An Evolving Tablet Landscape
Samsung has officially unveiled its newest flagship lineup, the Galaxy Tab S12 series. At the forefront is the Ultra model, boasting a massive 14.6-inch screen that, when paired with the separately sold Pro Keyboard, aims to compete directly with high-end laptops. I have had the opportunity to test this new flagship device ahead of its scheduled release in October.
Performance and Design
Under the hood, the Tab S12 Ultra receives a power boost, moving to the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. While this offers improved performance, it is worth noting that it is not the most recent 9600 Pro iteration. The physical design maintains the ultra-slim aesthetic that made its predecessor, the S11 Ultra, a success.
In my experience, this is undoubtedly the most capable Android tablet available on the market. However, reaching that peak comes at a cost. The device sees a $200/£200 price increase over the previous generation, despite only marginal improvements in specifications.
The Googlebook Challenge
As I evaluate the device, it is impossible to ignore how the laptop market is on the verge of a significant shift. The emergence of "Googlebook" devices, supported by major manufacturers like Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus, introduces a new operating system that could reshape how we perceive portable computing.
"At 14.6-inches, the Tab S12 Ultra is more akin to a laptop in scale, but now carries a higher price tag than many laptops—and that is without a keyboard included in the box."
Versatility and Usability
When equipped with the optional Pro Keyboard, the tablet effectively functions as an Android-based laptop. I have found the battery life to be impressive, and the overall user experience is quite satisfying. For users who prefer a more portable setup, the smaller 12.6-inch Tab S12+ is also available as a more manageable alternative.
Launch Details
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra launches with Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9. It will be available in Grey or Silver starting October 7. The pricing for the Ultra model begins at $1,399/£1,399, while the S12+ starts at $1,199/£1,199.