Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series is shaping up to be an intriguing refresh of the company's flagship tablet line. Recent leaks and regulatory filings have revealed some key details about the new devices, pointing to significant changes in the lineup.
Two-model strategy
Perhaps the most notable shift is Samsung's apparent decision to offer only two models in the Tab S10 series:
- Galaxy Tab S10 Plus (12.4-inch display)
- Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6-inch display)
Conspicuously absent is any mention of a standard 11-inch Tab S10, suggesting Samsung may be discontinuing its smallest flagship tablet. This could indicate a strategic move to differentiate the high-end Tab S series from the more budget-friendly Tab FE line.
Familiar charging speeds
Regulatory filings with China's 3C certification body have confirmed that both the Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra will retain 45W wired charging capabilities. While not an upgrade over the previous generation, this still puts Samsung's tablets ahead of many competitors in terms of fast charging support.
MediaTek inside?
In a surprising twist, rumors suggest Samsung may equip the Tab S10 series with MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus processors. This would mark a significant departure from the Qualcomm Snapdragon chips traditionally used in Galaxy Tab flagships. The shift to MediaTek could potentially help Samsung keep costs down without sacrificing performance.
Launch timeline and pricing
While Samsung has confirmed the Tab S10 series will launch later this year, the exact date remains unclear. However, the appearance of regulatory filings often indicates an imminent release, with some sources pointing to a possible October debut.
Pricing for the new tablets remains speculative, but for reference, the previous generation launched at:
- Galaxy Tab S9 Plus: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$1,999
It will be interesting to see if the potential cost savings from using MediaTek chips translates to more competitive pricing for consumers.
As always with pre-release information, these details should be taken with a grain of salt until Samsung makes an official announcement. However, the Galaxy Tab S10 series is shaping up to be an intriguing evolution of Samsung's tablet strategy, potentially streamlining the lineup while exploring new hardware partnerships.
