The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to high-end Android tablets, offering an impressive OLED display, robust specifications, and a bundled stylus. Priced at ,200, it may pose a challenge for those seeking a professional-grade device, particularly given the limited availability of Android applications that fully utilize its capabilities. Nevertheless, for those in pursuit of a premium Android tablet experience, the Tab S10 Ultra emerges as Samsung’s most compelling offering to date.
The OLED steals the show
At its core, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is defined by its expansive screen, boasting a remarkable screen-to-body ratio exceeding 90%. The device features a 14.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,848 x 2,960 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. While other devices may offer higher pixel densities, the Tab S10 Ultra impresses with its sharpness and brightness, reaching an impressive 930 nits—approximately double that of the average laptop display. A subtle enhancement in the form of an anti-reflective coating further improves readability in bright environments.
The tablet’s 16:10 aspect ratio, akin to many laptops, may render it somewhat unwieldy in portrait mode, yet it excels in video playback. However, at this premium price point, certain compromises become apparent. The optical fingerprint sensor, while functional, lacks the sophistication of the ultrasonic sensors found in Samsung’s flagship smartphones, making it less forgiving in less-than-ideal conditions.
Samsung has not compromised on audio quality, equipping the Tab S10 Ultra with a quad-speaker setup tuned by AKG, delivering clear and powerful sound that surpasses many laptops. The tablet’s aluminum body, while sleek and matte-finished, presents a challenge in terms of grip, as the minimal bezel around the display offers little to hold onto without inadvertently activating the screen. Weighing in at approximately 1.5 pounds, the device can feel cumbersome without adequate support.
Who needs Snapdragon?
Samsung’s decision to transition from Snapdragon to MediaTek for its flagship tablet raised eyebrows, yet the Dimensity 9300 Plus chip proves to be a formidable contender. With a configuration featuring four Cortex X4 CPUs and a 12-core Arm Immortalis GPU, the Tab S10 Ultra showcases performance that rivals last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and even competes well against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Users will find that the tablet handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease, running everything from productivity apps to games without breaking a sweat.
Battery life remains commendable, with the Tab S10 Ultra’s 11,200mAh capacity allowing for several days of intermittent use before requiring a charge. However, the lack of a charger in the box and the relatively slow charging speed may leave some users wanting more.
Android big-screen blunders
Despite the promise of Android 15 on the horizon, the Tab S10 Ultra currently operates on Android 14 with One UI 6.1. Samsung has committed to providing seven years of security patches and OS updates, a notable advantage over many Android devices. However, the app ecosystem remains a significant hurdle. Many applications still resemble enlarged phone versions, lacking optimization for the tablet’s expansive display. This shortcoming is particularly glaring given the tablet’s capabilities and potential.
Samsung’s multitasking features within One UI offer a silver lining, allowing users to run phone-optimized apps in floating windows or split-screen mode, enhancing usability despite the lack of dedicated tablet applications. Yet, the overall experience is marred by the absence of robust tablet-optimized software, leaving users to navigate a landscape dominated by phone-centric applications.
Premium accessories for a premium slate
Accompanying the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra are premium accessories, including a 0 keyboard case that enhances its functionality. While the case provides a secure fit and serves as a stand, the keyboard’s minimal travel and mushy feel may not meet the expectations of those seeking a true typing experience. The inclusion of the S Pen stylus adds value, offering a responsive and intuitive input method for creators.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is an impressive high-end Android tablet, characterized by its stunning OLED display and solid performance. However, its high price point, coupled with the limitations of the Android tablet ecosystem, raises questions about its practicality for consumers beyond media enthusiasts. For those considering an upgrade, alternatives such as the Tab S10 Plus or even a capable laptop may provide a more versatile solution.
