Samsung gives its two-year-old Galaxy Tab S Plus an overhaul

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra has been unveiled by Samsung alongside its smaller counterpart, the Galaxy Tab S12+. The Ultra model has been tested ahead of its scheduled launch on October 7 and has impressed the writer with its impressive display. However, the higher price tag and limited upgrades have left the writer questioning the necessity of launching the device.

The Tab S12 Ultra shares many features with its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, including a 14.6-inch AMOLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits peak brightness, an 11,600mAh battery, and IP68 rating for underwater resistance. The only significant difference is the upgraded chipset, boasting up to 19% faster CPU and GPU performance, a 51% improvement in NPU processing, and better heat dissipation.

The tablet maintains its 5.1mm thinness and available silver and gray color options. Despite the similarities to the previous generation, the writer wonders if Samsung should reconsider its annual refresh approach for Galaxy Tab launches, drawing parallels to Apple's more sparing update strategy. The Galaxy Tab S12+ serves as a replacement for the S10+ from 2024, but there is no regular S12 model to follow it in the lineup.

With a 12.6-inch AMOLED screen and the same chipset as its Ultra counterpart, the S12+ also features a smaller 10,600mAh battery and lacks the Ultra's 8MP ultra-wide rear camera. Although positioned as a premium option, the S12+ is priced higher than the cheapest 2025 model, potentially making it a relatively expensive choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Both tablets are priced higher than their respective 2025 models, although the price increase is less drastic compared to Apple's recent price hikes.