Samsung tablet prices range from roughly $150 to $1,200 depending on screen size, storage, and whether you choose a basic or premium model

Samsung makes tablets in three main lines: the Galaxy Tab A (budget), Galaxy Tab S (mid-range), and Galaxy Tab S Ultra (premium). The Tab A starts around $150 for a 7-inch screen with 32GB storage. The Tab S line runs $250 to $500 depending on screen size and storage capacity. The Tab S Ultra, Samsung's largest and most powerful tablet, costs $800 to $1,200. These are manufacturer suggested prices, but actual prices vary by retailer, sales, and whether you buy the Wi-Fi only version or one with cellular data capability.

The price you pay depends on where you shop and when. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart regularly discount Samsung tablets $50 to $150 below the manufacturer price, especially during sales events. Refurbished models cost 20 to 30 percent less than new ones. Adding cellular connectivity or upgrading storage also changes the final cost, sometimes by $100 or more.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab A costs $150 to $230 and works for basic tasks like reading and video, but has a smaller screen and slower processor than pricier models.
  • The Galaxy Tab S costs $250 to $500 and offers a larger screen, faster performance, and better display quality than the Tab A.
  • The Galaxy Tab S Ultra costs $800 to $1,200 and is built for creative work, gaming, and heavy multitasking with the largest screen and most powerful processor.
  • Adding cellular connectivity (LTE or 5G) adds $100 to $150 to the price of any model, and storage upgrades from 64GB to 256GB add $50 to $100.
  • Actual prices at Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart often drop $50 to $150 below the manufacturer price, especially during sales events.

Galaxy Tab A: The budget option for basic use

The Galaxy Tab A is Samsung's entry-level tablet. The 7-inch model starts at $150 with 32GB storage. The 8-inch version costs around $180, and the 10-inch model runs $230. All three use a slower processor than the Tab S line, which means they handle email, web browsing, video streaming, and reading without lag, but struggle with heavy gaming or video editing.

The Tab A screen is adequate but not bright or colorful compared to Samsung's pricier tablets. Battery life is solid—typically 12 to 15 hours of mixed use. Storage starts at 32GB, which fills quickly if you read many apps or videos; upgrading to 64GB adds about $50. The Tab A is a good choice if you want a tablet mainly for watching shows, reading books, or light work tasks. It is also the lightest and most portable of the three lines, making it easier to carry in a bag.

Galaxy Tab S: The middle ground for everyday work and media

The Galaxy Tab S line sits between the budget Tab A and the premium Tab S Ultra. The 11-inch Tab S costs around $250 to $300 with 64GB storage. The 12.4-inch model runs $350 to $400. Both have a brighter, more colorful screen than the Tab A and a faster processor that handles multitasking, photo editing, and gaming without stuttering.

The Tab S includes Samsung's S Pen stylus, which lets you take handwritten notes, sketch, and annotate documents. The screen refresh rate is 90Hz on the 11-inch and 120Hz on the 12.4-inch, meaning scrolling and animations feel smoother. Battery life is similar to the Tab A—around 13 to 15 hours. Upgrading from 64GB to 128GB storage adds roughly $50 to $75. The Tab S is the right choice if you use your tablet for work, creative projects, or want a noticeably better screen and performance than the Tab A.

Galaxy Tab S Ultra: Premium performance and the largest screen

The Galaxy Tab S Ultra is Samsung's flagship tablet with a 14.6-inch screen, the largest in the lineup. The base model with 256GB storage costs $1,200. Upgrading to 512GB adds $100. The processor is the fastest Samsung offers in tablets, handling video editing, 3D gaming, and heavy multitasking without any slowdown.

The screen is exceptionally bright and colorful with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Tab S Ultra includes the S Pen and comes with a keyboard case in some bundles, though the keyboard is often sold separately for $150 to $200. Battery life reaches 14 to 16 hours. This tablet is built for professionals who edit video or photos, designers, and people who want the best possible tablet experience. For most people, it is overkill and the Tab S offers better value.

Wi-Fi versus cellular: The cost difference

All Samsung tablets come in a Wi-Fi only version and a Wi-Fi + cellular version. The cellular version adds $100 to $150 to the price and includes an LTE or 5G modem so you can use mobile data without a Wi-Fi network. You will also need a data plan from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, which typically costs $10 to $30 per month depending on how much data you use.

Buy the Wi-Fi only version if you mostly use your tablet at home or in places with Wi-Fi. Buy the cellular version if you travel frequently or need internet access on the go and do not want to rely on your phone's hotspot. The cellular version holds its resale value slightly better, but the monthly data cost adds up over time. Most people find Wi-Fi only sufficient since smartphones can share their connection through a hotspot feature.

Where prices actually differ and how to find deals

Samsung's official website lists the manufacturer suggested price, but retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart often sell the same tablet for $50 to $150 less. Prices drop most during Black Friday, back-to-school sales (July through September), and holiday sales (November through December). Older models get discounted when new ones launch, usually in the spring and fall.

Refurbished tablets—devices that were returned and restored to working condition—cost 20 to 30 percent less than new ones. Samsung and Best Buy both sell refurbished models with a warranty. Trade-in programs at Best Buy and Amazon let you subtract $50 to $200 from the purchase price if you turn in an old tablet. Carrier stores like Verizon sometimes offer discounts if you bundle a tablet with a phone plan, but the savings are usually smaller than buying the tablet alone at a retailer.

Storage and memory upgrades: What they cost and whether you need them

Samsung tablets come in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options. Each step up costs $50 to $100. Storage holds apps, photos, videos, and documents. If you mainly stream video and music, 64GB is enough. If you read apps, take photos, or store files, 128GB is safer. Video editors and photographers should choose 256GB or higher.

RAM (the memory that runs apps) is not upgradeable and varies by model. The Tab A has 3 to 4GB, the Tab S has 6 to 8GB, and the Tab S Ultra has 12 to 16GB. More RAM means smoother multitasking, but for most people, the difference is not noticeable in everyday use. The Tab S and Tab S Ultra have enough RAM for any task a tablet can handle. Spending extra on RAM upgrades rarely makes a practical difference unless you run dozens of apps at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Samsung tablet with a phone plan?

Yes, if you buy the cellular version. You will need to contact a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile and add a data plan. Some carriers let you share data between your phone and tablet on one plan. Cellular tablets cost $100 to $150 more upfront than Wi-Fi only models.

Do Samsung tablets go on sale often?

Yes. Prices drop during major sales events like Black Friday, back-to-school season, and holiday sales. Older models get discounted when new ones launch. Checking Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart weekly shows you current prices, and setting up price alerts on those sites notifies you when a specific model drops.

Is the S Pen included with every Samsung tablet?

No. The Tab A does not include an S Pen. The Tab S and Tab S Ultra both include one. If you want to use an S Pen with the Tab A, you can buy one separately for $40 to $60, though not all Tab A models support it—check the product page first.

What is the difference between the 11-inch and 12.4-inch Tab S?

The 12.4-inch has a larger screen, a slightly faster processor, and a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 90Hz. The 11-inch is lighter and cheaper by about $100. Both include the S Pen and handle the same tasks. Choose the 11-inch if you value portability; choose the 12.4-inch if you want a bigger screen for reading or creative work.

Should I buy a refurbished Samsung tablet?

Refurbished tablets are safe if they come with a warranty from Samsung or a major retailer like Best Buy. They cost 20 to 30 percent less than new ones and work identically. The main risk is battery wear—refurbished tablets may not hold a charge as long as new ones. Ask the seller about battery health before buying.