Samsung has begun selling its Galaxy Tab S12 series in the United States, positioning the large-screen tablets as portable workstations for professionals, creative teams and small businesses. The company is pairing the hardware with Android 17, One UI 9, Galaxy AI and a package of productivity software and trial offers it values at approximately $445.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99. Both models come in Gray or Silver. For a limited time, buyers can also receive 30% off Samsung’s Pro Keyboard or Book Cover Keyboard Slim, which could make the tablets more practical for owners who want one device for email, documents, presentations and mobile work.

Samsung’s original announcement describes the S12 series as a combination of hardware, software and services rather than simply a larger Android tablet. The company lists professional applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Notability, LumaFusion, Goodnotes, Notion, Clip Studio Paint, MyScript Notes, MyScript Math, Noteshelf 3 and ArcSite among the included offers.

Key takeaways for small businesses:

• The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra costs $1,399.99, and the Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199.99.
• The Ultra has a 14.6-inch display, while the S12+ has a 12.6-inch display, measured diagonally.
• Samsung includes Android 17, One UI 9 and Galaxy AI features.
• The company advertises benefits worth about $445, but much of that value comes from trials and introductory discounts.
• A keyboard accessory may be essential for businesses that expect the tablet to replace a laptop.
• AI and third-party software features may require accounts, internet access or paid subscriptions.

For a small consulting firm, sales team or field-service company, a tablet of this size could support several common workflows. Employees could review contracts, annotate plans, complete forms, present proposals and join video calls without carrying a laptop. A keyboard could make the device more suitable for writing reports, responding to customers and updating cloud-based business systems.

Creative businesses may find the software bundle more relevant. A designer could use Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint, while a video producer could test LumaFusion. An architecture, construction or inspection business might use ArcSite for drawings and field documentation. Notability, Noteshelf and other note-taking applications could help advisers, instructors and consultants organize meetings and client records.

The large displays also matter for multitasking. Samsung lists a 14.6-inch screen for the Tab S12 Ultra and a 12.6-inch screen for the Tab S12+. The company says the series supports peak brightness of 1,600 nits and outdoor brightness of 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode. That could help employees who work in bright locations, although brightness settings can affect battery life and actual viewing conditions will vary.

Samsung also gives the series an IP68 rating. Under the company’s stated conditions, the tablets can resist water in up to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes. That may offer extra protection for mobile workers, but it does not eliminate the need for care around liquids. Samsung advises users to rinse residue and dry the device after exposure to water.

The biggest question for a small business will be whether the tablet can replace an existing computer or simply add another device to the technology budget. The starting prices sit near those of many business laptops, and the keyboard is an additional consideration even with the promotional discount. Companies should also check whether their accounting, customer relationship management and industry-specific applications work well on Android before standardizing on the tablets.

The advertised software value requires careful reading. Samsung says the approximately $445 total includes free trial periods, first-subscription discounts and a six-month Google AI Pro trial. Those offers can reduce the initial cost, but they do not necessarily represent long-term savings. Businesses should track expiration dates, review auto-renewal terms and decide which subscriptions they will actually keep.

The same caution applies to artificial intelligence. Samsung says basic Galaxy AI features are free, while enhanced Samsung AI features and third-party AI features may operate under different terms or involve fees. Google AI features require a Google Account and internet connection, and Samsung notes that generated output can vary and should be checked for accuracy. Owners should avoid treating AI-generated summaries, calculations or customer-facing content as automatically reliable.

Samsung’s release also states that app availability and terms can vary by country and region. Performance claims, including comparisons with the previous Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, may vary based on software, settings and the user’s environment. The company requires a separately sold 45-watt charger for its stated fast-charging capability and recommends approved chargers and undamaged cables.

For a business that values mobility, handwriting, visual work and a unified Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S12 series could serve as a flexible field and office tool. For businesses that depend on desktop-only software, extensive typing or centralized device management, a conventional laptop may remain the more straightforward investment.

This article, “Samsung Unveils Galaxy Tab S12 Series With Android 17 and Galaxy AI” was first published on Small Business Trends