Samsung is shaking up its tablet lineup with the release of the Galaxy Tab S12 series, focusing heavily on a significant refresh for the Plus model. While the company typically updates its massive Ultra variant every year, it tends to alternate updates for its standard and Plus versions. This means the Tab S12 Plus arrives as a major leap forward for users still holding onto the two-year-old Tab S10 Plus. Those looking for a smaller base model are out of luck this time around, as there is no regular Tab S12 in the mix, leaving fans of compact tablets waiting potentially until 2027.
For those considering an upgrade, the Tab S12 Plus offers several tangible improvements that justify its new starting price of 1,199 dollars. Despite being thinner and lighter than its predecessor, it boasts a slightly larger and brighter 12.6-inch screen. Under the hood, Samsung has swapped in the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, skipping a generation to provide a noticeable boost in performance alongside a beefier 10,600mAh battery. These hardware gains represent a substantial shift compared to the modest tweaks seen in other parts of the lineup.
In contrast, the Tab S12 Ultra feels largely identical to last year’s model since it already received most design perks during the previous cycle. Aside from an annual processor bump and some improved four-channel spatial audio, everything else remains static, including its 14.6-inch display and slim profile. Even so, Samsung has raised the price by 200 dollars to a total of 1,399 dollars, making it a harder sell for current Ultra owners who may not find much reason to switch.
Beyond individual specs, both devices share high end features like IP68 water resistance and vibrant OLED screens reaching 1,600 nits of brightness. In a move toward long term sustainability, Samsung is promising seven years of Android updates for both models. Users will also find an included S Pen and early access to Adobe Photoshop for Tablets through the Galaxy Store. This exclusive launch brings full AI integration and an optimized interface specifically designed for tablet workflows before it hits other platforms. Both tablets are scheduled to arrive in stores on October 7th.