The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, positioning it as a large-screen Android tablet with excellent performance and S Pen support. The device integrates a polished DeX experience and offers IP68 dust and water resistance.
The tablet maintains a slim profile, measuring just 5.1mm thick and weighing 692g. It retains the dual-rear camera setup, consisting of a 13MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens, along with a 12MP front-facing camera focused on video calls.
The screen specifications are expansive, offering a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. The display provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, and the 16:10 ratio suits widescreen viewing. It includes an under-display fingerprint sensor embedded near the panel.
In terms of input, the S Pen remains included in the box, magnetically attaching to the tablet for charging and storage. The stylus maintains the hexagonal, pencil-like design introduced with the previous model, featuring a cone-shaped tip and a lightweight feel.
Core performance saw improvements this year, although the price increase remains a factor. The tablet sports the year-old MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Samsung claims a 19% uplift in the CPU department and a 17% increase for the GPU, alongside a 61% jump for the NPU.
With 12GB of RAM, the tablet operates smoothly in DeX mode, allowing users to run apps in a windowed desktop environment. When paired with the optional Pro Keyboard, the setup functions as a competent laptop replacement.
Samsung has committed to seven years of OS upgrades and security patches for the Tab S12 Ultra. The ecosystem is refined through One UI 9 based on Android 17.
Battery life is provided by an 11,600mAh cell. It manages a full day of multi-app work in DeX mode, with sporadic use extending the duration over several days. The tablet supports 45W wired charging, which can achieve approximately 40% charge in half an hour, and a full charge in about 90 minutes.
The tablet’s design is virtually identical to the Tab S11 Ultra, maintaining Samsung’s sleek, understated aesthetic in grey and silver. This consistency applies to the display, design, and battery capacity.
The starting price for the Tab S12 Ultra is £/$1,399, a £/$200 increase over its predecessor. Adding the optional Pro Keyboard increases the cost by an additional £/$399.
Despite these features, the modest upgrades and the increased starting price make it difficult to recommend over the Tab S11 Ultra. The performance jump is not substantial given the cost adjustment. The tablet remains capable, featuring a large screen, a polished DeX experience, and integrated S Pen.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a highly capable Android tablet, well-suited for creative work and multitasking. Its strength lies in the massive display and DeX functionality, supported by long-term software commitments.
