Samsung has launched its new Galaxy Tab S12 series in the US, bringing the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ with upgraded hardware, Galaxy AI features, and several new software benefits. The new tablets are also among the first Android tablets to come with Adobe Photoshop pre-installed.
The Galaxy Tab S12 series focuses heavily on productivity and creative work. Samsung has also promised up to seven generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, giving the tablets a longer support cycle than many competing Android tablets.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is 5.1mm thick, which it Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab yet. Both models have a slim and lightweight design and come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Samsung has also redesigned the 3D Vapor Chamber to improve heat dissipation during demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic design.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ gets a slightly smaller 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. Both displays support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and can reach up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. Samsung’s Vision Booster automatically adjusts brightness based on the surrounding lighting conditions.
The Galaxy Tab S12 series uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset, built on a 3nm process. Samsung claims up to 61% faster NPU performance, 19% faster CPU performance, and 17% better GPU performance compared with the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.
Samsung has also upgraded the audio system. The new tablets feature four-channel spatial audio, which provides twice as many audio channels as the previous generation.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra promises up to 23 hours of battery life, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ is rated for up to 21 hours. Both tablets support 45W charging, with Samsung claiming that a full charge takes around 95 minutes when using a 45W adapter.
S Pen and keyboard accessories
Both tablets come with an S Pen designed with an ergonomic shape inspired by a pencil. It can be used for writing notes, annotating documents, and sketching.
Samsung is also offering a Pro Keyboard with an aluminum finish and a dedicated Galaxy AI Key for quickly accessing AI assistants. There is also a Book Cover Keyboard Slim with adjustable viewing angles for users who want a more portable keyboard setup.
Galaxy AI features and Android 17
The Galaxy Tab S12 series runs Android 17 with One UI 9 and includes Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI features. Multi Window can divide the display into up to three sections, allowing users to run Samsung Notes alongside other apps.
For example, users can watch a lecture, take notes in Samsung Notes, and use an AI assistant at the same time. Note Assist can then summarize the notes.
Samsung is also bundling a six-month trial of Google AI Pro. This includes access to Gemini and Gemini Notebook, which can combine notes, images, recordings, and files in a single workspace. Gemini Notebook can also create summaries, podcasts, and quizzes.
Samsung’s browser has also gained AI features that can understand webpage content, context across multiple tabs, and browsing history. It can summarize information from open pages or help users find a relevant source they previously viewed.
Photoshop comes pre-installed
One of the biggest software additions is Adobe Photoshop. Samsung says the Galaxy Tab S12 series is the first Android tablet lineup to have Photoshop pre-loaded.
The tablet version has been optimized for the larger display and S Pen. It also includes AI Assistant and Adobe Firefly-powered features such as Generative Fill and Image to Video.
Samsung is offering four months of free access to the Photoshop mobile plan with the tablets.
Notability is also pre-installed and has been optimized for the S Pen. It includes AI-powered study tools, a six-month free trial, and 20% off the first subscription.
Samsung is also including several other software offers. Goodnotes gets one year of free access, while LumaFusion is available with a 66% discount. Notion gets one month of the Plus plan for free, and Clip Studio Paint comes with a six-month trial and 20% off the first subscription.
Samsung says the total value of the bundled app benefits is around $445.
The tablets also support MyScript Math for solving handwritten equations and showing the steps. MyScript Notes can turn handwritten notes into study materials and use AI to explain concepts or generate quizzes. Noteshelf 3 offers customizable layouts, while ArcSite can convert rough field sketches into CAD drawings.
Seven generations of Android updates
Samsung is promising long-term software support for the Galaxy Tab S12 series. Both tablets will receive up to seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.
Samsung Care+ is also available for the tablets, covering accidental-damage repairs, an extended warranty, and expert support at home and abroad.
Galaxy phone users running One UI 9 can also manage their Galaxy Tab support information directly from their phones. The Warranty and care section can be used to check Samsung Care+ status, access warranty information, run diagnostics, submit repair requests, and access remote support.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series Price and Availability
The Galaxy Tab S12 series will go on sale in several markets, including the US, from October 7. The tablets will be available in Gray and Silver.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99. The Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99.
Samsung is positioning the new Galaxy Tab S12 series as more than just large-screen Android tablets. With the Dimensity 9500, S Pen support, Galaxy AI, pre-installed Photoshop, creative apps, and seven years of software support, the company is clearly targeting users who want to use a tablet for productivity and creative work over a longer period.
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