The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a high-end Android tablet that aims to rival the popular iPad Pro. With the resurgence of the Android tablet market driven by increased demand during the global pandemic, Samsung has solidified its position by consistently offering some of the best devices in this segment. Launched in 2024, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra continues this trend with its impressive specifications and design. Android tablets have seen a revival due to their versatility for work and entertainment needs, and Samsung’s flagship model is poised to capture the attention of users seeking a premium device.
Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is priced at £1,199 / $1,199 / AU$2,099, marking it as a premium product in the tablet market. This price is for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, making it slightly less expensive than its Apple iPad Pro counterpart at launch. Notably, Samsung often provides discounts on their devices post-launch, which can make the Tab S10 Ultra more affordable over time. This competitive pricing strategy positions Samsung’s offering as an attractive option for those looking to invest in a high-performing large-scale tablet.
Availability of the device spans across major markets, including North America, Europe, and Australasia, ensuring significant reach among tech enthusiasts. The slight price advantage over the iPad Pro, combined with frequent post-launch discounts, could sway potential buyers who might otherwise consider Apple’s ecosystem. Samsung’s approach ensures that even with a premium price tag, the device remains accessible to a broader audience over time.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs S10 Ultra: What’s Different?
Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the Tab S10 Ultra presents incremental upgrades rather than groundbreaking changes. Physically, the difference is minimal, with the newer model being 0.1mm slimmer and 14g lighter. The processor has been updated to a MediaTek Dimensity 3900+ from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the S9 Ultra, providing slightly faster performance. The display remains the same in terms of size and resolution but features a new finish to handle reflections better. Additionally, the Tab S10 Ultra supports microSD cards up to 1.5TB and is available in new colors – Moonstone Grey and Platinum Silver.
These refinements, though not transformative, add to the device’s overall appeal and usability. Users familiar with the S9 Ultra will appreciate the lighter build and improved processor, which enhance daily use and multitasking capabilities. The addition of new color options also caters to personal preferences, offering a fresh look for those upgrading from older models. Samsung’s iterative improvements ensure that loyal users receive tangible benefits with each new release, even if the changes are not revolutionary.
Design & Display
The Tab S10 Ultra stands at the top of Samsung’s tablet range with its 14.6-inch AMOLED display, which dwarfs the largest 13-inch iPad Pro. This display, with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, is designed for a landscape orientation, making it ideal for consuming video content. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, which is adaptive to save battery life. One of the standout features in its design is the slim bezels around the screen, introducing a notch to house the dual front-facing cameras. Despite being slim at 5.4mm, it’s worth noting that the device is still quite hefty at 718g, making prolonged handheld use uncomfortable.
While the design prioritizes a premium viewing experience, the weight and size may deter some from using it as a handheld device for extended periods. For productivity, Samsung offers an AI Book Cover Keyboard (priced separately), transforming the tablet into a laptop-like device with a built-in trackpad and a kickstand. This, however, brings the total cost of the device close to that of the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge, a more traditional laptop that might offer better computing experiences for extensive typing tasks.
Features & Camera
Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, the Tab S10 Ultra comes with the promise of 7 years of software support. This continuous support ensures the tablet will receive Android 15 in early 2025 and subsequent updates. Samsung’s Galaxy AI enhances productivity by facilitating smarter note-taking, photo editing, and translations. It supports Split View, allowing users to operate multiple apps side-by-side effectively on the large screen. Additionally, Samsung’s DeX feature offers a desktop-like interface, which can be automatically enabled when the keyboard is attached, making the tablet suitable for various types of work.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Tab S10 Ultra houses two 13-megapixel cameras on its rear – a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. While the rear cameras serve their purpose for specific work needs, the front cameras, which include an ultra-wide option, are particularly useful for video calls. Apps such as Zoom can leverage the ultra-wide view to include more participants in the frame automatically. This focus on productivity and versatile camera use showcases Samsung’s commitment to delivering a robust tool for both professional and personal use.
Performance & Battery
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 3900+, the Tab S10 Ultra provides a powerful and smooth user experience, handling multitasking with ease. Despite its large size, the device is not ideal for touch-optimized gaming due to its dimensions, but it excels in viewing and media functions. The tablet is equipped with an 11,200mAh battery, offering up to 10 hours of internet use or 16 hours of video playback, comparable to the iPad Pro M4. During testing, the battery life was found to be robust, efficiently handling a range of tasks without overheating. Charging can be achieved at 45W, but no charger is provided in the box, aligning with recent regulatory trends.
This balance of performance and battery life makes the Tab S10 Ultra a compelling option for users who need a reliable device for both work and entertainment. The tablet’s ability to maintain efficiency under heavy use is a testament to Samsung’s engineering and optimization efforts. However, the absence of a charger in the box is a point of consideration for potential buyers, who may need to factor in the additional cost of purchasing compatible charging accessories.
Summary and Considerations
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a premium Android tablet designed to compete directly with the renowned iPad Pro. The Android tablet market has experienced a resurgence, partly due to the global pandemic that heightened demand for versatile devices suitable for both work and entertainment. Samsung has consistently provided top-tier devices in this category, and the 2024 release of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra upholds this tradition.
With impressive specifications and a sleek design, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra stands out in the crowded tablet market. It’s crafted to appeal to users requiring a high-performance device for various tasks. This flagship model from Samsung is equipped with a powerful processor, a stunning display, and advanced features that ensure a seamless user experience, whether for professional use, creative endeavors, or leisure activities.
The renewed interest in Android tablets can be attributed to their ability to adapt to various needs. Samsung has recognized this trend and responded with a device that delivers on both functionality and elegance. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra aims to capture the attention of those seeking a sophisticated, high-quality tablet that meets the demands of modern users. Whether it’s for business, creativity, or entertainment, this tablet is built to impress and provide a top-notch experience.
