Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra: A Powerful Tablet That Questions Its Own Value
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, priced at approximately 4,200 shekels, offers a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor and a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, but its single USB-C port and high cost raise questions about its value compared to laptops. The tablet provides a full day of battery life and includes the productive DeX mode and S-Pen stylus. Its main competitor is Apple's iPad Pro, with similar pricing and features.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a new processor and 12GB RAM for smooth performance.
- The tablet's 14.6-inch AMOLED display is a highlight with excellent brightness and refresh rate.
- Limited connectivity, with only one USB-C port, is a major drawback for productivity.
- The S-Pen stylus and DeX mode enhance the tablet's productivity features.
- The battery offers a full day of intensive use, a positive surprise.
- Priced around 4,200 shekels, its value proposition against laptops and the iPad Pro is questioned.
Samsung's latest large tablet, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, offers significant performance upgrades and a stunning display but struggles to justify its high price point and limited connectivity, leading to questions about whether it's a viable laptop replacement.
The device boasts a new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor and 12GB of RAM, providing a smooth and fast user experience for everyday tasks. However, the lack of expandable storage might be a drawback for users requiring significant capacity for heavy workloads. The included Book Cover Keyboard Slim accessory, while featuring an intuitive magnetic stand, has a problematic key layout that requires adjustment for fast typists. The S-Pen stylus, a key productivity tool, remains a strong point, offering seamless functionality without needing a charge.
Samsung's DeX mode, which transforms the tablet's interface into a desktop-like environment with floating windows and drag-and-drop capabilities, continues to be a major advantage, enhancing multitasking and productivity. The tablet's standout feature is its 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits peak brightness, delivering a sharp, vibrant, and fluid visual experience even in challenging lighting conditions. The device's slim 5.1mm profile and premium aluminum frame contribute to its high-quality feel, though its sheer size makes one-handed use difficult.
A significant compromise is the single USB-C port, lacking HDMI, card readers, or other peripheral connections. This necessitates the use of adapters for external devices, adding cost and inconvenience, and prompts the question of why one wouldn't opt for a traditional laptop. The camera system, featuring a 12MP front camera and dual 13MP and 8MP rear cameras, is adequate for video calls and basic document scanning but falls short of smartphone camera quality.
Despite its demanding features, the 11,600 mAh battery provides a full day of intensive use, a positive surprise given the large, bright screen. Charging takes nearly two hours. Priced around 4,200 shekels in Israel for the base 256GB model, the Tab S12 Ultra faces stiff competition from Apple's iPad Pro, which offers comparable performance and a similar price range, albeit with a shorter battery life. The article suggests that the choice between the two may depend on specific user needs, such as drawing capabilities for the S-Pen versus the iPad Pro's potentially superior performance.