Samsung Electronics is expected to release its next-generation premium tablet 'Galaxy Tab S12' series next month. The product lineup will change. The Plus model, which disappeared last year, is set to return, while the base model will be dropped. The top-tier Ultra model's price is anticipated to rise by more than 300,000 won compared to its predecessor.
According to German IT media WinFuture and others on the 20th, Samsung Electronics plans to launch the Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra on October 7. Last year's Galaxy Tab S11 series consisted of an 11-inch base model and a 14.6-inch Ultra model, but this year the base model will be removed and the Plus model reintroduced.
The S12+ features a 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED (organic light-emitting diode) 2X display, while the S12 Ultra has a 14.6-inch version of the same display; both support up to 120Hz refresh rates. Both devices will be powered by MediaTek's 'Dimensity 9500' application processor (AP). This chip, manufactured using a 3nm process, includes an 8-core CPU (central processing unit) capable of operating at up to 4.21GHz and a 12-core GPU (graphics processing unit).
Both models come standard with 12GB RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The Ultra will also be available in a 16GB RAM and 1TB storage configuration. Storage can be expanded up to 2TB via microSD card, and the S Pen is expected to be included as standard.
The S12+ increases battery capacity to 10,600mAh while reducing weight to 555g. Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S10+, which had a 10,190mAh battery and weighed 571g, this represents approximately a 5% increase in battery life and a 16g reduction in weight. The S12 Ultra is equipped with a 10,1600mAh battery and weighs 693g. Both models support up to 45W fast charging.
Prices will also rise. According to WinFuture, the S12+ is expected to start at €1,299 (approximately 2.07 million won) in Europe, while the S12 Ultra will begin at €1,539 (approximately 2.45 million won). The German launch price for the S11 Ultra 256GB Wi-Fi model was €1,339 (approximately 2.14 million won). If the S12 Ultra launches at the reported prices, it will be €200 (about 320,000 won) more expensive than its predecessor, representing a roughly 15% price increase. The 5G model is expected to cost an additional €200 over the Wi-Fi version.
Amid a shrinking tablet market, the success of the Galaxy Tab S12 series is also under scrutiny. According to market research firm Omdia, global tablet shipments in the second quarter of this year totaled 36 million units, down 10% from the same period last year. Samsung Electronics' shipments also fell by approximately 13% to around 6 million units.
Himani Mukha, Omdia Research Manager, stated, "Last quarter was one of the steepest declines in the tablet market over the past two years," and added, "With limited component supply, manufacturers are expected to concentrate their resources on flagship and premium models."
in TECH
