Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ premium tablets. These new devices feature enhanced processing power and thinner chassis, though they arrive with notably higher retail prices. The lineup officially goes on sale on October 7.
The $400 jump for the Tab S12+ entry price
The pricing strategy for the new lineup marks a significant shift toward the ultra-premium segment. According to the report, the Galaxy Tab S12+ now starts at $1,199.99, a sharp increase from the $799.99 starting price of the previous Tab S11. The top-tier Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra has also seen a price bump, starting at $1,399.99 compared to the $1,199.99 price point of the Tab S11 Ultra.
For users requiring cellular connectivity, Samsung is offering a 5G version exclusive to the Galaxy Tab S12+ for $1,349.99. This aggressive pricing suggests that Samsung is positioning these devices less as general-purpose tablets and more as high-end productivity machines that compete directly with laptop pricing.
A 61% NPU boost for the Dimensity 9500 chipset
The core of the performance upgrade is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset found in both the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+. As the report says, this chip delivers a 19% faster CPU and a 17% faster GPU over the Tab S11 Ultra. However, the most dramatic leap is in the neural processing unit (NPU), which is 61% faster, specifically to handle AI-driven workloads.
Samsung is targeting power users who rely on generative AI tools. The increased NPU performance is designed to accelerate functionalities within professional creative software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, making the Galaxy Tab S12 series a more viable tool for mobile digital artists.
Wi-Fi 7 and the 14.6-inch Ultra display
Hardware distinctions between the two models are clear, with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra serving as the flagship. The Ultra model features a massive 14.6-inch display and a razor-thin 5.1mm profile. It also includes exclusive high-end features such as Wi-Fi 7 support and an in-display fingerprint reader, whereas the Galaxy Tab S12+ is slightly thicker at 5.3mm and limited to Wi-Fi 6E.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra also offers superior camera capabilities and memory options. While both models share a 12GB RAM base, the Ultra provides a 16GB RAM configuration with 1TB of storage. Additionally, the Ultra includes an 8-megapixel ultrawide rear camera to complement the 13-megapixel main shooter, a feature missing from the more streamlined Galaxy Tab S12+.
Samsung's bid to dominate the non-Apple premium tablet market
By integrating DeX mode and Quick Share—which now supports AirDrop—Samsung is attempting to erode the ecosystem advantages typically held by Apple.. the inclusion of the S Pen and IP68 water and dust resistance ratings ensures that the Galaxy Tab S12 series remains the primary alternative for professionals who avoid the iPad Pro ecosystem.
This move mirrors a broader industry trend where tablets are being pushed to replace laptops entirely.. With the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's screen size and the availability of the Pro Keyboard, Samsung is betting that users will trade a traditional OS for the portability of a high-powered Android slate.
The $445 trial bundle and the missing S12+ camera "nipple"
To soften the blow of the price increases, Samsung is bundling approximately $445 worth of software trials. these include six months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of storage, as well as varying trial periods for Notability, GoodNotes, LumaFusion,Clip Studio Paint, and Adobe services. However, it remains unclear how many users will continue paying for these subscriptions once the trial periods expire.
There are also lingering questions regarding the physical design of the lower-end model.. The report notes that the Galaxy Tab S12+ lacks the camera "nipple" (the slight protrusion for the front-facing lens) found on the Ultra and has noticeably thicker bezels. Whether these aesthetic compromises affect the actual user experience or the perceived value of the $1,199.99 device is a point for future consumer review.
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