Tab S12 series launches Wednesday with AI, productivity upgrades

Galaxy's first clip-type earphones, Buds On, also revealed

Smart Tag 3 adds iOS compatibility, extended search range

The Galaxy Tab S12 series [Samsung Electronics]
The Galaxy Tab S12 series [Samsung Electronics]

Samsung Electronics unveiled three new Galaxy products — a tablet, wireless earphones and a smart tag — as the company moves to expand its Galaxy ecosystem with upgraded performance and usability across each category.

Samsung announced Thursday the launch of the Galaxy Tab S12 series, Galaxy Buds On and Galaxy Smart Tag 3.

The Galaxy Tab S12 series comes in two models: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S12+. Samsung highlighted improved productivity as a key feature of the lineup.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is powered by the latest processor, delivering roughly 61 percent better NPU performance, about 19 percent faster CPU speeds and approximately 17 percent improved GPU performance compared with its predecessor. The device measures 5.1 millimeters thin and features a 14.6-inch display.

The Galaxy Tab S12+ sports a larger 12.6-inch screen than its predecessor, with slimmer bezels for improved portability. It supports up to 21 hours of use on a single charge.

Both models run One UI 9 based on Android 17, which Samsung said delivers an AI experience optimized for large displays.

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at 1,899,700 won ($1,390) and the Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at 1,549,900 won. Both models go on sale Wednesday.

The Galaxy Buds On [Samsung Electronics]
The Galaxy Buds On [Samsung Electronics]

Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Buds On, the Galaxy line's first clip-type wireless earphones. The over-ear clip design is intended to reduce fatigue during extended wear while allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings during physical activity.

Samsung said the earphones pack a range of technologies: twin-boost speakers to enhance bass, an automatic volume adjustment feature that responds to ambient noise levels, and sound-leakage reduction technology to keep audio from escaping outward.

The Galaxy Buds On runs on the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform paired with a high-efficiency Class D amplifier, enabling up to 9.5 consecutive hours of music playback on a single charge.

The earphones also support hands-free functionality. Users wearing the Galaxy Buds On can say "Hey Google, let's talk Live" to launch Gemini Live.

The Galaxy Buds On will launch in South Korea first on Oct. 27 in a single black colorway, priced at 299,000 won.

The Galaxy Smart Tag 3 [Samsung Electronics]
The Galaxy Smart Tag 3 [Samsung Electronics]

The Galaxy Smart Tag 3 is a mobile device that can be attached to belongings or pets to help users track their location.

A standout feature of the Galaxy Smart Tag 3 is its first-ever cross-platform compatibility between Galaxy and iOS devices. Previously, tag location tracking was available only on Galaxy devices supporting SmartThings Find, but the new model extends that functionality to iOS as well.

Samsung also enhanced the Nearby Search function, which helps users pinpoint a tag's approximate location. The upgrade introduces Bluetooth 6.0's Channel Sounding technology, which measures the distance between two devices for more precise tracking.

The Galaxy Smart Tag 3 goes on sale in South Korea on Wednesday in white and black, priced at 44,000 won ($32) per unit. A bundle of four — two white and two black — is available at 149,600 won, a 15 percent discount.


chami@heraldcorp.com