Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ 12.6" 2026, MediaTek Dimensity 9500, 12GB, 256GB, Cellular, Gray

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ is a premium Android tablet with a gorgeous 12.6-inch AMOLED display, included S Pen, and IP68 water resistance. It's fast enough for most tasks and has excellent battery life, but it's expensive and the MediaTek chip isn't the fastest in its class. If you want the best Android tablet for drawing and streaming, this is a top contender.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is a solid 8-core chip, and in our testing it lands around the 70th percentile for CPU performance. That's not going to blow the doors off an iPad Pro M5, but it's more than enough for multitasking, streaming, and most games. The 12GB of RAM helps keep things smooth when you're bouncing between apps, and it sits in the 81st percentile for RAM, which is well above average.

In practice, this tablet feels fast. Apps open quickly, the 120Hz AMOLED panel makes scrolling feel fluid, and the S Pen latency is low enough that sketching feels natural. The GPU is a bit more modest at the 68th percentile, so if you're into heavy 3D gaming, you might notice some frame drops at max settings. But for everyday use, AI features like Gemini Notebook, and note-taking, this thing is a workhorse.

The most obvious competitor is the Apple iPad Pro M5. Apple's tablet has a faster processor and a more mature app ecosystem for things like video editing and digital art. But the Tab S12+ fights back with an included S Pen, IP68 water resistance, and a more flexible Android OS. If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Pro is probably the safer bet. If you want Android and don't want to pay extra for a stylus, the Tab S12+ is compelling.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition is a different beast entirely. It runs full Windows, which means you can use desktop apps like Photoshop and Excel without compromise. But it's heavier, the battery life is worse, and you'll pay extra for the keyboard and pen. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro are cheaper Android alternatives, but they don't match the Tab S12+'s screen quality or water resistance. If you want the best Android tablet experience, Samsung is still the one to beat.

Here's where things get tricky. The Galaxy Tab S12+ is not cheap. Prices in the US range from USD 894 to USD 1,200 depending on the retailer, and that's a huge spread. If you're hunting for a deal, you'll want to shop around. The lowest price we've seen is USD 894, and at that price, this tablet starts to make a lot more sense. At USD 1,200, it's a harder sell, especially when you consider what else is out there.

For context, the Apple iPad Pro M5 is in the same price bracket and offers a faster chip and better app ecosystem for creative work. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition is another alternative if you need a full Windows experience. But if you want Android, a great screen, and an included stylus, the Tab S12+ is one of the best options available. Just don't pay full price if you can avoid it.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ is Samsung's latest flagship Android tablet, and it's aimed squarely at people who want a big, beautiful screen for drawing, streaming, and getting work done on the go. With a 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, this thing is loaded. It also comes with the S Pen in the box, which is a nice touch that Apple would charge you extra for.

We've been digging through our database and the numbers here are interesting. The screen, connectivity, and water resistance are all top-tier, but the price is a real sticking point. You're looking at a spread of USD 894 to USD 1,200 across US retailers, which puts it firmly in premium territory. If you're searching for the best Android tablet for drawing or a 5G tablet with a stunning display, this one will definitely catch your eye.

But is it worth the cash? That's the real question. The Galaxy Tab S12+ does a lot right, but it also has some quirks that might make you pause. Let's get into it.

If you're a heavy gamer or someone who needs maximum processing power for video editing or 3D rendering, the Galaxy Tab S12+ might leave you wanting more. The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is capable, but it's not in the same league as Apple's M-series chips. You'd be better off with an iPad Pro M5 or a Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition if raw performance is your top priority. Also, if you mainly read ebooks or browse the web in bed, the 553g weight and large size make this tablet awkward to hold for long periods. A smaller tablet like the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro or even an iPad Air would be more comfortable.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ is a fantastic tablet for the right person. If you're an artist, a student, or someone who wants a big screen for streaming and light productivity, this thing delivers. The display is stunning, the S Pen is great, and the battery life is genuinely impressive. The IP68 rating is a nice bonus that most tablets don't offer.

But if you're on a budget, or if you need the absolute fastest performance for heavy creative work, you might want to look elsewhere. The price is high, and the MediaTek chip, while capable, isn't class-leading. That said, if you can find it at the lower end of the price range, the Tab S12+ is a strong buy. It's one of the best Android tablets we've tested this year.