The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra positions itself as one of the most powerful Android tablets of 2025, blending laptop-level productivity with premium entertainment features. With a massive AMOLED display, improved multitasking, and S Pen integration, Samsung is clearly aiming at professionals, students, and creators who want a capable device that can replace a laptop without sacrificing portability.
But does the Tab S10 Ultra truly deliver a desktop-grade experience, or is it just another premium tablet with a big screen and a big price tag? This review breaks down the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usability to help you decide if it’s worth your money.
Design and Build Quality – Thin, Lightweight, and Premium
The Tab S10 Ultra continues Samsung’s trend of ultra-premium hardware. It is remarkably thin and lightweight for its size, making it easy to carry despite having one of the largest displays on any tablet.
- Aluminum frame with refined edges
- Ultra-thin profile that elevates portability
- Minimal bezels for a modern look
This is a device clearly built for people who value aesthetics and mobility. The only drawback is that its size can be awkward in one-handed use, especially for long sessions.
Display and Multimedia – AMOLED Excellence Meets High Refresh Rate
Samsung is known for its display engineering, and the 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz is one of the tablet’s strongest selling points.
What stands out:
- Vibrant color reproduction
- Deep blacks and contrast
- HDR support for video
- Smooth scrolling and animations
For creative work, reading, sketching, or watching movies, the display feels immersive and premium. This is not just a “bigger smartphone screen”; it’s a workstation display designed for extended sessions.
Media lovers will appreciate the quad-speaker system which delivers loud, clean, and well-balanced audio.
Want more options beyond the Tab S10 Ultra? Explore our full guide, “Best Tablets for Work, Study, and Entertainment in 2025 – Top Picks and Price Guide,” for the best tablets in every category and budget this year.
Performance and Multitasking – A Real Productivity Engine
Powered by a next-gen Snapdragon chipset and generous RAM, the Tab S10 Ultra handles demanding tasks with ease. Performance remains stable even when running multiple apps or editing large files.
Strengths:
- Fast app switching
- Smooth multitasking
- Good performance in productivity apps
- High efficiency with battery usage
Samsung’s DeX mode turns the device into a desktop-like workspace, enabling windowed apps, drag-and-drop, and keyboard shortcuts. DeX remains one of Samsung’s most underrated advantages in productivity.
However, DeX still lacks the ecosystem maturity of macOS or Windows, making it suitable for productivity — not advanced professional workflows.
S Pen and Note-Taking – Ready for Creative Work
Samsung includes the S Pen in the box, which remains a major advantage over Apple’s expensive pencil add-on.
What works well:
- Low latency and accurate tracking
- Comfortable grip
- Great for handwriting and sketching
- Better palm rejection than past generations
Paired with apps like:
- Samsung Notes
- GoodNotes
- Clip Studio Paint
the tablet becomes a powerful canvas for designers and students.
Yet, for illustration and professional drawing, iPad Pro still offers better app optimization and ecosystem support.
Software Experience – Android’s Best Tablet Environment… With Limits
One of the biggest challenges with Android tablets has always been software. Samsung has made meaningful progress, but Android tablet apps remain inconsistent.
Highlights:
- Split-screen and pop-up apps are intuitive
- DeX improves traditional multitasking
- Good integration across Samsung devices
Limitations:
- Many apps are not optimized for large screens
- Lack of professional-grade creative apps compared to iPadOS
- Occasional UI inconsistencies
If your workflow relies heavily on specific creative software, the iPad ecosystem remains superior.
Gaming and Graphics – Surprisingly Capable
The Tab S10 Ultra is not marketed as a gaming tablet, but it performs exceptionally well with modern games.
Strengths:
- High refresh rate display
- Strong GPU performance
- Stable thermals
Games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Fortnite run smoothly at high settings with minimal heat buildup.
For casual and mid-core gamers, this is more than enough.
Battery Life and Charging – All-Day Use With Fast Refills
Battery life is impressive given the large screen and performance:
- Full day of productivity use
- Multiple days of casual use
Fast charging ensures you can quickly refill during short breaks.
This is a reliable device for students or professionals who spend long days away from a power outlet.
Productivity Accessories – Helpful, but Expensive
Samsung offers optional accessories like:
- Keyboard cover
- Trackpad
- Stand
These additions significantly enhance productivity, but their cost pushes the Tab S10 Ultra into laptop price territory.
If you want a laptop replacement experience, accessories are almost mandatory.
Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem – A Major Advantage
If you already use Samsung devices, the Tab S10 Ultra becomes more valuable.
Features like:
- Shared clipboard
- Quick Share
- Second screen
- Samsung Flow
make the device a fluid part of your workflow.
For Samsung users, this synergy reduces friction and boosts efficiency.
Pricing and Value – Premium Cost for a Premium Audience
The Tab S10 Ultra is expensive, especially when paired with accessories.
Who should consider it:
- Business professionals
- University students with heavy workloads
- Creators who need stylus-based work
- Samsung ecosystem users
Who should not:
- Casual users
- Basic students
- Media-only users
There are cheaper tablets that deliver better value for simple tasks.
Who Should Buy the Tab S10 Ultra?
✔ Buy it if you want:
- A powerful Android tablet
- Laptop-like productivity
- Stylus included
- Premium display
- Seamless ecosystem integration
✘ Skip it if you want:
- Professional creative software
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Desktop-grade performance
- A lightweight gaming device
Alternatives Worth Considering
Apple iPad Pro 2025
Best for professional creatives and advanced workflows.
iPad Air
Best value for students and casual creators.
Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
Best budget performance for everyday use.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the best premium tablets of 2025, offering an excellent mix of performance, design, and versatility. It shines in productivity, media, and S Pen performance, though its value is dependent on how deeply users engage with its multitasking features and ecosystem integrations.
For professionals and students who want portability without sacrificing capability, this tablet delivers. For casual users, the price may be difficult to justify.
FAQ
Is the Tab S10 Ultra a laptop replacement?
For light and medium workloads, yes — especially with DeX and a keyboard.
Is the S Pen worth it?
It’s included, responsive, and excellent for note-taking and sketching.
Is Android good for tablet productivity?
Better than before, but still behind iPadOS in pro-grade apps.
