Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Review: A Laptop Replacement With One Big Catch

Can an Android tablet really replace your laptop when you need to work, edit videos, multitask and still enjoy a premium entertainment experience? Samsung believes its newest flagship comes closer than ever.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra combines an enormous 14.6-inch AMOLED display, a powerful MediaTek processor, an included S Pen and desktop-style multitasking features. But with a starting price of €1,539, there is one question buyers cannot ignore: is it worth paying laptop money for an Android tablet?

Samsung has refined its Ultra tablet formula rather than reinventing it. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra retains the large-screen design that made its predecessor distinctive, while upgrading the chipset, cooling system and connectivity.

It also arrives with Android 17 and One UI 9, bringing Samsung’s latest software features and AI tools to its biggest tablet.

The result is a device that feels built for people who want a single machine for work, creativity and entertainment. However, its strengths also reveal the limitations of trying to make an Android tablet behave like a traditional computer.

A Massive Display That Makes Everything Feel Different

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra’s biggest attraction is its 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. With a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, the screen provides plenty of space for productivity as well as entertainment.

Watching movies, reading documents, editing images and switching between applications all benefit from the large viewing area. The AMOLED panel delivers deep blacks and vivid colours, while the high refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations smooth.

The display also performs well in bright environments. Samsung advertises up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and independent testing measured approximately 1,514 nits on a small white area of the screen. That makes the tablet more usable outdoors than its size might initially suggest.

There is one design detail that interrupts the otherwise impressive viewing experience: the front camera notch. It is relatively small, but it remains noticeable on a display this large.

Even so, the screen is one of the tablet’s strongest features. For people who regularly consume media, work with visual content or keep multiple applications open, the extra space can make a meaningful difference.

A Slim Design With Surprisingly Serious Durability

Despite its enormous screen, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra measures just 5.1mm thick. It uses an aluminium unibody construction with Samsung’s Enhanced Armor Aluminum, giving it a premium appearance without adding unnecessary bulk.

The tablet weighs approximately 692g, depending on the version. That is manageable for a device of this size, although holding it for extended periods can become tiring.

Samsung has also included an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This is a useful advantage for a large tablet, particularly for people who carry their devices between workspaces, classrooms and outdoor environments.

The design is available in Dark Gray and Silver. Overall, Samsung has kept the appearance familiar while maintaining the slim construction expected from its premium Ultra range.

Dimensity 9500 Delivers a Meaningful Performance Upgrade

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 processor, manufactured using a 3nm process. Samsung has also upgraded the cooling system with a large vapour chamber to help manage heat during demanding workloads.

Compared with the Dimensity 9400+ used in the previous generation, the newer chipset brings improvements to CPU, graphics and AI performance. Samsung’s figures point to a 19% CPU improvement, a 17% GPU improvement and a substantial increase in NPU performance.

Benchmark testing shows that the tablet delivers strong performance across demanding applications and games. It can handle office workloads, video editing and multitasking without feeling underpowered.

However, it does not lead every performance comparison. Tablets using Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 can achieve higher results in several tests.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is still a powerful device, but buyers focused entirely on maximum benchmark performance have alternatives worth considering.

Memory options include 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB of storage, along with a 16GB RAM configuration featuring 1TB of storage. A dedicated microSD card slot also allows users to expand storage, which is particularly useful for large video files, creative projects and downloaded media.

One UI 9 and DeX Bring the Laptop Experience Closer

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra runs Android 17 with One UI 9. Samsung has optimised the interface for the large display, making split-screen multitasking and floating application windows easier to use.

Samsung DeX is one of the tablet’s most important features. It transforms the interface into a desktop-style environment with a dock, resizable windows and familiar multitasking controls.

When paired with the optional Pro Keyboard, the tablet can handle many tasks that people traditionally perform on laptops. Writing documents, browsing with multiple tabs, managing files and attending video meetings all feel more natural with a keyboard and touchpad.

Samsung has also integrated Google’s Gemini, Circle to Search and its Galaxy AI tools. Features such as Creative Studio and Samsung Notes give the S Pen additional value for sketching, handwritten notes and turning ideas into visual content.

Still, DeX cannot eliminate Android’s limitations. Some professional applications do not offer the same capabilities as their Windows or macOS counterparts, and certain workflows remain easier on a conventional computer.

For students, office workers and creators whose work revolves around compatible apps, the tablet could replace a laptop for much of the day. Professionals who depend on specialised desktop software may still need a traditional computer.

Battery Life Is Another Major Strength

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra with an 11,600mAh battery and 45W wired charging. The large battery supports its role as a device designed for extended work sessions and entertainment.

Battery testing indicates strong endurance, making the tablet suitable for long periods of browsing, streaming and productivity. Actual results will vary with display brightness, refresh-rate settings, network usage and demanding applications.

Charging is reasonably quick for a battery of this capacity, but there is an important omission: Samsung does not include a power adapter in the retail box. Buyers may need to purchase a compatible charger separately to take full advantage of the tablet’s charging capability.

Connectivity is well equipped, with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and 5G support on the cellular model. These features help the tablet remain useful both at home and while travelling.

Cameras Are Good Enough, Not the Main Attraction

The rear camera system includes a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide camera. A 12MP ultrawide front camera handles video calls, online meetings and selfies.

The main camera produces reasonably good photographs with natural-looking colours and a wide dynamic range. The ultrawide camera is useful for capturing larger scenes, although its detail is more limited.

Video recording reaches 4K at 30fps on the main and front cameras. The ultrawide camera is limited to Full HD recording.

These cameras are suitable for document capture, video meetings and occasional photography. However, they are not a major reason to buy the tablet. Samsung clearly places greater emphasis on its display, performance and productivity features.

The Price Is Difficult to Ignore

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at €1,539 for the 256GB Wi-Fi version. That places it firmly in premium laptop territory, making value for money an important consideration.

The included S Pen improves the package, but the optional Pro Keyboard adds to the overall cost. Once accessories are included, the tablet can become an expensive alternative to a conventional laptop.

Its value depends heavily on how it will be used. People who draw, take handwritten notes, work with documents and regularly switch between applications may appreciate the combination of a touchscreen, stylus and desktop-style interface.

For buyers who mainly browse the web, watch videos and use messaging applications, the price is much harder to justify.

Final Verdict: An Excellent Tablet With a Laptop-Sized Problem

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a highly capable Android tablet. Its enormous AMOLED display, powerful Dimensity 9500 processor, strong battery life, premium build and included S Pen make it one of the most versatile devices in its category.

Samsung DeX adds genuine productivity value, while One UI 9 and the latest AI features make good use of the large screen. The IP68 rating and expandable storage are further advantages.

However, the tablet’s high price is difficult to overlook. The display notch remains an eyesore, the charger is missing from the box, and Android still cannot match the application compatibility of Windows or macOS in every professional workflow.

For users who want a premium tablet for work, creativity, gaming and entertainment, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is an impressive choice. For those expecting a complete laptop replacement, it is worth checking whether their essential applications work as well on Android before spending the money.

The bottom line: Samsung has built an outstanding tablet, but whether it can replace your laptop depends less on its hardware and more on the software you need every day.