Samsung Tab S12 Ultra keeps 14.6-inch screen but drops 128GB base
Samsung updates its flagship tablets with the Tab S12 Ultra and S12+, bringing a new chipset, revised storage, and larger displays. Here’s what it means for US buyers and when to expect prices abroad.
Samsung launches two flagship tablets: the Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+. The Ultra keeps a huge 14.6-inch display and adds a new chipset, while dropping the base 128GB option on Ultra.
The Tab S12+ is the slightly smaller, more affordable flagship, with a 12.6-inch screen and a refreshed battery and storage layout that improves performance over older Plus models.
US starting prices are $1,400 for the Tab S12 Ultra and $1,200 for the Tab S12+; pricing in the UK and Canada hasn’t been announced yet.
Samsung positions the Ultra as the premium choice for multitasking and media consumption, while the S12+ targets buyers who want big-screen feel without paying Ultra-level premiums.
Quick read · 2 min
Samsung has added two flagship tablets: the 14.6-inch Tab S12 Ultra and the 12.6-inch Tab S12+. The Ultra brings a new chipset and higher storage options, while the Plus focuses on a premium feel at a lower entry price.
US pricing starts at $1,400 for the Ultra and $1,200 for the Plus. UK/Canada pricing will be announced later. If you want the biggest screen for multitasking and media, the Ultra is for you; if you want a strong flagship experience with a bit more portability, consider the Plus.
Big screens aid multitasking and watching content
Storage configurations matter for apps and media
Prices reflect Ultra’s premium status and Plus’s value position
Samsung has expanded its flagship tablet lineup with two new models: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S12+. The company is sticking to its two-pronged strategy for tablets, one premium, one more affordable flagship, while changing a few internal details to keep both lines fresh. The Ultra remains the bigger, more capable device, while the S12+ offers a slightly smaller footprint and a lower starting price.
Among the most noticeable changes are display size and storage choices. The Tab S12 Ultra still aims at heavy multitaskers and media enjoyers with its very large screen, while the Tab S12+ sits at a 12.6-inch panel that’s comfortable for work and entertainment on the go. Samsung also updates the chipset on the Ultra, and removes the previous base storage option for this model, reshaping the entry point for buyers who want faster performance and more headroom out of the box.
The Tab S12 Ultra’s headline feature is its 14.6-inch display, designed for split-screen tasks and crisp content viewing. The Tab S12+ keeps a generous 12.6-inch panel, which remains easy to hold and use in tablet mode or while folded. Battery life is still a key piece of the equation for both tablets, and while Samsung’s official endurance estimates aren’t detailed in this morning’s release, the larger display on the Ultra will typically draw more power under heavy use, especially with bright settings and high refresh rates.
On performance, Samsung has chosen a newer chipset path for the Ultra that represents a meaningful upgrade over the previous generation. The Plus model, while not receiving the same chip upgrade as the Ultra, still benefits from a refreshed configuration that’s expected to offer noticeable improvements in everyday tasks, app launches, and multitasking compared with older Plus tablets.
Storage configurations mirror the brand’s approach to flagship tablets: more storage at the higher end typically earns you quicker app load times and smoother multitasking. In this case, Samsung’s decision to retire the base 128GB option on the Ultra streamlines the lineup toward higher storage tiers, which is a relevant consideration for shoppers who store lots of apps, videos, and documents locally. If you rely on microSD expansion, that’s worth weighing as well, since storage behavior can affect how you plan to use the device for work or travel.
Pricing in the United States starts at $1,400 for the Tab S12 Ultra and $1,200 for the Tab S12+. These figures place the Ultra squarely in premium territory, with the Plus offering a more approachable entry point into a true flagship tablet experience. Samsung did notannounce USUK/Canada cross-border prices in the same briefing; UK prices and Canada pricing will follow local market patterns and will be announced separately in the coming weeks.
Why this matters for everyday readers. If you’re in the market for a tablet that can handle long reading sessions, video editing on the go, or concurrent apps without slowing down, the Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ give you two routes to a similar goal: big screens, responsive software, and strong battery life. The Ultra’s size is a clear win for those who multitask with several apps or want a cinema-like viewing experience, while the S12+ offers a more portable option that still carries a premium feel and strong performance.
How to choose. Consider screen real estate, how often you travel with your tablet, and whether you expect to store a lot locally. If you want the biggest display and top-tier performance, the Ultra is the pick. If you want a flagship feel without as much weight or price, the S12+ is likely to be the better value. Remember that real-world battery life depends on brightness, task load, and whether you use a stylus for drawing or note-taking, which can impact endurance differently across models.
What happens next. US customers will wait for final UK and Canada pricing details, then compare offers from retailers and carriers. If you’re deciding now, setting a budget for storage and thinking about how you’ll use the tablet, work apps, ebooks, video streaming, or creative tasks, will help you pick the right model more quickly.
01
Which tablets get the updates first
The Ultra and S12+ are positioned as two distinct paths within Samsung’s flagship lineup. The Ultra is the top-tier option with a larger display and a more aggressive entry price for higher storage tiers, while the S12+ offers a big-screen experience at a slightly lower price point. Expect the Ultra to be first in line for accessories and software updates that emphasize multitasking and media work, with the S12+ receiving those updates in parallel but on a more modest timeline.
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What this means for your wallet
In the US, the starting prices give a sense of the value gap between Ultra and Plus. If you’re choosing between the two, weigh how much display space you actually need and how important extra storage and speed are to you at the moment of purchase. For people who already own older Galaxy tablets, these new models could offer a practical upgrade path without jumping to a whole new ecosystem. If you’re shopping outside the US, you’ll want to wait for local pricing announcements, as regional taxes and duties can shift the bottom line.
03
What this means for everyday people
Big-screen tablets aren’t for everyone, but they can be real productivity tools when paired with the right apps. The Tab S12 Ultra’s expansive panel makes multitasking and document editing feel more like a mini workstation, while the S12+ folds that idea into a more portable format without sacrificing the flagship feel. Both tablets continue Samsung’s emphasis on a versatile, all-day device that can double as a media hub for streaming and a canvas for notes and drawings when you’re on the move.
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What you can do now
Watch for local pricing updates from Samsung and major retailers in the US, UK, and Canada in the coming weeks. When the numbers land, compare configurations that match your space and storage needs. If you’re not sure which model is right, start with the S12+ for a big-screen feel at a price that’s easier to justify, and reserve Ultra for when you want maximum performance and the largest display.
The Ultra is for users who want the biggest screen and top-end performance, while the Plus is a more affordable flagship with a large display that’s still very capable.
How much do they cost in the US?
Starting prices are $1,400 for the Tab S12 Ultra and $1,200 for the Tab S12+. UK and Canada prices aren’t announced yet.
