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Choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if you want the largest screen and highest memory/storage configuration. Choose the Galaxy Tab S12+ if its 12.6-inch screen is enough and you would rather carry a lighter tablet and pay $200 less at Samsung’s announced US starting prices. Both list the same processor, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, an included S Pen, IP68 resistance and microSD expansion.
Samsung announced US availability beginning October 7, 2026. The prices below are the US launch-announcement starting prices published September 30, not live quotes; configurations and current prices may vary.
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Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs. S12+: at a glance
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | Galaxy Tab S12+ |
|---|---|---|
| Announced US starting price | $1,399.99 | $1,199.99 |
| Display | 14.6-inch, 2960 × 1848 | 12.6-inch, 2800 × 1752 |
| Panel and refresh rate | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 |
| Listed memory and storage options | 12 GB/256 GB, 12 GB/512 GB, 16 GB/1 TB | 12 GB/256 GB, 12 GB/512 GB |
| Wi-Fi model weight | 692 g | 553 g |
| Thickness | 5.1 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Battery capacity | 11,600 mAh | 10,600 mAh |
| Samsung-claimed video playback | Up to 23 hours | Up to 21 hours |
| Connectivity listed by Samsung US | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E; 5G version |
| Included S Pen / IP68 | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
Specifications are from Samsung’s US launch announcement and product information. Video playback figures are Samsung estimates, not independent test results. Prices are US launch-announcement starting prices dated September 30, 2026. Samsung’s launch announcement; Samsung US tablet comparison.
What do you get by paying more for the Ultra?
A larger workspace
The Ultra’s 14.6-inch display gives you more physical room for split-screen apps, documents, drawing and video than the S12+’s 12.6-inch panel. It also has the higher listed resolution: 2960 × 1848 versus 2800 × 1752. Both use 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, so the core panel technology and refresh rate are shared; the Ultra’s advantage is size and its corresponding workspace.
#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.
A higher configuration ceiling
Samsung lists the Ultra with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. The S12+ tops out at 12 GB and 512 GB. Both models support microSD cards up to 2 TB, which can add local storage for compatible media and files, but it does not change the internal memory or storage configuration you buy.
More battery capacity, with a qualified playback claim
The Ultra has an 11,600 mAh battery; the S12+ has a 10,600 mAh battery. Samsung claims up to 23 hours of video playback for the Ultra and up to 21 hours for the S12+, using a manufacturer-defined playback test. Those figures are not a promise of everyday runtime: actual battery life depends on usage and conditions, and the available figures are not independent measurements.
Is the S12+ better for carrying around?
On Samsung’s published Wi-Fi model weights, the S12+ is 553 g and the Ultra is 692 g, a 139 g difference. That makes the S12+ the lighter choice for a bag or handheld use. The Ultra is actually slightly thinner at 5.1 mm versus 5.3 mm, but the small thickness difference does not offset its greater weight for most portability decisions.
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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 minuteIf you mostly use a tablet at a desk, on a stand or with a keyboard, you may value the Ultra’s larger canvas more than the added weight. If you carry it frequently or use it for reading and browsing away from a desk, the S12+’s lower weight is the more concrete advantage.
Rank #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.
Are the S12 Ultra and S12+ equally fast?
Samsung lists the same MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor in both S12 models, so the published specifications do not establish a processor-generation advantage for the Ultra. The extra RAM available on its highest configuration may matter for buyers who specifically want that capacity, but it is not evidence that every Ultra configuration is faster than every S12+.
Samsung’s claims of 61% higher NPU, 19% higher CPU and 17% higher GPU performance compare the S12 Ultra with the Tab S11 Ultra. They are Samsung’s comparison claims, not independent benchmark results, and they do not demonstrate a speed difference between the S12 Ultra and S12+.
Which connectivity version should you check?
Samsung’s US comparison information lists Wi-Fi 7 for the Ultra and Wi-Fi 6E for the S12+, with a 5G version of the S12+ also listed. Network features depend on the exact configuration and market, so check the product SKU and cellular availability in your country before ordering. Do not assume a US-listed connectivity option applies to every regional model.
What features do both tablets share?
- S Pen: Samsung says an S Pen is included with both models.
- IP68 rating: Both are listed with IP68 resistance.
- Display technology: Both use 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
- Processor: Both list the MediaTek Dimensity 9500.
- Expandable storage: Both support microSD cards up to 2 TB.
Samsung’s US launch material also says the series ships with Android 17 and One UI 9 and commits to up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. Treat this as Samsung’s stated support commitment; regional availability and SKU details may differ. Samsung says the charger is not included.
Rank #3
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- 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.
What will accessories add to the cost?
Samsung names a Pro Keyboard, Book Cover Keyboard Slim, Book Cover and Anti-Reflecting Screen Protector among the S12 accessories, and identifies a Frame Cover as Ultra-exclusive. Accessories are sold separately, so include them in your budget if you need typing, a stand or screen protection. Check model compatibility and current availability before buying; the cited product information does not establish current accessory prices.
A microSD card is another optional purchase if you need more local storage. Samsung lists support up to 2 TB, but confirm card compatibility and choose a speed appropriate to your use.
Which Galaxy Tab S12 should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if
- You want the 14.6-inch screen for a larger working or viewing area.
- You need the listed 16 GB RAM/1 TB configuration ceiling.
- You value the larger battery capacity and Wi-Fi 7 option in the Samsung US listing.
- The announced $1,399.99 US starting price and 692 g Wi-Fi model weight suit your budget and setup.
Buy the Galaxy Tab S12+ if
- A 12.6-inch display gives you enough room for your typical tablet tasks.
- You prefer the lighter 553 g Wi-Fi model.
- You want the lower announced US starting price of $1,199.99.
- You are considering the listed 5G version, after confirming the exact SKU and regional availability.
For most buyers choosing between these two, the deciding question is whether the Ultra’s larger display and higher configuration ceiling justify the extra $200 at announced US starting prices and 139 g of additional Wi-Fi model weight. If not, the S12+ retains the shared core processor and display technology in a lighter, less expensive starting package.
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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.
