The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a flagship tablet designed to sit close to the laptop category. It combines a nearly 15-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with an 11,600mAh battery, a 5.1mm-thick design and IP68 water and dust resistance. Pricing starts at $1,399, €1,569 or £1,399 for the 12GB/256GB model.

Samsung includes a USB-C cable and an S Pen in the box. Buyers can also add the Pro Keyboard Book Cover, which turns the large tablet into a more laptop-like workstation with a full-width backlit keyboard, touchpad, hinges and a rear kickstand.

A large tablet built for laptop-style use

The tablet attaches to the keyboard through a magnetic cradle, creating a firm connection with little movement. The keyboard’s hinge allows the display to tilt backward to roughly 120 degrees, while the cover can close fully around the tablet.

A kickstand is particularly useful here because of the Tab S12 Ultra’s size. However, the hinge does not provide enough resistance to hold the tablet upright when the two sections are positioned close together. The keyboard also does not expand connectivity: the tablet’s single USB-C port remains the only port available.

When closed, the setup remains notably thin. The keyboard has a dark surface surrounding the keys and a contrasting grey metal exterior, giving it a look reminiscent of Apple’s MacBook Pro. Its backlight offers three brightness levels, while the keys have relatively short travel.

Display, S Pen and everyday flexibility

The Tab S12 Ultra’s combination of a high-refresh-rate AMOLED screen, keyboard and S Pen gives it several distinct use cases. It can serve as a media device, a typing machine, or a canvas for drawing and handwritten notes.

That flexibility is central to Samsung’s premium tablet pitch. Users can detach the display for relaxed viewing, connect the keyboard for desk work or use the included pen for creative tasks. The keyboard and tablet are designed to work together without requiring a separate pairing process.

Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra price and value

The main challenge is the cost of building the complete setup. Samsung has not yet announced the Pro Keyboard Book Cover’s price for the Tab S12 Ultra. The equivalent accessory for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra costs almost €400, which would put the combined price near €1,960 if the new model’s keyboard is similarly priced.

That is substantially more than Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air, listed at €1,700 directly from Apple for a 512GB configuration and often available for less through third-party retailers. The Galaxy tablet has a significantly better display, but the MacBook Air offers greater performance and broader laptop functionality.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra therefore makes the most sense for buyers specifically seeking a high-end tablet rather than a conventional laptop replacement. Its thin build, premium screen, S Pen and adaptable keyboard cover form a compelling hybrid, but the price demands a strong preference for the tablet experience.