Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra review roundup: A premium tablet with iterative updates

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra arrives as the latest flagship in Samsung’s tablet lineup, maintaining the series' reputation for massive, productivity-focused hardware. Featuring a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, the device continues to blur the lines between a traditional tablet and a laptop. Despite its impressive build, reviewers have highlighted that the hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, leading to questions about the value proposition of this latest iteration.

Performance and display quality remain central to the tablet's appeal. The 14.6-inch screen, which boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness, is widely regarded as one of the best available on any tablet. Reviewers also point to the inclusion of the S Pen in the box as a significant benefit, noting its comfortable, pencil-like design. The tablet retains its IP68 dust and water resistance, a feature that distinguishes it from many competitors in the high-end market.

Software integration, particularly the DeX mode, continues to be a highlight for users seeking a desktop-like experience on Android. When paired with the optional Pro Keyboard, which now includes a trackpad, the device effectively functions as a portable workstation. However, the cost of these accessories, combined with the tablet's increased starting price of $1,399, has drawn criticism. Some reviewers suggest that the total investment required to unlock the device's full potential rivals that of a dedicated convertible laptop.

Despite the positive reception of its core features, the consensus among reviewers is that the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers only modest upgrades over its predecessor. With the design, battery, and display specifications remaining nearly identical to the Tab S11 Ultra, the $100 to $200 price increase—depending on the region—is a point of contention. While it remains a top-tier Android tablet, the lack of significant hardware innovation makes it a challenging purchase for those who already own the previous model.