Samsung launches Galaxy Tab S12, Smart Tag 3, and One UI 9 with AI and customization upgrades

Samsung has announced updates to its Galaxy Tab and Smart Tag product lines, introducing the Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra tablets, along with the Smart Tag 3 Bluetooth tracker. The new tablets launch on October 7, 2026, with higher prices driven by a global memory shortage, while One UI 9 brings deeper customization to Galaxy phones. Discounts on the T9 Portable SSD and Galaxy Watch 8 are also currently available.

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra tablets

Samsung announced updates to its Galaxy Tab lineup, introducing the Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra, according to Mashable. The tablets will launch on October 7, 2026, priced at $1,199 and $1,399, respectively. The S12+ is the only model offering optional 5G support.

The new tablets feature 12.6-inch (S12+) and 14.6-inch (S12 Ultra) displays with 1,600 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. Both include Galaxy AI features, an S-Pen stylus, and free trials of Photoshop, Google AI Pro, and Notability. They also support fast charging, reaching 100% in about 95 minutes, and offer up to 23 hours of video playback.

The devices are built with Samsung’s Armor Aluminum material and boast IP68 protection, along with a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. Color options include gray and silver.

Smart Tag 3 launches with cross-OS support

Alongside the tablets, Samsung revealed the Smart Tag 3, a Bluetooth tracker priced at $29.99 for one or $99.99 for four, according to Mashable. The device is 35% smaller and 33% lighter than its predecessor and will launch in early November 2026.

The Smart Tag 3 offers up to 550 days of battery life on default settings and an enhanced Compass View range of up to 200 feet. It supports cross-OS compatibility for both Android and iOS but works exclusively with Samsung’s network, not Google’s, as reported by The Next Web. Color options include black and white.

Price increases driven by memory shortages

The Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra are $100 more expensive than their predecessors in the US, with European prices rising by €180, according to The Next Web. The tablets will launch at €1,299 (S12+) and €1,539 (S12 Ultra) in Europe. A 5G version of the S12+ or S12 Ultra adds €200 to the price.

The price hikes reflect a global memory shortage, with LPDDR5 prices rising 220% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, per The Next Web. This shortage has impacted devices across the tech industry, from budget smartphones to cameras. For example, Fujifilm raised camera prices by €500, while Apple discontinued its $599 Mac Mini rather than increase its price.

One UI 9 brings deeper customization to Galaxy phones

Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 for Galaxy phones worldwide, introducing new features to enhance user control over the device’s appearance and functionality, according to Engadget. The update includes My Fancam, which places users at the center of their videos, and expanded customization options via Samsung’s Good Lock and Home Up applications.

Key additions include multi-finger gestures for actions like taking screenshots or adjusting volume, and the Favorites Background feature, which allows users to customize blur, shadow, and color in the Favorites area. The Quick Panel now supports resizing, repositioning, and deleting elements without size restrictions.

Discounts on Samsung’s T9 SSD and Galaxy Watch 8

Samsung’s 1TB T9 Portable SSD is currently discounted to £192 on Amazon, down from £240, according to TechRadar. The SSD offers transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and comes with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee. It is cheaper at Amazon than at retailers like Argos (£205) and Currys (£209).

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is also available at a discount, priced at £219 for the 40mm Bluetooth-only model at Currys, down from £269. The 44mm LTE version is priced at £299, while the 44mm Bluetooth-only model is discounted to $307 at Best Buy in the US. The watch includes an onboard running coach with over 160 plans and AI-powered insights via Samsung Health.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Samsung’s latest product updates reflect two key trends in consumer technology: rising hardware costs and increased emphasis on software-driven differentiation.

The price hikes for the Galaxy Tab S12 series—driven by a global memory shortage—signal a broader challenge for hardware startups and manufacturers. Founders in this space should anticipate continued volatility in component costs, particularly for high-performance devices. This could accelerate the shift toward subscription models or modular designs to offset upfront expenses for consumers. For operators, it’s a reminder to scrutinize supply chain resilience and explore alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate risk.

The focus on AI and customization in both the tablets and One UI 9 underscores Samsung’s strategy to compete beyond hardware specifications. For startups, this highlights an opportunity to integrate AI-driven features into their own products, whether through partnerships (like Samsung’s bundling of Photoshop and Google AI Pro trials) or proprietary tools. The emphasis on user interface flexibility—like multi-finger gestures and background customization—also suggests that software innovation can drive engagement even in mature product categories.

Finally, the Smart Tag 3’s cross-OS support (Android and iOS) hints at a growing demand for interoperability. Startups building IoT or accessory products should prioritize compatibility to avoid fragmenting their user base, especially in markets where mixed-device ecosystems are the norm.

Key takeaways

• Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra tablets launch on October 7, 2026, with significant price increases due to a global memory shortage.
• The Smart Tag 3 Bluetooth tracker is smaller, lighter, and offers longer battery life than its predecessor, with cross-OS support for Android and iOS.
• One UI 9 introduces deeper customization for Samsung Galaxy phones, including multi-finger gestures and background effects, aiming to enhance user control.
• Discounts on Samsung’s T9 Portable SSD and Galaxy Watch 8 are currently available, reflecting competitive pricing in the storage and wearables markets.
• Memory shortages are impacting the entire tech industry, with LPDDR5 prices rising 220% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, affecting devices from smartphones to cameras.

FAQ

Why are the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra more expensive than their predecessors?

The price increase is largely due to a global memory shortage, which has driven up the cost of LPDDR5 memory by 220% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026. This shortage has affected the entire tech industry, leading to higher prices for devices like tablets, smartphones, and cameras.

What are the key features of the Galaxy Tab S12+ and S12 Ultra?

The tablets feature 12.6-inch (S12+) and 14.6-inch (S12 Ultra) displays with 1,600 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. They include Galaxy AI features, an S-Pen stylus, IP68 protection, and a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor. Free trials of Photoshop, Google AI Pro, and Notability are also bundled.

How does the Smart Tag 3 differ from its predecessor?

The Smart Tag 3 is 35% smaller and 33% lighter than the previous model. It offers up to 550 days of battery life (compared to 700 days for the Smart Tag 2), an enhanced Compass View range of up to 200 feet, and cross-OS support for both Android and iOS.

What customization features does One UI 9 introduce?

One UI 9 introduces multi-finger gestures for actions like taking screenshots or adjusting volume, as well as the Favorites Background feature, which allows users to customize blur, shadow, and color in the Favorites area. The Quick Panel now supports resizing and repositioning elements without size restrictions.

Where can I find discounts on Samsung’s T9 SSD and Galaxy Watch 8?

The 1TB Samsung T9 Portable SSD is discounted to £192 on Amazon, down from £240. The Galaxy Watch 8 is available for £219 at Currys for the 40mm Bluetooth-only model, and $307 at Best Buy in the US for the 44mm Bluetooth-only model.

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