Which tablets have the biggest screens

The largest tablets on the market today are the iPad Pro 12.9-inch and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, both with 12.9-inch displays. Apple also makes the iPad Pro 11-inch, which is smaller. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, released in 2024, matches the 12.9-inch size. If you want something even larger, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 reaches 13 inches, though it functions more like a laptop with a detachable keyboard than a traditional tablet.

Screen size alone does not tell you whether a tablet will work for your needs. A 12.9-inch screen is roughly the size of a sheet of paper held in landscape mode. The weight, the software it runs, and whether you plan to hold it or prop it up all matter more than the number itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPad Pro 12.9-inch and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra both have 12.9-inch screens and are the largest mainstream tablets currently sold.
  • The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 reaches 13 inches but is designed as a laptop replacement with a keyboard, not as a handheld tablet.
  • Larger screens are heavier and harder to hold for long periods, so consider whether you will use it on a stand or in your hands.
  • Screen size does not determine battery life, processing speed, or software—compare those separately based on what you plan to do.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch specifications and weight

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch runs Apple's iPadOS and uses the M2 or M4 chip depending on the model year. The 2024 M4 version weighs 1.2 pounds (about 550 grams) without a case. The screen has a 120 Hz refresh rate, meaning motion looks smoother than on older tablets. It charges via USB-C and supports the Apple Pencil for drawing and note-taking.

Apple sells the iPad Pro 12.9-inch with storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The price starts around $1,100 for the base model. If you use it primarily for reading, video, or web browsing, the 256 GB version is usually enough. If you store video files or use design software, you may need more storage.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Tab S10 Ultra

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a 12.9-inch screen and runs Android. It weighs 1.3 pounds (about 590 grams). The Tab S10 Ultra, released in 2024, also has a 12.9-inch screen but is slightly lighter at 1.2 pounds. Both models support Samsung's S Pen stylus for writing and drawing, which comes in the box.

The Tab S10 Ultra uses Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and has a 120 Hz screen. Battery life is typically 13 to 14 hours of mixed use. Storage starts at 256 GB. The price is similar to the iPad Pro, starting around $1,100 for the base model. Samsung tablets are a better choice if you prefer Android or already use Samsung phones and want devices that sync easily.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and other Windows tablets

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 has a 13-inch screen, making it the largest tablet listed here. However, it runs Windows 11 and is designed to work with a keyboard and trackpad—it functions more like a laptop than a tablet. The screen is 13 inches, the device weighs 1.3 pounds without the keyboard, and it uses Intel's Core Ultra processor. It charges via USB-C.

The Surface Pro 11 is best if you need to run Windows software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or specialized work programs. If you want to use it as a tablet without a keyboard, it will feel awkward because Windows is built for a mouse and keyboard. The price starts around $1,000 for the base model, and you will need to buy a keyboard separately if you do not already have one.

Comparing weight and portability

A 12.9-inch tablet weighs between 1.2 and 1.3 pounds, which is heavier than most phones but lighter than a laptop. If you plan to hold it in your hands while reading or watching video, your arms will tire after 20 to 30 minutes. Most people use large tablets on a stand, a pillow, or a lap desk instead.

If you travel frequently or want something you can hold comfortably for long periods, a smaller 10-inch or 11-inch tablet may be more practical. The iPad Air 11-inch and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE both have 11-inch screens and weigh less than a pound. The trade-off is that text and images are smaller, which matters if you have vision difficulties or do detailed work like photo editing.

Screen quality and refresh rate differences

All three of the largest tablets—the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, and Surface Pro 11—have 120 Hz refresh rates. This means the screen refreshes 120 times per second, making scrolling and animations look smooth. Older tablets refresh at 60 Hz, which looks noticeably choppier when you scroll through text or web pages.

The iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra both use OLED screens, which produce deeper blacks and use less battery power than LCD screens. The Surface Pro 11 uses an OLED screen as well. If you watch movies or edit photos, an OLED screen will look better. For everyday web browsing and reading, the difference is small.

Software and what you can do with each

The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is designed for touch. You can use it to draw with the Apple Pencil, edit video with Final Cut Pro, or run thousands of apps built specifically for iPad. If you already use an iPhone or Mac, your files sync automatically through iCloud.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra runs Android, which also works well with touch. Samsung's apps for note-taking and drawing are strong, and Android tablets work well with Google services like Drive and Photos. If you use a Samsung phone, the tablet will sync contacts and messages automatically.

The Surface Pro 11 runs Windows 11, which means you can install any Windows software—but most programs are designed for a mouse and keyboard, not touch. It is the best choice if you need to run specific Windows programs for work, but it is not as natural to use as a touch-first tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a large tablet instead of a laptop?

The iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra can replace a laptop for many tasks like email, web browsing, video editing, and note-taking. However, if you need to run Windows software or use a mouse-based program regularly, the Surface Pro 11 is a better choice. Large tablets are not ideal for typing long documents because the on-screen keyboard takes up half the screen.

Which large tablet is best for drawing and design?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch with the Apple Pencil is the most popular choice for digital art and design because the software ecosystem is mature and the stylus is precise. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with the S Pen is also excellent and costs less. Both have pressure-sensitive screens that respond to how hard you press.

How long does the battery last on a 12.9-inch tablet?

All three tablets listed here have batteries that last 12 to 14 hours of mixed use—web browsing, video, and apps. Real battery life depends on screen brightness and what you are doing. Video playback uses less battery than web browsing because the processor works less hard.

Is a 12.9-inch tablet too big to carry in a bag?

A 12.9-inch tablet fits in most backpacks and large messenger bags. It is about the size of a sheet of paper, so it takes up less space than a laptop. If you carry a small purse or crossbody bag, it will not fit. A tablet sleeve or case adds about half a pound to the weight.

Do I need a keyboard for a large tablet?

No. The iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra work fine without a keyboard for reading, watching video, and using apps. A keyboard is useful if you write a lot of emails or documents. The Surface Pro 11 is designed to use with a keyboard, and typing on the screen is awkward.