Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ tablets launch October 7, with the S12+ starting at $1,199.99 and the Ultra at $1,399.99, featuring MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processors and redesigned vapor chambers. While Samsung markets these as high-end multitasking devices, their ability to replace a laptop depends entirely on whether a user’s specific workflow relies on desktop-only software or specialized business applications.
Ultra and S12+ Display and Battery Specs
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra centers on a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a 2960 x 1848 resolution and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. As reported by the-gadgeteer.com, the device maintains a 5.1mm-thin profile and includes IP68 dust and water resistance. The Ultra model carries an 11,600mAh battery, while the 12.6-inch S12+ provides a more portable 553-gram chassis.
Processing Benchmarks and Sustained Power
Both tablets utilize the 3nm Dimensity 9500 processor. Samsung claims this hardware delivers a 61% increase in NPU performance, 19% in CPU performance, and 17% in GPU performance over the previous S11 series. PCMag noted that during a three-hour session running a YouTube tutorial alongside a complex, multi-layered drawing in Clip Studio Paint, the S12 Ultra remained responsive and cool due to a redesigned, larger vapor chamber.
Software Ecosystem and Bundled Value
Both models ship with Android 17 and One UI 9. Samsung has committed to seven generations of OS and security updates for the series. PCMag highlighted that the tablets include $445 in bundled software value, featuring trials for Adobe Photoshop, Goodnotes, LumaFusion, and Notion.
Productivity Suites and Workspace Tools
Key AI features include "Now Nudge," which suggests actions based on screen content, and "Note Assist" for summarizing documents. Samsung also integrated Gemini to facilitate on-screen searches and image editing. For professional workflows, Samsung DeX allows users to resize and arrange multiple apps across four distinct desktop-style workspaces.
Accessory Pricing and Cross-Device Continuity
While the S Pen is included with both tablets, the keyboards required for a laptop-like experience are sold separately. Samsung is offering a limited-time 30% discount on these accessories in the U.S. The Book Cover Keyboard Slim is priced at $239.99, while the Pro Keyboard, which includes a dedicated Galaxy AI key, retails for $399.99.
For users within the Samsung ecosystem, the tablets offer continuity features. PCMag reported that users can copy text, links, and photos from a smartphone and paste them directly into the tablet, with automatic background syncing for photos and notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the S Pen require charging? No. According to PCMag, the S Pen uses passive EMR technology, meaning it does not need a battery. It charges automatically when magnetically attached to the top or bottom edge of the tablet.
How do the two models differ in memory configurations? The S12+ comes with 12GB of memory and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, as noted by the-gadgeteer.com. The Ultra model offers the same configurations but adds a 1TB storage tier paired with 16GB of memory.
Can these tablets replace a work laptop? It depends on your software requirements. While Samsung DeX supports web-based tools, messaging, and document editing, it is not a direct substitute for Windows or macOS environments that rely on specialized, desktop-only business applications.