistant to the elements
Build quality is a key strength of the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, and I have no reason to suspect that the new iPad Pro will be any different. Both devices feature durable glass on the display, plus an aluminium back and frame that has stood the test of time on past generations.
However, the Tab S11 Ultra has a key advantage when it comes to water and dust resistance. Its IP68 rating confirms it’ll survive submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30 minutes and be fully protected against small particles.
By contrast, the iPad Pro has no official rating at all. It may well survive a quick rain shower or a day at the beach, but it’s telling that Apple makes no mention of this in its announcement of the device.
It plays nicer with Google apps
Okay, so this one is personal to me. But as someone who’s heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, the Tab S11 Ultra is a much better option.
Sure, you can download all the apps on an iPad, but the experience never feels as intuitive or cohesive. Apple designs features that work best with its stock apps, and there’s little motivation for Google to make a fully optimised iPad app.
There’s also the issue of paid-for apps, where a purchase won’t be carried over from an Android phone. And some apps, including HappyCow, are free on Android but paid for on Apple devices – a major frustration.
AI on a tablet is important to me
When it comes to artificial intelligence on mobile, Google is streets ahead of Apple.
Its Gemini AI assistant is far superior to Siri, and much easier to access when it’s integrated directly into the operating system, rather than as a third-party app.
I really enjoy using Circle to Search to make sense of what’s on my screen, while Samsung’s Galaxy AI editing tools are more capable than those that Apple offers.
Apple Intelligence is catching up in many areas, but slowly. And I’m not willing to wait any longer for AI to enhance my life.
It’s cheaper (for the model I’d want)
Technically, the new iPad Pro is more affordable than the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. It starts at £999/$999, while Samsung’s slate costs at least £1,199/$1,199 when buying at full price.
However, that doesn’t tell the full story. The iPad Pro’s starting price is only for the 11-inch model – to step up to the 13-inch version, you’ll need to pay at least £1,299/$1,299. In other words, it’s £100/$100 more expensive than the Tab S11 Ultra.
And the effect is magnified when you consider the accessories…
A stylus is included in the box
To turn either of these tablets into a genuine productivity device would require extra investment from me, as neither Samsung nor Apple includes a keyboard cover in the price. As someone who travels regularly, that’s a necessity – trust me, typing out a long document using a touchscreen keyboard doesn’t cut it.
Samsung’s Slim Book Keyboard Cover typically costs £199/$199 (although it’s currently included in the price) while Apple’s Magic Keyboard is an additional £299/$299 at launch.
That’s already a big disparity, but what really seals it for me is that Samsung includes its S Pen stylus in the box. As someone who enjoys taking digital notes (it’s also perfect for digital art), this is a real boon.
By contrast, Apple charges an additional £79/$79 for the latest Apple Pencil. In total, I’d end up spending £179/$179 more when buying the new iPad Pro, having already paid more for the device itself.
So, as you can see, the new iPad Pro isn’t right for me. But it still looks like an excellent device that could go toe-to-toe with any of the best tablets on the market.
Interested? Pre-orders for the new iPad Pro are live now in the UK and US, ahead of its release on 22 October.
