Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: can this replace your laptop thanks to DeX and extra features?

Why the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra could pass for a laptop?

For years, tech companies have teased us with the idea of one device that does it all. With the Tab S11 Ultra, Samsung might be closer than ever. Between the hardware, the software tweaks, and the accessories that extend its functionality, this is the most serious “laptop replacement” attempt Samsung has made yet.

DeX is the star here. On the Tab S11 Ultra’s massive 14.6-inch screen, it reshapes Android into something that looks and behaves like a desktop OS. You can drag around resizable windows, work with a taskbar, and even connect a mouse and keyboard (Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard makes it feel a lot more natural).

Then there’s the S Pen. This stylus is something most laptops can’t compete with. It’s perfect for note-taking, sketching, or marking up documents on the fly, which makes it gold for students, designers, or professionals who need precision input.

Portability is another win. Despite the huge display, the Tab S11 Ultra is impressively slim and lightweight. It’s way easier to carry than even the thinnest laptops, which makes it perfect if you’re someone who moves around a lot between desks, meetings, or cities.

DeX itself has also grown up. You can even run it on an external monitor by plugging in via USB-C and pairing a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. You won’t get every little quirk ironed out – text selection can still be awkward, and the mouse pointer doesn’t always behave exactly like it does on a PC – but it’s surprisingly workable.

And if you want to dig into why this matters for the future, my colleague has already argued that “the future is in Desktop Experience,” and honestly, I can see why.

Where laptops still have the upper hand

Of course, as good as the Tab S11 Ultra is, it’s not a silver bullet. There are some things a traditional laptop still does better – and in some cases, only a laptop can do.

For one, software. Sure, Android apps are way better optimized for DeX now than in the early days, but if you rely on professional desktop-only programs – like full video editing suites, engineering tools, or certain coding environments – you’ll still hit a wall. Android just doesn’t offer those options yet.

That ties into the OS itself. DeX makes Android look like Windows, but it’s still Android underneath. You can’t run .exe files or tap into deep system-level functions the way you can on Windows or macOS. For power users, developers, or IT pros, that’s a hard stop.

Connectivity is another weak spot. A laptop gives you ports – USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet – right out of the box. The Tab S11 Ultra? You’ll need dongles or a hub, and that can get messy fast.

File management has improved, but Android’s file system still isn’t as robust as a laptop’s. Moving big chunks of data between apps can feel clunky compared to the smooth drag-and-drop you’d expect on a PC.

And finally, cost. On paper, the Tab S11 Ultra looks like a laptop alternative. But add the Book Cover Keyboard, maybe a monitor, and a hub for all your accessories, and suddenly you’re spending the same – or even more – than you would on a solid flagship laptop.

So, can it really replace your laptop?

Here’s my bottom line: the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, with DeX, absolutely can replace a laptop for a lot of people – but not for everyone.

For students, casual users, and even many professionals whose daily work revolves around web browsing, emails, editing documents, or streaming content, this tablet could easily be your one and only machine. It’s light, powerful, and versatile.

For creatives, the answer’s a bit mixed. The S Pen and the giant display make it a dream for sketching and design work. But if your workflow depends on specialized desktop apps, you’ll still need a traditional computer on standby.

And for hardcore power users, programmers, or anyone who pushes their machines with heavy-duty apps, the answer leans toward “no.” The Tab S11 Ultra is fast – it’s running on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ – but that chip isn’t going to handle everything a pro-level Windows laptop or Mac can do.

So yes, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra can step in as a laptop replacement – but only if what you need is flexibility and light productivity, not heavy-duty power or specialized software. And then there’s the price: it starts at $1,199.99. That’s not exactly cheap. For context, you can snag a MacBook Air with Apple’s blazing-fast M4 chip for about $200 less, or pick up a capable Dell laptop in the same price range that’ll give you full desktop software and ports without the extra accessories.