Samsung's newest tablets in 2024

Samsung released the Galaxy Tab S10 series in 2024, which includes the Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10+, and Tab S10. These are the current flagship models. The Tab S10 Ultra is the largest, with a 14.6-inch screen, while the Tab S10+ has an 12.4-inch screen and the standard Tab S10 comes in at 11 inches. All three run Android and use Samsung's One UI interface.

If you are looking for something more affordable, Samsung also makes the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab A series, which are still sold widely but are older models. The Tab S9 FE is a budget option with a 10.9-inch screen. The Tab A line includes several sizes and price points, starting around $150 to $200. For most people deciding between current models, the choice comes down to screen size, processing power, and how much you want to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 series (Ultra, +, and standard) are Samsung's newest tablets, released in 2024, with screen sizes ranging from 11 to 14.6 inches.
  • The Tab S10 Ultra is the most powerful and most expensive, while the standard Tab S10 offers similar performance in a smaller package at a lower price.
  • Older models like the Tab S9 FE and Tab A series are still available and cost less, but have slower processors and older software.
  • All Samsung tablets run Android and use One UI, so the main differences are screen size, battery life, and processing speed rather than the operating system itself.

Screen size and display quality on the Tab S10 line

The Tab S10 Ultra's 14.6-inch screen is the largest Samsung currently makes for tablets. It has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means the screen updates 120 times per second — this makes scrolling and gaming feel smoother than older tablets. The display uses AMOLED technology, which produces deeper blacks and brighter colors than LCD screens.

The Tab S10+ drops to 12.4 inches but keeps the same 120 Hz AMOLED display. The standard Tab S10 has an 11-inch screen with the same refresh rate and AMOLED panel. For most people, the difference between 11 and 12.4 inches is noticeable only if you hold them side by side. The 14.6-inch Ultra is noticeably larger and better for watching video or working on documents for long periods.

Processing power and what it means for real use

All three Tab S10 models use Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor. This is the same chip in Samsung's flagship phones, so it handles demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking without lag. The difference between the Tab S10 and Tab S10 Ultra is not the processor — it is the amount of RAM and storage, and the larger screen.

The Tab S10 and Tab S10+ come with 12 GB of RAM standard, while the Ultra starts at 12 GB and goes up to 16 GB. RAM is the memory the tablet uses while running apps; more RAM means you can have more apps open at once without slowdowns. Storage starts at 256 GB on all three models. For most people, 12 GB of RAM is more than enough for browsing, email, streaming video, and casual gaming.

Battery life and charging speed

The Tab S10 Ultra has a 11,200 mAh battery, the Tab S10+ has 10,090 mAh, and the standard Tab S10 has 8,000 mAh. Larger batteries last longer, but the actual hours you get depend on what you do. Watching video drains the battery faster than reading or browsing. Samsung claims the Ultra lasts around 14 to 15 hours of video playback, though real-world use is usually less.

All three support fast charging, but you have to buy the charger separately — Samsung does not include one in the box. The Tab S10 Ultra supports 45-watt charging, while the other two support 45-watt as well. Charging from empty to full takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with the right charger. If you already own a Samsung phone charger, it may work with these tablets, but check the wattage first.

Stylus support and productivity features

All three Tab S10 models come with the S Pen stylus included in the box. The S Pen lets you write, draw, and take notes directly on the screen. Samsung's Notes app works with the stylus, and so do third-party apps like Procreate Dreams and Adobe Fresco. The stylus has pressure sensitivity, so it responds to how hard you press, which matters if you draw or take handwritten notes.

The Tab S10 also supports Samsung's DeX mode, which turns the tablet into a desktop-like interface when you connect a keyboard and mouse. This is useful if you want to use the tablet for document editing or spreadsheet work. The keyboard and mouse are sold separately. For most people, the stylus is the main productivity feature — if you do not plan to write or draw on the tablet, this is less important.

Price and which model makes sense for different budgets

The Tab S10 starts around $800, the Tab S10+ around $1,000, and the Tab S10 Ultra around $1,200 to $1,400 depending on storage and RAM. These are high prices, and they reflect the fact that these are premium tablets meant to compete with Apple's iPad Pro line. If you want a Samsung tablet but cannot spend that much, the Tab S9 FE costs around $350 to $400 and the Tab A series starts around $150.

The Tab S10 Ultra is worth the extra cost only if you plan to use the tablet as a primary device for work or creative projects. The larger screen and extra RAM make a real difference for video editing, drawing, or running multiple apps at once. The standard Tab S10 offers most of the same features in a smaller, cheaper package. The Tab S9 FE is a solid choice if you mainly watch video, browse, or read — it is slower but still usable for those tasks.

Comparison with older Samsung tablets still being sold

The Tab S9 series came out in 2022 and is now two years old. The Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 are still available from some retailers at discounted prices. They have the same screen sizes as the Tab S10 line but use an older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is noticeably slower. The Tab S9 series also has a 90 Hz refresh rate instead of 120 Hz, so scrolling feels less smooth.

If you find a Tab S9 at a steep discount, it may still be worth considering — the performance gap is real but not huge for everyday tasks. However, the Tab S10 line has better battery life and newer software support, so you will get more years of use out of it. The Tab A series is much older and slower, but costs a fraction of the price. Choose based on what you plan to do and how long you want to keep the tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a charger separately for the Tab S10?

Yes, Samsung does not include a charger in the box. You need a USB-C power adapter with at least 45 watts to charge the tablet at full speed. If you own a recent Samsung phone or laptop, the charger may work with the tablet, but check the wattage first.

Can I use the Tab S10 as a laptop replacement?

It depends on what you do. With a keyboard and mouse, the Tab S10 can handle email, document editing, and web browsing. For heavy video editing or software development, a laptop is still better. The Tab S10 is more portable and has longer battery life than most laptops, so it works well as a second device.

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

The main difference is screen size — 11 inches versus 12.4 inches. The Tab S10+ also comes with more RAM and storage options. Both have the same processor and 120 Hz display. If you do not need the extra screen space, the standard Tab S10 saves you money without sacrificing performance.

How long will the Tab S10 receive software updates?

Samsung typically supports tablets with major Android updates for four to five years and security updates for longer. The Tab S10 should receive Android updates through 2028 or 2029, though this can vary. Check Samsung's official support page for your region to confirm the exact timeline.

Is the Tab S10 worth buying if I already own an iPad?

If your iPad works for what you do, there is no reason to switch. The Tab S10 runs Android instead of iPadOS, so apps and features are different. Choose based on which operating system and app ecosystem you prefer, not on the tablet alone.