Head-to-head: Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra vs iPad Pro M5
If you’re shopping for a top-tier tablet in 2025, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and the iPad Pro M5 sit at the top of the premium market. These devices push the limits of display technology, performance, and accessories. Here’s a practical comparison to help you decide which slate better fits your needs, whether you’re a creator, a media consumer, or a productivity pro.
Design and display
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra sports a large, edge-to-edge OLED panel with vivid colors and deep blacks, paired with a sleek, glass-and-metal chassis. It’s designed for immersive media and creative duties, especially when paired with the S Pen for note-taking and drawing. The iPad Pro M5, meanwhile, continues Apple’s tradition of premium build quality, offering a bright mini-LED or advanced OLED display depending on model, with outstanding color accuracy and consistency across viewing angles. In hand, both feel premium, but the Tab’s slightly more expansive screen space can be a boon for multitasking and sketching, while the iPad’s display is renowned for document clarity and color fidelity.
Performance and software
Under the hood, both tablets don’t just play back media; they handle demanding apps, content creation workflows, and multitasking with ease. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra typically ships with all-day performance for Android, excellent GPU power for gaming, and robust RAM options. The iPad Pro M5 relies on Apple’s tightly integrated architecture, delivering exceptional efficiency and a thriving app ecosystem with pro-grade software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. If you rely on native apps for professional workflows, the iPad Pro M5’s software optimizations and accessories (Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil) deliver a cohesive experience. Android aficionados will appreciate the Tab S11 Ultra’s flexibility and customization options.
Camera and media capture
On cameras, both devices cover mainstream needs, but their strengths differ. The Tab S11 Ultra tends to offer strong rear camera performance with features aimed at creators who shoot on the go and edit on-device. The iPad Pro M5 provides reliable photo and video capture, excellent app support, and subtle color processing that aligns well with professional workflows. If you create on the device, you’ll likely appreciate the iPad’s ecosystem for video editing and photo management, while the Tab S11 Ultra adds flexibility with Android-native apps and a robust S Pen workflow.
Accessories and productivity
The big distinction often comes down to accessories. Samsung’s S Pen is integrated into the Tab experience with natural latency, great for sketching and note-taking. The Galaxy ecosystem also supports multi-tasking gestures and a flexible DeX mode for productivity on a large screen. Apple captures the productivity crown with the Magic Keyboard, trackpad, and the Pencil, delivering a seamless, laptop-like experience on iPad OS. Your preference here depends on whether you value tactile input and DeX-style workflows (Tab S11 Ultra) or a polished, app-first productivity environment (iPad Pro M5).
Battery life and charging
Both devices are built to last a workday, but real-world results vary by usage. The Tab S11 Ultra often delivers solid endurance with fast, feature-rich charging options and the advantage of Android’s flexibility. The iPad Pro M5 tends to optimize battery life across intensive apps due to Apple’s efficiency and software optimization. If you split tasks between heavy creative apps and streaming, expect both to hold up well, with the iPad possibly edging out slightly in prolonged creative sessions due to ecosystem efficiency.
Price and value
Premium tablets carry premium prices. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra may offer more value for those who want a versatile Android tablet with a top-tier S Pen experience and expansive display. The iPad Pro M5 carries a reputation for long-term software support, resale value, and a cohesive app ecosystem that keeps its value high over several years. Your choice should factor in what you already own in terms of devices and apps, as well as which ecosystem you prefer for future-proofing.
Verdict: which one should you buy?
If you crave a more flexible Android environment, a larger display for multitasking, and a superb stylus experience, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is a compelling pick. If you want the most polished software experience, seamless accessory integration, and long-term support with a strong resale proposition, the iPad Pro M5 stands out. In short: choose Tab S11 Ultra for display-focused versatility and Android customization; choose iPad Pro M5 for app-optimized productivity and ecosystem consistency.
Summary
Both tablets embody premium design and cutting-edge tech. Your decision should align with your preferred software ecosystem, whether you value Android flexibility or Apple’s integrated experience. Either way, you’re getting a flagship-grade slate capable of handling demanding tasks and delivering a premium media and creative experience.
