How is this NOT a computer? - Samsung Tab S11 Ultra

Quick Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra functions as a capable desktop replacement using Samsung DeX, offering a familiar desktop environment with multi-window support and external monitor output, although it still falls short of true laptop parity due to limitations like the lack of window tiling and the high price of accessories like the Book Cover Keyboard Slim at $210.

Key Points: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra's DeX mode successfully runs with an external monitor, offering a desktop-like experience with multi-window support and mouse functionality (07:00). The device features a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ (MT6991) chip, showing about a 25% CPU performance increase over the Tab S10 Ultra (07:11). In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, the Tab S11 Ultra scores around 5,500-6,000 across 20 runs, consistently lower than the iPad Pro M5 (12:00). Geekbench 6 CPU scores show the Tab S11 Ultra achieving 2814 single-core and 9103 multi-core, significantly trailing the iPad Pro M5's 4153 single-core and 16360 multi-core scores (12:14). Battery life testing showed the Tab S11 Ultra lasting 13 hours and 52 minutes in 1080p video playback, losing to the iPad Pro M5's 15 hours and 57 minutes (12:50). The Book Cover Keyboard Slim accessory costs $210 and features a full-size keyboard, but lacks adjustable angle support found in previous models (03:56, 04:33). Display brightness (SDR) for the Tab S11 Ultra with Auto-Brightness On reached 1688 nits, slightly higher than the iPad Pro M5's 1590 nits (12:28).

Context: The video reviews the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, focusing on its potential to replace a traditional laptop, particularly through its Samsung DeX desktop mode when connected to an external monitor. The reviewer compares its performance, battery life, and features against its predecessor (Tab S10 Ultra) and the direct competitor, the iPad Pro M5, scrutinizing the hardware specifications and software experience in desktop mode.

Detailed Analysis

The review confirms that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra can function as a desktop replacement using DeX mode when connected to an external monitor via a USB-C hub, which displays a desktop environment supporting multi-window management and mouse input (07:00, 08:50). However, the experience is not perfect; the reviewer notes limitations compared to Windows/macOS, such as the inability to freely resize or tile windows, forcing users to use either full-screen or snapped halves (09:21, 10:17). Performance benchmarks show the Tab S11 Ultra trailing the iPad Pro M5: in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, the Tab S11 Ultra shows thermal throttling, stabilizing around 5,500-6,000 points compared to the iPad Pro M5's sustained 7,000+ points (12:00). Geekbench 6 CPU scores are also significantly lower for the Samsung tablet (9103 multi-core vs. 16360 for the M5) (12:14). Battery life testing resulted in 13 hours and 52 minutes for the Tab S11 Ultra versus 15 hours and 57 minutes for the iPad Pro M5 during 1080p video playback (12:50). Display brightness tests show the Tab S11 Ultra achieving 1688 nits in SDR with auto-brightness enabled, slightly beating the iPad Pro M5's 1590 nits (12:28). The optional Book Cover Keyboard Slim accessory costs $210 and is noted for its lack of adjustable angle, unlike the previous generation (03:56, 04:33). The reviewer concludes that while DeX offers great potential, the device still feels like a powerful Android tablet rather than a complete laptop replacement, especially given the accessory costs and performance deficits against Apple's offering.