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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra looks like a capable premium tablet, but its case as an upgrade over the S11 Ultra is less clear. Samsung has announced a new processor, cooling chamber and speaker design; several headline specifications carry over, while the US starting price rises to $1,399.99. For S11 Ultra owners, waiting for independent testing is sensible. For first-time buyers, the S12 Ultra may be compelling if its large screen and performance suit their needs.
What changed in the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
Samsung announced the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and 12.6-inch Tab S12+ on September 30, 2026. Its US announcement does not include a regular base Tab S12. Samsung says US availability for the S12 Ultra begins October 7, 2026, so that date is still ahead as of October 3, 2026. The official US starting price is $1,399.99. Samsung Electronics America’s announcement lists the launch details.
The published specification changes
The Ultra’s most notable generational change is its MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. TechRadar’s September 30 hands-on also identifies a new heat chamber and four-channel speaker design. TechRadar attributes performance estimates of up to 19% faster CPU, 17% better GPU performance and a 51% improvement in NPU processing to Samsung. These are manufacturer claims reported by TechRadar, not benchmark results from the hands-on.
Several major specifications remain familiar. TechRadar says the S12 Ultra retains the previous model’s 14.6-inch display size and 120Hz refresh rate, 11,600mAh battery capacity, 45W charging, IP68 rating and thinness. Samsung specifies the S12 Ultra screen as a 2960 × 1848 Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. The announced specifications therefore point to a new performance platform and design refinements, rather than a broad change to the tablet’s basic format.
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#1 Best Overall
- UNWIND WITH A BIG SCREEN: Kick back and relax with big, bright screens.¹ See every detail of your favorite shows, and get closer to the action on your favorite games with 90hz refresh rate. Plus, dual speakers make everything sound amazing.
- CIRCLE ANYTHING. SEARCH EVERYTHING: With Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series, you can simply circle anything on your screen to easily get search results on the spot using Circle to Search with Google.²
- HANDWRITING ASSIST MAKES YOUR UNTIDY NOTES NEAT: Tidy up your handwritten notes with Handwriting Assist.³ It easily straightens, aligns and adjusts the spacing of your words to create neater notes.
- DOES THE MATH FOR YOU: Make the grades using Math Solver.⁴ Simply use your S Pen to write out an equation on your screen. Math Solver can clean up your equations by turning them into text, just like that.
- WATER RESISTANT, FROM DROPS TO DUNKS: From droplets to splashes to full immersion in water, Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series is dependably durable.⁵
Official S12 Ultra specifications
| Specification | Samsung’s US listing |
|---|---|
| Display | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960 × 1848, 120Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 |
| Memory and storage | 12GB memory with 256GB or 512GB storage; 16GB memory with 1TB storage |
| Expandable storage | microSD support up to 2TB |
| Battery and charging | 11,600mAh battery; 45W charging |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Included stylus | S Pen |
These details are from Samsung’s US launch announcement. Memory, storage and network configurations can vary by market. Samsung says the series comes bundled with an S Pen; a keyboard cover is a separate purchase.
What the two-week hands-on does—and does not—show
TechRadar’s Hamish Hector says he used the S12 Ultra for two weeks, including for writing with a keyboard cover, multitasking, mobile gaming and watching video while traveling. Those examples indicate the kinds of everyday tasks the reviewer found useful; they are not independently replicated performance tests. TechRadar described a full review as forthcoming, so the hands-on should not be treated as a long-term review or a substitute for benchmark data. TechRadar’s hands-on is the source for the reported use and upgrade assessment.
Rank #2
- DIVE INTO THIS DISPLAY: All of your fun content pops on the 10.9" screen. Catch up on plans for the day while you cook breakfast, scroll your social feed in the evening or read an article in bed. Vision Booster adjusts the brightness to your environment
- BATTERY FOR LONG-LASTING ENTERTAINMENT: Enjoy long-lasting fun. Finish your favorite series or book with a battery that can last up to 16 hours.¹ Need energy quick? Get a full charge in about two hours with Super Fast Charging.²
- WRITE, DRAW, DO IT ALL: S Pen is mightier than your average writing tool. The responsive design and intuitive integration with intelligent features make drawing, jotting down notes and even doing math easier than ever
- SPACE TO KEEP WHAT MATTERS MOST: More storage means deleting less apps, photos, videos and files. Galaxy Tab S10 Lite comes with up to 256GB³ of storage. And if you need even more, you can add up to 2TB with a microSD card.⁹
- THE POWER OF ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: Galaxy Tab S10 Lite boasts an Exynos 1380 processor that lets you stream, scroll, note, search and even multitask with ease
That distinction matters when judging the new chip. Samsung’s claimed CPU, GPU and NPU gains could be relevant for demanding games, multitasking or AI-related work, but the available hands-on does not establish how large a real-world improvement owners will see in their own apps. A processor generation change is a plausible reason to consider upgrading; it is not by itself proof that an S11 Ultra feels slow or that the S12 Ultra is worth its higher price.
How the S12 Ultra compares with the S11 Ultra
TechRadar reports launch-price comparisons of $1,299 for the S11 Ultra and $1,399 for the S12 Ultra in the US, and £1,269 versus £1,399 in the UK. Samsung’s official US release lists the S12 Ultra at $1,399.99, rather than the rounded $1,399 figure in TechRadar’s comparison. Prices are market-specific; the UK figures are TechRadar’s reported comparison, not a price sourced from Samsung’s US release.
Rank #3
- 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
- CPU Speed Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Size (Main Display) 10.9" (277.0mm) 90Hz 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) 2122 x 1320 WUXGA+ TFT
- Sensors Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor
- USB Version USB 2.0 Location Technology GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS Earjack USB Type-C Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4G+5GHz, HE80, MIMO, 1024-QAM Wi-Fi Direct Yes Bluetooth Version Bluetooth v5.3 Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DI, HFP, HID, HOGP, HSP, MAP, OPP, PAN, PBAP
| Decision factor | What is established about the S12 Ultra | What it means for an S11 Ultra owner |
|---|---|---|
| Processor and cooling | New Dimensity 9500 and heat chamber; reported Samsung performance claims are not independently tested in the hands-on. | Potentially useful if your current workload is constrained by performance, but the size of the practical gain is not yet demonstrated. |
| Display, battery and charging | TechRadar says screen size and refresh rate, battery capacity and charging speed carry over. | These specifications alone do not make a strong case to replace a working S11 Ultra. |
| Speakers | TechRadar identifies a four-channel speaker design. | Could matter if you frequently watch video or play games on the tablet, though the hands-on does not quantify an improvement. |
| Price | Samsung lists a US starting price of $1,399.99; TechRadar reports a higher US and UK launch price than for the S11 Ultra. | The higher reported launch price raises the bar for an upgrade whose practical benefits are not yet independently measured. |
The S12 Ultra is not an automatic replacement for every S11 Ultra. If your current tablet handles your work, games and media comfortably, the unchanged display and battery fundamentals plus the price increase give you a reasonable basis to wait. Consider an upgrade if you have a specific need for the new performance platform or speaker design—and reassess once independent testing is available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy the S12 Ultra if this is your first premium tablet?
A first-time buyer is not paying to replace an S11 Ultra, so the comparison is different. Samsung’s announced combination of a large, high-resolution 120Hz AMOLED display, expandable storage, included S Pen and high-end processor may suit someone who wants one device for notes, media, gaming and keyboard-based work. The two-week hands-on offers examples of those uses, but not a definitive measure of battery endurance, gaming performance or productivity against alternatives.
Rank #4
- PORTABLE DESIGN - Boasting a slim and lightweight design, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE meets your everyday needs. With IP68-rated water and dust resistance, it ensures reliability in various environments. It comes with up to 20 hours of battery life and fast-charge technology, letting you work and play freely without interruptions. It’s perfect for commuting, travel, and all-day use by mobile professionals.
- STYLUS SUPPORT - The included magnetic S Pen, with its responsive design and intuitive integration with smart features, makes drawing, note-taking, and solving math a breeze. Use Circle to Search for instant answers, let Solve Math auto-solve complex formulas, and rely on Handwriting Help to fix messy notes. Whether for college, content creation, or entertainment, this S Pen helps turn ideas into reality.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab is a premium tablet, equipped with an Exynos 1580 processor to deliver a seamless and powerful user experience. It comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (128GB built-in + 128GB SD Card), which provides ample space for documents, photos, videos, and more, letting you access your files and applications conveniently.
- EXCELLENT VISUALS - Featuring a stunning 10.9'' WUXGA+ (2304x1440) glossy touchscreen with a 90 Hz refresh rate that delivers crisp, vibrant visuals. Equipped with a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera, it ensures sharp and detailed images—whether capturing moments or attending virtual meetings.
- EFFECTIVE CONNECTIVITY - Supporting Wi-Fi for ultra-fast and stable internet connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless device pairing, and a USB Type-C port for quick charging, this device ensures you stay connected and productive with cutting-edge technology. Integrated fingerprint sensor in the power button for fast, secure, and convenient device access
Check the configuration against your actual needs: Samsung lists 256GB and 512GB options with 12GB memory, and a 1TB option with 16GB memory. The microSD slot supports expansion up to 2TB, which can help with locally stored files and media. Availability, configuration and wireless specifications can differ by country, so consult the listing for your market before ordering.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 10.9" 90Hz adaptive refresh, IPS LCD, 2304 x 1440 (WUXGA+), 8000mAh Battery, S-Pen Included
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, Expandable micro SD (dedicated slot), Exynos 1580 (4nm), Octa-core, Xclipse 540 GPU, Android 15, One UI 7
- Rear Camera: 13MP, f/2.0 (Wide), Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.4 (ultrawide), Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector
- No SIM Card Slot / Network - Wi-Fi Only. The device is Wi-Fi Only Model and does not work with Cellular Networks.
- International Model, without Domestic Warranty. Still covered by the Return Policy. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
Who should wait, and who should consider it?
- Wait if you own an S11 Ultra that meets your needs. The hands-on identifies changes, but does not demonstrate an independently measured performance uplift that justifies replacing a working tablet.
- Consider it if you need a new premium Android tablet now. The S12 Ultra’s announced screen, S Pen inclusion, storage options and processor make it a substantial feature set, provided the large format and price fit your plans.
- Look for a workload-specific reason to upgrade. Demanding multitasking, gaming or media use could make the new processor, cooling or speaker design relevant, but wait for reviews and testing that measure those differences.
- Do not count a keyboard as included. Samsung lists Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim accessories, but confirm S12 Ultra compatibility and local availability before buying. The S Pen is included.
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.
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