The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is best for Android users who want a huge OLED screen for video, split-screen work, note-taking, or drawing—and are comfortable paying a premium for a tablet that is awkward to hold for long stretches. Tom’s Guide praised its display and responsive performance in a week-long review, but found its desktop-like DeX mode limited as a laptop substitute.
What is new on the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S12 series on September 30, 2026. The Ultra pairs a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an included S Pen, a 5.1 mm-thick body, and IP68 dust and water resistance. Samsung lists the display as 14.6 inches measured across the full rectangle, or 14.5 inches accounting for rounded corners. The screen supports adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz. Samsung says the tablet runs Android 17 with One UI 9 and supports three-section Multi Window. Samsung’s announcement is the source for those specifications.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That screen is the reason to consider the Ultra over a smaller tablet: it gives video, two or three open apps, handwritten notes, and drawing more room. The compromise is physical. At this size, it is less comfortable to hold for extended periods than a smaller tablet, so it makes more sense on a desk, stand, or lap than as a light, one-handed device.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSamsung’s performance and battery claims
Samsung claims up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness and up to 23 hours of battery life. It also says the S12 Ultra charges from 0 to 100% in about 95 minutes with a 45 W adapter. Compared with the Tab S11 Ultra, Samsung claims up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance, and 17% improved GPU power. These are manufacturer figures, not independent test results; Samsung says actual performance depends on environment, conditions, and software.
#1 Best Overall
- NO Warranty in the USA. Tablets are only WIFI, no Calls or Data. Country selection may not be available during setup. select any country, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings. English Language is available
- Connectivity Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz, EHT320, MIMO, 4096-QAM USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Bluetooth v5.3 Bluetooth Profiles A2DP,AVRCP,DI,HID,HOGP,OPP,PAN,PBP,TMAP Location Technology GPS,Glonass,Beidou,Galileo,QZSS Earjack USB Type-C MHL No Wi-Fi Direct Yes
- 14.6” Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz Anti-Reflective, 2960 × 1848 (WQXGA+) Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor Size (Main_Display) 369.9mm (14.6" full rectangle) / 367.2mm (14.5" rounded corners)
- Front: 12 MP UW Rear: 13 MP + 8 MP UW UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)@30fps dimmesion : 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.20 in.
How good are the display and performance?
Tom’s Guide’s reviewer tested a 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage configuration for a week and described the OLED panel as sharp and vivid and performance as solid. Its display tests recorded 862 nits in SDR and 916 nits in HDR, with 149.8% sRGB coverage, 105.5% DCI-P3 coverage, and a Delta-E score of 0.22. Those are Tom’s Guide’s lab results, not the same measure as Samsung’s claimed peak brightness.
The practical upside is a large, colorful canvas for entertainment and creative work. The included S Pen makes the tablet ready for handwriting and drawing without a separate stylus purchase. The reviewer’s positive impression of performance suggests the tablet handled its week of use responsively; it does not establish how every app or professional workflow will perform.
How long does the battery last?
Tom’s Guide measured 11 hours and 31 minutes in a continuous Wi-Fi web-surfing test with the screen set to 150 nits. The reviewer reported that the previous model lasted more than 30 minutes longer in the same comparison. This controlled browsing result and Samsung’s “up to 23 hours” claim are not equivalent: they come from different methods and conditions, so the figures should not be treated as competing measurements of the same use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- Brilliant 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display – Features ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and crisp 1848x2960 resolution. Powered by an 11,600 mAh battery. Includes S Pen and 25W Samsung Super Fast Charger.
- Premium Performance & Storage – Backed by 256GB storage, 12GB RAM, and expandable microSD slot (dedicated). Runs on the advanced Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm) chipset, Octa-core CPU, and Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU with Android 16 and One UI 8.
- Advanced Camera & Connectivity – Rear: 13MP (f/2.0 wide) + 8MP (f/2.2 ultrawide); Front: Dual 12MP (wide & ultrawide). Also supports Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C 3.2, and magnetic connector for seamless accessory pairing.
- Wi-Fi Only Model – Designed for high-speed wireless use. This model does not support SIM cards or cellular network connections.
- International Version – Global model without U.S. domestic warranty. Covered under return policy for hassle-free protection.
Can the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra replace a laptop?
Not for everyone. Samsung’s DeX offers a desktop-like interface, but Tom’s Guide’s reviewer found it had shortcomings and did not fully substitute for a laptop. The review says DeX becomes more useful with an external monitor. If your work depends on desktop-class software, specific peripherals, or a conventional laptop workflow, check that those needs are met before replacing a computer with this tablet.
A keyboard can make typing and work sessions more practical, but it is an additional accessory to budget for. Samsung lists a Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim for the S12 series. The cited $399 accessory in Tom’s Guide’s coverage is specifically the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Pro Keyboard, so do not assume that model fits the S12 Ultra; verify the exact S12 Ultra-compatible SKU before buying.
Should you upgrade from the Tab S11 Ultra?
Tom’s Guide characterizes the S12 Ultra as a modest refresh: it has a newer, faster-generation processor, but keeps the same 14.6-inch screen size and costs more. The reviewer’s tested US 12 GB/256 GB configuration was priced at $1,399, which Tom’s Guide described as a $200 increase over the prior model. Samsung’s claimed generational performance gains are manufacturer claims, not results independently measured by that review.
Rank #3
- INNOVATIVE ART POWER: Turn your simple sketches into works of art instantly using Sketch to Image¹ with Galaxy AI.²
- SEARCHING MADE EASY: Quickly search for just about anything you see on your Tab — all without switching apps — using Circle to Search with Google.³
- MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT: Capture your lecture, meeting, or daily notes and let Note Assist⁴ with Galaxy AI² do the hard work of organizing and even summarizing them for you.
- NEXT-LEVEL NOTE TAKING: Get transcripts and summaries of recorded lectures and meetings, just like that.⁵
- PACKED WITH POWER: No matter what you take on or where you take your Galaxy Tab S10+, enjoy every experience with a powerful tablet processor.
An upgrade is easier to justify if you specifically need the newer hardware or your current tablet is no longer meeting your needs. If your S11 Ultra still does the job, the similar screen size and higher price make this a less compelling change based on the reviewed differences alone.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How much does it cost, and when is it available?
US pricing depends on whether you mean the launch starting price or the review configuration: TechRadar reported a US starting price of $1,400, while Tom’s Guide listed $1,399 for its tested 12 GB RAM/256 GB configuration. TechRadar also reported launch starting prices of £1,399 in the UK and AU$2,299 in Australia, with availability beginning October 7, 2026. These are launch-period figures, not a guarantee of current price or stock; check Samsung or a retailer for the price and configuration available in your market.
Samsung’s US announcement includes a six-month Google AI Pro trial, but its terms and eligibility should be checked for your market before treating it as an available benefit. Regional accessory availability can also differ: Samsung’s UK launch materials list a Frame Cover and anti-reflecting screen protector.
Quick Recap
Who should buy the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
- Consider it if you want a very large OLED display for media, multitasking, handwritten notes, or drawing, and are comfortable with the premium cost and large form factor.
- Think twice if you expect to hold it for long sessions, mainly need a streaming screen at a lower cost, or want a tablet that replaces a laptop without workflow compromises.
- Check alternatives carefully if price, portability, app compatibility, or comparable battery test results matter more than maximum screen size. Current prices and comparable test methods should be verified before choosing between products.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
