Samsung's Latest Tablets in 2024

Samsung's newest tablets are the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10+, and Galaxy Tab S10 (standard), all released in 2024. The Ultra and Plus models use Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the standard Tab S10 uses the same chip. All three run Android with Samsung's One UI interface and come with the S Pen stylus included in the box.

The key difference between models is screen size and RAM. The Ultra has a 14.6-inch display, the Plus has 12.4 inches, and the standard model has 11.6 inches. The Ultra and Plus start at 12GB of RAM; the standard Tab S10 starts at 8GB. All three support Samsung DeX, which lets you connect a keyboard and use the tablet like a desktop computer.

If you want something smaller or less expensive, Samsung still sells the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+, which are older models with slower processors but cost significantly less. The FE line is designed for basic tasks like reading, video, and web browsing rather than heavy work or gaming.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 series (Ultra, Plus, and standard) are Samsung's newest tablets, released in 2024 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and included S Pen stylus.
  • Screen size ranges from 11.6 inches on the standard model to 14.6 inches on the Ultra, and RAM starts at 8GB on the standard and 12GB on the Plus and Ultra.
  • Samsung DeX turns any Tab S10 into a desktop-like workspace when you add a keyboard and mouse, useful for work or creative tasks.
  • The older Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+ models cost less and work well for reading, video, and browsing but have slower processors than the S10 line.

Screen Size and Display Quality

The Tab S10 Ultra's 14.6-inch AMOLED screen is the largest Samsung tablet display available right now. AMOLED means each pixel produces its own light, so blacks are truly black and colors are vivid. The refresh rate is 120Hz, which means the screen updates 120 times per second—scrolling and gaming feel smooth.

The Tab S10+ uses a 12.4-inch AMOLED display with the same 120Hz refresh rate. For most people, this size is easier to hold than the Ultra while still giving you plenty of screen space. The standard Tab S10 has an 11.6-inch AMOLED screen, also 120Hz, and is the most portable of the three.

All three use Samsung's Vision Booster technology, which automatically brightens the screen in sunlight so you can see it outdoors. The brightness tops out around 3,000 nits on the Ultra and Plus models, which is brighter than most laptop screens.

Performance and Processing Power

All three Tab S10 models use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the same chip in Samsung's flagship phones. This means they handle demanding tasks—video editing, gaming, multitasking with many apps open—without lag. The processor is fast enough that you won't notice slowdowns in everyday use.

RAM determines how many apps you can have open at once without the tablet slowing down. The standard Tab S10 starts at 8GB of RAM, which is enough for most people. The Plus and Ultra start at 12GB, which is useful if you regularly run heavy apps or keep many windows open in DeX mode.

Storage comes in 256GB and 512GB options across all three models. If you plan to store videos or large photo libraries, the 512GB option gives you more breathing room. You cannot add a microSD card to expand storage, so choose the size you need upfront.

The S Pen Stylus and Creative Work

Every Tab S10 comes with the S Pen stylus in the box—you don't have to buy it separately. The S Pen has 4,096 pressure levels, meaning the tablet detects how hard you press, which matters for drawing and note-taking. The stylus connects via Bluetooth, so you can use it to control the tablet remotely (like advancing slides during a presentation).

Samsung's Notes app is built in and works well for handwriting and sketching. If you use Clip Studio Paint, Procreate Dreams, or Adobe Fresco, the Tab S10 handles these apps smoothly. The large screens on the Plus and Ultra give you more room to work, which many artists prefer.

The S Pen charges wirelessly when you slot it into the tablet's side. Battery life on the stylus is measured in hours of active use, and you can check the charge level in the settings menu.

Samsung DeX and Desktop Mode

Samsung DeX turns your tablet into a desktop-like computer when you connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The Tab S10 can drive an external monitor at up to 4K resolution, and you can arrange windows on screen like you would on a Windows or Mac computer. This is useful if you want to use the tablet for work but need a bigger display.

You don't need to buy Samsung's official keyboard case—any Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work. You can also connect the tablet to a monitor using a USB-C cable or wireless casting. The experience is smoother on the Plus and Ultra because their larger screens give you more room to work before you connect external displays.

DeX mode is free and built into One UI. You can switch between tablet mode and DeX mode when ready, so you can use it as a tablet one moment and a desktop the next.

Battery Life and Charging

The Tab S10 Ultra has a 11,200 mAh battery, the Plus has 10,090 mAh, and the standard has 8,000 mAh. Larger batteries generally last longer, but actual battery life depends on screen brightness, which apps you use, and how much you're doing. Samsung claims the Ultra lasts around 14 to 16 hours of mixed use, though heavy gaming or video editing will drain it faster.

All three support 45W fast charging via USB-C, but the charger is sold separately—it doesn't come in the box. A full charge takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the model. The tablets also support wireless charging, which is slower but convenient if you have a wireless charging pad.

Battery health degrades over time with any lithium battery. After two to three years of daily use, you may notice the tablet doesn't hold a charge as long as it did new. Samsung's warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal battery wear.

Price and Value

The Tab S10 standard model starts at $349 for the 256GB version. The Tab S10+ starts at $549, and the Tab S10 Ultra starts at $799. These are Samsung's official prices; actual prices vary by retailer and may drop during sales.

If you want to save money, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE starts around $199 and the Tab S9 FE+ around $249. These older models have slower processors and smaller screens, but they work fine for reading, video, and web browsing. The trade-off is that they won't handle demanding apps or heavy multitasking as smoothly.

Consider what you'll actually use the tablet for. If you need it for work, creative tasks, or gaming, the Tab S10 standard or Plus is worth the cost. If you mainly watch video and browse the web, the FE models save you money without sacrificing much in daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy the S Pen separately?

No. The S Pen comes in the box with every Tab S10 model. You don't have to purchase it separately, and it charges wirelessly when you slot it into the tablet's side.

Can I use the Tab S10 with a keyboard and mouse like a laptop?

Yes, through Samsung DeX. Connect any Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and the tablet switches to a desktop-like interface where you can arrange windows and multitask. You can also connect an external monitor for a larger display.

What's the difference between the Tab S10 and the Tab S10 Ultra?

The Ultra has a larger 14.6-inch screen and starts with 12GB of RAM, while the standard Tab S10 has an 11.6-inch screen and starts at 8GB of RAM. Both use the same processor. The Ultra costs $450 more and is better if you want maximum screen space for work or creative tasks.

Is the Galaxy Tab S9 FE still worth buying?

The Tab S9 FE is a good choice if you want to spend less and mainly use the tablet for reading, video, and web browsing. It has a slower processor than the Tab S10, so it's not ideal for gaming or heavy work, but it handles everyday tasks without problems.

Does the tablet come with a charger?

The tablet itself comes in the box, but the 45W charger is sold separately. You'll need to purchase a USB-C charger, though any compatible charger will work—it doesn't have to be Samsung's official one.