I like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra tablets, but you can get a Googlebook for less

Published Sep 30, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT Andy is a seasoned technology journalist with more than 15 years experience in the mobile industry, writing for Digital Trends, Wired, and more. Andy has reviewed hundreds of smartphones and tablets, dozens of smartwatches, and a host of smart rings, smart glasses, and fitness trackers, giving him a unique ability to assess and evaluate the latest products. His daily mobile tech life includes Android and iOS devices, smart rings, and a smartwatch, unless it's a special occasion, when a traditional watch takes its place on his wrist. Andy always has a strong opinion on the state of the mobile industry, and writes in-depth analysis features to put the latest news and products into context. He has attended multiple CES, MWC, and IFA tradeshows, has a passion for photography and cars, listens to far too much K-pop, and follows F1. You can find Andy's portfolio of work on his Authory page. For the Galaxy Tab S12 range, Samsung has brought back the Plus model, which joins a new iteration of its largest model, the Ultra. Meet the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, and prepare to be shocked by how much these big tablets cost. Two new Tab tablets The Plus is the new option Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus (left) and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Samsung’s Galaxy Tab range has always been fragmented, and nothing has changed for 2026. Samsung has not launched a standard S12 model yet, and unlike the Galaxy Tab S10 series, it didn’t bother with a Plus, Lite, or an FE version of the S11 at all, so who knows how the S12 range will expand over time. So far, Samsung has given you the choice of a big, expensive tablet or a massive, expensive tablet. Sure, these are high quality, high-spec models, but you’ll spend laptop money to get one. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus (left) and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus is an upgrade over the S10 Plus. It has a 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Plus screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nit peak brightness, a 10,600mAh battery, and a new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. Handling the tablet, it feels lighter than the 553 gram weight suggests, and the 5.3mm thickness means it’s easy to grip and hold, but does feel a little sharp with its angled edges. The IP68 dust and water resistance rating makes it durable. Software wins Adobe Photoshop exclusive Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus It’s great to see Android 16 and One UI 9 on both the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra complete with all the same features the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes with, including Gemini Intelligence, Now Brief, and Now Nudge. Samsung’s pushing the Tab S12 models towards creative types, and has secured the Android release of Adobe Photoshop as an exclusive for six months. It comes with four months free access, and has been optimized for the S Pen stylus. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra (left) and Galaxy Tab S12 Plus The good news is, there’s an S Pen stylus in the box, but you’ll have to pay extra for a keyboard. There are two options, the Book Cover Keyboard Slim and the Pro Keyboard. Both have hard keyboard bases so they can be used on your lap, but the Pro version comes with a clever hinge and a big trackpad, turning the tablet into a Galaxy Book-style machine. I like the Pro Keyboard’s keys and motion, and how substantial the whole thing feels compared to the Book Cover Slim. However, it’s not light, and you’ll need a bag to carry it around. Samsung’s DeX system is available using a cable or wirelessly on both tablets. What about the Ultra? Still massive, still expensive Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra If the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus is the most obviously upgraded version, what about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra? It has a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with the same spec as the Plus, along with the same processor, but a larger 11,600mAh battery. The same software as the Plus is onboard too, with the same keyboard options. Eagle-eyed Galaxy Tab fans will recognize little has changed over the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, with the 5.1mm thickness and 692 gram weight being identical too. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra (left) and Galaxy Tab S12 Plus It’s still a beautiful tablet though, and I love the slim bezels around the screen. It’s very impressive to see, and if you want to watch video on your tablet, it’s hard to find a better one than the Galaxy Tab Ultra models. Don’t look for any design changes either, as put the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra next to the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, and they look absolutely identical. How much do the Galaxy Tab S12 tablets cost? More than the last models Now we get to the difficult part. Both the Samsung Galaxy S12 Plus and Galaxy S12 Ultra are very expensive tablets. The Galaxy Tab S12 Plus starts at $1,199 or £1,199, while the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399 or £1,399. This gets you 256GB of storage space and the choice of grey or silver colors. When you factor in neither comes with a keyboard case, and you’ll have to add around $400 to get the Pro Keyboard, you’re far beyond the price of a standard laptop. Google’s newly announced Googlebook laptops start at $999, which is already expensive, but a comparative bargain next to the keyboard-less Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Ultra. Is it worth looking at a new Galaxy Tab S12 Plus or Ultra? Yes, but don't ignore the alternatives Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Plus There are good things about the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. They’re well-designed, well-made, and high-spec tablets with great software. This is also true of the Galaxy Tab S11 series, and also true of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which I think should also be considered if you’re planning to spend $1,800 on the S12 Ultra and a keyboard case. It may work out to be more versatile. Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra If you’re set on a tablet, then it’s hard not to recommend looking at either the Apple iPad Air, which starts at $750, or the iPad Pro 11-inch too, which starts at the same price as the new Galaxy Tab S12 Plus tablet. However, it’s difficult to look at a very simple spec refresh paired with a $100 price increase favorably, particularly if you own one of the previous models. Both the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Galaxy S12 Ultra will be released on October 7. Our review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra tablet will be out soon.