Summary
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ pair large 120Hz AMOLED screens, an included S Pen, microSD expansion and Android-based productivity tools. The 13-inch iPad Pro offers a similarly thin large-screen option, with a different operating system, Apple Pencil support and Thunderbolt connectivity. The supplied specifications help clarify their intended strengths, but do not establish which performs better in real-world use.
Samsung’s case: workspace, stylus and bundled tools
Samsung presents the Galaxy Tab S12 series as a tablet line for productivity and creative work, comprising the 14.6-inch Tab S12 Ultra and 12.6-inch Tab S12+. Both have 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, quad speakers with four-channel spatial audio, and an S Pen in the box. Samsung also specifies Android 17 with One UI 9, IP68 water and dust resistance, and support for microSD cards up to 2TB.
The Ultra is the larger, more expansive option: Samsung lists it at 692g for Wi-Fi or 695g for 5G, with a 5.1mm thickness. The S12+ is lighter at 553g or 555g and 5.3mm thick. Its screen is smaller, but Samsung says it has slimmer bezels than its predecessor. That makes the choice within the S12 family fairly clear on paper: prioritise screen area with the Ultra, or accept a smaller display for a lower listed weight with the Plus.
Samsung also emphasises software and app offers as part of the package. Its announcement describes split-screen multitasking for up to three sections, note features in Samsung Notes, and a six-month Google AI Pro trial. It lists offers or trials for several creative and note-taking apps. These could make the tablet more useful to someone who wants to write, annotate, draw or edit on the device, but eligibility and terms vary by market; some apps require separate downloads, subscriptions or purchases after trial periods.
Where the 13-inch iPad Pro differs
Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro is a useful large-screen comparison, though its listed screen is smaller than the Tab S12 Ultra’s and close to the S12+’s. Apple specifies a 5.1mm-thick, 579g Wi-Fi model, a Tandem OLED display with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, and the M5 chip. Its technical specifications list support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C); Apple’s listed in-box contents are the tablet, a USB-C cable and a 20W power adapter.
The storage approaches differ. Samsung lists 256GB and 512GB configurations for both S12 models, plus a 1TB Ultra option, and microSD expansion up to 2TB. Apple lists 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities for the 13-inch iPad Pro, without listing expandable storage. Apple specifies a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, including support for an external display, while Samsung lists Wi-Fi 7 on the Ultra and Wi-Fi 6E on the S12+. The iPad Pro specifications list Wi-Fi 7 across models. These are concrete differences for people with particular storage or connectivity needs, not evidence that one tablet is faster overall.
Which one looks like the better fit?
Based on the published specifications, the S12 Ultra is the more screen-forward choice for work that benefits from a large canvas, and its included S Pen gives note-taking and drawing a ready-to-use place in the package. The S12+ offers a lighter listed weight while retaining the same stated processor, display type and core software approach. Samsung’s IP68 rating and microSD support are additional stated advantages for buyers who value those specific features.
The iPad Pro may be a better fit for someone who specifically wants iPadOS, Apple Pencil compatibility, or the listed Thunderbolt and external-display capabilities. Apple’s source also details its chip, cameras, media engines and display features, but comparing specification lists cannot show how either device handles a particular app or sustained workload. Samsung’s performance gains and battery figures are manufacturer claims, not independent comparative results. Its battery estimates and Apple’s stated battery duration use different activities and testing descriptions, so they should not be treated as directly comparable.
The evidence boundary
This assessment is based on official product information, not device testing. The available material does not give prices, a confirmed India-specific launch, or independent measurements of performance, display quality, battery life or durability. Samsung’s availability statement refers to select markets and says timing can vary. Neither a spec-sheet advantage nor a bundle offer establishes which tablet is the better value for a particular buyer.