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The Galaxy Tab S12 is not a like-for-like replacement for the compact Galaxy Tab S11. Samsung’s September 30, 2026 announcement names the larger Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, but no regular-size Galaxy Tab S12. If you want an 11-inch tablet, the S11 remains the relevant model; if you want a bigger screen and newer listed software, compare it with the 12.6-inch S12+ or 14.6-inch S12 Ultra. Samsung’s US page listed S12 availability as starting October 7, 2026, so the models had not yet reached that stated date as of October 4.
Is there a regular Galaxy Tab S12?
Samsung’s September 30, 2026 announcement identifies two models: Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. It does not announce a base Galaxy Tab S12. That makes “S12 vs. S11” a comparison between the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11 and two larger tablets, not a simple generation-to-generation comparison at the same size. Samsung’s global announcement
Samsung’s US product page listed availability beginning October 7, 2026. That date was still in the future on October 4, 2026, so check the current local listing for availability, regional configurations, and price before deciding to buy. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 US product page
What changed: size, weight, software, and battery
| Model | Display | Weight and thickness | Software listed by Samsung | Battery information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S11 | 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 2560 × 1600 | 1.03 lb | Android 16 | 8,400 mAh capacity |
| Galaxy Tab S12+ | 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 5.3 mm thick; 1.21 lb Wi-Fi or 1.22 lb 5G | Android 17 | 10,600 mAh; Samsung estimates up to 21 hours of video playback |
| Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 5.1 mm thick; 1.52 lb Wi-Fi | Android 17 | 11,600 mAh; Samsung estimates up to 23 hours of video playback |
Figures are from Samsung’s US product and comparison pages; regional models may differ. Battery capacity and playback figures are manufacturer specifications and estimates, not independent, same-condition test results. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 US product page · Samsung US tablet comparison · Samsung UK Galaxy Tab S11 specifications
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
The S12 models trade compactness for screen area
The S11’s 11-inch display is the smallest option in this comparison. The S12+ adds 1.6 inches of diagonal screen size, while the Ultra’s display is 14.6 inches. Those are meaningfully different tablet classes: the S11 is the natural fit when a smaller footprint matters, while the S12 models make more sense when screen space is the priority. Samsung lists the S12 models as thin, but their listed weights are higher than the S11’s, so thinness should not be mistaken for a lighter or more compact device.
Newer software and a support promise
Samsung’s US comparison lists Android 17 for the S12 models and Android 16 for the S11. Samsung says the S12 series will receive up to seven OS and security upgrades. The wording is “up to”; check the applicable model and regional terms, and do not treat the S12 promise as evidence of how many support years remain for an S11 you already own. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 US product page · Samsung US tablet comparison
Rank #2
- 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’s battery numbers are estimates
Samsung lists an 8,400 mAh battery for the S11, 10,600 mAh for the S12+, and 11,600 mAh for the S12 Ultra. Its stated video playback estimates are up to 21 hours for the S12+ and up to 23 hours for the Ultra. These figures help distinguish the published specifications, but they do not establish which tablet lasts longer in independent testing or in your usage.
Is the Galaxy Tab S12 faster than the S11?
Samsung says the S12 Ultra’s 3 nm processor delivers up to 61% faster NPU processing, 19% faster CPU performance, and 17% improved GPU performance compared with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Those are Samsung’s stated Ultra-to-Ultra comparisons, not independent benchmark results and not a measured comparison with the base 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11. Samsung also cautions that actual performance can vary with environment and software. Samsung Newsroom US announcement
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.
For a buyer choosing between the compact S11 and a new S12, the evidence supports saying the S12 Ultra uses Samsung’s newer listed processor; it does not support applying those percentages to the base S11. No independent comparative test result is established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What comes in the box, and what costs extra?
Samsung says both S12 models ship with an S Pen, and the S11 specifications support S Pen use. Samsung lists keyboard covers and protective accessories separately on its S12 product page. Confirm the box contents for your country and the exact accessory compatibility before calculating the total cost of a tablet-and-keyboard setup. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 US product page · Samsung UK Galaxy Tab S11 specifications
Should you buy the S11, S12+, or S12 Ultra?
Choose the Galaxy Tab S11 if you want the compact option
- You specifically want an 11-inch premium Samsung tablet; Samsung has not named a base S12 in the announced lineup.
- You already own an S11 in good condition and do not need a larger display or the S12 models’ newer listed software.
- Portability matters more to you than maximizing screen area.
Consider the Galaxy Tab S12+ for a larger screen without going Ultra-size
- You want more display space than the S11’s 11 inches, but prefer the 12.6-inch option to the Ultra’s 14.6-inch panel.
- You are comfortable choosing a larger tablet; the recommendation is based on Samsung’s listed screen sizes, not hands-on testing.
Consider the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for the biggest display
- You prioritize the largest listed screen and want the S12 Ultra’s newer processor and software generation.
- You can make use of a 14.6-inch tablet and accept its listed 1.52 lb Wi-Fi weight.
- You understand that Samsung’s performance percentages compare the S12 Ultra with the S11 Ultra, rather than with the compact S11.
There is no firm price-based winner in the published information here. Compare current local prices, storage and network configurations, and any accessory costs once the S12 models are available in your market.
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