The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has been captured in a real-world image, shedding light on a key design decision likely to spark debate among tablet enthusiasts: a return to the water drop notch. This move marks a shift away from the previous dual-camera setup and larger notch that fans of the Tab Ultra series had gradually grown accustomed to.
A Familiar—But Polarizing—Notch Returns
According to the newly surfaced photograph, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will feature a water drop notch at the top of its expansive display. Unlike the Tab S10 Ultra, which boasted a more modern-looking, wider notch housing dual front cameras, the S11 Ultra opts for a singular front-facing camera housed in a teardrop-style cutout. This design—first popularized on smartphones several years ago—remains divisive, with many users deeming it visually unappealing and outdated.
The change brings both aesthetic and functional implications. Removing the second front camera could limit certain features, such as advanced facial recognition or ultra-wide group selfies. Whether Samsung will compensate for the loss of a sensor with an upgraded single camera remains to be seen.
Specs and Software: What’s Inside
Leaked information suggests that the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra will pack considerable power:
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, promising flagship-level performance.
- 12 GB of RAM for serious multitasking.
- Android 16 out of the box, ensuring users have access to the latest features and security from day one.
These upgrades position the Tab S11 Ultra at the top end of the Android tablet market, aimed at competing head-to-head with Apple’s iPad Pro series.
Design Dilemma: Notch or No Notch?
For design purists, the return of the water drop notch is a disappointment. As the article’s author notes, these cutouts have always seemed out of place on sleek, premium devices, and many hoped the evolution of display tech would eventually phase out notches and punch holes entirely. While Apple’s recent models and some Android competitors have experimented with punch-hole and under-display camera designs to create cleaner screens, widespread adoption is still lagging, and Samsung’s latest move seems like a step back to some enthusiasts.
Market Implications
The Tab S11 Ultra’s design may prove controversial, especially among users who value uninterrupted, symmetrical displays for media consumption and productivity. With Apple rumored to be aiming for a “perfect display” on its upcoming 20th anniversary iPhone Pro, the industry conversation continues to revolve around minimizing or eliminating screen intrusions.
For now, it appears notched designs are here to stay—a trend many predict will only end when Apple leads the way toward true all-screen devices.