Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Top-End MediaTek Chip with No Price Hike; A New Era for Android Tablets
- India Today Gaming
- September 20, 2024 (UPDATED: September 20, 2024 15:14 IST)
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra switches to MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ chip, maintaining premium pricing despite the shift. Discover the game-changing features, AI tools, and why this tablet is the costliest with a MediaTek processor.
The news surrounding Samsung's approaching Galaxy Tab S10 series is all about adding MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ chip to the flagship devices of these tablets. This is a huge deviation from the tradition of using Snapdragon chip-based flagship devices from Samsung. But while doing this gigantic shift, Samsung has retained the price policies, and the Tab S10 Ultra is claimed to be the costliest tablet ever with a MediaTek chipset.
A Game Changer in the Premium Tablet Market
Samsung is teaming up with MediaTek for the first time to power the flagship tablets with Dimensity 9300+. It is significant not just in terms of performance but also in terms of cost. For long, high-end Samsung tablets have been driven by high-performance costlier processors from Qualcomm, which are known for their top-notch performance. It could be a change of strategy to hold down production costs that it is not currently passing on to consumers.
Innovative AI Integration
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra mark the debut of advanced AI technology in the tablet space. The centerpiece of this innovation is the Galaxy AI feature, designed to transform the way users interact with their devices.
Here’s a closer look at what makes these tablets stand out:
1. Automatic Transcription:
One of the standout features of the Galaxy AI is its automatic transcription capability. This AI-driven tool converts spoken words into written text in real-time, making it easier for users to capture notes during meetings, lectures, or conversations. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who needs to keep track of important information, this feature promises to enhance productivity and organization.
2. Context-Aware Assistance:
The Galaxy AI also offers context-aware assistance, adapting its functions based on the user’s needs and environment. For instance, the AI can provide smart suggestions and reminders based on your schedule, preferences, and recent activities. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the tablet evolves with the user’s habits and requirements, delivering a personalized experience.
3. Charging and Battery:
The Tab S10 Ultra continues 45W fast charging, a feature of the Tab S9 Ultra. Curiously, the charger won't be included in the box either, a trend, it seems, of Samsung's recent de-emphasizing of in-box accessories. Least complicating matters, however, is the battery size, at least officially confirmed. It is more likely that it will stay at 11,200mAh, business as usual.
4. Unchanged Price Tags:
Another piece of information showing that the chipsets do not make much difference is that it did not change a lot on the price tags. Just like the predecessors, Samsung maintains price tags for the Galaxy Tab S10 series. The price of the Galaxy Tab S10+ will start at $999/€1,119. However, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will be priced at $1,199/€1,339. The top spec, with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, will run €1,909 in Europe and likely over $1,600 in the US. In this case, it is the most expensive tablet to ever employ a MediaTek processor, testifying to the company's intent to continue its leadership in the higher rungs of the market.
Design and Features: What's New and What's Not
Familiar Look:
Design-wise, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra looks almost like the predecessor, the Tab S9 Ultra. The latest leaks and official images show a new model that remains identical with 14.6-inch display, the same bezel design, and the same overall thickness. Camera rings get slightly reworked, S Pen now comes in a contrasting color, but the display notch remains the same.
Under the Hood:
The real tale is what lies beneath. A switch to MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ is a pretty significant shift, focusing on delivering peak performance at the cost of perhaps cutting production cost down. Meanwhile, the battery size will be the same as that of Tab S9 Ultra at 11,200 mAh, and fast charging will remain the same, at 45W. The Galaxy AI, introduced by Samsung, which enables automatic transcriptions of audio recordings, is another feature the new model retains - a subtle nod to productivity tools.
Pricing vs. Features:
With the change of chipset, it is also likely that Samsung decided to keep the price static for strategic reasons so that they could compete better at the premium market level. The premium positioning of the Tab S10 Ultra at a high price even on its new chipset variant speaks volumes about the line of Samsung tablets being associated with luxury and feature-rich.
Comparison with Previous Models
Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 Series:
- Chipset:
The Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets were high performing and very pricey.
- Display:
With high-resolution AMOLED screens with flagships performances at a price, starting off at $1,099 with Tab S8 Ultra and going all the way to $1,199 with Tab S9 Ultra.
- Battery and Charging:
It had strong battery life, combined with 45W fast charging capabilities.
Galaxy Tab S10 Series:
- Chipset:
Dimensity 9300+ from MediaTek for being more affordable while potentially competing equally well.
- Design:
Continues the same design pattern as the S9 series but with small aesthetic updates.
- Pricing:
Remains at the same prices as the above variant, although it changes the chipset.
Samsung Launched Pre-Reservation for Next Generation Galaxy Tablets in India
Much to the excitement of the people, one of the leading electronics brands, Samsung, has begun its pre-reservation period for the next generation of flagship Galaxy tablets. Starting September 17th, consumers can book their preferred device with a token advance of INR 1,000 at any of its authentic Samsung.com, SmartCafé stores, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, or through authorized retail stores across the country.
Customers can take advantage of the savings benefits of INR 3499 that the pre-reservations carry with them. The new tablets come promising intelligent performance optimization, advanced creative tools, and adaptive features designed to boost productivity and creativity. However, how all of it translates to practical use remains to be seen. Full product reviews are expected to go live once the device releases next month.