Samsung gives its two-year-old Galaxy Tab S Plus an overhaul

The Android tablet version of Adobe Photoshop, with AI features and S Pen support, is now a Galaxy Store exclusive for six months.

Samsung has refreshed its flagship tablet line with the Galaxy Tab S12 series, featuring an upgraded Tab S12 Plus and a largely unchanged Tab S12 Ultra. The Tab S12 Plus receives a significant overhaul, incorporating a slightly larger and brighter 12.6-inch display, a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, and a larger 10,600mAh battery, all within a thinner and lighter design. This makes it a meaningful upgrade for owners of the Tab S10 Plus or older, despite a $200 price increase to $1,199. In contrast, the Tab S12 Ultra sees minimal changes from its predecessor, primarily an internal chipset upgrade and improved audio, retaining its 14.6-inch display and design. It launches at $1,399. Both tablets offer bright OLED displays, IP68 ratings, seven years of Android updates, and include an S Pen. Notably, both models will also feature the Android debut of Adobe Photoshop for Tablets, a six-month Galaxy Store exclusive with AI features and S Pen support. The tablets are set to be released on October 7th.

Samsung's strategy of alternating major updates between its Plus and Ultra tablet variants is evident in the Tab S12 series. While the Tab S12 Ultra sees only incremental improvements, the Tab S12 Plus receives a substantial redesign and component upgrade, positioning it as a compelling option for those seeking a refreshed high-end Android tablet experience. The omission of a regular-sized Tab S12 this year suggests a potential shift in Samsung's product segmentation or a delay in the development cycle for smaller form factors.

The inclusion of Adobe Photoshop for Tablets as a six-month Galaxy Store exclusive, complete with AI features and S Pen optimization, signifies a significant software win for Samsung. This partnership aims to enhance the productivity and creative capabilities of its tablets, potentially influencing user adoption and market perception against competitors. The substantial price increase for the Plus model, coupled with a more iterative update for the Ultra, highlights Samsung's tiered approach to feature differentiation and pricing within its premium tablet offerings.