The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ have officially launched in Malaysia, offering a combination of large screens, flagship specifications, and various compelling reasons to buy them. Is what they offer attractive enough this year? Specifications
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+
Screen 14.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz,
HDR10+, S Pen 12.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz,
HDR10+, S Pen
Processor Dimensity 9500 (3nm) Dimensity 9500 (3nm)
1x 4.21GHz C1 Ultra chip
3x 3.5GHz C1 Premium
4x 2.7GHz C1 Pro 1x 4.21GHz C1 Ultra
3x 3.5GHz C1 Premium
4x 2.7GHz C1 Pro
Mali-G1 Ultra MC12 Graphics Chip Mali-G1 Ultra MC12
RAM 12GB LPDDR5X 12GB LPDDR5X
Internal Storage 256 GB UFS 4.0
Micro SD 2TB 256 GB UFS 4.0
Micro SD 2TB
Main Camera 13MP f/2.0 (Wide Angle)
8MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide) 13MP f/2.0 (Wide Angle)
Selfie Camera 12MP f/2.4 12MP f/2.4
11,600 mAh battery
45W wired charging
10,600 mAh
45W wired charging
SIM/Telephony 1 Nano, 1 eSIM
5G 1 Nano, 1 eSIM
5G
NFC None None
Audio Jack None None
Waterproof IP68 IP68
Scanning System Under-screen fingerprint scanner Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Selling Price RM 5999 (Wi-Fi)
RM 6649 (5G) RM 4999 (Wi-Fi)
RM 5649 (5G)
The two devices are essentially siblings. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an S-Pen stylus. Meanwhile, the Tab S12+ comes with a smaller 12.6-inch screen, though it uses the same display technology. With S Pen support, you can sketch or take notes directly on the screen, just like with the Galaxy S Ultra series.
The included S Pen is larger for a more comfortable grip and attaches magnetically to the side. Gone is the rear-panel storage system found on the previous Tab S10; I must say, the rear storage system was more appealing because the provided casing covered the S Pen, making it less likely to get lost.
Both devices are powered by the Dimensity 9500 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. While the internal storage is somewhat modest, it can be expanded up to 2TB via a microSD card. RAM and memory constraints have resulted in very limited availability of the Tab S12 in Malaysia. The Dimensity 9500 chip competes in the same class as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Apple A19 Pro, so there is no need to worry about performance when running standard apps, games, or creative software.
As for the battery, the Tab S12 Ultra houses an 11,600 mAh unit, while the Tab S12+ has a 10,600 mAh battery. Wired charging is capped at 45W—relatively slow for a tablet, though Samsung is not typically known for high-wattage charging systems. The Tab S12 Ultra features a 13MP wide-angle and 8MP ultra-wide rear camera setup, along with a 12MP front camera. The Tab S12+, meanwhile, comes with a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera. A flash is also included on the back.
The frames and bodies of both the Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ are constructed from aluminum. The body measures only about 5mm in thickness, making them among the thinnest tablets on the market. Four speakers positioned along the sides support a stereo audio system. Metal volume and power buttons are located on the top edge. The entire device meets IP68 standards, so there is no need to worry about accidental water spills.
With a 16:10 aspect ratio on both models, the tablets are more comfortable to use in landscape orientation. In portrait mode, the tablets feel elongated compared to the iPad or Xiaomi Pad, which utilize 4:3 screens; this design choice likely aims to provide more workspace in landscape mode. The screen also makes both tablets excellent for watching video content.
Interface
They run on One UI 9, based on Android 17, offering capabilities and features similar to the recently launched Z Fold8 series. Various AI capabilities are included, such as photo editing, document summarization, and image generation via Creative Studio.
DeX support returns, allowing access to a laptop-like interface with the press of a single button. Connecting a keyboard accessory unlocks additional quick-access functions. A dedicated AI button enables rapid launching of Bixby, Gemini, or Perplexity. There are also shortcuts for the three most frequently used apps, the app drawer, audio controls, and screen brightness settings.
Samsung offers a metal Pro Keyboard accessory. This accessory features an additional touchpad and a backlit keyboard. With the Pro Keyboard, the Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ feel more like a laptop.
Samsung includes a free 6-month Google AI Pro subscription with every purchase, enabling enhanced capabilities for Google AI features such as Gemini Intelligence and Gemini Notebook. Additionally, a free four-month subscription to Adobe Photoshop is provided.
Samsung offers support for 7 Android OS versions and 7 years of security patches for both the Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+, ensuring a secure and long-lasting user experience.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra are powerful tablets suitable not only for media consumption, gaming, and video editing but also serve as reliable platforms for creating digital art directly on the screen using the S Pen. The software delivers a seamless user experience, backed by a 7+7 year support commitment.
In Malaysia, both tablets come with subscriptions to Gemini, Adobe Photoshop, Notability, and iQIYI—a package valued at RM 1,123.58. Also included for free are the Book Cover Keyboard and S Pen, valued at RM 1,208.
Original Price Rebate Price Student Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ Wi-Fi RM 4999 RM 4599 RM 3999.20
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ 5G RM 5649 RM 5249 RM 4519.20
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Wi-Fi RM 5999 RM 5499 RM 4799
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ Ultra 5G RM 6649 RM 6149 RM 5319.20
Pros
Flagship-grade specifications.
Large battery capacity. S Pen support
IP68 water resistance
Support for 7 Android versions and 7 years of security patches.
S Pen and keyboard included for free.
Cons
256GB storage is somewhat small.
The 16:10 screen is more comfortable to use in landscape mode.
