Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra delivers a notable performance leap over its predecessor, primarily driven by its new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. This upgrade translates to up to 19% faster CPU performance, 17% better GPU performance, and a substantial 61% increase in AI processing capabilities, according to Samsung.
Design and Display
The tablet retains a sleek, lightweight design, measuring just 5.1 millimeters thick and weighing approximately 1.52 pounds. Its expansive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate remains a highlight, offering ample screen real estate for multitasking with up to 10 apps open simultaneously. Samsung's upgraded Vision Booster adjusts brightness in real time based on ambient lighting conditions.
Performance and Creative Features
The performance gains are particularly evident in gaming and demanding creative applications. The new processor ensures the tablet remains cool during intensive use. In addition to enhanced AI processing, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra comes with Adobe Photoshop preinstalled, offering users a powerful tool for image editing on the large display. The included S Pen further enhances creative workflows, enabling precise adjustments and sketching. Some AI features, like Generative Fill within Photoshop, require subscriptions after free trials.
The tablet runs Android 17 with One UI 9, featuring software enhancements like Note Assist for summarizing notes. The upgraded audio system includes four-channel spatial audio, doubling the channels found in the previous generation and providing an immersive listening experience.
Battery Life and Connectivity
With an 11,600mAh battery, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra promises up to 23 hours of video playback on a single charge, positioning it as a viable option for all-day use. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
Comparison to Predecessor and Competitors
While the exterior design remains largely unchanged from the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, the internal upgrades are significant. Key differences include the processor, spatial audio capabilities, Bluetooth version, and operating system. Both devices share similar display, battery capacity, and charging specifications.
Compared to competitors, the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro M5, starting at $1,499, is slightly more expensive and features a smaller screen but boasts Apple's M5 chip and a robust collection of professional creative applications. The iPad Pro is also lighter but does not include a stylus, unlike the Samsung tablet. The Microsoft Surface Pro offers a full Windows 11 experience, allowing access to desktop applications.
Value Proposition
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a compelling option for power users seeking a premium Android tablet with a large OLED display and extensive multitasking capabilities. Its starting price of $1,399.99 places it in the high-end market. For existing Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra owners, the upgrade may not be essential due to the similarities in design and core features. However, for those upgrading from older tablets, the Tab S12 Ultra presents a significant improvement, especially for users prioritizing performance and creative flexibility.