Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
The Galaxy Tab S11 for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Galaxy Tab S12: what to expect
What's expected to change vs the Galaxy Tab S11:
- Only two models – possibly a Tab S12 (or Plus) and a Tab S12 Ultra
- Similar design is expected: flat, modern-looking, thin, and compact with premium build
- S Pen to continue being included in the box
- We don't expect huge camera upgrades to both models
- An upgrade in battery size for the Tab S12 Plus rumored
- New Galaxy AI features, potentially
- The Tab S12 series is expected to come in the second half of 2026, late summer or around September.
Expected price:
- No leaks about the pricing have emerged just yet.
- Potentially, a price hike may be coming.
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Galaxy Tab S12 release date
Samsung usually releases its tablets in the second half of the year. Typically, that happens in late summer or early autumn. That's when we also expect the Galaxy Tab S12 series.
| Device | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S12 | September–October 2026* | September–October 2026* |
| Galaxy Tab S11 | September 4, 2025 | September 4, 2025 |
| Galaxy Tab S10 | September 26, 2024 | October 3, 2025 |
* - probable dates
Intriguingly, Samsung usually releases its flagship tablets alongside the Galaxy Tab S FE phone of the year, so we might expect the Galaxy Tab S12 to arrive alongside the Galaxy S26 FE this year.
Galaxy Tab S12 price and deals
The situation with pricing mobile tech in 2026 is tricky. Memory prices are skyrocketing right now, and some companies are introducing price hikes with their models. Samsung is one of them.
We haven't heard what the Galaxy Tab S12 pricing may be. However, Samsung already raised prices to all smartphones it introduced this year, so far.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | $650* | $1200 | $1320 | $1620 |
| Galaxy Tab S12 | $800 | $860 | $980 | - |
| Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra | - | $1200 | $1320 | $1620 |
| Galaxy Tab S11 | $800 | $860 | $980 | - |
*- anticipated price
If you ask me, I'd bet you get ready for a price hike for the tablets as well. But we'll have to wait and see for leaks to corroborate or refute my theory.
Galaxy Tab S12 deals to expect:
- Samsung.com: Samsung has the knack for discounting its tablets on its online store on the regular. While the promotions might not be as lucrative or as frequent as on its phones, we've seen a decent number over the years. Expect to be able to save on the company's upcoming tablets, especially if you register and/or pre-order one.
- Carriers: We've seen carriers discount Samsung tablets, though not as frequently. We'd expect some deals to surface around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- Retailers: The same applies to major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. We'd expect to see some discounts on the devices during the 2026 holiday season.
Galaxy Tab S12 camera
Galaxy Tab S12/S12 Ultra expected camera setup:
- 13 MP main camera
- 8MP ultrawide (only Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra)
- 12 MP ultrawide camera
Cameras are essential on tablets, and that's not because of mobile photography but because of video calls. However, on the off chance you need to snap something quick, we don't really expect the Galaxy Tab S12 to disappoint.
That said, we don't expect major upgrades either, as tablet cameras aren't a field of many improvements.
With the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Samsung dropped the wide-angle front camera and kept a 12 MP ultra-wide one. It did deliver decent images, but a wide-angled camera would've been helpful in certain situations. Unfortunately, we don't expect Samsung to bring it back with the Tab S12 Ultra.
The rear cameras deliver decent quality images on the Tab S11 Ultra (for a tablet, that is). So far, we haven't heard about an upgrade in this department.
Galaxy Tab S12 storage
Galaxy Tab S12 expected storage capacity:
- 128 GB (Tab S12 only)
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1TB (only Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra)
- 2TB ?
In terms of storage, we'd expect only the Galaxy Tab S12 to start with 128 GB of storage, while you'd only be able to get a terabyte of storage on the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Who knows, Samsung might even go the Apple way and offer a 2 TB version.
Galaxy Tab S12 design
When it comes to design, the Galaxy Tab S family is in a sweet spot right now. We have flat and very modern-looking tablets, similar to the iPads, which don't really need any major update. Most recent Galaxy flagship tablets have been very thin and compact for their display size, making them a really appealing option in the sea of slates out there. The build materials are great, too.
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
The Tab S11 Ultra is made of Armor Aluminum and tempered glass, and we expect the same materials to return this year as well. We'll likely see the same flat edges and a traditional 16:10 aspect ratio for both the Tab S12 (or Plus) and Tab S12 Ultra. The Ultra is still expected to retain the same size as its predecessor, which could mean that for some people, it may be too big.
Meanwhile, the smaller tablet may actually be one great compact tablet to choose. The two devices are also expected to be quite thin (around 5.6 mm for the smaller one, and 5.5 for the bigger one), which seems to be something Samsung likes.
In terms of colors, last year's tablets had pretty conservative options: Gray and Silver. We'll see if Samsung decides to spice up the Galaxy Tab S12 series color palette this time around. Hopefully.
Samsung will continue adding an S Pen in the box of every one of its flagship tablets, according to reports. That's a great addition that caters to artistic users and improves the value of the devices.
Galaxy Tab S12 display
In terms of display size and properties, we are most likely looking at the same 11-inch size for the Galaxy Tab S12, 12.4-inch for the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus, and 14.6-inch for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. All of these would be Dynamic AMOLED screens with up to 120 Hz refresh rate, possibly high brightness, and excellent colors.
| Device | Screen size | Brightness* |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | 14.6-inch* | 1,600 nits* |
| Galaxy Tab S12 Plus | 12.4-inch* | 1,600 nits* |
| Galaxy Tab S12 | 11-inch* | 1,600 nits* |
* - anticipated sizes and values
Galaxy Tab S12 battery
In terms of battery sizes, we probably won't be getting any drastically larger ones, as the limited inner space would greatly limit Samsung from incorporating much larger batteries than what we have right now.
This means we can expect around 11,600 mAh battery cell for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. A new rumor claims that the Tab S12+ may actually have an upgrade in the battery department.
Reportedly, the Tab S12 Plus could come with either a 10,500 mAh or 10,600 mAh battery cell (advertised capacity). Actually, if true, that would mean the battery cell on this model may be around 4 to 5% larger than the battery cell on its predecessor.
This change may not be as noticeable in real life, but it's nonetheless an upgrade.
Meanwhile, we expect that charging will remain 45 W across the board.
Galaxy Tab S12 features and software
For the Tab S12 Plus and Ultra, we expect Samsung to release them with Android 16 and a version of One UI 8.x. The release of the tablets may be a bit too close to the release of Android 17 for Samsung to be ready with a new Android 17-based One UI version in time for the unveiling.
Seven years of software support is what one should expect from these devices, and that's quickly becoming the norm.
As for features, you can safely expect a plethora of Galaxy AI features to be made available with the devices. You'll likely also get generative AI assistance for drawing and writing.
Meanwhile, the Tab S12 Plus and Ultra are also very likely going to come with Samsung DeX support. Samsung DeX allows you to create a seamless multitasking environment with your computer, move apps between screens, drag and drop, and mirror the content on the tablet to your monitor.
All the S Pen-enabled features, like Quick access to Quick tools and sticky notes, should also be made available here.
Galaxy Tab S12 hardware and specs
Galaxy Tab S12 expected specs:
- CPU: Exynos 2500/Dimensity 9500, potentially a Dimensity 9500 Plus
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 7,900/10,090/11,600 mAh+
- Charging: 45 W wired
- Storage: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1TB
The two tablets are expected to come with the Dimensity 9500 chip, which was unveiled in September 2025. There's a possibility that the devices may also come with the yet-unannounced Dimensity 9500 Plus chip.
Should I wait for the Galaxy Tab S12?
- You should wait for the Galaxy Tab S12 if you're using an older Galaxy Tab S tablet and are thinking of upgrading this year. If you're using something like the Galaxy Tab S4, S5, S6, or even S7, then consider waiting until the second half of the year for Samsung's next crop of tablet devices.
- You should not wait for the Galaxy Tab S12 if you've recently upgraded your tablet or don't feel the need for a newer one. Although they will be improved, it's objectively true that any Galaxy tablet since the Tab S9 series is still extremely relevant to this day. This is especially valid if you have the Tab S11 series. The changes here may probably not be as huge to warrant an upgrade.
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