Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ (previous generation)

Display, performance and Android productivity

The 12.4-inch AMOLED panel is the product's defining strength. Blacks are genuinely dark, HDR material looks richer than on typical LCD tablets and 120Hz scrolling is noticeably smoother than on the 60Hz iPad Air. The widescreen ratio suits films and side-by-side apps, although portrait reading can feel tall and the glossy surface still reflects bright rooms. OLED ownership also calls for sensible habits: static interface elements displayed at high brightness for very long periods can contribute to uneven ageing over years.

The Dimensity 9300+ remains fast enough for demanding Android games, editing and multitasking. Samsung DeX provides a desktop-style interface with resizable windows, keyboard shortcuts and taskbar behaviour, but it does not turn Android applications into Windows programs. Some apps still stretch phone layouts, omit desktop features or handle external displays inconsistently. Buyers replacing a laptop should check their exact office, creative, browser-extension and peripheral requirements rather than relying on DeX branding alone.

Samsung's software-support commitment is a significant advantage for discounted ownership. The tablet launched with Android 14 and has continued receiving major Android and One UI updates. Long support reduces the risk of buying an older generation, but remaining support time is still shorter than on a newly launched Tab S11. Security and feature updates also depend on region and rollout schedule.

S Pen, storage, charging and connectivity

The included S Pen is useful for notes, annotation and drawing and stores magnetically on the tablet. It does not need charging for basic writing, although Bluetooth-style remote features on supported pens may have separate requirements. The pen is water resistant to the limits Samsung specifies, but neither tablet nor pen should be treated as indestructible. The IP68 rating refers to controlled fresh-water and dust testing; salt water, chlorinated water, impact and liquid damage remain concerns.

Internal storage is commonly 256GB or 512GB and can be expanded with microSD. Expansion is valuable for media and documents, but an SD card is not identical to fast internal storage: applications, high-bitrate editing and encrypted workflows may still prefer the built-in drive. Wi-Fi and 5G versions exist, so buyers should verify the exact model code. Cellular versions need a compatible data plan, and keyboard covers are optional even though the S Pen is included.

The 10,090mAh battery supports charging up to 45W with compatible USB Power Delivery equipment. A full-speed charger may not be included, and not every USB-C adaptor or cable will negotiate Samsung's fastest rate. Real endurance varies with 120Hz use, HDR brightness, games, DeX, mobile data and standby settings. The USB-C connection supports displays and accessories, but hub compatibility, charging passthrough and video output depend on the dock and cable.

Value and verdict

Galaxy Tab S10+ is the strongest media and drawing option in this group when its 12.4-inch OLED display, included S Pen and microSD slot matter more than having the latest processor. It is also one of the few premium tablets with meaningful water-and-dust protection. The drawbacks are previous-generation status, high accessory costs, the absence of a charger in some packages and Android applications that still vary in tablet optimisation.

Buy it when the discount is substantial and the 12.4-inch size is preferable to both the 11-inch Tab S11 and 14.6-inch S11 Ultra. Confirm Wi-Fi versus 5G, storage capacity, keyboard inclusion and UK warranty. Against iPad Air it offers a faster OLED screen and included pen; against OnePlus Pad 2 it offers better long-term ecosystem depth, microSD and water resistance. It remains excellent hardware, but it should not be presented as Samsung's current flagship generation.