Summary of Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra leak shows a familiar design: Same notch, same battery, new chip
- Leaked images show the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra looks nearly identical to the Tab S11 Ultra, including the notch and gray color.
- The tablet will use a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset for a performance boost.
- Battery capacity stays at 11,600mAh and the display remains a 14-inch AMOLED panel.
- The S Pen design is unchanged from last year's model.
- Samsung is expected to unveil the tablet in September 2026.
Nearly identical design carries over the notch
Samsung has confirmed that a new tablet series is coming in the second half of 2026, and leaked images now give us a clear look at what the top-tier Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra will bring. According to a leak that resembles official marketing material, the tablet looks almost exactly like the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. The design is so similar that you might have trouble telling the two apart at first glance.
The new images come from a source that appears to have access to Samsung's own promotional assets. The leaked picture shows the front and part of the back of the tablet, along with the S Pen stylus. Compared to official marketing images of the Tab S11 Ultra, the only obvious difference is the wallpaper. The bezels are just as thin, the rear camera setup appears identical, and the same gray colorway is carried over.
That includes the controversial notch at the top of the display. The notch houses the front-facing cameras, and it was a point of criticism on last year's model. Samsung is not ready to remove it for the Tab S12 Ultra. For buyers who disliked the notch on the S11 Ultra, this will be a disappointment.
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip is the main upgrade
What this means for Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra leak shows a familiar design
The biggest change Samsung is making for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is inside. Instead of using its own Exynos processor or a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, Samsung is turning to MediaTek again. The tablet will reportedly use MediaTek's upcoming Dimensity 9500 chipset. That is a step up from the Dimensity 9400+ that powers the Tab S11 Ultra.
This move should give the tablet noticeably more raw performance. It may also help with power efficiency. But do not expect a jump in battery life from a larger battery. The Tab S12 Ultra will keep the same 11,600mAh battery as its predecessor. That is a very large battery, so runtime should still be strong for most people. However, anyone hoping for a capacity increase will be let down.
Same 14-inch AMOLED display and S Pen
Another area where Samsung is playing it safe is the display. The leaked information confirms that the Tab S12 Ultra will keep the same 14-inch AMOLED panel found on the Tab S11 Ultra. That is a large, vibrant screen that should be excellent for watching movies, editing photos, or using split-screen apps. But there is no change in size, resolution, or panel technology.
The S Pen also looks unchanged. Leakers say it will have the same physical button on the side as before, with no redesign to speak of. If you already own a Tab S11 Ultra, your existing S Pen will probably work with the new model — but that also means stylus fans are not getting any new features or improvements from the accessory itself.
Missing details: RAM, storage, and charging
As of now, there are no confirmed details about the RAM, storage configurations, or charging speeds of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Samsung will likely offer multiple RAM and storage tiers, similar to past Ultra tablets. Charging speed is an open question. The Tab S11 Ultra supported 45W wired charging. It is possible that the S12 Ultra sticks with the same speed, but we will have to wait for official confirmation or a reliable leak to know for sure.
Based on Samsung's previous release schedule, the Galaxy Tab S12 series is expected to be announced in September 2026. That timeline aligns with the fall launch window the company has hinted at. We should learn more about pricing, storage options, and camera specs in the coming weeks.
What the Tab S12 Ultra means for your next tablet
If you are thinking about buying a new Android tablet this fall, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is shaping up to be a safe update. It keeps the large AMOLED display, the huge battery, and the divisive notch from last year. The main reason to upgrade from a Tab S11 Ultra is if you need the extra power from the Dimensity 9500 chip. For anyone coming from an even older tablet, the S12 Ultra will feel like a big step forward in performance and screen quality, even if the design is familiar.
For those who can wait, it may be worth looking at what Samsung announces for the rest of the Tab S12 lineup, including the standard and Plus models. Those might offer better value or smaller sizes. You can also use our phone finder tool to compare tablets by specs and price. If you need help choosing the right device, our mobile guides cover everything from battery life to display quality. Keep an eye on our mobile news section for updates on Samsung's fall launch event.