Samsung's Current Tablet Lineup

Samsung's newest tablets as of early 2025 are the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10+, and Galaxy Tab S10, which launched in late 2024. The Ultra model has a 14.6-inch screen, the Plus has 12.4 inches, and the standard Tab S10 has 11.5 inches. All three run Samsung's One UI interface on top of Android and use the latest Snapdragon processor for that generation.

If you are looking at older but still current models, Samsung also sells the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab A9 at lower price points. The FE (Fan Edition) is a mid-range option with a 10.9-inch screen, while the Tab A9 is the budget choice. Samsung typically keeps two or three generations available at once, so what is "newest" depends on whether you mean the flagship or the entire active range.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 series (Ultra, Plus, and standard) are Samsung's newest flagship tablets, released in late 2024 with larger screens and faster processors than the previous generation.
  • The Tab S10 Ultra has a 14.6-inch display and is designed for media consumption and productivity, while the standard Tab S10 at 11.5 inches suits everyday use and reading.
  • Older models like the Tab S9 FE and Tab A9 remain available if you want a lower-cost Samsung tablet without the latest features.
  • All current Samsung tablets run One UI on Android and come with Samsung's S Pen stylus support on the premium models.

Screen Size and Display Quality on the Tab S10 Series

The three Tab S10 models differ mainly in screen size and brightness. The Ultra's 14.6-inch AMOLED display is the sharpest and brightest, with a 120 Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling feel smooth. The Plus at 12.4 inches and the standard Tab S10 at 11.5 inches both have AMOLED screens as well, but the standard model has a slightly lower peak brightness.

All three use Samsung's Vision Booster technology, which automatically adjusts brightness based on the light around you. If you plan to use your tablet outdoors or in bright rooms, the Ultra's extra brightness matters. For indoor reading or watching videos at home, the standard Tab S10 or Plus will look nearly identical to most eyes.

Processor, RAM, and Storage Options

The Tab S10 series uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor, which is the same chip in Samsung's flagship phones. This handles multitasking, gaming, and video editing without lag. All models come with at least 12 GB of RAM, and storage starts at 256 GB on the Ultra and Plus, with 128 GB on the standard Tab S10.

If you edit photos, run multiple apps at once, or play demanding games, the extra RAM and storage on the Ultra or Plus will feel noticeably faster. For browsing, email, reading, and streaming video, the standard Tab S10 has more than enough power. Storage is not expandable on any of these models, so choose the size you need at purchase.

S Pen Support and Productivity Features

The Tab S10 Ultra and Plus both come with Samsung's S Pen stylus included in the box. The standard Tab S10 does not include one, but you can buy the S Pen separately if you want to draw or take handwritten notes. The stylus connects wirelessly and charges magnetically when attached to the tablet's back.

Samsung's Notes app, Samsung DeX (which turns the tablet into a desktop-like workspace when connected to a monitor), and support for keyboard cases make the Tab S10 series work well for writing, sketching, and light productivity. If you are a student or artist, the Ultra or Plus with the included stylus is the better choice. If you just want a tablet for reading and video, you can skip the stylus entirely.

Battery Life and Charging

The Tab S10 Ultra has a 11,200 mAh battery, the Plus has 10,090 mAh, and the standard Tab S10 has 8,000 mAh. In real use, the Ultra lasts roughly 12 to 14 hours of mixed use (browsing, video, apps), the Plus around 10 to 12 hours, and the standard Tab S10 around 10 hours. Battery life varies based on screen brightness and what apps you run.

All three support fast charging via USB-C, though the charger is not always included in the box—check what comes with your specific model. Wireless charging is not available on any of the Tab S10 models. If you use your tablet heavily every day, the Ultra's larger battery means fewer charging sessions per week.

Camera Setup and Video Recording

The Tab S10 series has dual rear cameras: a 50 MP main sensor and an ultra-wide lens. The front-facing camera is 12 MP on all three models. These cameras are good enough for video calls, scanning documents, and casual photos, but they are not as sharp as the cameras on Samsung's phones. The Ultra and Plus can record 8K video, while the standard Tab S10 maxes out at 4K.

If you use your tablet mainly for video calls or want to record presentations, the camera quality is sufficient. If you are a content creator who needs professional-grade video, a dedicated camera or phone will give you better results. The ultra-wide rear lens is useful for capturing a wider view when recording or taking photos of large objects.

Price and Where to Buy

The Tab S10 Ultra starts around $1,200, the Plus around $900, and the standard Tab S10 around $600. Prices vary by retailer and whether you buy the Wi-Fi-only or cellular version. Samsung's official website, Best Buy, Amazon, and carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) all sell the current models.

Older Tab S9 models are sometimes discounted as retailers clear stock, so if you are flexible on generation, you may find a deal. The Tab S9 FE is usually priced between $300 and $400, making it a budget option if you do not need the latest processor or screen technology. Check return policies before buying, especially if you are ordering online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Tab S10 and Tab S10 Plus?

The Plus has a larger 12.4-inch screen versus the standard Tab S10's 11.5 inches, a brighter display, and comes with the S Pen stylus included. The Plus also has a slightly larger battery. If screen size and stylus support matter to you, the Plus is worth the extra cost. For most people, the standard Tab S10 is sufficient.

Do I need the S Pen, or can I use a different stylus?

The S Pen is Samsung's official stylus and works best with the Tab S10 series because it connects wirelessly and charges magnetically. Third-party styluses work but may have less pressure sensitivity and no wireless features. If you plan to draw or take handwritten notes regularly, the S Pen is worth having.

Can I use a Tab S10 as a laptop replacement?

A Tab S10 with a keyboard case and Samsung DeX can handle email, document editing, and web browsing like a laptop. However, it cannot run desktop software like Photoshop or Final Cut Pro. For light work and travel, it works well. For heavy creative work or coding, a laptop is still necessary.

Is the cellular version worth the extra cost?

The cellular version costs more upfront and requires a monthly data plan from your carrier. It is worth it only if you need internet away from Wi-Fi regularly and do not want to use your phone as a hotspot. Most people use Wi-Fi at home and work, so the Wi-Fi-only model is the better value.

How long will a Tab S10 receive software updates?

Samsung typically supports tablets with major Android updates for three to four years and security patches for longer. The Tab S10 should receive updates through 2027 or 2028. Older models like the Tab S9 will receive fewer updates, so if longevity matters, the newest model is the safer choice.