The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for its larger 14.6-inch workspace, Wi-Fi 7 and higher top storage configuration. Choose the Galaxy Tab S12+ if its 12.6-inch screen is large enough and you would rather save the announced $200 US price difference and carry a lighter tablet. The two share Samsung’s listed Dimensity 9500 processor, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, included S Pen and IP68 rating, so the main decision is size, weight, configuration and price—not a stated processor advantage.
Samsung announced US starting prices on September 30, 2026, with availability beginning October 7. These are launch-announcement prices, not a live price check; configurations, promotions and availability can change.
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs S12+: at a glance
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | Galaxy Tab S12+ |
|---|---|---|
| Announced US starting price | $1,399.99 | $1,199.99 |
| Display | 14.6-inch, 2960 × 1848 | 12.6-inch, 2800 × 1752 |
| Panel and refresh rate | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 |
| Listed memory and storage options | 12 GB/256 GB, 12 GB/512 GB, 16 GB/1 TB | 12 GB/256 GB, 12 GB/512 GB |
| Wi-Fi model weight | 692 g | 553 g |
| Thickness | 5.1 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Battery capacity | 11,600 mAh | 10,600 mAh |
| Samsung-claimed video playback | Up to 23 hours | Up to 21 hours |
| Connectivity listed by Samsung US | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E; 5G version listed |
| Included S Pen / IP68 | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
Specifications and announced US prices are from Samsung’s September 30, 2026 launch announcement and its US tablet comparison page, accessed October 3, 2026. The Wi-Fi weights and stated dimensions are Samsung specifications, not independent measurements. Samsung’s video-playback figures are manufacturer claims, not tested battery results.
Which model makes more sense for you?
Choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if screen space comes first
- You want the larger 14.6-inch display for split-screen work, drawing, reviewing documents or watching video.
- You want the highest listed memory and storage configuration: 16 GB RAM and 1 TB internal storage.
- You specifically want Wi-Fi 7 in the Samsung US listing and are comfortable with the higher announced starting price and 692 g Wi-Fi-model weight.
- The additional battery capacity and Samsung-claimed playback time matter to your choice, while recognizing that the playback figure is not a real-world guarantee.
Choose the Galaxy Tab S12+ if portability and entry price matter more
- A 12.6-inch display is enough for your work and entertainment.
- You prefer the 553 g Wi-Fi model, which is 139 g lighter than the Ultra’s stated Wi-Fi weight.
- You do not need a listed configuration above 12 GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage.
- You want the lower announced US starting price, $200 below the Ultra’s, and the option of a listed 5G version.
Is the Ultra’s larger screen worth its price and weight?
The Ultra adds two inches of diagonal display size over the S12+ and has the higher listed resolution. That is useful when the tablet itself needs to serve as a broad canvas—for example, keeping more content visible while annotating, sketching or arranging windows. The S12+ still has a large 12.6-inch panel, and both models use 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, so choosing the Ultra is primarily a decision to buy more physical workspace rather than a different listed display class.
#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.
The portability trade-off is clear in Samsung’s published Wi-Fi weights: the S12+ is 139 g lighter. It is also 0.2 mm thicker, so the thinner device is the heavier one. Consider the tablet together with any keyboard cover or stand you plan to carry; accessories are sold separately, and the listed tablet weights do not include them.
Do the S12 models differ in speed?
Samsung lists the same MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor in both models. Its launch announcement cites improvements for the S12 Ultra over the Tab S11 Ultra—61% for NPU, 19% for CPU and 17% for GPU—but those are Samsung’s comparisons against the previous Ultra, not evidence that the S12 Ultra is faster than the S12+. No independent benchmark results are established here, so the processor specifications alone do not justify paying extra for the Ultra on the assumption it will outperform its sibling.
How much memory and storage do you need?
The S12+ is listed in 12 GB RAM configurations with 256 GB or 512 GB storage. The Ultra offers those options plus a 16 GB RAM/1 TB configuration. Both support microSD expansion up to 2 TB, according to Samsung’s listed specifications. A microSD card can expand local storage for media or project files, but it does not change the tablet’s RAM or internal-storage configuration; check card compatibility and speed needs for your use.
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 battery and connectivity specifications mean in practice?
The Ultra has a listed 11,600 mAh battery and the S12+ a 10,600 mAh battery. Samsung claims up to 23 hours of video playback for the Ultra and up to 21 hours for the S12+. These are manufacturer estimates under Samsung’s playback test, not independent measurements or a promise of that runtime during mixed everyday use.
Samsung’s US materials list Wi-Fi 7 for the Ultra and Wi-Fi 6E for the S12+, with a 5G S12+ version also listed. Network choices depend on the exact model and market; check the regional product listing and cellular SKU before ordering rather than assuming every configuration includes the same radios.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can either Galaxy Tab S12 replace a laptop?
Either can be configured for typing and stand-supported use, but the tablet specification comparison alone cannot establish that it will replace a laptop for a particular person. Consider the applications and file workflows you rely on, whether you need desktop-class software or peripherals, and how much typing you do. The Ultra’s larger screen gives more room for multitasking; the S12+ is easier to carry. Neither advantage by itself establishes laptop equivalence.
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 the Pro Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim among the S12 accessories, and its FAQ says accessories are sold separately. The Book Cover and Anti-Reflecting Screen Protector are also listed; Samsung identifies a Frame Cover as Ultra-exclusive. Confirm exact model compatibility and current regional availability before buying. The S Pen is included, but Samsung says the device charger is not included.
Software support and buying checks
In its US launch material, Samsung says the S12 series gets Android 17 with One UI 9 and up to seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. Treat this as Samsung’s stated support commitment; confirm the terms for the specific market and SKU you are buying.
- Compare the actual price of the same memory/storage configuration, rather than relying only on the announced starting prices.
- Confirm whether you are buying Wi-Fi or cellular, and check the network capabilities of that exact regional SKU.
- Check keyboard, cover, screen protector and microSD compatibility separately; do not assume optional accessories are included.
- For the S12+ 5G option, verify availability and carrier compatibility in your country.
Samsung’s US Galaxy Tab S12 series page and comparison page provide the referenced product details. The launch announcement states US availability beginning October 7, 2026; availability and prices outside the US may differ.
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.
