Samsung’s next premium tablet update is shaping up to be more conservative than many buyers might expect, especially in the area that usually matters most for a large-screen device: battery life. Early leaks suggest the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra will keep the same 11,600 mAh battery as the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra it replaces.
That detail immediately tempers expectations for a major leap in endurance. For an Ultra-class tablet with a 14.6-inch display, holding the battery size steady stands out, particularly when premium users often look for a clear upgrade in both capacity and charging speed.
Battery and charging stay in familiar territory
If the current leak proves accurate, Samsung is not planning a capacity increase for its top tablet model. The same report also points to 45W wired charging remaining in place, which would mean the Tab S12 Ultra continues with the same charging approach as its predecessor.
That combination suggests Samsung may be prioritizing continuity over a dramatic hardware shift. For a device positioned at the top of the lineup, the lack of change in battery capacity is likely to draw attention because large tablets typically need more power to support their displays and day-to-day usage.
The Plus model may be the one that moves forward
Interestingly, the smaller sibling in the same family appears to be getting a more noticeable battery update. The Galaxy Tab S12+ is said to feature a larger battery than the Galaxy Tab S10+, although the exact capacity has not been revealed.
That creates a somewhat unusual contrast within the lineup. While the Ultra model seems to be standing still on battery size, the Plus variant is the one expected to gain ground in that area.
Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged
The same set of leaks indicates that Samsung is not preparing a major screen-size refresh either. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is still expected to use a 14.6-inch panel, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ is reportedly keeping its 12.4-inch display.
This points to an update cycle focused more on internal changes than on visible redesigns. For the Ultra model in particular, the 14.6-inch screen has already become one of its defining traits, so stability here may be more about refinement than reinvention.
Chipset and software bring the main upgrades
Where Samsung may be aiming for a stronger generational jump is performance. Both tablets are rumored to run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, which would make the chipset the central upgrade across the family.
The software side is also expected to move forward. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ are said to launch with Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9 on top, giving the new tablets a more current software foundation for productivity and multitasking.
Camera details and launch timing add more context
Both devices are also tipped to include a 12MP front camera. That points to a continued focus on video calls, online meetings, and media consumption on a large screen rather than a major camera overhaul.
As for timing, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ are rumored to arrive together toward the end of the year, with September mentioned most often as the expected announcement window. Samsung has also been known to alternate between vanilla and Plus models from one year to the next, which explains why there was no Galaxy Tab S11+ in the previous generation.
Taken together, the leaks suggest a lineup that is more selective with its upgrades. The new chipset and refreshed software may carry most of the weight, while the battery on the Ultra model remains one of the few areas where expectations are not being raised.
Source: www.gsmarena.com