The best Samsung tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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Not everyone wants an iPad. If you prefer Android, Samsung makes some of the best devices, especially tablets.

Whether you're after productivity or a compact screen for streaming, Samsung's lineup has something for every use case. Unlike Apple, your options aren't just limited to just a handful of models: there's the S series of tablets, an A series, and even a few rugged tablet options.

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What is the best Samsung tablet right now?

We've tested and compared the top Samsung tablets on the market. Our top pick is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, thanks to its large size, ultra-responsive S Pen, Galaxy AI capabilities, and ability to act as a replacement for your laptop. Read on to see how other Samsung tablets compare and what model you might want based on your needs.

Also: The best cheap tablets you can buy

In our January update, we added the Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S10 as top picks.

The best Samsung tablets of 2026

Why we like it: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 16 operating system, and includes Galaxy AI features.

The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for up to 2TB of extra storage. One of the main differences between the S11 series and the previous S10 generation is the redesigned S Pen stylus. The new pen has a cone-shaped tip, making it easier to create shading and angled strokes in a way that feels more natural on a user's hand. It also features a hexagonal body, like a traditional pencil, which could help it feel more comfortable during long periods of use.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Who it's for: ZDNET's Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and described it as the "iPad Pro for Android fans." She said that this Samsung tablet is great for creatives (thanks to the large screen real estate) and power users, especially those who need long battery life and the option for higher RAM and storage.

If you opt for the $210 Book Cover Keyboard (which is cheaper than the previous generation keyboards), you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.

Who should look elsewhere: This is the most expensive Samsung tablet on our list, starting at $1,200 for the lowest configuration. If you still want a powerful and updated Samsung tablet but want to pay a little less, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is a great runner-up option.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Resolution: 2960 × 1848 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery: 11,600 mAh battery

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Why we like it: The Galaxy Tab S11 Plus was released alongside the S11 Ultra last fall. The specs are similar to those of the S11 Ultra, but the Tab S10 Plus costs about $400 less. This tablet features a screen 2.2 inches smaller than the S11 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate, and both come built-in with Android 16.

Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen, which provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience along with new features. The new S Pen supports Quick Tools and has a new Sticky Notes integration so that when you're drawing or writing with the S Pen, you can pull up a floating toolbar to change pen styles, colors, or settings quickly, as the Apple Pencil Pro's squeeze gesture does.

Also: Samsung's new flagship Galaxy tablets are the iPad Pro for Android fans

Who it's for: Diaz also went hands-on with this Tab S11 series model and said it is best suited for those looking for a more portable option in an affordable package, but still enjoy the same processing power and core software features, like S Pen support, AI, and DeX

Who should look elsewhere: The biggest difference between the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S11 is that the Ultra is larger, has a dual-camera array vs the S11's single rear cam, supports Wi-Fi 7, and has a longer battery life. If any of these features are important to you, you should opt for the higher-end Tab S11 Ultra.

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Why we like it: Historically, the FE series of Samsung devices has been a more affordable alternative to its flagship devices. While the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ starts at $649, its features are as impressive as the more expensive Galaxy Tab Ultra or even Apple's iPad Air -- which can go up to $800.

This tablet has an Exynos 1580 chip, which Samsung says makes the tablet about 32% faster than its predecessor, the Tab S9 FE+. This isn't a high-end processor, but it's great for everyday tasks and is one of Samsung's compromises with its FE devices.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+

Who it's for: ZDNET's Maria Diaz said that this tablet's performance is well worth its price tag and it's display experience was impressive. "The 13.1-inch display is a size upgrade from the previous Tab S9 FE+, which had a 12.4-inch screen," she wrote, adding, "The larger screen offers more space for multitasking with split screen, media streaming, gaming, and creative work like sketching."

It handles light work like video calls, messaging, and everyday tasks very well. And, just like the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, it is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance to better protect your investment against accidental spills.

Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is not built for power users. If you're looking for more in-depth work for photo editing or better multitasking with more Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy Tab Ultra would be better for you.

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Why we like it: Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size, and the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a 10.4-inch tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The screen features a 2000x1200 display, making it worthy of streaming, working, and more.

Who it's for: The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it as a student. Plus, it comes with an S Pen, making it perfect for taking notes for class or to-do lists.

It also comes equipped with Samsung DeX so you can expand your desktop workstation for better productivity. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage with a microSD card, which is twice as much as the previous model. Reddit users say that the tablet blew them away in the display, speaker quality, and processing speed.

Who should look elsewhere: This is the most basic tablet out of our top picks, so it's best for entertainment and light work purposes for day-to-day use. It won't have the latest Galaxy AI features or the latest Android operating system.

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Why we like it: If you're looking for a tablet to use outside the office or in conditions where it'll be subjected to the elements, you should consider a rugged tablet made for those use cases. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is built to perform for years with very long battery life, several physical buttons to navigate the tablet, and eight years of updates. It's reasonably priced and built to handle rough conditions.

Review: Why my new favorite Samsung tablet model isn't the FE or Ultra (and it's full of surprises)

Who it's for: ZDNET contributor Matthew Miller reviewed the Active5 Pro and tested it on a fishing trip. "The conditions present during my trek resulted in some hard falls, water immersion, and real-life field testing of the tablet. It survived unscathed and was a joy to use," he wrote.

Miller added that the larger diameter of the S Pen made it easy to use with gloves on, and the display can be manipulated even while in glove mode.

Other features, such as long battery life and a bright display, make it a great option for those looking for a rugged tablet for field work.

Who should look elsewhere: There is really no need for the average person to buy this tablet, especially since it only has 6GB of memory. This tablet is only for those who need something rugged and durable for outdoor work.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro tech specs: Display: 10.1-inch LCD | Resolution: 1920 X 1200 pixels | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 6GB or 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB (up to 1TB with microSD) | Battery: 10,100mAh (two batteries combined)

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It really depends on what size tablet you're looking for, what features are most important to you, and how much money you're willing to spend. Below, we've broken down the best Samsung tablets to help make your decision easier.

Choose this Samsung tablet...	If you want...
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra	The best overall option. It can work as a laptop replacement thanks to its large screen and powerful performance.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11	A runner-up Samsung tablet with much of the same features as the S11 Ultra, but slightly cheaper.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+	A mid-range tablet with a 13.1-inch display with reliable performance.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite	An affordable Samsung tablet. Its' portable enough to take with you anywhere, and comes with an S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro	A rugged and durable Samsung tablet. It is built to handle the outdoors, and has a super long battery life.

We know there are many Samsung tablets to choose from, so pay attention to the following factors before making your final purchase.

Features: Not all Samsung tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there's the one's that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. Consider your own use-case before buying.

Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories. However, Samsung tablets come at different price points so there is something for every budget.

Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work, play, or both, you'll want it to last the duration of your task. Look for tablets that have substantial battery lives.

The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.

Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.
Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.

Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.

For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.

Latest news on Samsung tablets

Samsung's latest tablet release is the Galaxy Tab A11+, which debuted Jan. 8, 2026. The tablet is best suited for gaming, streaming, or multitasking, and comes with a super fast charging battery. Samsung said the Galaxy Tab A11+ is "built for every member of the family, whether that's helping a parent check off their to-do list, unlocking a student's creativity, or enjoying some fun on the go."

The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators or professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power.

In comparison, the Galaxy Tab A series comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.

Compared to their biggest competitor, the iPad, Samsung tablets have more storage options thanks to expandable storage via microSD cards. In addition, you have to buy an Apple Pencil separately with an iPad, whereas most current Samsung tablets come with the S Pen included.

Plus, where Apple only has four iPad models, Samsung currently has 11 tablets available on its website, with even more older models and generations available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Generally, Samsung tablets are built to last for several years, but their lifespan may be shorter compared to iPads due to differences in software support longevity.

Factors that affect lifespan include model quality, usage, maintenance, software updates, and battery health.

It depends on what you plan to use your device for. For example, digital artists usually prefer tablets over laptops since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies.

However, if you want to create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, a laptop is better suited than a tablet.

Latest updates:

In our February 2026 update, we added the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S11 as top picks based on our hands-on testing. We also added the latest Samsung tablet news with the release of the Galaxy Tab A11+.
In our August 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro as top picks. We also added a section about Samsung tablet news.

Other Samsung tablets we've tested

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra is still a powerful tablet, even though it's not the latest model. In our lab testing, it had a battery life of 11.5 hours while on maximum brightness, making it the second-highest battery life tablet of the nine tablets we tested (the iPad Pro M5 being the highest).

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For a budget option, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is only $160. It features a large 11-inch screen for all your entertainment needs, a refined design, smooth performance, and a microSD slot for expandable storage.

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For more on getting the most out of your Samsung tablet, check out how to charge your tablet the right way, and how to turn your old Amazon Fire tablet into an Echo Show.

Tablets Reviewed & Compared

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