Tablets: Microsoft Surface Pro 11 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Quick Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 cater to different user needs. The Surface Pro 11, with its larger display, potentially more powerful processors, and Windows OS, is geared towards productivity and creative tasks, despite potential thermal throttling. The Galaxy Tab S11, being lighter with Android OS and included S Pen, is better suited for portability and mobile use. The choice depends on whether the user prioritizes a desktop-like experience or a more streamlined tablet experience.
- The Surface Pro 11 offers a larger screen, potentially more powerful processors (Snapdragon X series or Intel Core Ultra), and a Windows operating system, making it suitable for productivity and creative tasks.
- The Galaxy Tab S11 is lighter, runs Android, and includes the S Pen, appealing to users who prioritize portability and a streamlined mobile experience.
- The Surface Pro 11 boasts Wi-Fi 7, while the Galaxy Tab S11 has Wi-Fi 6E. Both support Bluetooth 5.4 and optional 5G connectivity.
- The Surface Pro 11's OLED display is noted for excellent color and contrast, while details on the Galaxy Tab S11's display quality are not provided.
- The Surface Pro 11 may experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads, and the real-world battery life varies. The Galaxy Tab S11 has no user feedback available.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 |
|---|
| Name | — | — |
| Screen Size (inches) | — | — |
| Display Resolution | — | — |
| Processor Type | — | — |
| RAM (GB) | — | — |
| Storage Capacity (GB) | — | — |
| Operating System | — | — |
| Battery Life (hours) | — | — |
| Front Camera Resolution (MP) | — | — |
| Rear Camera Resolution (MP) | — | — |
| Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular) | — | — |
| Stylus Support (included/optional) | — | — |
| Weight (grams) | — | — |
| Price | — | — |
Overall Comparison
Surface Pro 11: 13-inch display, Snapdragon X Elite/Intel Core Ultra, up to 32GB RAM, Windows 11. Galaxy Tab S11: 11-inch display, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, 12GB RAM, Android 16 (likely).
Pros and Cons
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Pros:
- Excellent color and contrast (OLED display)
- High peak brightness in HDR mode (OLED display)
- Bright with accurate colors and great contrast (LCD display)
- Competitive performance for mainstream use and graphic design (Snapdragon X Elite)
- Handles CPU-intensive workloads well
- Can handle demanding creative applications
- Suitable for creative tasks (display's color accuracy)
- Comfortable use at various angles (kickstand)
- Thin and lightweight
- Smooth writing experience with haptic feedback (Surface Slim Pen)
- Responsive and accurate pen input
- Effective cooling system
- Minimal fan noise
- Durable and premium build quality
- Made from recycled aluminum and rare earth metals
- Operating system integrates well with other devices and services
- Seamless experience across different platforms
- Minimal bloatware concerns
Cons:
- May experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads
- Real-world battery life varies depending on usage patterns
- Some native ARM versions of popular apps are not yet released
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Pros:
- No notable advantages reported.
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
What Users Love- OLED display offers excellent color and contrast.
- OLED display can reach a peak brightness of 878 nits in HDR mode.
- SDR brightness averages around 564 nits.
- LCD display is bright with accurate colors and great contrast for an IPS LCD screen.
- Snapdragon X Elite processor provides competitive performance for mainstream use and graphic design.
- Surface Slim Pen provides a smooth writing experience with haptic feedback.
- Cooling system is effective in preventing overheating during intensive tasks.
- Fan noise is minimal even under heavy loads.
- Build quality is durable and feels premium.
- Operating system integrates well with other devices and services.
- Offers a seamless experience across different platforms.
Common Complaints- Device may experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads.
- Real-world battery life varies depending on usage patterns.
- Some native ARM versions of popular apps are not yet released.
Value Perception- Real-world battery life varies depending on usage patterns.
- Some reviews report around 10 hours of real-world usage.
- Video playback tests have yielded up to 14 hours of battery life.
User Recommendations- The OLED display offers excellent color and contrast.
- The OLED display can reach a peak brightness of 878 nits in HDR mode.
- The Snapdragon X Elite processor provides competitive performance for mainstream use and graphic design.
- The Surface Slim Pen provides a smooth writing experience with haptic feedback.
- The cooling system is effective in preventing overheating during intensive tasks.
- The build quality is durable and feels premium.
- The operating system integrates well with other devices and services.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Common Complaints- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.