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Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra if you want a 14.6-inch AMOLED canvas for drawing, editing and split-screen work. Buy the iPad (2025) A16 if you want a light, simple 11-inch tablet for browsing, streaming, notes and apps. The Ultra wins on screen, chip power, storage speed and pen precision; the iPad wins on portability, app polish and a lower entry point. Owners praise the Ultra's display and multitasking but report a flimsy new S Pen placement, a battery-drain issue and slow repairs.

  • Choose the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra if you need a large AMOLED screen, top-tier performance and an included S Pen for drawing or heavy multitasking.
  • Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you want a light, easy 11-inch tablet for everyday apps, streaming and note-taking.

Prices

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: $1,149.50 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: $26.99 at Rent-A-Center (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB is $1,122.51 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

4.7(3,000 ratings)
$1,149.50at AmazonChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Large, bright, anti-reflective AMOLED screen
  • Top-tier 3nm chip for smooth multitasking
  • S Pen included and wirelessly charged on the side
  • Galaxy AI note summaries, writing fixes and Drawing Assist
  • Long battery life, often days between charges
Cons
  • New S Pen placement on the top bezel is flimsy and falls off
  • Redesigned body breaks older cases and keyboard covers
  • Some owners report battery drain within two weeks
  • Repairs take 2-3 weeks with no price protection
  • Few accessories made for the new design
Apple
Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi 128GB

4.7(2,574 ratings)
$26.99at Rent-A-CenterChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Rent-A-Center
Pros
  • Light and easy to hold at 16.8 oz
  • A16 chip handles everyday apps and games well
  • 128 GB storage and Wi-Fi 6
  • USB-C, 12 MP front camera, 4K video
  • Wide, polished iPadOS app selection
Cons
  • 60Hz screen feels less smooth than 120Hz rivals
  • No memory card slot and no telephoto camera
  • Apple Pencil and keyboard cost extra
  • USB 2.0 transfer speeds
  • No water resistance and no NFC

What separates them

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 UltraApple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Display14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960 x 1848, 1600 nits peak, anti-reflective11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640, 264 ppi, 60Hz
ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400+, 3nm, octa-core up to 3.63 GHzApple A16, hexa-core
StorageFlash with UFS interface128 GB fixed, no memory card reader
StylusS Pen included, redesigned shape, charges on the tablet's sideActive digitizer supported, Apple Pencil sold separately
Battery11,600 mAh Li-Po, rated for long runtimeLiPo, all-day rating, no capacity published
Portability8.2 x 12.8 x 0.2 inches, a large two-handed tablet7.1 inches tall, 16.8 oz, one-hand friendly
Cameras13 MP rear with ultrawide and flash, 12 MP front, 4K videoSingle rear camera, 12 MP front, 4K video
Software and appsAndroid 16 with Galaxy AI note, writing and drawing toolsiPadOS 18 with a deep, well-optimized tablet app library

Price history

$1,441.99$26.99
Nov 1Nov 11
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: lowest $1,025.50 on Nov 5 at Walmart; $1,299.99 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: lowest $26.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $399.99 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

  • ACTS-Technology Products & ServicesNew

    In stock

    $1,199.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit ACTS-Technology Products & Services
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by HotDealsMade for another market

    $1,249.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Walmart
  • Wireless PlaceNew

    Availability unknownMade for another market

    $1,069.50Checked Nov 9
    Visit Wireless Place
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,149.50Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Stockyfy.comCheck price at Stockyfy.com
  • KijeroCheck price at Kijero

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 19 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • Rent-A-CenterNew

    In stock

    $26.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Rent-A-Center
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $389.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • StaplesCheck price at Staples
  • QuillCheck price at Quill
  • PoshmarkCheck price at Poshmark

Specs compared

SpecSamsung Galaxy Tab S11 UltraApple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
OS VersionAndroid 16Apple iPadOS 18
Battery LifeLong battery life10 hours battery
Battery Capacity11,600 mAh7,606 mAh
Front Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP front camera
Rear Camera Resolution13 MP12 MP rear camera
Display Resolution2960 x 18482360 x 1640
colorGrayBlue
size8.2" x 12.8" x 0.2"11-inch
Main StorageFlash—
Storage InterfaceUFS—
Battery Run Time5691 min (per cycle)—
Battery TypeLi-Po—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSamsung Galaxy Tab S11 UltraApple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Processor BrandMediaTek—
Number Of Processor CoresOcta-core—
Integrated GPUYes—
Max Turbo Speed3.63 GHz (Cortex-X925)—
Highlighted Performance FeaturesEnhanced for AI—
Processor ChipsetDimensity 9400+—
Processor Chipset Features3 nm—
Camera Video Recording3840 x 2160 pixels (maximum video resolution)—
Camera FeaturesUltrawide rear camera—

What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

  • 4.7 / 53,000 ratings

Ratings are strong at 4.7 out of 5 from about 3,000 ratings, with owners mostly praising the screen, the S Pen and the battery. Complaints center on the new S Pen placement, the lack of case compatibility with the redesigned body, and a battery-draining issue some reported within two weeks.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 14.6-inch AMOLED bright and vivid, especially outdoors.
  • S PenPraisedThe reshaped S Pen and its side charging get positive mentions.
  • BatteryPraisedThe 11,600 mAh battery is described as lasting through a full day of work.
  • Size and weightCriticisedBuyers say the 14.6-inch body is heavy and awkward to hold one-handed.

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • 4.7 / 52,574 ratings

Owners rate it highly, calling it a fast, reliable everyday tablet with a good screen and long software support. Complaints focus on the 60Hz display and the cost of add-on accessories.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A16 keeps apps and multitasking responsive for daily tasks.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright, but the 60Hz refresh rate is noticed next to 120Hz models.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report it lasts a full day of streaming, browsing and notes.
  • AccessoriesCriticised
Reviews
  • The best tablets of 2026: Lab-tested recommendations - ZDNET
  • The best Android tablets of 2026: Lab tested, expert recommended - ZDNET
  • I take an Android tablet everywhere I go: These are the best ones you should buy in 2026
  • The best Samsung tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Search | Product Finder - Product Finder
  • The best large tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, because the S Pen is included, precise and charges on the tablet. The iPad works well with an Apple Pencil, but the pencil is a separate purchase.
Which is better for watching video and reading?
The Ultra's 14.6-inch AMOLED is brighter and more vivid, with an anti-reflective coating. The iPad is easier to hold for long reading sessions because it weighs far less.
Which lasts longer?
The Ultra's 11,600 mAh battery is rated for long runtime and owners report days between charges, though some report early drain. The iPad is rated all-day and its battery is smaller.
Is the Ultra worth stepping up to over the iPad?
Yes if you need a big screen, desktop-style multitasking or serious drawing. No if you mainly browse, stream and take light notes, where the iPad's size and app library suit better.
Which is more portable?
The iPad. At 16.8 oz and 7.1 inches tall it fits in a small bag and works one-handed. The Ultra is a large two-handed tablet at 8.2 x 12.8 inches.
Do older accessories fit the Ultra?
No. The redesigned body means older cases and keyboard covers no longer fit, and owners say the new S Pen placement is easy to knock off.

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All 18 stores and price history →
Camera Light SourceEmbedded flash (for rear camera)—
Display Size14.6-inch—
Display Aspect Ratio16:10—
Display Brightness1600 nits (peak)—
Display HighlightsDynamic AMOLED 2X—
Connections—USB-C
Bluetooth—Yes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)—12.0
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)—Yes
System on Chip (SoC)—Apple A16
Refresh Rate—60Hz
Pixel Density (PPI)—264
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)—No
Keyboard Included—No
Telephoto Camera—No
USB Version—USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
NFC—No
No. of Back Cameras—1
Depth (")—0.3
Buyers complain the keyboard and stylus are sold separately and push up the total cost.
Best tablet deals
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