Galaxy Tab S12 Price and Release Date: What $1,199 Gets You

The Galaxy Tab S12 is here: Samsung’s new flagship tablets go on sale today, October 7, 2026, starting at $1,199. Two models are on offer, the 12.6-inch S12+ and the 14.6-inch S12 Ultra, and both ship with Android 17 and One UI 9.

If you’ve been waiting for a big Android tablet that can stand in for a laptop, this is the one to look at. It’s also expensive, so here’s what you actually get for the money.

Here are the quick facts before we go deeper.

• Release date: October 7, 2026 in major markets, with some regions possibly later.
• US price: $1,199 for the S12+ and $1,399 for the S12 Ultra.
• Chip: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 in both models.
• Software: Android 17 with One UI 9, an S Pen in the box.
• Colors: Grey and Silver.

Those prices put both tablets well into laptop territory, which shapes everything below.

What does the Galaxy Tab S12 cost?

In the US, the S12+ starts at $1,199 and the S12 Ultra at $1,399, according to SamMobile and BGR’s October gadget roundup. In the UK the same tablets cost £1,199 and £1,399, and in Europe €1,329 and €1,569.

That’s a steep jump from what many people expect to pay for an Android tablet. Samsung is clearly aiming at creators and professionals, not casual browsing.

Apps and accessories matter at this price. Samsung is also bundling Photoshop with four months free, per BGR, which hints at the target buyer.

Galaxy Tab S12+ vs S12 Ultra: which size fits you?

The gap between the two is mostly screen size, battery and how much memory you can add. The chip, charging speed and software are identical.

Pick the S12+ if you want something you can carry in one hand and still sketch on. Pick the Ultra if you plan to run several apps side by side, since Samsung’s Multi Window can split the screen into up to three sections.

Android 17 and One UI 9 on a tablet

Both tablets run One UI 9 on top of Android 17 from day one. That puts the tablets ahead of many Galaxy phones, which are still waiting on their updates.

If you own a Galaxy phone, our One UI 9 update schedule shows when your device should get the same software. For a wider look at the platform, see our Android 17 rollout guide.

Having the new software on a large screen is where multitasking features tend to matter most. Whether Samsung’s tablet layouts feel better than a laptop is something reviews will need to settle.

Battery, charging and the Dimensity 9500 chip

The S12+ carries a 10,600mAh battery and the Ultra a 11,600mAh one. Both charge at 45W over a cable, which is fast for a tablet but not class-leading.

Samsung is using MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 in both models. We haven’t seen independent benchmarks or battery tests yet, so treat real-world claims with care until reviewers publish theirs.

Battery size alone doesn’t tell you endurance. A bigger screen drains faster, so the Ultra’s larger cell may not last much longer than the S12+ in daily use.

One more point: the S Pen comes included, so you won’t need to budget extra for it. That helps the price feel a little less painful.

Should you buy the Galaxy Tab S12 on day one?

It depends on how you’ll use it. If drawing, note-taking or editing is your daily work, the included S Pen and large display make a strong case. If you mostly watch video and browse, a cheaper tablet will do the job.

Waiting a few weeks is also reasonable. Early reviews will show how the Dimensity 9500 handles heavy apps, and Samsung tablets often get early discounts.

Also compare it against other new gear this month. Apple’s first foldable is covered in our iPhone Duo guide, and it costs nearly the same as the S12 Ultra.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Galaxy Tab S12 release date?

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 series launches October 7, 2026 in major markets. Some regions may get it a little later.

How much does the Galaxy Tab S12 cost?

In the US, the S12+ starts at $1,199 and the S12 Ultra at $1,399. UK prices are £1,199 and £1,399.

Does the Galaxy Tab S12 come with an S Pen?

Yes. According to BGR, the S Pen is included with the tablets.

Which Android version does the Galaxy Tab S12 run?

It ships with Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9.

What’s the difference between the Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra?

The Ultra has a bigger 14.6-inch screen, a larger battery and more memory options. The chip and charging speed are the same.

Our take

The Galaxy Tab S12 is a great tablet for people who will really use it as a work machine, and a poor value for everyone else. If you do creative work, the S12+ is the smarter pick since it keeps the S Pen and the chip at $200 less. Everyone else should wait for reviews and a first sale.