Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab S12 series with AI-powered productivity features

10:25

By: Azzat Manal

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab S12 series with AI-powered productivity features

Samsung Electronics has introduced its Galaxy Tab S12 series, comprising the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+, positioning the new tablets as versatile tools for work, education and digital creativity. The devices combine slim designs, high-performance hardware, extended battery life and artificial intelligence features designed to simplify everyday tasks.

Both models feature immersive displays and come with an ergonomic S Pen for handwriting, annotation and creative work. Samsung is also expanding the series’ professional capabilities through compatible accessories and software aimed at users who need a portable alternative to a traditional computer.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra measures just 5.1 millimetres thick, making it the thinnest Galaxy Tab model Samsung says it has produced. It features a 14.6-inch display, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ offers a 12.6-inch screen. Both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, with peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits and Vision Booster technology that adjusts the display according to surrounding light conditions.

Performance is another central element of the new range. Samsung says the tablets use a processor manufactured using a 3-nanometre process, delivering improvements over the previous Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. According to the company, neural processing unit performance increases by up to 61%, CPU performance by 19% and graphics performance by 17%.

A redesigned three-dimensional vapour chamber is intended to help manage heat during demanding workloads and maintain consistent performance. Both devices also carry an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water, providing additional protection during everyday use.

Battery life varies by model, with Samsung claiming up to 23 hours for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and 21 hours for the S12+. Using a compatible 45-watt adapter, the company estimates that a full charge takes approximately 95 minutes. A four-channel spatial audio system is designed to provide a more immersive multimedia experience.

The tablets run Android 17 with Samsung’s One UI 9 interface, bringing Galaxy AI tools into a connected environment for searching, note-taking, research and content creation. The Multi Window feature allows users to divide the display into as many as three sections, making it possible to follow a lesson, take notes and consult an AI assistant at the same time. Samsung Notes also includes Note Assist, which can automatically summarise written material.

The included S Pen supports handwritten input and annotation, while optional keyboard accessories provide additional flexibility. Samsung’s Pro Keyboard includes a dedicated Galaxy AI key for quick access to AI assistants, while the Book Cover Keyboard Slim is designed for users who prioritise portability.

Samsung is also promoting integration with Google’s AI services. The series includes a six-month Google AI Pro trial, according to the company, giving eligible users access to features such as Gemini. Gemini Notebook is designed to bring together notes, images, files and recordings, helping users create summaries, podcasts and quizzes from their material.

Samsung Browser also incorporates AI-assisted tools intended to interpret web pages, connect information across multiple tabs and help users retrieve previously consulted sources. These functions are aimed at reducing the time spent navigating information, particularly during research and study.

The company is extending the tablets’ creative capabilities through a selection of professional and educational applications. Adobe Photoshop is preinstalled for the first time on an Android tablet, according to Samsung, with S Pen support and access to selected Adobe Firefly-powered tools, including Generative Fill and Image to Video. Buyers are also offered a four-month trial of the Photoshop mobile plan.

Other software offers include Notability for digital note-taking, Goodnotes for handwriting and document organisation, LumaFusion for video editing, Notion Plus for productivity and Clip Studio Paint for digital illustration. Additional applications support tasks ranging from solving handwritten equations to converting sketches into computer-aided design drawings. The value of these offers and their availability may vary by market and subscription terms.

Samsung says the Galaxy Tab S12 series began rolling out in selected markets on October 7, with the tablets available in grey and silver. The company has also committed to providing up to seven generations of operating system upgrades and security updates, although the precise rollout schedule may differ by model and region.

The launch reflects the growing competition among tablet manufacturers to combine high-end hardware with AI-assisted software. For Samsung, the challenge is to turn these features into practical benefits for people who work, study and create on mobile devices, while offering enough performance and software support to justify investing in a premium tablet.