iPad mini 7 vs Galaxy Tab S11: Compact Power Showdown
Apple’s iPad mini 7 (2024) and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 (2025) redefine compact tablets. Here’s how they differ in display, power, and usability — and which one truly fits your workflow.
Compact tablets are tricky to perfect. Apple’s new iPad mini 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 aim to balance portability and performance, yet they do so in very different ways. Apple focuses on seamless power and integration, while Samsung doubles down on display, multitasking, and flexibility.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | iPad mini (7th gen) | Galaxy Tab S11 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | 2024 | 2025 |
| Chip | A17 Pro | Dimensity 9400+ |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB / 128–512 GB | 12 GB / 128–512 GB + microSD |
| Display | 8.3″ Liquid Retina LCD (60 Hz) | 11″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120 Hz) |
| Weight | ~295 g | ~470 g |
| Battery Life | ~10 hrs | ~18 hrs (video claimed) |
| OS | iPadOS 17 | Android 14 with One UI 8 + DeX |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil Pro / USB-C Pencil | S Pen (included) |
| Durability | No IP rating | IP68 water / dust resistant |
| Starting Price | $499 (128 GB) | $799 (128 GB) |
Display & Design
Samsung wins the display war with its 120 Hz AMOLED panel—fluid, bright, and color-rich. Apple’s LCD remains sharp and color-accurate, but the 60 Hz refresh rate feels dated beside Samsung’s silky-smooth visuals.
For portability, though, Apple’s iPad mini is unmatched. It’s feather-light, one-handable, and built for travel or handheld reading. The Tab S11’s 11″ screen makes it more of a compact Pro tablet than a true mini.
Performance & Software
The A17 Pro chip makes the iPad mini one of the fastest small tablets ever—excellent for gaming, editing, or creative apps.
Samsung’s Dimensity 9400+ with 12 GB RAM offers more multitasking headroom. DeX mode turns it into a lightweight laptop—great for productivity users.
The real divide lies in ecosystem: iPadOS offers unbeatable continuity with iPhones and Macs, while One UI and Android offer freedom, file flexibility, and customization.
Battery & Extras
Battery life is close—Apple delivers consistent 10 hours of mixed use, while Samsung claims up to 18 hours of video playback.
The Tab S11 also adds IP68 durability and an included S Pen, whereas Apple charges extra for its stylus.
Which One’s for You?
Choose iPad mini 7 if you:
- Already use Apple devices and services.
- Want ultra-portability and top-tier performance in a tiny form.
- Prefer a focused, minimal tablet experience.
Choose Galaxy Tab S11 if you:
- Value a premium 120 Hz display and DeX desktop mode.
- Need microSD storage and IP68 durability.
- Want a tablet that can double as a laptop.
The iPad mini 7 is a refined tool for speed, simplicity, and portability — a perfect “everywhere” tablet.
The Galaxy Tab S11 leans toward power users and creators who demand a larger canvas, faster display, and PC-like multitasking.
Both are compact kings in their own realms — it just depends whether you live in Apple’s ecosystem or want Android freedom.
