TL;DR: In the Galaxy Tab S12+ vs Ultra matchup, both tablets share the same MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip, 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display tech, IP68 rating and included S Pen. The Ultra ($1,399.99) adds a much bigger 14.6-inch screen, a second rear camera, a larger 11,600mAh battery and up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The S12+ ($1,199.99) is lighter and easier to carry with a 12.6-inch display. Reviewers generally call the S12+ the more practical pick and the Ultra the choice if you draw, multitask heavily or want the biggest Android tablet available.
Choosing between the Galaxy Tab S12+ vs Ultra comes down to one question: how much screen do you actually need? Samsung’s two premium Android tablets went on sale in the US on October 7, 2026, and reviews from Engadget, BGR and Business Standard are now in. We compared the specs and the reviewers’ verdicts to help you pick the right one.
Galaxy Tab S12+ vs Ultra: specs compared
Specs below come from Samsung’s US newsroom and the reviews linked in this article. Battery-life hours are Samsung’s own video-playback claims.
| Spec | Galaxy Tab S12+ | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| US starting price | $1,199.99 | $1,399.99 |
| Display | 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,600 nits | 1,600 nits |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 |
| Memory / storage | 12GB, up to 512GB | 12GB base, up to 16GB and 1TB |
| Thickness / weight | 5.3mm / about 555g (5G model) | 5.1mm / about 692g (Wi-Fi model) |
| Battery | 10,600mAh (Samsung: up to 21 hours video) | 11,600mAh (Samsung: up to 23 hours video) |
| Rear cameras | 13MP | 13MP + 8MP ultrawide |
| Charging | 45W wired | 45W wired |
| Durability / pen | IP68, S Pen included | IP68, S Pen included |
| Software | Android 17, One UI 9, DeX | Android 17, One UI 9, DeX |
What reviewers say about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
Engadget gave the Ultra a 9/10 and called it “the apex Android tablet.” Reviewer Sam Rutherford praised its “gorgeous” OLED display, included stylus, strong performance and battery life. In Engadget’s local video rundown test, the Ultra lasted 19 hours and 39 minutes, and after a full day of streaming, gaming, benchmarks and photo editing it still had more than 40% left.
The downsides Engadget listed: it is very expensive, the keyboard costs extra, and it has only one USB-C port. The reviewer also wished Samsung had included 16GB of RAM in the base model. The slim bezels mean there’s a small notch for the selfie camera, which Business Standard also called “another small distraction.”
What reviewers say about the Galaxy Tab S12+
BGR’s Adam Doud, who used the S12+ for two weeks, said he likes it even more than the Ultra because “the Ultra can be uncomfortably big in some situations.” He got through a full eight-hour workday with about 25 to 30% battery left, and praised the stylus, palm rejection, Samsung DeX and Samsung’s ecosystem features. He also noted a microSD card slot.
His criticism focused on Samsung’s keyboard cover, which he said lacks a trackpad and backlight and attaches at a single angle. BGR’s final answer to “Should you buy it?” was “No,” because of the high price, unless you’re already invested in Samsung phones or laptops.
Business Standard, which tested both tablets, concluded that the S12+ “is a practical option for someone looking for a large-screen tablet for everyday use,” while the Ultra “is better suited to users who regularly need a larger workspace.”
Key differences that matter
Screen size and portability
This is the biggest difference. The Ultra’s 14.6-inch panel gives you room for multiple app windows and drawing, but Business Standard found that its larger footprint makes one-handed use difficult and that it suits a desk, stand or keyboard. The S12+ is easier to hold, carry and use on the couch.
Performance
Both use the same Dimensity 9500, so everyday speed is similar. Business Standard says the Ultra’s larger body has an enhanced cooling system and higher RAM and storage options, which could help with sustained workloads, though it adds that the difference is “unlikely to be noticeable during everyday use.”
Battery and charging
The Ultra’s bigger battery gives it an edge in endurance. In Business Standard’s testing, the S12+ lasted around a day and a half of mixed use, while the Ultra lasted to the end of the second day with moderate use. Full charges took about 1 hour 40 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes respectively. Samsung claims about 95 minutes from 0 to 100% with its 45W adapter, sold separately.
Cameras
Only the Ultra has an ultrawide rear camera. Reviewers agree that tablet cameras are mainly for video calls and quick scans, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Galaxy Tab S12+ vs Ultra: which should you buy?
- Buy the Galaxy Tab S12+ if you want a premium Android tablet for reading, streaming, note-taking and light work that you’ll carry around, and you’d rather save $200.
- Buy the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if you draw or edit on the tablet, run several apps side by side in DeX, or want the biggest screen and longest battery life, and you’ll mostly use it on a desk or stand.
- Consider a laptop instead if you mainly need typing and desktop apps. Both BGR and Business Standard note that, even with DeX, neither tablet fully replaces a laptop.
Don’t forget the keyboard cost
Both tablets include the S Pen, but keyboards are extra. Samsung offers the Book Cover Keyboard Slim and the Pro Keyboard, and at launch it advertised 30% off either with a Tab S12 series purchase for a limited time. Engadget recommends the Pro Keyboard for serious work because it adds a touchpad.
The bottom line
The Galaxy Tab S12+ vs Ultra decision is mostly about size. Performance, display quality, durability and software are very similar, so the S12+ is the better value for most people, while the Ultra is the one to get if a huge canvas and maximum battery life justify the extra $200. If you’re comparing display technologies more broadly, see our guide to OLED vs QLED vs Mini-LED, and if you’re also considering Apple’s smallest tablet, read our coverage of the OLED iPad mini.
Sources
- Samsung US Newsroom: Productivity-Powered Galaxy Tab S12 Series is Now Available
- Engadget: Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra review: The apex Android tablet
- BGR: Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus Review: Steps Forward, Steps Back
- Business Standard: Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series review: Big screens, even bigger ambitions
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