Quick Answer
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99 in the United States and goes on sale October 7, 2026. The premium Android tablet combines a 14.6-inch 120Hz OLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip, an included S Pen, and a seven-year security-update promise. Buyers should compare the large-screen productivity benefits with the high entry price before ordering.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99, while the Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99.
- Samsung begins US sales on October 7, 2026, in Gray and Silver.
- The Ultra uses a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2,960-by-1,848 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Samsung includes an S Pen and promises up to seven operating-system upgrades and seven years of security updates.
- The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra supports 45W charging, but Samsung’s 45W adapter is sold separately.
What is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra price and release date?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99 in the United States, and Samsung plans to begin sales on October 7, 2026. The smaller Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99, creating a $200 gap between the two new premium tablets. Samsung announced both models on September 30 and will sell them in Gray and Silver. Samsung’s launch announcement lists the US prices, colors, availability date, and specifications.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra sits firmly in the high-end tablet category because the starting price exceeds many conventional laptops and smaller tablets. That price can make sense for buyers who specifically need a very large OLED display, pen support, and a long software-support commitment. Buyers who mainly want a tablet for streaming, browsing, and casual games should consider whether the S12+ provides enough screen space at its lower starting price.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra launch is separate from Samsung’s software work on its phones. Samsung tablet buyers who follow the company’s wider platform plans can also track the latest One UI rollout, although a software update announcement does not change the Tab S12 Ultra’s hardware pricing or release schedule.
What display does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra have?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra has a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2,960-by-1,848 resolution. Samsung says the panel supports an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and reaches up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The Galaxy Tab S12+ uses a smaller 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2,800-by-1,752 resolution.
The large Ultra screen is the clearest reason to choose the more expensive model. A 14.6-inch panel gives users more room for side-by-side apps, document review, image editing, and video viewing than a smaller tablet display. The adaptive refresh rate also allows the screen to adjust its motion handling based on what is shown, rather than operating at one fixed rate all the time.
The display specification does not automatically mean the Ultra is the right choice for every buyer. A larger screen also makes the device less convenient for one-handed reading and more difficult to fit into small bags. The practical approach is to choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra when work or creative tasks benefit from the extra display area, and choose the S12+ when portability matters more.
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | Galaxy Tab S12+ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting US price | $1,399.99 | $1,199.99 |
| Display size | 14.6 inches | 12.6 inches |
| Display resolution | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels | 2,800 by 1,752 pixels |
| Battery capacity | 11,600mAh | 10,600mAh |
| Thickness | 5.1 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Included accessory | S Pen | S Pen |
How fast is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 processor, the same chip used in the Galaxy Tab S12+. Samsung says the Ultra provides up to 61% faster neural processing unit performance, 19% faster central processing unit performance, and 17% better graphics processing unit performance than the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Those figures are Samsung’s self-reported comparisons, so independent performance testing may produce different results.
The NPU, or neural processing unit, is hardware designed to handle certain AI-related processing tasks efficiently. Samsung’s stated NPU increase matters most for people who expect to use AI features, while the CPU and GPU claims are more relevant to general multitasking and graphics-heavy work. The processor alone does not determine the quality or availability of every software feature, because applications and operating-system updates also affect the experience.
Samsung includes a six-month Google AI Pro trial with the new tablets, according to the company. Buyers should confirm the trial terms before activating it, including what happens after the promotional period ends. Readers who are evaluating AI subscriptions should also understand what data should stay out of AI chat services, since a powerful tablet does not remove privacy considerations when users enter personal, work, or financial information.
How long does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra battery last?
Samsung rates the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra for up to 23 hours of local 720p video playback, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ is rated for up to 21 hours. The Ultra has an 11,600mAh battery, and the S12+ has a 10,600mAh battery. Samsung also says both tablets support 45W charging and can reach a full charge in about 95 minutes with the company’s 45W adapter, which is sold separately.
The local-video rating is useful as a standardized manufacturer estimate, but it is not a guarantee for web browsing, gaming, video calls, editing work, or multitasking. Screen brightness, app activity, network use, and connected accessories can all change actual battery life. Independent testing provides a more practical counterpoint: Tom’s Guide measured 11 hours and 31 minutes in its continuous Wi-Fi web-surfing test of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Tom’s Guide’s battery test shows why buyers should separate video-playback claims from everyday browsing expectations.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra’s charging specification also requires a budgeting check. The tablet supports 45W charging, but the necessary 45W Samsung adapter is not included. Buyers who already own a compatible adapter may have less to consider, while new buyers should account for that separate accessory before treating the $1,399.99 starting price as the full purchase cost.
How portable and durable is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is 5.1 mm thick and has an IP68 rating, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ is 5.3 mm thick and also IP68-rated. The thin chassis helps Samsung keep the large tablet relatively slim, and the IP68 rating indicates a defined level of dust and water resistance. Samsung’s specifications make the Ultra unusually large without making it thick.
The IP68 rating is useful protection, but it is not a reason to treat the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra as damage-proof. Water resistance can reduce the risk from certain accidental exposure scenarios, while drops, impacts, and wear still create risks that a rating cannot fully address. The sensible response is to use a protective case for regular travel and avoid deliberately exposing an expensive tablet to water or dust.
The 14.6-inch format is also a practical tradeoff. The Ultra provides more canvas space for applications and media, but the same size makes it a more deliberate carry device than a compact tablet. Buyers who want a large display for home, office, classroom, or creative work are the most likely to benefit from the Ultra’s dimensions.
What software support and creative tools does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra include?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra includes an S Pen in the box and comes with a promise of up to seven generations of operating-system upgrades and seven years of security updates. Samsung’s support commitment is important because premium tablets are often kept for several years. A long update period can help a device receive new platform features and security fixes over a longer ownership cycle.
Samsung also says Adobe Photoshop is preloaded for the first time on an Android tablet, and buyers receive a four-month Photoshop mobile-plan offer. The preloaded app can make the tablet easier to set up for image work, especially when combined with the included S Pen. The offer is promotional rather than a permanent entitlement, so buyers should review Adobe’s plan terms and pricing before the offer period ends.
Photo-editing tools can be useful, but the practical value depends on the files and workflow a user already has. People who mainly manage phone photos may first need to address storage constraints. A guide to freeing up iPhone storage can help users organize a photo library before transferring large images into editing applications on another device.
Who should buy the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra instead of the S12+?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is best for buyers who need the largest available screen and are comfortable paying $200 more than the Galaxy Tab S12+. The Ultra offers a 14.6-inch display, an 11,600mAh battery, and a 5.1 mm body, while the S12+ provides a 12.6-inch display, a 10,600mAh battery, and a 5.3 mm body. Both tablets use the Dimensity 9500 chip, include an S Pen, support 45W charging, and carry the same stated software-support commitment.
The Galaxy Tab S12+ is the more measured choice for users who want Samsung’s latest tablet hardware but do not need the additional 2 inches of display space. The lower $1,199.99 starting price leaves more room in a budget for a keyboard case, charger, storage, or other accessories. The S12+ does not appear to sacrifice the shared processor or included pen simply because it has the smaller display.
Independent early coverage also identifies the Ultra’s price as a central buying issue. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra costs $200 more than its predecessor, according to independent price context discussed by TechRadar’s initial assessment. The practical decision is straightforward: choose the Ultra for maximum workspace, or choose the S12+ if the lower price and smaller footprint are more valuable than the larger panel.
What should buyers check before ordering the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra?
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra buyers should confirm the total cost, intended workload, and necessary accessories before placing an order. The $1,399.99 starting price covers the tablet and included S Pen, but Samsung’s 45W charging adapter is sold separately. The six-month Google AI Pro trial and four-month Photoshop mobile-plan offer also have time limits that require separate review.
- Compare the 14.6-inch Ultra display with the 12.6-inch S12+ display based on where you expect to use the tablet.
- Budget for a 45W adapter if you do not already own a compatible Samsung charger.
- Review the Google AI Pro and Photoshop promotional terms before activating either offer.
- Choose a protective case if the tablet will travel frequently, because water resistance does not protect against every form of physical damage.
- Confirm the October 7, 2026, US sale date and current configuration availability through Samsung before ordering.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is not a casual impulse purchase because its price places it among premium productivity devices. The large OLED panel, supplied pen, thin body, and long stated support period provide a substantial feature set. At the same time, buyers should stop before purchasing if they cannot identify a regular task that benefits from the larger display over the less expensive S12+.
FAQ
When does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra go on sale?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra goes on sale in the United States on October 7, 2026. Samsung announced the tablet on September 30, 2026, and says Gray and Silver will be the available colors.
How much does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra cost?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99 in the United States. The Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99, which is $200 less than the Ultra.
Does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra include an S Pen?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra includes an S Pen in the box. The Galaxy Tab S12+ also includes an S Pen, so buyers do not need to choose the Ultra solely to receive one.
Does the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra include a charger?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra supports 45W charging, but Samsung’s 45W adapter is sold separately. Samsung says a full charge takes about 95 minutes when using that adapter.
How many years of updates will the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra receive?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is promised up to seven generations of operating-system upgrades and seven years of security updates. Samsung’s commitment makes the tablet a stronger long-term purchase than a device with only short-term update support.