I tested 7 Samsung tablets to find out if any of them can finally beat the iPad
When people think of the best tablets, there’s a good chance Apple’s iPad will immediately spring to mind. However, there are a number of excellent Android tablets available, with the iPad’s biggest competition coming in the form of Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs.
Samsung’s tablet range is extensive, with multiple models spanning a range of sizes, power capabilities and budgets. Like Apple’s iPad, all Samsung tablets are well-designed, with high-end hardware and easy-to-use software. There are some important differences between the models and their features, though.
With that in mind, I have rounded up the best Samsung tablets, taking into account what each model offers and how much they cost, to help you figure out which of these Android slabs might be the right one for you. You can read my full reviews below, followed by a selection of answers to frequently asked questions.
How to choose the best Samsung tablets
The Galaxy Tab S11 is the latest in Samsung’s premium tablet range. There are two of these high-priced, flagship models to choose from: the Tab S11 (£799) and Tab S11 Ultra (£1,199).
These replace the Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra, but you can still buy the Galaxy Tab S10 FE (from £499) and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (from £649), both of which sit in the mid-range section of the tablet market.
The Galaxy Tab A11, meanwhile, is the cheapest of Samsung’s tablets, starting at just £149. There’s a Galaxy Tab A11+ model, too, which has a larger screen.
Samsung’s AI features are predominantly reserved for the pricier tablets, including the ability to erase unwanted objects from pictures or extract text from screenshots. The Tab S11 models have the highest display resolutions, as well as extra storage and increased performance speeds.
The S11 models also have two rear cameras, compared to the Tab S10 FE and Tab A11’s single lenses. Only the Tab S11 and Tab S10 FE support Samsung’s S Pen stylus for on-the-go doodling (the Galaxy Tab A11 doesn’t). They also offer features like Samsung’s DeX mode, allowing you to connect to a bigger screen and use it like a desktop computer.
How I test Samsung tablets
I’ve been reviewing consumer technology for over 12 years, covering everything from the best smartphones to the best smartwatches. I’ve also tested a large number of Samsung tablets over those years. I was at the launch of the Galaxy Tab S2 back in 2015, and I’ve covered every Galaxy Tab release since. As such, I know what the differences are between each model, including what you get at the top end of the Galaxy Tab line, compared to the mid-range and budget devices.
For this guide, I tested all the Samsung tablets for weeks at a time, some for several months. I watched movies on the go, played the latest mobile games, took notes with the Samsung S Pen stylus and browsed the internet. I also worked on them, from emails and review-writing to power-hungry image editing.
I tested the cameras on each tablet in both well-lit and dark environments. However, I would advise against using a tablet for photography, as its large size makes things awkward. If you want to capture the best images, consider using a smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra instead, or one of the handsets we’ve highlighted in our best phone camera guide.
Which are the best Samsung tablets of 2026? At a glance
- Best Buy Samsung tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
- Best Value Samsung tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
- Best Samsung tablet display: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
- Best mid-range Samsung tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
- Best budget Samsung tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11
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The best Samsung tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Score: 4.5/5
Pros- Beautiful display
- Fast performance
- S Pen included in the box
- Same design as before
- Expensive
Where to buy
Currys £649.00 Buy nowThe Galaxy Tab S11 is Samsung's latest flagship tablet, and while its design remains largely unchanged from previous years, it maintains a high standard. Its slim aluminium frame is a delight to hold, and the water resistance makes it a great tablet for the beach or the bath.
The 11-inch AMOLED screen responds well to finger swipes and taps thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and it has an impressive peak brightness to counteract reflections when using it outside or near windows. Oddly, Samsung has ditched the anti-reflective coating that the Galaxy Tab S10+ (reviewed below) offered, but it still delivers a great viewing experience overall, whether streaming content or working.
Performance is excellent, with the Galaxy Tab S11 navigating demanding games and complex multitasking without any delay. Samsung has also guaranteed seven years of softwar updates, which means this tablet will get new features until 2033. Running on Android with Samsung’s One UI software, there is some bloatware (extra apps), but the interface is simple to navigate and use, while the desktop-style DeX mode is useful for productivity, particularly if you add the optional keyboard cover (£119).
A redesigned S Pen is included in the box, which is something you don’t get with Apple’s iPad models, but it no longer includes Bluetooth functionality for remote gestures. The Galaxy Tab S11 isn’t cheap, but it remains a polished, reliable tablet that’s still the primary alternative to Apple’s venerable iPad.
Key specifications
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 11-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 2,560 x 1,600 resolution |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 13-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel selfie |
| Battery size | 8,400mAh |
Best Value Samsung Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Score: 4/5
Pros- Good-quality design
- S Pen stylus included
- Big screen
- Display isn’t as good as top-end models
- Performance isn’t anything special
Where to buy
Samsung £599.00 Buy nowThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is the latest ‘Fan Edition’ model of the Galaxy Tabs. This means it has a similar design to the Tab S11, but it makes a couple of compromises to hit a slightly lower price.
Those cutbacks won’t be a problem for anyone just looking for an everyday tablet, however. The 10.9-inch screen makes the Galaxy Tab S10 FE a great portable tablet for casual browsing, note-taking, catching up on a box set or dabbling in a spot of work. Its slim body feels great to hold, and it’s fully water and dust-resistant, which means you won’t need to worry about using it near a pool on holiday or in the bath.
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE doesn’t have as much power as the Galaxy Tab S11 that sits at the top of this guide, but there’s more than enough processing oomph for general use. Navigating the various screens felt responsive, but I did notice some stutter when playing games. The software is simple and easy to navigate, and the inclusion of the S Pen makes it a great choice for jotting down notes.
Key specifications
| Processor | Exynos 1580 |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 10.9-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 2,304 x 1,440 resolution |
| Storage | 128GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 13-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel selfie |
| Battery size | 8,000mAh |
Best Samsung Tablet for Students
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Pros- Stunning display
- Plenty of power
- High-end waterproofed design
- Still expensive
Where to buy
John Lewis £999.00 Buy nowThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ may have been succeeded by the Galaxy Tab S11, which I consider to be the Best Buy Samsung tablet, but that’s not to say that the 2024 model doesn’t still have something to offer.
It remains quite expensive (it’s still £200 more than the newer Galaxy Tab S11), but this remains one of the best Android tablets around and remember it has a larger screen than the Galaxy Tab S11. It can handle itself against some of the best student laptops, too, with great multi-tasking options and all the performance required to cope with that. Samsung’s DeX software is also supported, further transforming this tablet into a laptop-like experience, though you’ll want to buy the accompanying keyboard (around £120 now) so keep that in mind when budgeting.
The Galaxy Tab S10+ offers a beautiful 12.4-inch display, however, which is large enough for gaming, working and watching the latest TV shows, while colours are vibrant and there’s plenty of contrast. The slim and lightweight aluminium design is befitting of the price, and the waterproofing is useful. The S Pen stylus, which is included, is a little awkward to attach being placed magnetically at the back, but it’s great for note-taking, drawing and scrolling.
If you’re looking for a tablet for work and play and you want one that sits in the middle of the Galaxy Tab S11 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in terms of size, the Tab S10+ is a superb tablet, with a lavish design, stunning display and excellent performance.
Key specifications
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 12.4-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 2,800 x 1,752 resolution |
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | Dual (13-megapixel and 8-megapixel), Dual selfie (12-megapixel and 12-megapixel) |
| Battery size | 10,090mAh |
Best Samsung Tablet for Display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
Score: 4/5
Pros- Gorgeous display
- Excellent performance
- Surprising sound
- Its monstrous price
- The size will be too big for some
Where to buy
Samsung £1199.00 Buy nowSamsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is an impressive tablet, with a stunning 14.6-inch AMOLED display that is quite simply spectacular for streaming content. Use this tablet on a long-haul flight, and you will be living the dream watching your downloaded films while your neighbouring passengers battle with the airline entertainment systems. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel responsive, too, from social media to reading the news, while 1,600 nits peak brightness means visibility even in bright conditions isn’t an issue.
Performance is also effortless, with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra handling everything I threw at it without breaking a sweat. The slimmer 5.1mm profile is welcome (and now thinner than the Apple iPad Pro M5), though at this size, one-handed use is practically impossible. You'll need the £199 Book Cover Keyboard Slim to really make this tablet usable, essentially making it a laptop alternative rather than a traditional tablet.
Battery life is excellent, easily managing over 12 hours of screen time, and the quad speakers delivered rich audio for video calls and casual listening. However, the Tab S11 Ultra’s price is astronomical, starting at £1,199, while the redesigned S Pen that’s included in the box has lost its Bluetooth functionality, so it’s become just a stylus, which feels like a backwards step even if it is wonderful to draw with.
If you want a huge tablet with a gorgeous screen for content consumption and productivity, the Tab S11 Ultra is hard to beat, but you might be better off with a laptop depending on what you’ll be primarily using it for.
Key specifications
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 14.6-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2,960 x 1,848 resolution |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 13-megapixel + 8-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel ultra wide selfie |
| Battery size | 11,600mAh |
Best Budget Samsung Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11
Score: 4/5
Pros- Compact design
- Upgraded display
- Affordable price
- Slow charging
- Basic cameras
Where to buy
Amazon £119.00 Buy nowSamsung’s Galaxy Tab A11 is the company’s budget offering. While the design remains unchanged from the previous model, this is still an impressive tablet for the money. Build quality exceeds what you would expect at this price, standing up to the likes of Apple’s iPad mini but for a fraction of the price.
The most noticeable enhancement is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate on the LCD screen, which makes scrolling through social feeds, reading and navigating menus feel significantly more intuitive. Its small footprint is an asset, resulting in a tablet that’s light and slim enough for the smaller humans in your home, or to easily slip into a jacket pocket.
The Galaxy Tab A11 runs on the same processor as the older Galaxy Tab A9, but it handles daily tasks like web browsing and video streaming without an issue. Those looking for a tablet for high-end gaming or working on the move should look elsewhere, but there’s enough power for day-to-day use.
The front camera has seen some improvements, and the battery puts in a decent showing, which is lucky given that charging speeds are incredibly slow at 15W. The inclusion of seven years of guaranteed software updates is the real game-changer here, offering a level of longevity that is virtually unheard of in budget devices. For those after a small, cost-effective Android tablet, you’re looking right at it.
Key specifications
| Processor | Mediatek Helio G99 |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 8.7-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 1,340 x 800 resolution |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 8-megapixel rear, 5-megapixel s |
| Battery size | 5,100mAh |
Best Mid-Range Samsung Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Score: 4/5
Pros- Gorgeous display
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant design
- Quite expensive
- Performance is only middling
- No Galaxy AI features
Where to buy
Amazon £605.29 Buy nowThere’s a lot of love about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE. Its slim aluminium design oozes quality, and the huge 13.1-inch display is a delight for watching films, getting through your workload and web browsing.
Like the smaller Galaxy Tab S10 FE, this ‘Plus’ model is water- and dust-resistant, comes with an included S Pen stylus in the box that feels wonderfully intuitive to use, and Samsung’s One UI software is simple to navigate. As the name implies, the Tab S10 FE+ has a larger display and a bigger battery that will last all day, and then some. This makes it an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a top-quality Samsung tablet without spending over £1,000.
There are some downsides, however. Sadly, it’s nowhere near as powerful as the Apple iPad Air (M3), which costs about the same for the same-sized display. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ also doesn’t have Samsung’s full suite of AI features like the Galaxy Tab S11. This means you miss out on things like sketch to image, where Galaxy AI converts your doodles into a proper drawing. Overall, however, this is a great choice with a lavish design, generous-sized display and long-lasting battery life.
Key specifications
| Processor | Exynos 1580 |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 13.1-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 2,880 x 1,800 resolution |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 13-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel selfie |
| Battery size | 10,090mAh |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Plus
Score: 4/5
Pros- Great software support
- Solid design
- Reliable performance
- No fingerprint sensor
- Not too different to the Galaxy Tab A9+
Where to buy
Currys £249.00 Buy nowThe Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ provides a large screen within a premium design at a budget-friendly price. Tick, tick, tick. There’s a 90Hz refresh rate, allowing for smooth scrolling when it comes to reading or scanning social feeds, and while the LCD display can look a bit muted when viewed from the side, it’s good enough for everyday tasks.
Aside from the larger screen, the biggest reason to opt for this "Plus" model over the Galaxy Tab A11 is the inclusion of a couple of smart features. The Galaxy Tab A11+ pulls in some of the Galaxy AI tricks you’ll find on the more expensive Samsung tablets, from the "Circle to Search" function, "Maths Solver" in Samsung Notes and Google’s Gemini assistant.
This tablet also supports Samsung DeX, which allows the interface to mimic a computer desktop, making it a better option than the Galaxy Tab A11 if you want a tablet that can be used for dabbling in the odd bit of work, especially as performance is a little snappier, too.
The Tab A11+ lacks a fingerprint scanner, which feels mean, and it continues to have frustratingly slow 15W charging. It offers solid sound performance from its quad speakers, and like the smaller Tab A11, the Tab A11+ excels in longevity with a promise of seven years of Android upgrades. This makes it a sensible investment for those after a cheap Android tablet with a larger display.
Key specifications
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 |
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Display | 11-inch, LCD, 90Hz, 1,920 x 1,200 resolution |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB, plus microSD expansion |
| Camera | 8-megapixel rear, 5-megapixel selfie |
| Battery size | 7,040mAh |
Samsung tablet FAQs
What is the best Samsung tablet for students?
The Galaxy Tab S10+. If you can find it at a reasonable price (it’s cheaper than it was at launch), it offers plenty of power and a big display for multitasking. The design is similar to the latest model, but if the price is still too high, the Tab S10 FE is a solid backup option.
What is the best budget Samsung tablet?
The Galaxy Tab A11. It costs just under £150 and is a compact size, similar to the design of Apple’s iPad mini, but at much less of an impact on your wallet. If you want a slightly larger tablet but still don’t want to spend too much, then the Galaxy Tab A11+ is also worth considering.
Can Samsung tablets replace a laptop?
Yes, to some extent, a Samsung tablet can replace a laptop. The more expensive models have more than enough power, superb displays and are compatible with accessories such as the S Pen stylus and various keyboards. The tablets also have access to Samsung’s DeX software, which allows them to be connected to an external display and used like a desktop computer.
Which Samsung tablet is best for gaming and media streaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the best Samsung tablet for watching films and TV shows and playing mobile games. You could also consider the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, but the Tab S11 is much more portable and still offers a fantastic display and unbeatable power.
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