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Samsung announced two Galaxy Tab S12 models on September 30, 2026: the 14.6-inch Tab S12 Ultra and the 12.6-inch Tab S12+. The headline needs a qualification: the S12+ is thinner than its S10+ predecessor, but the S12 Ultra is the same listed thickness as the S11 Ultra. Samsung also claims performance gains for the Ultra, while launch coverage reports higher starting prices for it than for the previous Ultra.

Which Galaxy Tab S12 models did Samsung announce?

The launch lineup comprises the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+. Samsung’s announcement does not name a regular, non-plus S12 tablet. The Ultra is the larger model; the S12+ offers a smaller screen and a slightly thicker listed profile.

How do the S12 Ultra and S12+ compare?

Specification Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Galaxy Tab S12+ What it means
Display 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X The Ultra offers more workspace; the S12+ is more compact.
Thickness 5.1 mm 5.3 mm The S12+ is 0.2 mm thicker than the Ultra.
Battery capacity 11,600 mAh 10,600 mAh Capacity differs; playback time also depends on use and settings.
Samsung’s estimated video playback Up to 23 hours Up to 21 hours These are manufacturer estimates, not guaranteed results.
Connectivity listed on Samsung’s US page Wi-Fi 7 Wi-Fi 6E; 5G option Check the precise model and connectivity configuration sold in your region.

Both tablets have adaptive 120 Hz refresh rates and peak brightness listed at up to 1,600 nits. Samsung lists outdoor High Brightness Mode at 1,000 nits. Specifications and availability can vary by market; Samsung’s US product page and FAQ provide US-specific details.

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Are the Galaxy Tab S12 tablets thinner?

It depends on which model and predecessor you compare. Samsung lists the S12+ at 5.3 mm, versus 5.6 mm for the S10+. The S12 Ultra measures 5.1 mm, the same listed thickness as the S11 Ultra. Samsung calls the S12 Ultra its thinnest Galaxy Tab, but that does not mean every S12 model is thinner than its immediate predecessor.

#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Ai Wifi Model, 14.6" 11600 mAh 13MP SM-X930 Dual Camera with S Pen (Gray SM-X930NZSAGTO, 256GB + 12GB)
  • 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.

Samsung lists the S12+ at 553 g for Wi-Fi and 555 g for 5G on its US product FAQ. Those weights apply to the stated US configurations; check the local listing for the exact version you plan to buy.

How much faster are they?

Samsung says the S12 series uses a 3 nm processor platform and compares the S12 Ultra with the S11 Ultra, claiming up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance and 17% improved GPU performance. These are Samsung’s figures, not independent benchmark results. The company notes that actual performance can vary with device environment, conditions and software. Its global launch announcement explains the comparison; the US announcement also sets out the performance claims.

Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with S-Pen 2025 (256GB, 12GB RAM, Wi-Fi Only) 14.6" AMOLED, WiFi 6E Android 16 Tablet, 4K Camera | International Model X930 | 25W Fast Charger Bundle (Moonstone Gray)
  • 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.

The percentages should not be read as a guaranteed speed increase in every app or task. Samsung’s quoted comparison specifically uses the S11 Ultra as its baseline, so it does not establish the same gains against every earlier tablet or for the S12+ in an independent test.

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What do the battery estimates mean in practice?

Samsung estimates up to 23 hours of video playback for the S12 Ultra and up to 21 hours for the S12+. These are manufacturer estimates under stated playback conditions, not a promise of that runtime during mixed use, gaming or other demanding workloads. Samsung says results vary with network connection, settings, video file, brightness and battery condition. See the launch announcement for its qualifications.

Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus 12.4” 256GB Android Tablet, Moonstone Gray
  • 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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What comes in the box, and what can you add?

  • S Pen: Samsung says both models include one, so a separate pen is not essential based on the listed package contents.
  • Charger: A power adapter is not included. Samsung sells a 45 W adapter separately.
  • Storage expansion: Samsung lists a microSD slot supporting cards up to 2 TB. A card is not stated to be included.
  • Keyboards: Samsung’s US page identifies optional Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim accessories. Confirm regional availability and compatibility for the exact tablet SKU before purchasing.

Samsung describes the tablets as IP68-rated, but this is a laboratory rating, not a recommendation to expose them to water. Its global announcement says resistance can diminish with wear and advises against beach or pool use.

How much do the new tablets cost?

TechRadar’s launch coverage reports the following regional starting prices. These are launch-market starting points, not universal or live prices; configurations can differ, so compare like-for-like storage and connectivity before drawing a value conclusion.

Model Reported starting prices
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,299
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at launch $1,299 / £1,269 / AU$2,099
Galaxy Tab S12+ $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$1,999

On those reported launch figures, the S12 Ultra starts higher than the S11 Ultra did at launch in all three listed markets. The comparison does not establish current local pricing or the price of matching configurations. See TechRadar’s launch-price report and check Samsung’s regional store for current offers and availability.

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Which model makes more sense?

  • Choose the S12 Ultra if the 14.6-inch display and larger workspace matter most, and its higher reported starting price fits your budget.
  • Consider the S12+ if you want a smaller 12.6-inch tablet and do not need the Ultra’s larger screen. Its listed 5.3 mm thickness is still slimmer than the S10+ figure cited above.
  • Check the exact regional configuration before buying if Wi-Fi generation, 5G, weight, storage or price will decide your choice. Samsung says specifications and availability may change and can vary by market.

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.