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The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung’s largest premium Android tablet, with a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen in a body that Samsung says is 5.1 mm thick. It makes the most sense if you want a large, pen-friendly canvas for reading, note-taking, drawing and split-screen work at a desk or on a stand. It makes less sense if you plan to hold it for long stretches, or if you expect its DeX mode to replace a laptop. Those trade-offs matter more than the headline specifications, so this review keeps Samsung’s published claims separate from the independent results reported by Tom’s Guide. The article is based on published specifications and reviews; it does not report hands-on testing by the author.
What you are buying
Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S12 series, which includes the S12 Ultra and the smaller S12+. The two models share a processor, so the choice between them comes down mainly to screen size, weight and price. Android Central’s launch coverage, published September 30, 2026, summarises the split. The comparison below uses only values that the cited sources state.
| Attribute | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | Galaxy Tab S12+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 14.6-inch, 120 Hz AMOLED (Android Central); 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960 x 1848 (Samsung UK) | 12.6-inch (Android Central) |
| Wi-Fi weight | 692 g (Samsung UK) | 553 g (Samsung UK) |
| 5G weight | 695 g (Samsung UK) | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (Android Central) | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (Android Central) |
| US launch price | $1,400 (Android Central); $1,399 (Tom’s Guide review) | $1,200 (Android Central) |
Two details matter when you compare prices. The Tom’s Guide review unit had 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Samsung UK lists configurations starting at 12 GB RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB storage, and up to 16 GB RAM with 1 TB storage, with availability varying by market. Your exact price depends on the configuration and the country, so check the specific SKU you are considering.
Ultra-only specifications on Samsung’s UK page
- Battery: 11,600 mAh
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0
- Protection: IP68 rating
- Port: USB Type-C
- Pen: S Pen included in the box
Size and weight: a large screen you have to support
The 5.1 mm body is the most striking physical claim. Tom’s Guide describes the tablet as thin and relatively light for its dimensions. Its 692 g Wi-Fi weight is manageable for a desk or a stand. It is less manageable as a handheld device. Tom’s Guide found the tablet cumbersome to hold for extended periods, and that is the main ergonomic limit to weigh before you buy.
#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.
Plan on propping it up. A 14.6-inch screen works best on a table, a lap desk or a stand, and it is an awkward device to read in bed or to hold in one hand while standing. If you mainly want something to carry on a commute, the S12+ is the more practical size, though the sources reviewed do not compare the two models’ handling in detail.
Battery life: manufacturer claim versus independent result
Samsung rates the Ultra’s 11,600 mAh battery at up to 23 hours of video playback, under the test conditions Samsung uses on its UK specification page. That is a playback figure, not a web-browsing result, and it should not be compared with figures from other tests.
Tom’s Guide reports a different measurement. In its continuous Wi-Fi web-surfing test at 150 nits, the tablet lasted 11 hours and 31 minutes. Tom’s Guide says that was more than 30 minutes shorter than the predecessor’s result in the same test. The table separates the two.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Video playback | Samsung UK specification page | Up to 23 hours | Manufacturer claim under Samsung’s test conditions |
| Continuous Wi-Fi web surfing | Tom’s Guide review | 11 hours 31 minutes | Tom’s Guide test at 150 nits |
Charging
According to Samsung’s global newsroom announcement, the battery takes about 95 minutes to charge from 0% to 100% with a 45W adapter. Samsung says that adapter is sold separately, and the device charger is not in the box. Budget for a compatible adapter if you do not already own one.
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.
Screen and performance: what is measured and what is claimed
Tom’s Guide praises the OLED screen as vivid. In its own display testing it measured 862 nits in SDR and 916 nits in HDR, with 149.8% sRGB coverage. These are that outlet’s measurements, not Samsung’s. Samsung’s UK page describes the screen as a 120 Hz panel at 2960 x 1848 resolution.
Samsung claims that, compared with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, the Tab S12 Ultra offers up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance and 17% improved GPU performance. These are Samsung’s own comparisons, not independent benchmark results. Tom’s Guide describes the performance as strong in its review, which is its judgment rather than a benchmark score.
Price and the real cost of setup
Launch pricing differs by outlet and by region. Android Central reports US launch prices of $1,400 for the Ultra and $1,200 for the S12+. TechRadar lists £1,399, $1,400 and AU$2,299 for the Ultra. Android Central gives October 7, 2026 as the start of availability for both models, in Gray and Silver. These are launch-coverage prices, not current retail prices, so confirm the figure at the store you plan to use.
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Tom’s Guide raises a further point. In its US review context, it notes a $200 price increase over the predecessor and calls the price high for what it sees as a modest year-over-year upgrade. That is the outlet’s view.
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 is not in the box
The S Pen is included. Several items that many buyers will want are not:
- Device charger: not included. A 45W adapter is required for the quoted charging time.
- Keyboards: Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim, both sold separately.
- Covers: Book Cover and Frame Cover, both sold separately.
- Screen protection: Anti-Reflecting Screen Protector, sold separately.
Samsung’s UK page lists these as compatible accessories, but the sources reviewed do not give their prices. Add their cost to the tablet price before you compare the Ultra with a cheaper productivity tablet or a laptop.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.DeX: where the desktop experience stops
Samsung’s DeX is a desktop-style mode for multitasking. Tom’s Guide reports that DeX falls short of the Windows laptop experience the reviewer expected. The practical lesson is to treat DeX as a way to run several windows at once, not as a complete replacement for a laptop. If your work depends on desktop-class software, specific Windows applications, or a full file-management workflow, test that software on the device before you commit, and keep a laptop in your plans.
Included offers in the UK
Samsung’s UK page lists app offers for eligible Ultra buyers: 4 months of Photoshop, 6 months of Notability Plus, 6 months of Clip Studio Paint EX, 1 month of Notion Business and 1 year of Goodnotes Essential. Samsung says the benefits and terms vary by region. Check eligibility and the terms in your country before you rely on them.
Who should buy the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
The Ultra is a good choice if:
- You want the largest practical screen in Samsung’s Android tablet line and will use it on a desk or stand.
- You work heavily with the S Pen for notes, sketches or document markup.
- You want a thin, light-for-its-size device for reading and media, and you are comfortable with a battery that Tom’s Guide measured at under 12 hours in continuous web browsing.
Consider the S12+ or another option if:
- You will hold the tablet for long periods, or you want something you can carry comfortably in one hand.
- Your budget will not cover the price of the Ultra plus a keyboard, cover and compatible charger.
- You expect DeX to work as a laptop replacement.
For more on the launch, see Samsung Newsroom US, and for the full review by Tom’s Guide see Tom’s Guide’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra review. Samsung’s own launch statement, attributed to Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, says the series is “designed for people who are constantly exploring new ideas, developing new skills, and bringing their ambitions to life.” That is promotional positioning rather than evidence of performance.
Quick Recap
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.
