Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra hands-on: they ain’t getting bigger than this!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely Intro

Samsung usually refreshes its tablets in about 18 months time. Nonetheless, with the current race for AI options, it appears the corporate deemed it essential to relaunch new Galaxy Tab flagships, or a minimum of a few of them.

The large man — that door-sized Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely — is coming on the similar beginning value of $1,199.99 and nonetheless has the wonderful S Pen within the field. However what else is there and is it price your consideration? Listed here are our first impressions.

Desk of Contents:

Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely Specs

High-tier Android pill

Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely Design and Show

Identical factor, third time in a row

Return of the large display screen (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

OK, that is the third time we’re getting the identical Galaxy Tab Extremely. No complaints right here, Apple drags on the identical iPad design for years, too. If it really works, it really works. However we do want Samsung would’ve tried to a minimum of shrink that show notch that homes the twin cameras, a minimum of just a little?

In line with on-paper specs, the Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely is ever-so-slightly thinner than the Tab S9 Extremely — 5.4 mm vs 5.5 mm — and barely lighter too, at 718 g vs 730 g. However these variations are extraordinarily miniscule. these two tablets invokes the “Company desires you to search out the distinction between these two photos” meme. And the identical goes with the Galaxy Tab S8 Extremely.

There isn’t any change within the materials used, however Samsung does state that it is a 10% stronger aluminum construct. That is a welcome improve for a pill that’s so, so skinny.

It’s SO skinny! (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

That is wonderful, so what’s new? The show!

The panel itself remains to be an enormous 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X. That is Samsung’s branding, which mainly interprets to “These have nice peak brightness and a dynamic refresh charge as much as 120 Hz”. That is not new. What’s new is the anti-reflective coating on prime, which Samsung says solely displays lower than 2% gentle. That’s large!

Anti-reflective coating (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

As for biometrics, we nonetheless have an in-screen fingerprint scanner on these fashions, although a less-secure face unlock possibility is on the market.

Twin cameras on back and front (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

Cameras on tablets — the ever-contentious matter. No person goes to carry up a 14.6-inch pill to take pictures with when out on a hike or tour journey, clearly. However, if you’re paying flagship cash, it’s best to a minimum of be getting first rate cameras.

Those on the entrance are most vital, when speaking about tablets, as you usually end up utilizing them for video calls. On paper, plainly Samsung adjusted nothing right here — we now have the identical 12 MP broad and 12 MP ultra-wide duo. And sure, the Samsung software program does have a face-follow function, so you need to use that ultra-wide digicam to maneuver round and have it observe you whereas on the decision.

A wild MediaTek has appeared (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

In a bizarre flip of occasions, the Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely doesn’t include a Snapdragon processor. As a substitute, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, constructed on a third gen 4 nm course of. That is bizarre, contemplating that Samsung has that partnership with Qualcomm, and the Samsung telephones include particular, overtuned Snapdragons sporting the “Made for Galaxy” moniker with satisfaction.

What is going on on right here? We could not discover out. However Samsung does declare that this processor gives an 18% CPU velocity improve and 36% GPU efficiency enchancment over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that powered final yr’s Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely.

We’re nonetheless curious how properly Samsung has optimized for the brand new silicon, how thermals are dealt with, and the way properly it should do in sustained efficiency. We do have to attend to place a assessment unit by way of torture assessments, although.

Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely Software program

It is 2024, everybody wants an AI key (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

The brand new Guide Cowl Keyboards can even now function an AI key to rapidly open up Gemini or Bixby, relying in your alternative.

Are these two options too advanced to be pushed to the Galaxy Tab S9 collection through an replace? We’re perplexed, however who is aware of — we’ll see in due time.

USB C to cost (Picture credit score – PhoneArena)

Identical pill, similar dimension, similar 11,200 mAh battery. The distinction in endurance right here will come primarily from the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ processor, however we do not count on an enormous change in battery life, in comparison with the Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely. Actually, you might be able to squeeze a bit extra out of it, as with the non-reflective glass, it’s possible you’ll find yourself utilizing the display screen at a decrease brightness setting more often than not.

However these are simply assumptions. The Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely gave us about 7.5 hours of vide streaming, 10 hours of net shopping, or nearly 6 hours of 3D gaming. If the MediaTek processor improves the gaming endurance of the S10 Extremely, that’d be a welcome improve.

We’re having a tough time discovering large upgrades right here, for those that might need the Galaxy Tab S8 Extremely or Tab S9 Extremely. It is undoubtedly an improve that appears to maintain the Galaxy Tab S present and on prime of the Android foodchain, so first-time patrons have one thing to go to that is current.

It is undoubtedly nonetheless a premium-feeling, well-designed pill, and the brand new anti-reflective glass is a really welcome improve. We do have to check it extensively in opposition to the Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely, for certain, however for now — we aren’t seeing large pleasure over this mannequin. Extra to return!