The new iPad Pro 11-inch with the M4 chip is here, but let’s compare it to the latest Android powerhouse the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Right off the bat, the most noticeable difference between these two is size. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is massive, with a 14.6-inch display, though this size remains unchanged from last year’s model. But what’s really new? The standout feature has to be the anti-reflective coating, which you can see in action as it diffuses studio lights in use.
This Android tablet, part of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series, refreshes Samsung’s flagship tablet lineup. Joining it are the Tab S10 Plus and Ultra, but the Tab S9 will remain available. So, starting from October 4th, when these go on sale, you’ll have the option of the Tab S9, the new Tab S10 Plus, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. For Android enthusiasts, this range could easily be considered the best Android tablets available.
Why Choose Android Over iPad?
While iPads have dominated the market due to their popularity and the closed but optimized iPadOS ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offers features for those looking for more versatility. Apple’s ecosystem is undeniably polished, and the App Store is a joy to navigate, but if you’re someone who enjoys Samsung Dex, Galaxy AI, or the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously (up to three apps side-by-side, with a fourth floating on top), the Tab S10 Ultra might be the better productivity-focused choice.
Additionally, the 16:10 aspect ratio of the Tab S10 Ultra’s display is perfect for watching movies, working with apps side by side, or any task that benefits from the expansive 14.6-inch screen. This larger display size, paired with the productivity features, provides a distinctly different experience from the more traditional iPad setup.
What’s New with the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra?
The first major upgrade is the anti-reflective coating borrowed from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra which reflects less than 2% of ambient light compared to the 42% of the previous Tab S9. When you pair this with Vision Booster Technology (which adjusts brightness, contrast, and tones depending on the environment), a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, you’ve got a screen made for media consumption. Unfortunately, Dolby Vision support is still missing.
For such a large tablet, having this slightly matte, anti-reflective screen makes a noticeable difference when watching movies, gaming, or simply browsing.
Performance Boost: The New Chip
All Tab S10 models come with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip, a departure from the Snapdragon chips we usually see in Samsung devices. Samsung claims this new chip offers:
- 18% faster processor performance
- 28% faster graphics performance
- 14% faster neural engine processing
Compared to last year’s Snapdragon-equipped Tab S9, this new chip provides Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 level performance, offering significant improvements. In benchmark tests like Geekbench 6 and 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme, the Tab S10 Ultra performs similarly to the S24 Ultra, which uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This is a substantial upgrade, especially when factoring in the 50% larger vapor chamber cooling system. This will lead to better sustained performance during long gaming sessions or when running demanding apps for extended periods.
You can expect this tablet to maintain its performance even under heavy workloads, thanks to the improved cooling system. And with 12GB of RAM (or 16GB in the 1TB storage model), it’s a beast in multitasking and gaming.
Design and Durability:
On the outside, there aren’t many changes. The tablet is slightly thinner than the Tab S9, and the armor aluminum chassis is 10% stronger. The front features a dual-camera setup that slightly juts into the screen, but it’s not too intrusive. On the back, you’ll find another dual-camera setup and the S Pen magnetically attached and wirelessly charging. Fortunately, the S Pen is included in the box unlike Apple’s iPad, where the Apple Pencil is an extra purchase.
The quad speakers deliver immersive sound, and with Wi-Fi 7 support, it’s future-proof in terms of connectivity. At the base, you’ll find the Smart Connector, which can attach to accessories like keyboard covers or book covers. Samsung offers two keyboard options one with a trackpad and one without and a separate book cover with a kickstand.
Software Enhancements:
The Tab S10 Ultra runs on Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1. Notably, the tablet now has a dedicated Galaxy AI tab within settings, offering features like:
- Voice summary: Transcribe and summarize voice notes in the **Samsung Notes** app, perfect for conferences or lectures.
- Handwriting assist: Automatically correct and align your handwriting.
- Sketch to image: Use the S Pen to create sketches that can be turned into images using **AI**. This feature lets you sketch a 3D object, like a house, and the tablet will generate a refined image based on your drawing.
There are also new image generation tools and the ability to sketch on top of photos. Features like Circle to search allow you to use the S Pen for quick searches, text selection, and live translation.
In terms of productivity, having a screen this large paired with an S Pen makes note-taking, sketching, and working with apps a breeze. The magnetic attachment and wireless charging of the S Pen add to the convenience. Plus, being part of the Samsung ecosystem enables features like App Continuity, Quick Share, and Smart View to work seamlessly across your Galaxy devices.
Should You Buy the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra?
The Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10 Plus are both strong contenders in the premium tablet space, with prices starting at $999 for the Tab S10 Plus and $1,199 for the Ultra. The Ultra offers a 1TB storage option with 16GB of RAM, but both models come with a 5G option for an additional cost. Despite the high price tag, these tablets provide performance and features that rival Apple’s iPad Pro lineup.
Interestingly, Samsung has kept the Tab S9 on sale alongside these new models, so those looking for a more affordable tablet option still have a choice. But for users seeking a top tier Android tablet that combines power, a stunning display, and Samsung’s AI-driven software, the Tab S10 Plus and Ultra are worth considering.
In conclusion, if you’re after an Android tablet that can do it all whether for media consumption, productivity, or gaming the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra should be at the top of your list. While the iPad Pro might still dominate in popularity, the Tab S10 Ultra is certainly an excellent alternative for those who prefer Android. It’s certainly not cheap, but if you’re ready to invest, you’ll be getting one of the most capable Android tablets on the market.
