Make New York Post a Preferred Source Nishka Dhawan I’ve long been in love with Samsung’s tablets. They’re sleek, lightweight and extremely intuitive to use.
I tried last year’s Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra but was even more excited for this year’s model, as not only does it come with Photoshop installed, but while it looks virtually identical to its predecessor, the performance on the inside has gotten a big update.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, including how it compares to its predecessor and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Samsung Pros: Gorgeous 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display Sleek, lightweight design despite its large screen Powerful performance and seamless multitasking S Pen included, with Adobe Photoshop preinstalled Impressive battery capacity Cons: Expensive, starting at $1,399.99 Design is nearly identical to the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Keyboard accessories sold separately Some premium creative and AI features require subscriptions after their free trials If you’re looking for a tablet that can handle both work and entertainment, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a great option. I especially love how intuitive it feels, even with all the advanced features Samsung has packed into it.
Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2960 x 1848 | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | RAM: 12GB or 16GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB, expandable up to 2TB via microSD | Battery: 11,600mAh, up to 23 hours of video playback | Cameras: 13MP main and 8MP ultrawide rear, 12MP ultrawide front | Weight: 1.53 pounds (Wi-Fi) | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 | OS: Android 17 with One UI 9 | Colors: Gray, Silver
Now, this is a large tablet. It has a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is bigger than the screens many laptops have to offer. I like this because not only can I have multiple tabs open without worrying about switching or struggling to keep track of my many, many tabs, but I can also have 10 open at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
Despite its large screen, the tablet measures just 5.1 millimeters thick and weighs approximately 1.52 pounds, making it considerably easier to carry around than most traditional laptops. I carry it in my bag daily, and unlike my larger laptop, it doesn’t weigh me down. Plus, I can simply pick it right out of my bag during my commute to watch my favorite TV shows and movies.
One improvement worth mentioning is Samsung’s upgraded Vision Booster, which now adjusts brightness in real time based on surrounding lighting conditions. That said, based on size and display, it’s similar to the last generation.
Now, I love mobile gaming, and this tablet starts to set itself apart from its predecessor right here. The new tablet features a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, replacing the Dimensity 9400+ found in the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.
According to Samsung, that translates to up to 19% faster CPU performance, 17% better GPU performance and a whopping 61% improvement in AI processing.
Now, these are big numbers. My tablet stayed cool while I gamed, including titles like the classic Fruit Ninja or even Stardew Valley. You can also try cloud gaming if you have access to it through a subscription like Xbox Game Pass.
If you love gaming, upgrading to the S12 Ultra is worth it, just for the faster processing alone.
AI is everywhere these days, and Samsung certainly isn’t shying away from it.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra runs Android 17 with One UI 9, compared to Android 16 and One UI 8 at the launch of the S11 Ultra.
This software includes Note Assist, which can summarize notes, and the tablet comes preloaded with Photoshop, which gives access to a familiar app on a large screen. Some AI features were already present on the previous generation (Drawing Assist, Writing Assist, etc.), but the preloaded Photoshop is new.
The application also supports the included S Pen, allowing users to sketch, edit images and make more precise adjustments without relying on a mouse.
Samsung is also offering four months free of the Photoshop mobile plan, with certain qualifying purchases, which allows you to use AI-powered editing features such as Generative Fill.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra packs an 11,600mAh battery, with Samsung claiming up to 23 hours of video playback on a single charge. It’s built for all-day performance and video viewing, which makes this a good contender for an everyday option. That said, it does have similar battery capabilities to the previous generation.
Where Samsung has made a more noticeable change is audio.
The S12 Ultra introduces four-channel spatial audio, doubling the number of audio channels compared to the previous generation. I love listening to my favorite tunes on Spotify without needing to connect this tablet to a speaker. It’s also loud, which is my favorite part.
The S12 Ultra’s biggest improvement is its processor. With faster CPU, GPU and AI performance, it’s the more powerful tablet, especially for demanding creative applications and gaming.
There’s also upgraded four-channel spatial audio, Bluetooth 6.0 instead of Bluetooth 5.4 and the newer Android 17 operating system with One UI 9.
On the software side, the addition of preloaded Adobe Photoshop and Notability, along with promotional subscriptions, makes the S12 Ultra more appealing to creative professionals.
They both have IP68 water resistance and similar battery capacities. They also both feature the same 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 120Hz refresh rate, 11,600mAh battery and 45W charging capabilities. The camera stays pretty similar, too. As mentioned before, most of the bigger updates are on the interior, not the design.
Of course, Samsung isn’t the only one with a $1,000-plus tablet. Many brands, including Microsoft, Apple and OnePlus, have their own options.
Let’s start with the most obvious competitor: Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro M5.
Starting at $1,499, the iPad Pro is $100 more expensive than the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, although it features a smaller 13-inch display. Both tablets use OLED technology and support refresh rates up to 120Hz, but Apple’s M5 chip and expansive collection of professional creative applications make the iPad Pro an appealing option for video editors, designers and other power users.
The iPad Pro is also much lighter. That said, it doesn’t come with a stylus. The Samsung S12 Ultra comes with the S Pen. It also offers expandable microSD storage, something you won’t find on the iPad Pro.
You can also compare it to the Microsoft Surface Pro. Unlike Samsung and Apple, Microsoft’s Surface Pro runs Windows 11, allowing users to access desktop applications rather than relying entirely on mobile versions.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra occupies an interesting middle ground. It offers a larger screen than Apple’s premium iPads, more creative features than many lower-priced Android tablets and a compelling multitasking interface. It’s not a full desktop experience, of course.
If you’re looking for a wide-screen tablet with an all-day battery life that offers 2-in-1 functionality for those always on the go or traveling, then yes, it is worth it.
That said, if you already have the S11 Ultra, I’d think twice about upgrading. It has a lot of the same features. That said, if you haven’t upgraded to a newer tablet in a while, then it’s very much worth it. What you do need to ask yourself, though, is whether you want an Apple or Android tablet and what you plan on using your tablet for. Do you want something for casual streaming, or do you want a 2-in-1 powerhouse?
My verdict? The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is an amazing option for power users shopping for a premium Android tablet, particularly those who want a massive OLED display and the flexibility to work and play on one device. But between its high price and increasingly capable competition, it’s not necessarily the best tablet for everyone.
This article was written by Nishka Dhawan, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Nishka reports on the latest tech launches, innovations and trends to separate the best new products from the “AI slop.” Taking the latest technology for a spin, Nishka tests home appliances and tech products that actually improve your life, from vacuums to headphones to gaming gadgets and more – all while finding the best deals and lowest prices. Before joining The Post in 2026, her work appeared in Rolling Stone, ABC, NBC Select, Reviewed and Digital Trends.
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