Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 vs Galaxy Tab S9: Main differences to expect
However, it doesn't seem that this revival will give us a massively different tablet, no. We are getting just a slightly updated slate with refreshed internals in the same familiar and understated aluminum package.
Here is how the new tablet is shaping up to be an improvement on its predecessor, but spoiler alert, it won't be too much.
$439 at Macy's
The Galaxy Tab S11 won't differ too much from the Galaxy Tab S9 , with both devices sharing Samsung's similar tablet design language. Flat sides, flat displays and backs is all you get, along with a uniform screen with thin bezels, which is actually kind of a great design.
In terms of size, there are slight differences that won't change the experience too much. As per the rumors, the device will measure 253.8 × 165.3 × 5.5 mm, while the older Galaxy Tab S9 had dimensions of 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm.
Notable here is the slightly thinner size of the new device, which seemingly comes at no cost: we won't be getting a smaller battery inside, which sounds like a win-win scenario.
The Galaxy Tab S11 is also shaping up to be lighter at 482 grams, a little less than the 498 grams of the older one.
Both are boasting IP68 water and dust resistance and have their fingerprint scanners embedded inside the display.
Colors-wise, the new tablet will be available in Gray and Silver, a fairly drab color selection. Apple does it better in terms of colors, that's for sure. The Galaxy Tab S9 was available ain Beige and Graphite, a slightly different but equally uninspiring color selection.
The Galaxy Tab S9 will arrive with S Pen support, and an S Pen will be included inside the box. That's similar to the Galaxy Tab S9 .
Naturally, we also expect Samsung to make its Book Cover Keyboard compatible with the new tablet so that you can easily type on the tablet.
The update with the Galaxy Tab S11 seems to be all in the performance aspect of it all.
The slate is reportedly getting the Dimensity 9400 chip, which is built on a 3nm manufacturing node and will hopefully improve performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip inside the Galaxy Tab S9 . Make no mistake, the latter is super adequate to this day, but the Dimensity 9400 will be an improvement.
What's more, it's a fairly efficient chip that is currently featured on some of the longest-lasting Chinese phones out there, making us pretty optimistic about the potential battery life.
Memory-wise, expect 12GB of RAM in all storage versions of the tablet, which will come with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. We don't know if a microSDXC card will be on board, but we certainly hope so.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S9 came with 8GB of RAM in the 128GB version and 12GB of RAM in the 256GB one. It had a microSDXC slot on deck. Software Expect the One UI 7 interface built on top of Android 15 to make the rounds on the Galaxy Tab S11. There's the chance of One UI 8 and Android 16, too; we simply don't know when Samsung is releasing its upcoming software to its slates.
The older device should have received One UI 7 and Android 15 already.
The problem here is the software support. While we expect the Galaxy Tab S11 to be supported for seven years from launch, which sounds pretty great. However, the Galaxy Tab S9 was to be supported for four years, and two have already passed. This means that in the summer of 2027, the Galaxy Tab S9 will die on the vine. We expect the two devices to support all Galaxy AI features, Battery and Charging
No changes are expected on the battery front: the Galaxy Tab S11 will come with the same 8,400 mAh battery that was available on the Galaxy Tab S9 as well.
Yet, as mentioned, we do hope that the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 will help the tablet achieve excellent battery life.
In terms of charging, expect 45W wired charging on the Galaxy Tab S11, just as quick as the Galaxy Tab S9 .
Both tablets will share the same rear camera, a 13MP one with a fairly small 1/3.4" sensor and tight 26mm FoV. Not very exciting, but then again, that's a tablet.
Up front, we will have a 12MP front camera, which is definitely the more important one on a tablet for all your video calls.
Well, the Galaxy Tab S11 doesn't introduce any major changes to the mix, but there are three major potential improvements: the software support, the battery life, and the performance.
The Galaxy Tab S9 isn't bad per se, but it won't be supported for too long now. Still, it's an adequate slate that will do you just fine for the next couple of years, but if you want something slightly better, the Galaxy Tab S11 could be the answer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GSM Arena
26 minutes ago
- GSM Arena
Counterpoint: European foldable market to grow sharply
According to Counterpoint Research (CR), the European foldable smartphone market is growing rapidly, having increased shipments by 37% in 2024 compared to 2023. Even so, foldables still only represent around 2% of the overall European smartphone market. Interestingly, the main sales driver is book-style devices, and not flip-style ones. Book-style foldable sales increased 60% year-on-year (YoY) in 2024. And yet, book-style foldables still only represent around 1% of the overall smartphone market. In 2022, Samsung took 98% of the foldable device market in Europe, but by the end of 2023 its share shrunk to 73% as Honor, Google, OnePlus, and Tecno entered the market. This trend continued in 2024, with the largest impact being made by Honor. And so, in 2024, Samsung only had 50% of the market, despite growing its sales by 10%. In second place was Honor, at 34% share, with a whopping 377% growth YoY. Google was third with 9% and 72% growth, Oppo was in fourth with 4% of the pie and a 10% growth, and Tecno rounded out the top five with 2% share after an 88% growth. Its market share collapse in Europe may in part explain why Samsung decided to actually make the Galaxy Z Fold7 more competitive this year, but the Honor Magic V5 is coming to Europe this month and will bring the fight right back to Samsung. Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to be released in October, and the big elephant in the room is Apple, now rumored to release its first folding iPhone in late 2026. Thus, CR expects foldables "to take an increasingly larger share of the premium segment from next year". In the first half of this year, foldable sales in Europe dropped on account of there being no new releases, but this should change in the second half and the growth should accelerate in 2026. By 2028, CR predicts foldable smartphone sales will reach almost 4 million per year in Europe, surpassing 2% of total smartphone sales for the first time in history. And when it comes to the premium segment alone (defined as devices selling for $800 and above), foldables are said to reach almost 10% of sales, potentially even higher in key markets like the UK and Germany. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Source
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Phone Arena
For the first time, you can now get a Certified Re-Newed foldable directly from Samsung
The Certified Re-Newed program was created to give buyers a more affordable way to own a premium Samsung phone while maintaining the reassurance of manufacturer quality. Samsung says that under this program every device is inspected by their own specialists, repaired if necessary with 100% genuine Samsung parts, and fitted with a certified new battery. Each phone comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring buyers have the same after-sales support they'd expect with a new device. Until now, the program had focused on Galaxy S series and other non-foldable models. By bringing the Galaxy Z series into the mix, Samsung is extending its value-oriented option to one of the most expensive categories in its lineup. Foldables have traditionally carried a high entry price, which has been a hurdle for customers curious about the technology but hesitant to invest over $1,000 on a first try. $135 off (54%) True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, MagSafe Charging Case, Refurbished, Very Good Condition, 1-Year Warranty Buy at eBay The Certified Re-Newed versions of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are available exclusively through Samsung's website in Phantom Black for $1,169 (256GB) or $1,219 (512GB). The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available in Graphite, starting at $649 for 256GB and $699 for 512GB. These prices reflect savings of several hundred dollars compared to buying new, potentially opening the door for more users to experience a foldable without paying full retail. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are now available for the first time as certified re-newed. | Images credit — Samsung Including foldables in an official refurb program signals Samsung's growing confidence in the durability of its newer designs. It also stands apart in the U.S. market with this move, as Apple's refurbished store offers certified iPhones and iPads — but of course, no foldables as the company hasn't made one yet. Still, even with the discount, Certified Re-Newed foldables remain premium purchases. Some shoppers may opt for a new mid-range phone with a strong camera and battery life at a similar or lower price, sacrificing the novelty of a foldable screen. But for those eager to try the technology without committing to a brand-new model, the program offers a safer and more affordable entry point.
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Phone Arena
Google Messages is slowly taking over Samsung and Pixel users' screens
A new Google Messages bug has popped up, and while it's mostly harmless, it's kind of bug has replicated the Google Messages icon, so there are now two app icons in the app launcher's suggestions and app drawer. The two icons are located next to each other, and either one of them can be used to launch the application. Interestingly, the app icon doesn't appear twice on the home screens and in search problem affects the Google Messages beta version 20250811_03_RC00 and has shown up on Pixel and Samsung devices. The code sleuths over at Android Authority dug deep into the problem and found out what was happening. Apparently, this is a result of duplicate declarations by Google, tricking the system into thinking that there are two apps to display, even though both icons open Google Messages. The Google Messages icon was duplicated after the latest beta update. | Image Credit - Android Authority A couple of users who uninstalled and reinstalled the app are now stuck with three icons. One user exited the beta and uninstalled updates, and the extra icon disappeared. —ImrozChauhan, Reddit user, August 2025 This looks like a harmless bug and doesn't appear to impact the app's functionality in any way. Google will likely eradicate the bug with the next update, but for those who don't like a cluttered interface and are very particular about how their app drawers look, it's surely a the downside of enrolling in beta programs, though, and usually, people who sign up for them are used to problems like you can't stand it, you may want to revert to the stable version of the Google Messages app. Google regularly ships new features to its messaging app, and the updates sometimes introduce bugs. For instance, earlier this month, the beta version was plagued with a bug that caused it to crash. Like we said, this is a part of the beta experience, and if you want more stability, the beta program might not be for you.
