Nishka Dhawan argues in a NY Post column that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers large internal performance leaps despite maintaining a design nearly identical to its predecessor.
The new tablet focuses on silicon-level upgrades and enhanced AI integration to differentiate itself from the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. While the exterior chassis remains largely unchanged, the shift in processing power aims to capture the high-end creative and gaming markets. This release arrives as Samsung attempts to solidify its position against Apple’s iPad Pro ecosystem.
Dhawan notes that the device features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which provides a massive canvas for multitasking. The tablet remains remarkably portable for its size, measuring just 5.1 millimeters thick and weighing approximately 1.52 pounds.
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 drives performance gains
The core of the upgrade lies in the transition to the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. This chip replaces the Dimensity 9400+ used in the previous generation, providing a measurable boost in computational throughput. According to the performance metrics provided to the NY Post, the new architecture delivers up to 19% faster CPU performance and 17% better GPU performance compared to the S11 Ultra.
The most substantial leap occurs in the neural processing unit (NPU) capabilities. The S12 Ultra shows a 61% improvement in AI processing, a metric critical for the increasingly heavy LLM (Large Language Model) workloads and generative features being integrated into Android 17. During testing, the tablet maintained thermal stability while running demanding titles like Stardew Valley.
For professionals, the hardware supports a more demanding creative workflow. The inclusion of the S Pen and preinstalled Adobe Photoshop allows for precise digital illustration and photo editing. Samsung is also facilitating this transition by offering four months of the Photoshop mobile plan for free with qualifying purchases, though users should note that certain premium AI features, such as Generative Fill, may require ongoing subscriptions after the trial period ends.
Comparing the S12 Ultra to flagship competitors
Samsung’s premium tablet strategy places it in direct competition with Apple and Microsoft. While the iPad Pro offers a more lightweight profile and the proprietary M5 chip, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra provides hardware advantages that Apple currently restricts, such as expandable storage via microSD and an included stylus.
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | iPad Pro M5 (13-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,399.99 | $1,499.00 |
| Display Size | 14.6-inch AMOLED | 13-inch OLED |
| Stylus | S Pen included | Sold separately |
| Storage Expansion | microSD up to 2TB | None |
The device also occupies a different functional niche than the Microsoft Surface Pro. While the Surface Pro utilizes Windows 11 to provide a full desktop application environment, the S12 Ultra relies on Android 17 with One UI 9, prioritizing mobile-optimized multitasking and touch-first interactions.
Technical specifications at a glance
- Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2960 x 1848
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500
- Memory: 12GB or 16GB RAM
- Battery: 11,600mAh (up to 23 hours of video playback)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
- Audio: Four-channel spatial audio
Galaxy AI and spatial audio improve the user experience
The jump to Android 17 and One UI 9 brings several software-level optimizations. Galaxy AI features, such as Note Assist for summarization, are central to the user experience. The integration of Notability further increases the tablet's utility for students and professionals managing heavy documentation workloads.
Audio capabilities have seen a hardware-driven upgrade as well. The S12 Ultra introduces four-channel spatial audio, which doubles the channel count of the previous model. This change aims to provide a more immersive environment for media consumption without the immediate need for external peripherals.
Connectivity has also been modernized with the inclusion of Bluetooth 6.0, replacing the 5.4 standard found in the S11 Ultra. This update, alongside Wi-Fi 7 support, ensures lower latency for wireless peripherals and high-bandwidth data transfers, which is essential for users working with large creative files in the cloud.
The verdict on the generational upgrade
Whether the S12 Ultra justifies its $1,399.99 starting price depends heavily on the user’s current hardware. For those already utilizing the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, the incremental design changes and similar battery life may not necessitate an immediate replacement. However, for users on older hardware, the jump in AI processing and GPU performance offers a major functional upgrade.
The device remains a specialized tool for power users who require a massive OLED canvas and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem. It sits as a high-performance 2-in-1 for those traveling or working on the move, though the requirement to purchase keyboard accessories separately adds to the total cost of ownership.
The S12 Ultra is an amazing option for power users shopping for a premium Android tablet, particularly those who want a massive OLED display and the flexibility to work and play on one device, according to Dhawan.
