iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is best for people who specifically want a very large OLED screen for video, multitasking, note-taking, or drawing—and are comfortable paying a premium and using a tablet that is unwieldy to hold for long periods. Its 14.6-inch display and included S Pen are the main attractions. In Tom’s Guide’s week-long review, the screen and performance impressed, but the reviewer found the tablet cumbersome in handheld use and DeX short of a full laptop replacement.
What is new about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S12 series on September 30, 2026. The Ultra keeps the previous model’s 14.6-inch screen size and adds a newer processor generation, Android 17, and One UI 9. Tom’s Guide characterizes it as a modest refresh rather than a major redesign. Samsung says the tablet supports three-section Multi Window, which lets users arrange apps across the large screen. Samsung’s announcement lists the display diagonal as 14.6 inches measured across the full rectangle, or 14.5 inches accounting for rounded corners.
The tablet is 5.1 mm thick, includes an S Pen, and carries an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating, according to Samsung. The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, rather than a dramatic change over the prior generation, remains the defining reason to consider the Ultra.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How good is the screen?
Tom’s Guide’s reviewer described the OLED panel as sharp and vivid. In the publication’s lab tests, the screen reached 862 nits in SDR and 916 nits in HDR, with 149.8% sRGB coverage, 105.5% DCI-P3 coverage, and a Delta-E color accuracy result of 0.22. Those are Tom’s Guide’s test results, not Samsung’s specification for peak brightness.
#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.
Samsung advertises peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits. That is a manufacturer claim; the announcement notes that actual performance can vary with environment, conditions, and software. It should not be read as a result from Tom’s Guide’s SDR or HDR tests.
The screen’s size is especially useful for watching video, reading or drawing with the S Pen, and keeping multiple apps visible. It is also the source of a practical compromise: a tablet this large is less comfortable to hold for an extended session than a smaller device.
How fast is it, and what does Samsung claim?
Tom’s Guide judged performance solid in its week-long review. Samsung says the S12 Ultra’s NPU processing is up to 61% faster, CPU performance up to 19% faster, and GPU power up to 17% improved compared with the Tab S11 Ultra. These are Samsung’s generational claims, not performance gains independently measured by the reviewer; Samsung says results depend on environment, conditions, and software.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For everyday use, the large display and three-section Multi Window support are more consequential than a percentage comparison: they make it easier to keep reference material, notes, and another app in view. Whether that arrangement is useful depends on the apps and workflow. A large screen does not by itself make Android apps behave like desktop software.
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.
How long does the battery last?
Samsung claims up to 23 hours of battery life. Tom’s Guide measured 11 hours and 31 minutes in its 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. The manufacturer’s “up to” figure and the review’s controlled browsing test use different methods and conditions, so they are not directly comparable.
Samsung says a 45 W adapter can charge the tablet from 0% to 100% in about 95 minutes. That is also a manufacturer estimate, not a charging result established by Tom’s Guide’s review.
Is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra a laptop replacement?
It can handle tablet-friendly productivity, particularly when the work benefits from the large canvas, S Pen, or viewing several apps at once. Samsung’s DeX offers a desktop-like interface, but Tom’s Guide’s reviewer found it limited as a laptop substitute and said it was more useful with an external monitor. If your work depends on desktop-class software or a traditional laptop workflow, the review does not support treating the S12 Ultra as a complete replacement.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A keyboard may make typing more practical, but it is an additional purchase to plan for. Samsung lists a Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim for the S12 series. Tom’s Guide discussed a $399 Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Pro Keyboard; that is an S11 accessory, and its fit with the S12 Ultra is not established here. Check the exact S12 Ultra model and compatibility before buying a keyboard cover.
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.
What does it cost, and is it worth the price?
Tom’s Guide reviewed a 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage configuration at $1,399 in the US and described that as a $200 increase over the prior model. TechRadar reported a US starting price of $1,400, a UK starting price of £1,399, and an Australian starting price of AU$2,299, with availability beginning October 7, 2026. The $1,399 review configuration and $1,400 launch starting price are different reported figures, not a basis for assuming all configurations cost the same. Prices and stock can change.
The high price makes sense only if the unusually large OLED screen and included S Pen are valuable to you. For streaming alone, compare less expensive tablets before paying for the Ultra’s size and performance. If you plan to use it for work, account for any compatible keyboard or other accessories as separate costs; accessory fit and regional availability can vary.
Samsung’s US announcement also describes a six-month Google AI Pro trial. That offer’s terms and eligibility should be checked for the buyer’s market and purchase date rather than assumed to be a current benefit everywhere.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Should you upgrade from the Tab S11 Ultra?
The case for upgrading is strongest if you want the newer processor generation or are replacing an older tablet and value the S12 Ultra’s display, S Pen, and current software. The screen size is unchanged, and Tom’s Guide calls the update modest while noting the higher price. Its battery test also found the S12 Ultra behind the prior model by more than 30 minutes under the same web-browsing conditions. If your S11 Ultra already meets your needs, the evidence here does not point to a compelling screen-size or battery-life reason to replace it.
Quick Recap
Who should buy it?
- Consider it if you want a premium, very large Android OLED screen for media, drawing, handwritten notes, or working across several apps, and accept the cost and limited handheld comfort.
- Think carefully if you expect DeX to provide a full laptop experience; the review found it limited and more effective with an external display.
- Look elsewhere if your priority is an easy-to-hold tablet, low-cost streaming, or a laptop-style workflow that relies on desktop software.
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.
