Samsung's Tab S12 Ultra and Plus Launch: A Modest Ultra Refresh vs. A Major Plus Overhaul

Key points

• The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399 and features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 1,600 nits peak brightness.
• The Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199 and includes a 12.6-inch display, marking a significant upgrade from the previous generation.
• Both tablets are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor and include an S Pen stylus in the box.
• The Ultra offers up to 23 hours of battery life, while the S12+ provides up to 21 hours.
• Samsung bundles free trials for Adobe Photoshop, Google AI Pro, and Notability with the purchase.
• The devices are available in Gray and Silver, with the Ultra being Samsung's thinnest tablet at 5.1mm.

Background

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 series was anticipated following leaks in August 2026 suggesting a cautious refresh for the Ultra model. Previous coverage highlighted that the Ultra would retain the 14.6-inch screen and 11,600 mAh battery from the S11 Ultra, with the primary upgrade being the new chipset. The official launch on September 30 confirmed these details, while also introducing the S12+ as a more substantial update to the two-year-old S10 Plus line. This launch follows Samsung's broader strategy of alternating major updates between its Plus and Ultra tablet lines.

How outlets are covering it

Engadget emphasizes the competitive landscape between Samsung's Tab S12 Ultra and Apple's iPad Pro, noting that Samsung wins on battery life and included accessories, while Apple leads in processing power and color accuracy for creative work. Mashable highlights the broader product launch, including the Smart Tag 3 Bluetooth tracker, and details the specific specs of both tablets, noting the S12+ is the only model with optional 5G support. The Verge points out that the Ultra is a modest refresh with a $200 price increase, whereas the S12+ represents a meaningful overhaul for owners of older Plus models. Samsung's official newsroom focuses on the productivity features, including the bundled S Pen, free app trials, and the integration of Galaxy AI for multitasking and note-taking.

Why it matters

The launch of the Galaxy Tab S12 series reinforces Samsung's position in the premium tablet market, offering a strong alternative to Apple's iPad Pro for users prioritizing battery life, screen size, and Android ecosystem integration. The significant price increases and the differing levels of innovation between the Ultra and Plus models may influence consumer decisions, particularly for professionals and students seeking high-performance devices for productivity and creative work. The inclusion of free trials for professional apps like Adobe Photoshop also aims to attract creative users to the Android platform.

What to watch

Consumers can purchase the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ starting October 7, 2026. Samsung is also expected to launch the Smart Tag 3 Bluetooth tracker in early November. Future updates to the regular Galaxy Tab S12 are not expected until 2027, as Samsung alternates major updates between its Plus and Ultra lines. The market will likely see further comparisons between these tablets and Apple's iPad Pro, particularly regarding performance, battery life, and ecosystem integration.