The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra arrives as an evolutionary update: the large 14.6-inch tablet keeps the same core design and display while bringing internal upgrades, a redesigned cooling system, improved audio and new software features — and Samsung’s new Pro Keyboard, which noticeably shifts the device toward laptop territory.
Design and display
The Tab S12 Ultra again uses a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. At 5.1mm thick, the chassis remains remarkably slim for its size, and the Wi‑Fi model weighs 692g. Samsung did not alter the overall industrial design much from the previous generation, which already introduced a thinner profile, slimmer bezels and a smaller camera notch.
A display this large emphasizes workspace: editing, reviewing documents or running multiple apps side-by-side feels less cramped than on typical tablets, though the form factor can be unwieldy for casual couch use. The tablet keeps a quad-speaker layout and now supports four‑channel spatial audio, a change Samsung says will deliver richer, more immersive sound.
Pro Keyboard transforms the experience
Samsung’s new Pro Keyboard is a standout addition. With an aluminum finish and rear pogo‑pin connection, the keyboard feels sturdier and more refined than previous covers and, when docked, gives the Tab S12 Ultra a laptop‑like look and feel. The cover includes a dedicated Galaxy AI key. The keyboard is sold separately.
The S Pen remains bundled in the box, retains its dust‑ and water‑resistance rating, and continues to lack Bluetooth functionality. Samsung positions the Pro Keyboard plus the 14.6‑inch display as making the tablet a more convincing Galaxy Book alternative for productivity-focused users.
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra performance and thermals
Under the hood the Tab S12 Ultra moves to a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip. Samsung touts up to a 19% CPU performance increase, a 17% graphics lift and a 61% jump in NPU speeds compared with the Tab S11 Ultra. The company also replaced the older flat vapor chamber with a 3D vapor chamber intended to disperse heat more effectively and sustain peak performance under prolonged loads; extended testing will be needed to verify real‑world gains.
Software, multitasking and AI
The tablet ships with Android 17 and One UI 9.0 and focuses on multitasking. Multi Window can divide the display into up to three panes, making better use of the large screen for workflows that combine a browser, notes and an AI assistant. Samsung has expanded built‑in AI tools: Samsung Internet can analyze multiple open tabs and draw on browsing history to summarize research or surface previously viewed pages. Samsung also bundles six months of Google AI Pro, providing access to more capable Gemini models and Gemini Notebook.
Cameras, battery and other details
Cameras remain modest: a 13MP main rear sensor and an 8MP ultrawide on the back, plus a 12MP ultrawide front camera that is particularly useful for video calls and document scanning. Battery capacity is unchanged at 11,600mAh, supported by 45W wired charging; Samsung rates up to 23 hours of video playback and estimates a full charge takes about 95 minutes with a compatible 45W brick.
Initial impressions are that the Tab S12 Ultra is familiar territory. If you own a Tab S11 Ultra, the updates may not compel an immediate upgrade; Samsung concentrated on silicon, thermals, speakers and software refinements rather than a redesign. Paired with the Pro Keyboard, however, the device makes a stronger case as an Android laptop alternative. Pricing starts at $1,399 for the Tab S12 Ultra (the Tab S12+ starts at $1,199).
