The competition for the ultra-premium tablet market has heated up once more.
Samsung introduced its Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in September, and soon after, Apple responded with the latest iteration of the iPad Pro for 2025. At first glance, both devices share sleek aesthetics, expansive displays, and top-notch performance tailored to their unique operating systems.
However, beneath the surface, there are significant differences that may influence your choice. The iPad Pro boasts impressive M5 performance, potentially outpacing every Android tablet, alongside a library of high-quality, dedicated apps designed specifically for the iPad.
If I had to choose one, my preference would lean toward the Tab S11 Ultra, and here’s why.
It’s large enough to genuinely replace my laptop
When investing upwards of £1,000/$1,000 in a tablet, it ought to seamlessly replace my laptop.
This may not be feasible for every power user, but as someone primarily relying on web browsing and a limited selection of mobile-friendly applications for work, this is certainly achievable for me.
With multitasking being crucial, I need a substantial screen. The Tab S11 Ultra addresses this concern with a generous 14.6-inch display, surpassing many laptops in size. Having tested it personally, I can attest that the 120Hz OLED panel is stunning.
Chris Hall / Foundry
While the iPad Pro features a very similar display with a slightly higher resolution of 2752 x 2064, it only comes in 11- or 13-inch variants. That additional screen space on the Tab S11 Ultra proves invaluable when running apps side-by-side or switching quickly between them.
And more resistant to the elements
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra shines in terms of build quality, and I would not expect the new iPad Pro to fall short either. Both devices sport durable glass on their displays, complemented by an aluminum back and frame that have proven reliable in previous releases.
However, the Tab S11 Ultra holds a significant edge in terms of water and dust resistance. Its IP68 rating assures that it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for 30 minutes and is fully protected against small particles.
In comparison, the iPad Pro lacks any official rating. While it may endure light rain or a sandy beach day, it’s noteworthy that Apple hasn’t provided any details about this in their device announcements.
Apple
I prefer not to be constrained to indoor use for my tablet, making the Tab S11 Ultra the clear favorite.
It integrates better with Google apps
This point is somewhat personal for me. As someone deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem, the Tab S11 Ultra emerges as a far superior choice.
While you can download all the apps on an iPad, the experience tends to feel less instinctive and cohesive. Apple tends to design its features to work best with its default applications, leaving little incentive for Google to create a fully optimized app for iPad.
Additionally, when it comes to paid apps, purchases don’t carry over from Android to iPad. Some apps, like HappyCow, might be free on Android but come with a cost on Apple devices—which can be quite frustrating.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
AI functionality on a tablet is crucial
In the realm of mobile artificial intelligence, Google has a significant advantage over Apple.
Its Gemini AI assistant is vastly more capable than Siri and far easier to access when embedded directly in the operating system instead of being an external app.
I truly appreciate features like Circle to Search, which enhances the contextual understanding of what I see on my screen, and Samsung’s AI editing tools offer greater proficiency than those available from Apple.
Chris Hall / Foundry
While Apple’s AI capabilities are gradually improving, they are doing so at a slow pace. I don’t want to wait any longer for enhanced AI integration in my life.
It’s more cost-effective (for the model I’d prefer)
In technical terms, the new iPad Pro comes at a lower starting price compared to the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. The iPad starts at £999/$999, while Samsung’s tablet begins at a minimum of £1,199/$1,199 when bought at standard retail price.
However, that figure doesn’t paint the entire picture. The starting price for the iPad Pro applies only to the 11-inch model—opting for the 13-inch model will set you back at least £1,299/$1,299. Therefore, it ends up being £100/$100 costlier than the Tab S11 Ultra.
Apple
The disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering accessories…
A stylus is included in the box
Transforming either of these tablets into a legitimate productivity platform necessitates additional purchases since neither Samsung nor Apple includes a keyboard cover with the tablet. For someone who travels frequently, I find this to be a necessity—typing out lengthy documents on a touchscreen keyboard simply isn’t efficient.
The Slim Book Keyboard Cover from Samsung usually retails for £199/$199 (although it is currently bundled with the device), while Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs an additional £299/$299 at launch.
This already represents a substantial difference in price, but what truly clinches it for me is that Samsung provides its S Pen stylus within the box. As a fan of digital note-taking (and it’s also fantastic for digital art), this feature is incredibly advantageous.
Chris Hall / Foundry
In contrast, Apple charges an additional £79/$79 for the latest Apple Pencil. When considering all costs, I’d end up spending £179/$179 more on the new iPad Pro after already paying a higher price for the device itself.
In conclusion, the new iPad Pro isn’t the right fit for my needs. Nonetheless, it still presents as an impressive device capable of competing with any of the best tablets available today.
Interested? Pre-orders for the new iPad Pro are available now in the UK and US in anticipation of its release on October 22.
