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 expected – possibly a Tab S12 (or Plus) and a Tab S12 Ultra
- We don't expect huge camera upgrades to both models
- Similar design is expected, flat, modern-looking, thin and compact with premium build
- S Pen to continue being included in the box
- No huge battery size upgrades expected
- 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, potentially late summer.
Expected price:
- No leaks about the pricing are out just yet.
- Expect a similar pricing strategy to last year's Tab S11 series.
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Galaxy Tab S12 release date
As we mentioned, Samsung usually releases its tablets in the second half of the year, typically in late summer.
We have no reasons to expect that the Galaxy Tab S12 would stray away from that established release schedule, so for all intents and purposes, a later summer/early autumn release is most likely.
| 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 typically 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
In terms of pricing, the Galaxy Tab S12 series will probably gravitate towards the starting price of the Galaxy Tab S11 range. If we get a Plus model this year instead, we'd expect it to arrive with 256 or 512 GB of storage, and the price would gravitate between the standard and the Ultra model, most likely.
| 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
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 frequent. 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 camera setup:
- 13 MP main camera
- 8MP ultrawide (only Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra)
- 12 MP ultrawide camera
That said, we don't expect major upgrades either, as tablet cameras aren't a field of many improvements.
Galaxy Tab S12 storage
Galaxy Tab S12 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
In terms of 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.
We are certain that Samsung will continue adding an S Pen in the box of every one of its flagship tablets. 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 the typical for Samsung excellent colors.
| Device | Screen size | Brightness* |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra | 14.6-inch | 1,000 nits+ |
| Galaxy Tab S12 Plus | 12.4-inch | 1,000 nits+ |
| Galaxy Tab S12 | 11-inch | 1,000 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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