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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if you want the larger 14.6-inch screen, Android with Samsung DeX, expandable storage, and an S Pen included. Choose the 13-inch iPad Pro with M5 if you prefer iPadOS and Apple’s Pencil and Magic Keyboard ecosystem. Neither is a universal winner: your apps, existing devices, and accessory needs matter more than the chip names alone.
Which tablets are being compared?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S12 series on September 30, 2026. Samsung Electronics America lists a US starting price of $1,399.99 for the Tab S12 Ultra and says US availability begins October 7, 2026. Samsung says availability in select global markets also starts October 7; that is not a promise of a simultaneous launch everywhere. Colors and Wi-Fi or 5G configurations vary by market. See Samsung’s US announcement and its global announcement.
Apple’s current large model is the 13-inch iPad Pro with M5, announced October 15, 2025. Apple also sells an 11-inch size, but the 13-inch model is the closer size comparison to Samsung’s Ultra. Apple describes its display as Ultra Retina XDR with ProMotion. Product details are on Apple’s iPad Pro page and in Apple’s October 2025 announcement.
How do the screens compare?
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra: more room
Samsung specifies a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2960 × 1848 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Its larger diagonal gives you more physical screen area for split-screen work, drawing space, and viewing documents side by side.
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- 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.
iPad Pro: a smaller 13-inch display
The larger iPad Pro has a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with ProMotion, according to Apple. It is smaller than Samsung’s panel, but the names and published specifications do not establish which display looks better in real use. There is no controlled head-to-head display test here, so choose by size, platform, and the apps you use rather than assuming a quality winner.
Which operating system and workflow fit you?
Samsung: Android and One UI
Samsung specifies Android 17 with One UI 9 and includes DeX in its productivity offering. Consider the S12 Ultra if you want an Android tablet, value Samsung’s interface, or expect DeX to suit your desktop-style multitasking. Check that the apps you rely on work the way you need on a large Android tablet.
Apple: iPadOS
The M5 iPad Pro runs iPadOS 26, according to Apple’s launch announcement. It is the natural fit if you prefer iPadOS or already use Apple apps and accessories. Your phone, computer, cloud services, and existing peripherals can make one platform more convenient, but neither operating system is inherently the right choice for every workflow.
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.
What do you get for the pen and keyboard?
Samsung says an S Pen is included with the Tab S12 Ultra. Its Pro Keyboard and Book Cover are separate options. Apple lists support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), as well as a Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro; these are optional accessories. If you plan to write, draw, or type, compare the cost of the complete setup rather than tablet-only prices. Match accessories to the exact model and market before buying.
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How much storage can you get?
| Storage option | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | 13-inch iPad Pro with M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in configurations | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB (Samsung) | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB (Apple) |
| Removable expansion | microSD expansion up to 2 TB (Samsung) | Not stated in Apple’s cited M5 launch announcement |
The microSD slot is useful if you keep large local media libraries or want removable storage. It is not the same as built-in storage, and it does not automatically make Samsung the better value; weigh the amount and type of storage you actually need.
What is known about support and performance?
Samsung says the S12 series supports up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. The cited Apple sources do not state a directly comparable support-duration commitment, so a like-for-like support-length verdict cannot be made from these announcements.
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 names a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, while Apple names M5. Apple claims the M5 iPad Pro delivers up to 3.5× AI performance versus the iPad Pro with M4 and up to 5.6× versus the iPad Pro with M1. Those are Apple’s comparisons with earlier iPad Pro models, not a test against Samsung. The available product statements do not provide an independent head-to-head speed result, so chip names and manufacturer claims alone are not enough to declare one tablet faster for your work.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you compare prices?
Samsung’s announced US starting price is $1,399.99, with US availability scheduled for October 7, 2026. Apple’s cited UK launch prices for the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro were £1,299 for Wi-Fi and £1,499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. These are different markets and dates, so they are not a direct price comparison or a current local quote.
For a fair comparison, check current prices in your country for the same connectivity and a similar built-in storage capacity. Then add any keyboard and pen you need: Samsung includes the S Pen, while Apple’s cited compatible pens and both brands’ keyboards are optional. Availability and configurations can vary by region.
Quick Recap
Choose the tablet that matches your priorities
- Choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if a larger 14.6-inch display, Android and DeX, microSD expansion, or an included S Pen is central to your decision.
- Choose the 13-inch iPad Pro with M5 if you want iPadOS and prefer Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard options or already rely on Apple’s device and app ecosystem.
- Compare a complete setup if price is decisive: use local, current listings with matched storage and connectivity, and include the accessories you plan to buy.
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.
