Which Samsung Galaxy tablets are on the market right now

Samsung's current tablet lineup includes the Galaxy Tab S10 series (the newest flagship models), the Galaxy Tab S9 series (still widely available), and the Galaxy Tab A series (the budget-friendly option). The Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Pro, and Tab S10 Plus launched in 2024 and represent Samsung's most advanced tablets. The Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 Pro, and Tab S9 Plus remain in stores and offer nearly identical performance at a lower price point. The Tab A series includes several models at different price points, with the Tab A12 and Tab A11 being the most recent.

The main difference between these lines is screen size, processing power, and features. The S-series tablets have larger screens (11 to 14.6 inches), faster processors, better displays, and stylus support. The Tab A series has smaller screens (8 to 11 inches), older processors, and no stylus. Which one makes sense depends on what you plan to use it for and your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 series (2024) is Samsung's newest flagship, with the Ultra model offering a 14.6-inch screen and the most powerful processor.
  • The Galaxy Tab S9 series (2023) is still widely available and performs nearly identically to the S10 for significantly less money.
  • The Galaxy Tab A series offers smaller screens and older processors but costs substantially less if you only need basic tablet functions.
  • All current Samsung tablets run Android and support Samsung's DeX mode, which lets you connect to a monitor and keyboard for a desktop-like experience.

Galaxy Tab S10 series: the newest models

The Tab S10 Ultra is Samsung's largest and most powerful tablet, with a 14.6-inch screen, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and 12GB of RAM as standard. It has a 120Hz refresh rate display, dual cameras on the back, and support for the S Pen stylus. The screen resolution is 2960 × 1848 pixels, which is sharp enough for detailed work like photo editing or drawing.

The Tab S10 Pro drops to an 11.6-inch screen but keeps the same processor and RAM. The Tab S10 Plus sits between them at 12.4 inches. All three models support the S Pen, have IP68 water and dust resistance (meaning they can survive submersion in fresh water for up to 30 minutes), and come with 256GB or 512GB storage options. Battery life is advertised at 15 hours of video playback on a single charge.

The S10 series also includes Samsung's latest software, One UI 6.1, which adds AI-powered features like generative editing tools and real-time translation. These features may not be available on older Tab S9 models depending on the software update schedule in your region.

Galaxy Tab S9 series: last year's flagship at lower cost

The Tab S9 Ultra, Pro, and Plus are nearly identical to the S10 models in real-world performance. They use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor instead of the Gen 3, which is a marginal difference for most tasks like web browsing, video, and document editing. Screen sizes and refresh rates are the same. They support the S Pen and have the same water resistance rating.

The main practical difference is that the S9 series launched with One UI 5.1 and may take longer to receive the latest software updates. If you do not need the newest AI features or the absolute fastest processor, the Tab S9 series typically costs $150 to $300 less than the equivalent S10 model. For most people, this is the better value.

Galaxy Tab A series: budget tablets for everyday use

The Tab A12 has a 12.7-inch screen and the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, which is older and slower than the S-series chips but adequate for email, web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity work. It comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB storage. The Tab A11 is similar but with an 11-inch screen and the same processor.

The Tab A series does not include an S Pen, does not have a 120Hz refresh rate, and does not support DeX mode. Battery life is still solid at around 13 hours. If you need a tablet mainly for consumption (watching videos, reading, light web use) and do not plan to draw or take notes with a stylus, the Tab A series is a practical choice at half the price of the S-series.

Storage, RAM, and color options across the lineup

The Tab S10 and S9 series come in 256GB or 512GB storage with 12GB of RAM. The Tab A series offers 64GB, 128GB, or sometimes 256GB with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. None of these tablets have expandable storage via microSD card, so choose your storage size carefully at purchase.

Samsung offers these tablets in colors like Moonstone Gray, Platinum Silver, and sometimes exclusive colors through specific retailers. The color selection varies by market and model, so check your local Samsung website or retailer for what is available in your region.

Stylus support and productivity features

The Tab S10 and Tab S9 both support the S Pen stylus, which is sold separately. The S Pen has pressure sensitivity and can be used for note-taking, drawing, and handwriting-to-text conversion. Samsung's Notes app and third-party apps like Clip Studio Paint and Adobe Fresco take full advantage of the stylus. The Tab A series does not support any stylus.

All current Samsung tablets support DeX mode, which lets you connect the tablet to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to use it like a desktop computer. This is useful if you want to use the tablet for productivity work but do not want to carry a laptop. The S-series tablets handle this more smoothly because of their faster processors.

Where to buy and what to expect for pricing

Samsung tablets are sold through Samsung's official website, major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, and carrier stores. Prices vary by retailer and region. The Tab S10 Ultra typically starts around $1,200 for the 256GB model. The Tab S10 Pro starts around $900, and the Tab S10 Plus around $800. The Tab S9 Ultra usually costs $200 to $300 less than the S10 Ultra, depending on current promotions.

The Tab A12 typically starts around $300 to $400, and the Tab A11 around $250 to $350. Prices drop during major sales events like Black Friday or when new models launch. If you are not in a hurry, waiting a few weeks after a new release often brings discounts on the previous generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Tab S10 Ultra and the Tab S10 Pro?

The Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen and the Pro has an 11.6-inch screen. Both use the same processor and RAM. The Ultra is better for detailed work like photo editing or drawing because of the larger display. The Pro is more portable and easier to hold for reading or video.

Can I use a stylus on the Tab A series?

No, the Tab A series does not support any stylus. If you plan to draw, take handwritten notes, or use stylus-dependent apps, you need a Tab S9 or Tab S10 model.

How long do Samsung tablets get software updates?

Samsung typically provides major Android updates for three years and security updates for four years from the release date. The Tab S10 will receive updates longer than the Tab S9 because it is newer. The Tab A series follows the same schedule but started from an older base.

Is the Tab S9 still worth buying if the S10 is out?

Yes, if the price difference matters to you. The S9 performs nearly identically for everyday tasks. The S10 has a slightly faster processor and newer software features, but the S9 is still a capable tablet and will receive updates for several more years.

Do these tablets work with a keyboard case?

Yes, all Samsung tablets work with Bluetooth keyboards and keyboard cases. Samsung sells official keyboard cases for the S-series, and many third-party options are available for all models. The Tab S10 and S9 also support DeX mode with a keyboard and mouse for a more desktop-like experience.