The most defining visual feature of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, according to leaked CAD renders from the reliable tipster OnLeaks in collaboration with Smartphone Checker, is the retention of the semi-circular notch for the selfie camera.
The new leaks confirm that the design philosophy remains unchanged, with the tablet's dimensions (326.34 x 208.46 x 5.12mm) also being virtually identical to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.
A fresh wave of leaks has pulled back the curtain on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, and the news is a mixed bag for fans of the Korean tech giant's flagship slate.
Under the Hood: A Chip Upgrade and Stagnant BatteryInternally, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is expected to receive its primary upgrade in the form of a new processor.
A Questionable Value PropositionThe lack of substantial changes raises a critical question about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's place in the market.
The most defining visual feature of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, according to leaked CAD renders from the reliable tipster OnLeaks in collaboration with Smartphone Checker, is the retention of the semi-circular notch for the selfie camera. This contradicts earlier speculation that Samsung might finally transition to a sleeker punch-hole design, a feature many users have been clamoring for. The notch, which houses a single 12MP front-facing camera, has been a point of contention since its introduction on the Tab S8 Ultra, with critics arguing it detracts from the immersive experience of the otherwise expansive display. The new leaks confirm that the design philosophy remains unchanged, with the tablet's dimensions (326.34 x 208.46 x 5.12mm) also being virtually identical to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. This suggests a chassis that is familiar, thin, and premium, but offers no visual novelty.
A fresh wave of leaks has pulled back the curtain on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, and the news is a mixed bag for fans of the Korean tech giant's flagship slate. While the tablet is expected to debut later this year, possibly around September's IFA trade show, early CAD renders and certification listings paint a picture of iterative, rather than revolutionary, change. The most prominent—and for some, disappointing—takeaway is that the controversial front-facing camera notch appears to be here to stay.
Under the Hood: A Chip Upgrade and Stagnant Battery
Internally, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is expected to receive its primary upgrade in the form of a new processor. Leaks consistently point to the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, replacing last year's Dimensity 9400+. While this promises a performance bump, some analysts note that it may not be a generational leap powerful enough to rival Apple's latest M-series silicon or top-tier Snapdragon competitors. Beyond the chip, the spec sheet looks remarkably familiar. The tablet is rumored to feature the same 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the same 11,600mAh battery, and the same 45W charging support as the Tab S11 Ultra. RAM and storage options are also expected to mirror the previous generation, starting at 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with configurations reaching up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. For users hoping for a significant battery life improvement or faster charging, this leak offers little comfort.
A Questionable Value Proposition
The lack of substantial changes raises a critical question about the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's place in the market. With the starting price of the Tab S11 Ultra having recently been increased to $1,299 USD, the prospect of paying a similar premium for a device that is, in essence, a processor refresh is a tough sell. The tablet is expected to launch with Android 17 and One UI 9, which will bring new software features, but the hardware itself appears to be a conservative iteration. This stands in stark contrast to competitors like Lenovo, which has been praised for its innovative and diverse tablet portfolio. While the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra will likely remain a powerful and capable device for productivity and media consumption, the leaks suggest Samsung is playing it safe, betting that a proven formula—however stagnant—will continue to find an audience in the high-end Android tablet market.
