Samsung has released the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, an iterative refresh of its large-format tablet line that keeps the same overall chassis and many core specifications as the predecessor while tweaking a handful of components. The launch positions the device as a premium option for users who value a big, high-resolution screen combined with a stylus-friendly form factor.
A slab of glass with a modest upgrade
Physically, the new tablet is almost a carbon copy of the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. It carries a 14.6-inch AMOLED panel that measures 2,960 × 1,848 pixels, and it retains the same teardrop-shaped camera cutout that sits in the upper-center of the display. The panel can reach a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content and 1,000 nits in high brightness mode.
Audio and visual experience
Audio capabilities have been upgraded on this iteration. The company added support for four-channel spatial sound through a quartet of speakers placed at the corners of the device. This change creates a broader soundstage, making movies and games feel more immersive without the need for external headphones.
Performance and price
Under the hood, the processor has moved from a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ to a Dimensity 9500. Built on a 3 nm fabrication process, the newer chip delivers roughly a 19 percent lift in CPU throughput and about a 17 percent bump in GPU capability, along with a 61 percent jump in NPU performance, according to the manufacturer’s performance sheets. A new 3D vapor-chamber cooling system helps keep temperatures in check during intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing.
These internal upgrades come with a noticeable price jump. The base configuration, which offers 256 GB of storage paired with 12 GB of RAM, starts at $1,400, representing a $200 increase over the launch price of the previous model. This places the tablet among the most expensive Android devices currently available on the market.
Charging, battery and durability
Despite the higher price tag, the company did not raise the charging rate. The tablet continues to accept up to 45 W of power and is equipped with an 11,600 mAh battery that is also the same size found on the S11 Ultra. In a environment where more nimble competitors like Redmagic are putting out tablets with much speedier charging, it’s a bit of a letdown to see Samsung stagnate here.
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The device also retains an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to survive accidental spills or brief exposure to rain without damage. This durability rating is consistent with the previous generation, giving users confidence that the tablet can handle everyday mishaps.
Design continuity and software
Both the S12 Ultra and its predecessor share identical body dimensions, weighing 692 grams and measuring just 5.1 mm in thickness. The chassis is constructed from a metal-reinforced frame that feels solid in the hand, while the back panel remains a smooth glass surface that matches the premium aesthetic of the line.
The tablet ships with One UI 9.0, the latest Android skin from Samsung. The S11 Ultra will get the same update before too long. Both tablets have the same IP68 water and dust resistance rating, so if you want to watch Netflix in the pool, either one will do. Both tablets have the same exact body measurements, the same thickness at 5.1 millimeters and even the same weight down to the gram — 692 grams to be precise.
Tablets are tablets, and it’s mostly what’s under the hood that makes this year’s upgrade worth examining. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra’s modest processor upgrade comes with a massive price hike. If you skipped out on the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra because of its paltry updates compared to the S10 Ultra, there’s very little here to compel you this time around.
If you’ve felt stymied by the performance of the S11 Ultra, you won’t get a lot more breathing room from the new chip, and even S10 Ultra owners may not have a compelling reason to upgrade. If you’ve still got an S9 Ultra or even an S8 Ultra, this will feel like a significant boost, but the price is still difficult to swallow.