Apple’s new OLED iPad mini starts at $699, but Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 offers a much bigger screen and an included stylus for $100 more at launch. Is Apple’s compact design worth the trade-off?
Arriving November 6, 2026, the redesigned 8.5-inch iPad mini brings an OLED display and A20 Pro processor. Samsung’s 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11 counters with a smoother 120 Hz AMOLED screen, more room for multitasking, and an S Pen at no additional cost.
Apple’s October 26 announcement gives buyers a choice between portability and screen space. The smaller iPad appeals to readers and frequent travelers, while Samsung’s larger display suits watching videos, drawing, studying, and working across multiple apps.
A smaller tablet with a few trade-offs
The iPad mini weighs 255 grams in its Wi-Fi configuration, compared with the Galaxy Tab S11’s 469 grams. Apple’s technical specifications also confirm its 5.4 mm thickness, nearly identical to Samsung’s 5.5 mm.
The mini’s lower weight makes it more portable for reading, commuting, and travel. Owners of the previous model can also compare its OLED upgrade and updated design against the A17 Pro iPad mini before upgrading.
| Feature | iPad mini OLED | Galaxy Tab S11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.5-inch OLED | 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2316 × 1512 | 2560 × 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Weight (Wi-Fi) | 255 g | 469 g |
| Thickness | 5.4 mm | 5.5 mm |
| Processor | Apple A20 Pro | Dimensity 9400+ |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Cellular option | 5G | 5G |
| Stylus | Sold separately | S Pen included |
Cellular configurations and availability vary by market.
Samsung’s official specifications confirm IP68 protection, compared with Apple’s IP67. Both ratings apply under specified laboratory conditions, not every kind of water exposure.
Samsung’s 120 Hz screen supports smoother scrolling and animations than Apple’s 60 Hz panel, a limitation noted in MacRumors’ hands-on review. The iPad mini offers optional nano-texture glass on higher-storage models to reduce glare.
More screen space, more ways to use it
The Galaxy Tab S11’s larger display gives students and creatives more room for handwritten notes, illustrations, and split-screen applications. Samsung DeX also provides a desktop-style interface with customizable workspaces and external-monitor support.
Apple’s iPadOS 27.2 supports resizable app windows and extended-display multitasking, although the mini’s smaller screen leaves less room for lengthy editing sessions. Buyers wanting an even larger Android tablet can explore TechRepublic’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra cheat sheet.
Samsung has also begun rolling out One UI 9 for the Tab S11, introducing multitasking improvements. Availability varies by region.
In the US, the iPad mini starts at $699, compared with the Tab S11’s $799.99 launch price. Samsung includes the S Pen, while Apple’s compatible Pencil models cost $79 or $129. Current promotions and accessory purchases can change the overall value.
How we compared the tablets
This comparison uses manufacturer specifications, launch pricing, product documentation, and independent reporting. Recommendations consider portability, display quality, software, accessories, and price.
Which should you buy?
The iPad mini makes more sense for frequent travelers, readers, and anyone prioritizing a compact tablet. The Galaxy Tab S11 is better suited to drawing, studying, multitasking, and watching videos on a larger screen.
The choice comes down to how often you’ll use that extra display space. Samsung offers more room to work and play, while Apple’s smaller tablet is easier to take along.
Related reading: If screen space is your priority, see how to use a tablet as a second monitor before spending more on additional hardware.