So, you’re looking at that massive slab of glass and metal and wondering if it’s actually a computer or just a very expensive way to watch Netflix. I get it. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a weird beast. It’s huge. Honestly, the 14.6-inch screen is bigger than most laptops I see at coffee shops these days.
People keep calling it the "Galaxy Tab 10 Ultra" or searching for a "Galaxy Tab 10," but Samsung skipped a few numbers over the years. We’re currently on the S10 series. And for the first time, Samsung did something that made tech nerds on Reddit absolutely lose their minds: they ditched Qualcomm.
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The MediaTek Gamble
Usually, a flagship Samsung device comes with a Snapdragon chip. It’s the safe bet. But the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra uses the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+.
Wait, don’t close the tab yet.
I know MediaTek used to be the "budget" choice, but this thing is a monster. In actual testing, the CPU is about 18% faster than the previous S9 Ultra, and the graphics performance jumped by 28%. If you’re into gaming or heavy video editing in LumaFusion, you’ll actually notice the difference. It doesn't get as hot as you'd think, either. Samsung stuffed a larger vapor chamber inside to keep things chilly when you're pushing the hardware.
Is it faster than an iPad Pro with an M4 chip? No. Let’s be real. Apple’s silicon is still in a league of its own for raw power. But if you’re staying in the Android ecosystem, this is as fast as it gets.
Why the screen is the real winner
Everyone talks about the size, but the size isn't the story. It's the anti-reflective coating.
If you’ve ever tried to use a tablet near a window, you know the struggle of staring at your own reflection instead of your work. Samsung took the tech from the S24 Ultra phone and put it on this massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. It’s sort of magical. It cuts down glare so well that you can actually use it in a bright room without feeling like you’re looking into a mirror.
The colors are punchy. The blacks are perfect because, well, it’s an OLED.
- Resolution: 2960 x 1848
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (Smooth as butter)
- Durability: Enhanced Armor Aluminum
The tablet is also incredibly thin. We’re talking 5.4mm. It feels like you’re holding a piece of the future, though it’s also a bit terrifying to carry around without a case. One drop and that beautiful glass is toast. Plus, it has an IP68 rating. You can literally drop this $1,200 tablet in a pool, and it’ll be fine. I wouldn't recommend making it a habit, but for "bath-tub browsing," it's a peace-of-mind feature no one else really offers.
AI is everywhere (whether you want it or not)
Samsung is calling this an "AI-ready" tablet. Basically, they want you to use the S Pen for more than just doodling.
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There’s a feature called Sketch to Image. You draw a crappy stick figure or a rough house, and the AI turns it into a rendered piece of art. Is it a gimmick? Mostly. But Note Assist is actually useful. It can transcribe your rambling meetings and summarize them into bullet points that actually make sense.
The keyboard cover even has a dedicated AI key now. You tap it, and it brings up Google Gemini or Bixby. It’s clear Samsung wants this to be a productivity machine, but Android still has some "growing up" to do when it comes to pro-level apps compared to iPadOS or Windows.
The "Should You Buy It" Reality Check
If you already own the S9 Ultra, honestly, stay put.
The differences are mostly refinements. You get the better anti-glare screen and a slightly faster chip, but the battery is the same 11,200 mAh, and the cameras are identical. It’s an evolution, not a revolution.
However, if you are coming from an older Tab S7 or S8, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will feel like a massive leap. The Wi-Fi 7 support alone makes it feel more future-proof if you have a high-end router.
One thing that still bugs me? The price. Starting at $1,199, it’s a massive investment. You’re paying for that screen. You’re paying for the fact that the S Pen is actually included in the box (take notes, Apple).
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How to actually use this thing
Don't just use it as a giant phone. To get your money's worth, you need to lean into the ecosystem.
- Use Second Screen: Link it to your Windows PC. It becomes a wireless OLED monitor. This is probably the best "hidden" feature.
- DeX Mode: If you buy the keyboard, turn on DeX. It makes the interface feel like a laptop, with windows you can drag around.
- MicroSD Slot: Unlike phones, this still has one. Buy a cheap 1TB card and you have a massive media server in your backpack.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra isn't for everyone. It’s too big for a casual e-reader and too expensive for a dedicated YouTube machine. But for the person who wants the best possible screen on a mobile device and actually uses a stylus for work, it’s currently the king of the mountain.
Check your current trade-in values on Samsung's site before buying full price. They often give ridiculous amounts for old tablets—sometimes $500 or more—which makes the sting of that $1,200 price tag a lot easier to handle. Also, look for the Moonstone Gray color; the Platinum Silver looks nice, but the Gray hides fingerprints way better on that massive backplate.