Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series is a flagship Android tablet lineup manufactured by Samsung, consisting of two models: the Galaxy Tab S12+ and the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Falling into the premium mobile computing category, the devices address the need for versatile productivity and creative workflows by offering

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series is a flagship Android tablet lineup manufactured by Samsung, consisting of two models: the Galaxy Tab S12+ and the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Falling into the premium mobile computing category, these devices address the need for versatile productivity and creative workflows by offering laptop-class Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, magnetic accessory integration via pogo pins, and creative tool support such as Adobe Photoshop.

Key Facts

Attribute Value

Manufacturer Samsung

Product Lineup Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

Display Panel Type Dynamic AMOLED 2X (glossy, anti-reflective coating removed)

Ultra Display Size 14.6 inches

Plus Display Size Specific diagonal size not stated in source (smaller than 14.6 inches)

Available Color Options Gray, Silver

Rear Camera Configurations Ultra: Dual-camera array with ultrawide lens; Plus: Single camera (lacks ultrawide lens)

Front Camera Integration Ultra: Waterdrop display notch; Plus: Bezel-integrated camera

Starting Retail Price RM4,999 (Malaysia)

Accessory Interface Magnetic pogo pins

Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S12 series in Malaysia with a base starting price of RM4,999 across Gray and Silver finishes.

How Do the Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Displays Differ?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a waterdrop notch for its front camera, whereas the Galaxy Tab S12+ conceals its camera directly within the bezel. Both models utilize responsive, glossy Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels but omit anti-reflective coatings, increasing overall susceptibility to glare.

The 14.6-inch screen on the Ultra provides a visual workspace comparable to a laptop, while the smaller Plus edition retains a more compact footprint. However, the glossy finish across both units lacks the anti-glare treatment present in previous generations. As Lowyat.NET reported regarding hands-on evaluations:

“It is worth noting that Samsung has dropped the anti-reflective coating from these models, so glare may be more of an issue.” Lowyat.NET

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features an expansive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a waterdrop notch, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ conceals its front camera inside the bezel.

How Do Camera and Rear Hardware Designs Compare?

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a dual rear camera system housed in individual rings, retaining an ultrawide sensor, whereas the Galaxy Tab S12+ removes the ultrawide lens. Both tablets retain landscape-oriented Samsung branding on the top-left corner, magnetic pogo pins for accessories, and identical Gray and Silver color choices.

Aside from overall dimensions and camera configurations, rear aesthetic elements mirror the previous generation batch. The Plus model’s omission of the secondary ultrawide lens represents the sole physical differentiation on the rear chassis between the two devices.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra maintains a dual rear camera setup with an ultrawide sensor, whereas the Galaxy Tab S12+ omits the ultrawide lens entirely.

What Are the Performance and Software Capabilities?

Both tablets provide smooth day-to-day computing performance and support professional creative software such as Adobe Photoshop, though generative AI processing speeds vary. Native tools like Gemini Notebook encounter processing delays during content generation, reflecting program-level limits rather than baseline hardware throttling across either tablet model.

During initial hands-on testing, standard operations remained fluid on both units. Evaluators noted that while standard creative tasks run reliably via supported suites like Adobe Photoshop, generative artificial intelligence utilities require user patience.

Both Galaxy Tab S12 models deliver fluid daily performance and support Adobe Photoshop, though Gemini Notebook experiences noticeable generation delays during use.

How It Compares: Galaxy Tab S12+ vs. Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

The primary differentiation between the models centers on physical footprint and ergonomic portability, making the selection a direct trade-off between stationary screen real estate and handheld usability. The Ultra model functions primarily as a desk-bound pseudo-laptop replacement, whereas the Plus model provides a more manageable handheld form factor.

Feature / Metric Galaxy Tab S12+ Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

Screen Real Estate Smaller display (exact dimensions unlisted) 14.6-inch diagonal display

Front Camera Cutout Integrated in bezel Waterdrop notch

Rear Camera Setup Single sensor (no ultrawide) Dual sensors (includes ultrawide)

Portability & Ergonomics Manageable for extended handheld operation Unwieldy one-handed; requires surface support

Software Support Adobe Photoshop, Gemini Notebook Adobe Photoshop, Gemini Notebook

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra requires a flat working surface due to fatigue during handheld use, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ remains manageable in hand for longer periods.

Common Questions

Why did Samsung remove the anti-reflective display coating on the Galaxy Tab S12 series?

The source confirms that Samsung dropped the anti-reflective coating on both Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, making ambient light glare more prominent, though Samsung’s specific technical rationale for removing the layer was not disclosed.

Can the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra be comfortably used with one hand?

No. Handheld testing showed the 14.6-inch Ultra is unwieldy when held with one hand, causing arm fatigue within a few short minutes and requiring a flat working surface for extended operation.

Does the Galaxy Tab S12+ include an ultrawide rear camera?

No. Unlike the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, which retains a dual-camera system with an ultrawide lens housed in individual rings, the Galaxy Tab S12+ completely lacks an ultrawide sensor on its rear panel.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the hands-on reporting published by Lowyat.NET titled “Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series Hands On: A Matter Of Personal Preference” (canonical URL: https://www.lowyat.net/2026/406294/samsung-galaxy-tab-s12-series-hands-on/). All device specifications, regional Malaysian pricing figures (RM4,999 starting price), software observations, and hardware comparisons were derived directly from this source without external extrapolation.

This article was last updated on October 7, 2026.