Leaked renders have provided a preliminary look at the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series, specifically the S12+ and S12 Ultra models. the images suggest the flagship tablets will retain a familiar notch design rather than moving to a punch-hole camera.
The persistence of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra notch
The leaked renders for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra indicate that the device will likely retain the shallow display notch found on previous models. While some industry rumors had suggested a transition to a punch-hole selfie camera, the latest images show the cutout remains centered on the upper edge of the display. As reported by the source, this design choice mirrors the CAD renders that surfaced last month, suggesting Samsung is sticking to a proven aesthetic rather than a radical redesign.
The renders also feature a new gradient wallpaper with an "S" at the center, which could serve as the default background for the new lineup. By maintaining this visual identity, Samsung avoids the risks of a major aesthetic shift, but it also risks consumer fatigue from a lack of physical evolution between the S11 and S12 generations.
MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 and the three-year chip trend
Hardware specifications for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra appear to be centered around MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 processor. According to a recent Geekbench listing, the tablet is expected to pair this chip with 12GB of RAM. This move would mark the third consecutive year that Samsung utilizes a MediaTek flagship processor in its top-tier tablet, following the Dimensity 9300+ in the Tab S10 Ultra and the Dimensity 9400+ in the Tab S11 Ultra.
If these Geekbench details are accurate, the S12 Ultra will continue its reliance on high-end MediaTek silicon to power its most expensive Android tablet. This consistent hardware path suggests a deepening strategic partnership between Samsung and MediaTek, even as users look for more significant architectural shifts in the tablet's internals.
Rising component costs and the Galaxy Tab S12 value proposition
Samsung faces significant economic pressure due to the rising costs of memory and other essential components. The source notes that these increasing expenses could lead to higher retail prices for the upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 series, which is slated for a release in the second half of 2026. This pricing challenge is compounded by the fact that the physical design appears nearly identical to the Galaxy Tab S11 lineup.
This creates a difficult situation for consumers; if the hardware is largely a carryover from the Tab S11 Ultra, the value of the device rests almost entirely on the speed of the new processor and the depth of the AI integration. Samsung may need to lean heavily into "Galaxy AI" software features to justify a premium price tag for a device that looks and feels like its predecessor.
Will Samsung integrate S26 Ultra Privacy Display technology?
Several key hardware features remain unconfirmed for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra despite the recent leaks. It is currently unclear if Samsung will integrate the Privacy Display technology recently introduced on the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the silicon-carbon battery technology found in its latest foldable devices. While the renders show a new gradient wallpaper, it remains unverified whether this will be the standard default for all models in the series.
The lack of information regarding the exact size of the notch in these renders also leaves a gap in our understanding of the device's total screen-to-body ratio. Furthermore, while previous reports pointed toward a September announcement, it remains to be seen if Samsung will stick to that specific window for the 2026 rollout.
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