Galaxy Tab S12 Price Leak Points to a $1,999.99 Ultra and a September Launch

How much higher are the prices?

The most dramatic comparison is the top-end Ultra. The reported $1,999.99 16GB/1TB S12 Ultra would be $380 more than the Tab S11 Ultra’s reported $1,619.99 launch price. The 256GB and 512GB Ultra models are each reported to be about $200 more than their comparable S11 Ultra launch prices.

The S12+ comparison is less straightforward because the supplied reports cite different historical baselines for the previous Plus model. One comparison treats the reported 256GB S12+ price as a $200 increase over the comparable Tab S10+ launch price, while another lists the Tab S10+ starting price as $1,099. That discrepancy means the exact year-over-year increase should be treated cautiously until Samsung publishes an official price sheet.

There is also an important distinction between launch pricing and current pricing. Samsung raised U.S. prices on the Tab S11 range during 2026, including a $280 increase for the 1TB Tab S11 Ultra, which reportedly moved from $1,619 to about $1,899.

As a result, the leaked $1,999.99 S12 Ultra would be only about $100 above the later adjusted S11 Ultra price—but $380 above its original launch MSRP. That makes the increase look less extreme against today’s adjusted price, while still representing a major jump from the previous generation’s launch pricing.

Expected September launch and hardware changes

The current reporting points to a September 2026 announcement, possibly alongside IFA Berlin. U.S. and U.K. availability could follow within a few weeks, although the timing remains an expectation rather than an official release schedule.

The expected changes appear evolutionary:

• New processor: Reports point to a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 or Dimensity 9500-class chip as the principal performance upgrade.
• Large AMOLED displays: The Ultra is expected to retain a 14.6-inch display. The Plus is expected to use a roughly 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.
• Battery: The Ultra may retain an approximately 11,600mAh battery, while the Plus could move to around 10,600mAh.
• Limited redesign: Available reporting describes the devices as keeping a familiar look rather than introducing a major chassis or display change.
• Two-model range: One report says Samsung is expected to continue with the S12+ and S12 Ultra while again omitting a base 11-inch model.

Taken together, the leaks describe a chip refresh with a modest Plus battery improvement—not a clear generational leap in screen size, battery life, or industrial design.

Why might Samsung be raising prices?

The strongest explanation in the supplied reporting is component-cost pressure, particularly a worldwide shortage affecting memory chips and NAND storage. RAM and storage are especially relevant to the expensive 512GB and 1TB configurations.

That explanation is consistent with Samsung’s 2026 U.S. price increases across phones and tablets. The Tab S11 Ultra 1TB received the largest reported tablet increase, rising by $280 to approximately $1,899.

However, the cause of the S12 pricing has not been officially established. It is safer to describe memory costs as the leading reported explanation rather than a confirmed reason from Samsung.

Galaxy Tab S12 versus the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro

The rumored S12 pricing puts Samsung directly into premium iPad territory. Apple’s 13-inch M5 iPad Pro is listed from $1,499 for 256GB Wi‑Fi in the supplied pricing reports, although discounts have brought that configuration close to $1,200 at times.

At the reported prices:

• The 256GB Galaxy Tab S12+ would be about $300 below the iPad Pro’s cited regular price, if the $1,199.99 leak is accurate.
• The 256GB Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra would be about $100 below that iPad Pro price while offering a larger 14.6-inch display.
• Samsung’s likely advantages are the Ultra’s larger screen, Android flexibility, and desktop-style DeX workflow.
• Apple’s advantages include its tablet software ecosystem and established high-end creative and video workflows.
• At $1,999.99, the 16GB/1TB S12 Ultra is difficult to justify unless a buyer specifically needs its large display, Android/DeX environment, and 1TB of storage.

The comparison should also include accessories and workflow. A final Samsung price cannot be judged fairly against an iPad Pro without considering the cost of the required keyboard or stylus accessories and the software each buyer actually uses.

Should you buy the Galaxy Tab S12 or the Tab S11 Ultra?

Current Tab S11 Ultra owners

Upgrading solely for the S12 Ultra does not look compelling. The expected display and battery carry-overs suggest that the new processor would be the main reason to switch. An upgrade makes more sense only if testing shows a meaningful improvement for a specific workload or a trade-in offer substantially reduces the cost.

Buyers who want a large Android tablet

A discounted Tab S11 Ultra is likely the better value. It should preserve the large-screen Android experience while avoiding the full rumored S12 premium. The size of the discount matters more than a fixed threshold: compare the actual sale price, warranty, storage, and trade-in value against the final S12 price.

Buyers who can wait

Waiting is the lowest-risk option. Samsung’s official announcement should clarify the U.S. MSRP, availability, included accessories, launch bundles, trade-in offers, and real-world performance. Those incentives could materially change the value equation.

Buyers comparing Samsung with Apple

Choose based on workflow rather than headline price. The iPad Pro is the more natural fit for buyers invested in Apple’s creative apps and ecosystem. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is more interesting for buyers who prioritize a larger display, Android compatibility, expandable storage, and a desktop-style multitasking experience.

Bottom line

The leaks point to a September 2026 Galaxy Tab S12 launch, with reported U.S. prices of $1,199.99 for the S12+, $1,399.99 for the base S12 Ultra, and $1,999.99 for the 16GB/1TB Ultra. The key upgrade appears to be a newer MediaTek processor, while the Ultra’s display and battery may remain largely unchanged.

Until Samsung confirms the details, buyers should not treat any of those figures as final. If the prices hold and the hardware changes remain modest, the discounted Tab S11 Ultra is the more rational Android purchase for most people.