Samsung Refreshes Tablet Lineup with AI-Powered Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra

Samsung this week unveiled its latest flagship tablets, the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, strategically stepping into the artificial intelligence (AI) space ahead of industry rival Apple. Both new models are set to include Samsung's Galaxy AI, a suite of AI tools designed to enhance user experience, just before Apple’s anticipated AI integration into iPads.

Design and Build: Familiar Excellence

The Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra feature designs very much aligned with Samsung’s proven aesthetic principles. These devices boast expansive Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, dual rear cameras, landscape-oriented selfie cameras, and sleek aluminum frames.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ sports a 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 1752 pixels, dimensions of 7.30 x 11.24 x 0.22 inches, and weights of 1.25 pounds for the Wi-Fi model and 1.27 pounds for the 5G version. These specifications closely mirror those of its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9+.

In comparison, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra features a sizeable 14.6-inch screen with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, enclosed in a body measuring 8.21 x 12.85 x 0.21 inches and weighing 1.58 pounds. This makes it marginally lighter than the previous Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

Both tablets, available in Moonstone Grey and Platinum Silver, boast an anti-reflective coating to improve visibility in bright conditions. The aluminium frames provide a robust yet refined build quality.

Performance: Shift to MediaTek

In a notable departure from previous models, the Tab S10 series is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, moving away from Qualcomm Snapdragon chips used in the Tab S9 line. The MediaTek 9300+ is optimized for AI performance, and Samsung asserts that it offers superior CPU, GPU, and NPU metrics compared to its Qualcomm predecessor, a claim that awaits independent benchmarking.

Both tablets come with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, with the Ultra model offering a premium variant featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A microSD card slot allows for further storage expansion up to 1.5TB.

The S10+ is equipped with a 10,090mAh battery, while the S10 Ultra has an 11,200mAh battery, both supporting 45W wired charging and promising up to 16 hours of usage, significantly surpassing the battery life of Apple’s iPads.

Connectivity and Software

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for the S10+ and the faster Wi-Fi 7 for the S10 Ultra. Both models will be available with carrier-locked 5G options supporting sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks.

Running on Android 14, the S10 series guarantees four generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates, offering an extended support lifecycle. This extended update promise marks the tablets as viable long-term investments.

AI Integration: Galaxy AI Suite

The flagship feature of the new series is the Galaxy AI suite. Available on both models, Galaxy AI includes tools such as Circle to Search, Sketch to Image, and Notes Assist, aimed at augmenting productivity and creativity. The dedicated Galaxy AI key on the optional Book Cover Keyboard underlines Samsung's emphasis on integrating AI into everyday functions.

Availability and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ starts at $999.99, while the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra begins at $1,199.99, with shipping commencing on October 3. These latest additions sit alongside the Galaxy S24 FE phone, which was also announced.

The Galaxy S24 FE, retailing at $649 / £649 / AU$1099 for the 128GB model and $699 / £699 / AU$1199 for the 256GB model, brings many of the premium features of the Galaxy S24 to a more affordable price point. It features a 4700mAh battery, a 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED display, and enhanced AI capabilities driven by the Exynos 2400 chipset.

Looking Ahead

Samsung’s aggressive push into AI with its latest tablet lineup and the Galaxy S24 FE smartphone sets the stage for a competitive market where AI-enhanced functionalities will likely become a standard expectation. Full reviews and benchmarks will soon reveal whether these claims hold up, setting the pace for future developments from both Samsung and its competitors.

Source: Noah Wire Services