Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: The MediaTek Shift and Key Upgrades

The speculation regarding Samsung’s hardware choices for its 2024 tablet lineup has dominated tech forums for months. The biggest question centered on the engine inside the machine. Would Samsung stick with its traditional partner, Qualcomm, or make a controversial switch? The answer is now clear. Samsung has made a pivotal change for the Galaxy Tab S10 series, moving to MediaTek silicon for its flagship tablets.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ Explained

The most significant headline for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra is the chipset. For years, the “Galaxy” brand was synonymous with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors in North America and other key markets. However, the rumors were accurate. Samsung has equipped the entire S10 lineup with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+.

This is not a downgrade to a budget tier. The Dimensity 9300+ is a flagship-level processor designed to compete directly with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Early benchmarks and performance tests indicate that this chip is a powerhouse.

  • Architecture: Unlike traditional mobile chips that mix high-power cores with efficiency cores, the Dimensity 9300+ utilizes an “All Big Core” design. This means it offers immense raw power for multitasking and gaming.
  • Performance Gains: Samsung claims an 18% increase in CPU performance and a 28% boost in GPU (graphics) performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the previous Galaxy Tab S9.
  • NPU Efficiency: The chip is specifically optimized for AI tasks, offering a 14% increase in NPU performance to handle Galaxy AI features locally on the device.

No Base Model: A Shift in Strategy

Another major point of discussion is the lineup structure. In previous years, Samsung offered three sizes: the 11-inch standard model, the Plus, and the Ultra. For the Tab S10 generation, Samsung has streamlined the portfolio.

There is no standard 11-inch Galaxy Tab S10. Consumers looking for a new high-end Android tablet now have two choices:

  1. Galaxy Tab S10+: Features a 12.4-inch display.
  2. Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Features a massive 14.6-inch display.

If you prefer a smaller form factor, Samsung continues to sell the Galaxy Tab S9 11-inch model, but the new technology remains exclusive to the larger sizes.

Design and Display Improvements

While the chassis looks similar to the previous generation, Samsung has made specific refinements to the physical hardware. Both tablets retain the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

The Anti-Reflective Upgrade

The most practical upgrade for daily use is the display coating. Samsung applied an advanced anti-reflective coating to the Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens on both models. This technology drastically reduces glare from overhead lights or sunlight. If you use your tablet in a brightly lit office or outdoors, blacks look deeper and colors remain vibrant without the mirror-like reflection typical of glass tablets.

Thinner and Lighter

Despite the heavy-duty metal casing (enhanced Armor Aluminum), the tablets are thinner. The Tab S10 Ultra measures just 5.4mm in thickness. Samsung also shaved off a small amount of weight, making the Ultra roughly 14g lighter than its predecessor.

Galaxy AI Features

Samsung is marketing the Tab S10 series as “AI-ready.” The software runs on One UI based on Android, heavily integrated with Galaxy AI features. The switch to MediaTek has not hindered these capabilities.

  • Note Assist: This feature can auto-format messy notes, summarize long blocks of text, and translate PDFs instantly.
  • Sketch to Image: You can draw a rough sketch with the S Pen, and the AI will generate a polished image or 3D object based on your drawing.
  • Circle to Search: This Google-powered feature allows you to circle any object or text on the screen to instantly search for it without leaving the app.
  • Keyboard Key: The official Book Cover Keyboards for the S10 series now include a dedicated “Galaxy AI” key, allowing quick access to Bixby or Gemini assistants.

Battery Life and Charging Specs

Powering these large displays requires substantial battery capacity. Samsung has maintained the battery sizes from the previous generation, relying on the efficiency of the MediaTek chip to extend usage times.

  • Galaxy Tab S10+: 10,090 mAh battery.
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: 11,200 mAh battery.

Both tablets support 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0. It is important to note that, consistent with recent trends, Samsung does not include the charging brick in the box. You will need to purchase a 45W-compatible USB-C charger separately to get the maximum charging speeds.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy Tab S10 series was officially released in late 2024. Despite the change in processor suppliers, pricing remains in the premium tier, reflecting the high-end hardware and build quality.

  • Galaxy Tab S10+: Pricing starts at $999.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model.
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Pricing starts at $1,199.99 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model.

Both models are available in two primary colors: Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver. Storage options range from 256GB up to 1TB for the Ultra model, and both devices retain the microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samsung switch to MediaTek for the Tab S10? The switch likely involves a combination of cost efficiency and performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ offers performance comparable to top-tier Snapdragon chips but may allow Samsung to maintain profit margins without raising the retail price of the tablet significantly.

Does the Galaxy Tab S10 come with an S Pen? Yes. Samsung continues to include the S Pen in the box with both the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra. You do not need to buy it separately.

Will my Galaxy Tab S9 keyboard fit the S10? Generally, yes. Because the dimensions are nearly identical, the Book Cover Keyboards from the S9+ and S9 Ultra are physically compatible with the S10+ and S10 Ultra. However, older keyboards will lack the new dedicated Galaxy AI key.

Is the MediaTek chip good for gaming? Yes. The Dimensity 9300+ utilizes a powerful GPU and an advanced vapor chamber cooling system (1.48x larger than the S9 Ultra). It handles high-end Android games like Genshin Impact and ray-tracing enabled titles smoothly.