There is no base Galaxy Tab S12 in Samsung’s September 30, 2026 announcement. The announced S12 models are the 12.6-inch Tab S12+ and 14.6-inch Tab S12 Ultra; the Galaxy Tab S11 is an 11-inch tablet. So this is not a like-for-like generation comparison: it is a choice between keeping or buying the compact S11 and moving to a larger S12. Samsung’s US page lists October 7, 2026 as the S12 availability date, which is still in the future as of October 4, 2026. Samsung’s S12 product page and comparison table provide the current US details.
Is there a regular Galaxy Tab S12?
Samsung’s September 30, 2026 announcement names the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+, not a base Galaxy Tab S12. That means buyers seeking an 11-inch successor to the Tab S11 do not have a like-sized model in the announced S12 lineup. The S11 is 11 inches, while the S12+ is 12.6 inches and the S12 Ultra is 14.6 inches. See Samsung’s global announcement and the Samsung US comparison.
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What’s different between the Galaxy Tab S11 and announced S12 models?
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S11 | Galaxy Tab S12+ | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size | 11 inches | 12.6 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Display resolution | 2560 × 1600 | Not stated in the cited Samsung comparison | Not stated in the cited Samsung comparison |
| Display technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Weight | 1.03 lb | 1.21 lb Wi-Fi; 1.22 lb 5G | 1.52 lb Wi-Fi |
| Thickness | Not stated in the cited Samsung comparison | 5.3 mm | 5.1 mm |
| Processor comparison | Samsung’s cited S12 performance comparison uses S11 Ultra, not this base S11 | Not stated | Samsung claims up to 61% faster NPU, 19% faster CPU, and 17% improved GPU versus S11 Ultra |
| Software shown on Samsung US comparison | Android 16 | Android 17 | Android 17 |
| Battery capacity | 8,400 mAh | 10,600 mAh | 11,600 mAh |
| Samsung video playback estimate | Not stated in the cited comparison | Up to 21 hours | Up to 23 hours |
| S Pen | S Pen support; included-box detail not established here | Included, according to Samsung | Included, according to Samsung |
Specifications and claims above come from Samsung UK’s S11 specifications, Samsung US’s comparison table, and Samsung US’s S12 product page. Configurations and box contents can vary by region. Battery capacities are manufacturer specifications; the playback figures are Samsung estimates, not independent same-condition test results.
Does the S12 offer a meaningful performance upgrade?
Samsung says the S12 Ultra’s 3 nm processor delivers up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance, and 17% improved GPU power compared with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. These are Samsung’s stated Ultra-to-Ultra comparisons, not a measured comparison with the base Tab S11. Samsung also notes that actual performance can vary with environment and software. The figures therefore do not establish how much faster an S12 Ultra would feel than an S11 in a particular app or workflow. Samsung Newsroom US carries the company’s announcement and qualification.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Which model suits your needs?
Choose the Galaxy Tab S11 for a compact premium tablet
- You specifically want an 11-inch display and a smaller tablet footprint.
- You already own an S11 in good condition and do not need the larger screens or newer listed software of the announced models.
- You take notes or draw with an S Pen and the S11’s size works for your routine.
Samsung’s S11 specifications confirm S Pen support and the 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Check the S11 specifications for the model details relevant to your region.
Consider the Galaxy Tab S12+ for more room without choosing the largest model
The S12+’s 12.6-inch screen is a step up from the S11’s 11 inches, while its listed Wi-Fi weight is 1.21 lb (1.22 lb for 5G). That makes it the middle-sized announced choice on screen size; whether it feels portable enough depends on how and where you use a tablet. This is a size-based comparison, not a hands-on assessment.
Rank #2
- 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.
Consider the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for maximum screen area
The 14.6-inch Ultra is the choice for readers who prioritize the largest display and Samsung’s highest listed storage configurations and newest listed processor/software. Its 1.52 lb Wi-Fi weight is higher than the S11’s 1.03 lb, even though Samsung lists the Ultra at 5.1 mm thick. Samsung’s performance percentages are against the S11 Ultra, as noted above, rather than the compact S11.
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Samsung’s US comparison lists Android 17 for both S12 models and Android 16 for the S11. Samsung says the S12 series will receive up to seven OS and security upgrades; consult the applicable regional terms for the exact coverage. The cited information does not establish how many support years remain for an S11.
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.
Samsung lists 10,600 mAh and up to 21 hours of video playback for the S12+, and 11,600 mAh and up to 23 hours for the S12 Ultra. Those are manufacturer capacity and playback claims, not independent results from a standardized comparison with the S11, whose listed capacity is 8,400 mAh. Actual runtime depends on use and conditions.
Samsung says the S12 models ship with an S Pen. Its product page lists keyboard covers and protective accessories separately, so include the exact compatible accessory and its local price in your budget if you need one. Verify box contents and compatibility for the country and configuration you plan to buy.
Should you buy the Tab S11 now or wait for the S12?
As of October 4, 2026, Samsung’s US S12 product page says availability begins October 7, 2026. The models are announced but not yet available according to that page at this date. A firm price-based recommendation is not possible without current regional prices and confirmed configurations. Compare the local S11 price with the S12 model you actually want once availability starts; do not treat the S12+ or Ultra as a direct 11-inch replacement.
Quick Recap
- Buy or keep the S11 if compact size is your priority and the device meets your needs.
- Consider the S12+ if you want a larger canvas than the S11 without choosing the 14.6-inch Ultra.
- Consider the S12 Ultra if maximum screen size and the newest listed S12 features matter more than compactness.
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.
