Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Flagship performance
The Galaxy Tab S10+ is Samsung's latest high-end tablet. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip, a 12.4-inch display, and a 10,090mAh battery. It also comes with Galaxy AI out of the box.
ProsSeven years of software updatesPowerful processorSlimmer and lighter chassis ConsNot a lot different from the Tab S9+ $1000 at Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Last year's best from Samsung
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Despite being a year older, the Galaxy Tab S9+ remains a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end tablet. What sets it apart is its discounted price, making it a high-end option at a more affordable cost.
ProsCapable processorGorgeous displayAvailable at a discount ConsOnly three Android OS updates remaining $800 at Samsung ✕ Remove Ads
Samsung has long made some of the best Android tablets, but the generational upgrades among the company's tablets continue to get smaller. The fresh-off-the-oven Galaxy Tab S10+ is a prime example, packing an upgraded chip and coming with a promise of longer software support, but that's about it.
So, if you're in the market for a premium tablet, should you go for the Tab S10+, or will you be okay with the Tab S9+, which has most of the same internals, but will only get about three more Android updates? Let's find out.
Read our ranking Best Samsung tablets in 2024
The very best Android tablets from Samsung
✕ Remove Ads Price, availability, and specifications
The Galaxy Tab S10+ has the same launch price as the Tab S9+. Its Wi-Fi only variant costs $1,000 for the base 256GB model and $1,120 for the 512GB model. Want 5G, too? You'll have to shell out $1,150 for the 256GB 5G variant, and, sadly, there is no 5G variant for the 512GB model. Being a brand-new tablet, it's widely available from Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung.com, and carrier stores.
The Galaxy Tab S9+, as mentioned earlier, had the same price as the S10+ at launch. However, the tablet has since been discounted, and now you can find it for as low as $800 for the 256GB Wi-Fi only model and $919 for the 512GB Wi-Fi only model. The 5G model also received a similar price cut, but while you can still find the Wi-Fi only version of the S9+ widely, the 5G version is only sold by Verizon.
Here's a look at the raw specifications of the two tablets.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+SoCMediaTek Dimensity 9300+Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Display type120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Anti Reflection12.4-inch AMOLED, 120HzDisplay dimensions12.4"12.4"Display resolution2800 x 17522800 x 1752RAM12GB8/12GBStorageUp to 512GB, microSD support up to 1.5TB256GB/ 512GB (expandable with microSD)Battery10,090mAh10,090mAhCharging speed45W45W Fast chargingCharge optionsWiredWiredPortsUSB-CType-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2Operating SystemOne UI 6.1.1, Android 14Android 13, One UI 5.1.1Front Camera12MP12MP UltrawideRear Camera13MP primary, 8MP ultrawide13MP Wide + 13MP UltrawideCellular connectivity5G (Sub-6/mmWave)5G (Sub-6/mmWave)Wi-Fi connectivityWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6EBluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3Dimensions185.4 X 285.4 X 5.6mm285.4 x 185.4 x 5.64mmWeight571g (Wi-Fi), 576g (5G)581g (Wi-Fi), 586g (5G)IP ratingIP68IP67ColorsMoonstone Gray, Platinum SilverBeige, GraphiteStylusS Pen includedS Pen included Read our review I love Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10+, but it's a hard tablet to recommend
A lesson in OS limitations
4 ✕ Remove Ads Read our review Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ review: Goldilocks edition
Not too small, not too expensive, the Tab S9+ is juuuuuust right
Design and display Barely any changes
Samsung has kept the same design for the Galaxy Tab S10+ as the Galaxy Tab S9+. Besides the color options that have changed from Beige and Graphite to Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver, you'll be hard-pressed to find a difference.
The only minor changes include a single millimeter difference in the thickness of the two tablets and the use of Enhanced Armor aluminum in the chassis of the S10+. This has made the S10+ about 15 grams lighter than its predecessor. However, it's unclear exactly how much more durable the new aluminum makes the S10+.
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Otherwise, both tablets have a glass front, an aluminum frame, an aluminum back, and are also IP68 dust- and water-resistant.
Like the design, Samsung has used the same display panel as the Galaxy S9+ in the S10+. The two tablets have a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1752 x 2800 pixels. Both screens also have an under-display fingerprint sensor and thick bezels. However, the Tab S10+ gets a new anti-reflective layer to reduce glare, which isn't available in the Tab S9+.
The OLED panel, as you can expect, is gorgeous, and produces inky black and lifelike colors.
Software The same reliable Samsung software ✕ Remove Ads
The Galaxy Tab S10+ comes with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1 out of the box, and it's pretty much the same software you'll get on the Tab S9+ right now. Although introduced with Android 13, the S9+ has received Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1 through updates. So, your software experience, regardless of the tablet you pick, isn't going to be different.
Much of Tab S10+'s marketing is centered on it coming out of the box with Galaxy AI. While that's true, most Galaxy AI tools, such as Note Assist, Photo Assist, Chat Assist, Interpreter, and so on, are already available on the Tab S9+. You also get Circle to Search, Portrait Studio, and Sketch to Image on the Tab S9+.
The same software aside, the One UI 6.1.1 is excellent on tablets, and you get plenty of tools to get the most out of the giant screens on both Samsung slates.
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Although the software of the two tablets may not be very different, their software support period certainly is. Samsung has promised to release Android OS and security updates for the Tab S10+ for seven years, the same as the Galaxy S-series smartphones. This is a big step up from the four major Android updates and five years of security patches promised for the S9+. The Tab S9+ has already received one major Android update, Android 14.
Performance and battery An upgrade to MediaTek
One of the only significant changes between the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Tab S9+ is the chip on board. Instead of going with Qualcomm Snapdragon, Samsung used MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ in the Tab S10+. It's a very capable chip that shows in the day-to-day performance of the slate.
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As we noted in our review, the tablet is responsive and snappy; the Dimensity chip holds its own against just about anything you throw at it, including graphic-intensive games. So, if you were unsure about the presence of a MediaTek chip, you can rest easy.
The Galaxy Tab S9+ is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is another fantastic chip. It may not be Qualcomm's latest and greatest, but it delivers solid performance if you're browsing, streaming media, or gaming.
The battery is another area that remains unchanged between the Tab S9+ and the S10+, as both have a 10,090mAh battery that delivers multi-day backup and 45W fast charging support. You'll be pretty happy with either tablet when it comes to battery performance.
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Among other highlights, the Tab S10+ and the Tab S9+ have Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, quad speakers, and a microSD card slot. Both tablets also come bundled with an S Pen, which is great for drawing, doodling, and taking notes. Plus, you can use the magnetic slot on the back to attach and charge the S Pen.
Cameras Nothing to brag about
Like many other features, the cameras on the Galaxy Tab S10+ are the same as the Galaxy Tab S9+. You get a 13MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP ultrawide front camera.
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All three cameras have nothing inspiring about them. The rear shooters take okay photos that will be fine in a crunch situation. But don't expect too much from them, as they allow a ton of noise to creep in, even during well-lit situations. Most people will use these for document scanning and random snaps, so they will suffice.
The front shooter is fine for video calls, but you'll be better off clicking selfies on your smartphone.
Which should you buy?
If budget is not a concern, despite the iterative upgrades, the Galaxy Tab S10+ is a better buy in 2024. Most importantly, it gets a much longer software support period, allowing you to use the tablet for a long time. Most people don't upgrade their tablets as often as their phones, so the seven years of software updates is a big advantage.
Moreover, you get an upgraded chip and a slightly slimmer and lighter chassis, both of which are good to have. Other features, despite being the same as the Tab S9+, are also excellent. Finally, its 5G variant is more widely available.
✕ Remove Ads Editor's pick Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Premium tablet, flagship performance
The Galaxy Tab S10+ is Samsung's best premium tablet for most people in 2024. It delivers a snappy performance, has a long software support period, and a gorgeous display.
$990 at Amazon$1000 at Best Buy$1000 at Samsung
However, the Galaxy Tab S9+ is a capable alternative if you want to save money. It has the same gorgeous display as the S10+, a powerful Snapdragon processor, a long battery life, and the same premium design. Sure, you will only get three more Android updates and less than four more years of security updates, but that's also a decent support period.
If you already own a Galaxy Tab S9+, there's little reason to upgrade to the Tab S10+, as the upgrades are simply not enough. You can probably wait for a generation or two.
Runner-up Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Premium experience at a discount
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If you aren't stuck on getting the latest tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9+ can help you save some cash. It has a capable processor, a beautiful display, and Samsung's reliable software.
$849 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy$800 at Samsung ✕ Remove Ads