Samsung's current tablet lineup

Samsung's newest tablets are the Galaxy Tab S10 series, released in mid-2024. The line includes the Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10+, and Tab S10, each aimed at different needs and budgets. The Ultra model is the largest and most powerful; the standard Tab S10 is the most affordable entry point. All three run Android and use Samsung's One UI interface.

If you are shopping right now, you will find these three models in stores and online. Older models like the Tab S9 series are still available at lower prices, but the Tab S10 generation is what Samsung is actively selling as its current offering.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen and the fastest processor; the Tab S10+ is 12.4 inches; the standard Tab S10 is 11 inches and costs the least.
  • All three models include Samsung's S Pen stylus and support for DeX mode, which lets you connect to a monitor and keyboard to use the tablet like a desktop.
  • The Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10+ have OLED screens with higher refresh rates; the standard Tab S10 uses an IPS LCD screen.
  • Storage starts at 256 GB on all models, and none have expandable storage via microSD card.
  • Battery life ranges from 11 to 14 hours depending on the model and how you use it.

Screen size and display technology

The Tab S10 Ultra's 14.6-inch OLED screen is the standout. OLED means each pixel produces its own light, so blacks are truly black and colors are vivid. The screen refreshes up to 120 times per second, which makes scrolling and gaming feel smooth. This is the model to pick if you edit photos, watch video, or draw with the stylus.

The Tab S10+ has a 12.4-inch OLED screen with the same 120 Hz refresh rate, making it a smaller but still premium option. The standard Tab S10 uses a 11-inch IPS LCD screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate. IPS LCD is dimmer and less colorful than OLED, but it is still sharp and bright enough for reading, web browsing, and video. The difference matters most if you spend hours looking at the screen every day.

Processor, RAM, and storage

All three models use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor, which is fast enough for any app, game, or multitasking you will throw at it. RAM is 12 GB on the Tab S10 and Tab S10+, and 14 GB on the Ultra. For most people, 12 GB is plenty; the extra 2 GB on the Ultra matters only if you run dozens of apps at once.

Storage starts at 256 GB on all three and goes up to 512 GB. There is no microSD card slot, so you cannot expand storage later. If you plan to store large video files or games, pick the 512 GB model from the start.

The S Pen stylus and DeX mode

All three tablets come with Samsung's S Pen stylus included in the box. The stylus has no battery — it uses electromagnetic induction to work. You can use it to take notes, draw, annotate documents, or control the tablet. The pressure sensitivity is 4,096 levels, which is good for sketching but not quite professional-grade.

DeX mode is a Samsung feature that turns your tablet into a desktop when you connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The interface changes to show a taskbar and windows, much like Windows or macOS. This is useful if you want one device for both tablet and desktop work, though the experience is not identical to a full computer.

Camera and video

The Tab S10 Ultra has a 13-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera. The Tab S10+ and Tab S10 have 12-megapixel front cameras and 13-megapixel rear cameras. These are adequate for video calls and casual photos, but not exceptional. Tablet cameras are generally weaker than phone cameras because the form factor makes them awkward to hold steady.

All three can record video in 4K at 60 frames per second. If video conferencing or recording is important to you, the front camera quality matters more than the rear, and all three are similar in that regard.

Battery life and charging

Samsung rates battery life at 14 hours for the Tab S10 Ultra, 13 hours for the Tab S10+, and 11 hours for the Tab S10. Real-world battery life depends on screen brightness, which apps you use, and whether you are streaming video or doing heavier tasks. Most users will get through a full day of moderate use without charging.

All three charge via USB-C. The Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10+ support 45-watt charging; the standard Tab S10 supports 33-watt charging. Faster charging means the battery fills more quickly, but it does not change how long the battery lasts once it is full.

Price and which model to choose

The Tab S10 starts at around $349 for the 256 GB model. The Tab S10+ starts around $549. The Tab S10 Ultra starts around $799. Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy directly from Samsung or through a carrier. Older Tab S9 models are sometimes discounted, but the Tab S10 is the current generation.

Choose the standard Tab S10 if you want a tablet for reading, browsing, video, and light work at the lowest price. Choose the Tab S10+ if you want a larger, sharper OLED screen and plan to use the stylus regularly. Choose the Tab S10 Ultra if you want the biggest screen, fastest performance, and plan to use DeX mode or do creative work like photo editing or digital art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Samsung tablet with an iPhone or Mac?

Yes, but with limits. You can browse the web, use email, and run apps that exist on both platforms. File sharing between Android and iOS is slower and less seamless than within the same ecosystem. If you own mostly Apple devices, an iPad may integrate better, though Samsung tablets work fine as standalone devices.

Do these tablets come with a keyboard case?

No. The S Pen stylus is included, but keyboards and cases are sold separately. Samsung makes official keyboard cases, and many third-party options exist. Budget $100 to $200 for a decent keyboard case if you plan to use the tablet for typing.

Which Samsung tablet is best for drawing and digital art?

The Tab S10 Ultra, because of its large OLED screen and high refresh rate. The stylus feels more responsive on a faster screen, and the bigger canvas gives you more room to work. The Tab S10+ is a solid second choice if you want a smaller device.

How long do these tablets get software updates?

Samsung commits to seven years of security updates and six years of major Android version updates for the Tab S10 series. This is longer than most Android tablets, so your device will stay current for a while.

Is there a 5G version?

Yes. All three models come in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 5G versions. The 5G version costs more and requires a mobile plan from a carrier. Choose Wi-Fi only unless you need mobile data away from home networks.