The end of the year can also be a good time to learn something new or start working on an idea. Research, note-taking, and practice are all part of that process. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series combines powerful performance, long-lasting battery life and Galaxy AI in a thin and light design. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ also support professional apps and accessories for studying and creative work.
Here are a few quick tips to get more from the Galaxy Tab S12 and finish 2026 strong.
The rundown
- The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ include an S Pen for sketching and exploring creative ideas.
- The tablets feature thin designs, lightweight builds, and batteries rated for up to 23 hours of video playback.
- Clip Studio Paint offers digital drawing and painting, with a six-month trial and a 20% discount on the first subscription.
- Regular practice and small creative projects provide a practical way to develop your illustration skills.
Quick tip 1: Make the S Pen your starting point
A stylus lets you put your ideas directly on the screen, making it a great starting point for digital artwork. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ both include an ergonomically designed S Pen for sketching, annotating, and transforming ideas into creative work.
You don't have to start with complicated drawings. Start with simple shapes and everyday objects, and basic outlines can help you get comfortable drawing on a screen. Over time, those exercises can become the foundation of more complex illustrations.
The S Pen also lets you capture ideas as they come. A quick sketch can become the starting point for a character, a design, or a larger creative project.
Quick tip 2: Find a drawing app that fits your goals
The right drawing app can help you move from basic sketches to more developed digital artwork. The Galaxy Tab S12 series supports professional apps like Clip Studio Paint, which offers tools for digital drawing and painting.
As you explore different drawing tools, look for features that match the kind of artwork you want to create. Start with the basics to learn the app before moving on to more advanced tools.
Samsung also includes a six-month Clip Studio Paint trial with the Galaxy Tab S12 series, plus a 20% discount on your first subscription.
Quick tip 3: Make the most of the large display
A larger canvas gives you more room to work as your illustrations become more detailed. You can see your artwork clearly, zoom in on small details, and adjust different parts of your illustration.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Galaxy Tab S12+ comes with a smaller 12.6-inch display with the same technology. Regardless of the model you choose, the screens support a refresh rate of up to 120Hz with a peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits.
The larger screen of the Ultra model may be more suited for illustrators who prefer more real estate, while the S12+ offers a smaller alternative. The screen size for you will depend on the kind of artwork you want to create and how much mobility you need.
Quick tip 4: Keep your creative practice portable
You don't always have to be sitting at a desk to get creative ideas. The Galaxy Tab S12 series lets you sketch whenever you have a free moment, whether you're taking a break, sitting at a coffee shop, or traveling.
The Galaxy Tab S12 series combines a thin design, a lightweight build, and long battery life. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra measures 5.1mm thick and weighs 692g (Wi-Fi model), while the Galaxy Tab S12+ measures 5.3mm thick and weighs 553g (Wi-Fi model). The 5G models weigh slightly more, at 695g and 555g, respectively.
You can get up to 23 hours of video playback on the Ultra and up to 21 hours on the S12+. However, the actual battery life varies with usage, settings and other conditions, so don't treat those figures as guaranteed drawing times.
Quick tip 5: Build your skills one project at a time
A new tablet can provide the tools for digital illustration, but practice is what helps you develop your skills. Small projects can make learning less intimidating and give you chances to experiment.
For example, a collection of simple sketches can help you explore shapes and composition before you switch on to more detailed artwork. Your next project could involve a character, an everyday object or an original design.
The Galaxy Tab S12 series lets you practice these skills with the S Pen and supported apps. The large display also gives you room to develop your ideas as a sketch becomes a more finished illustration.
A creative starting point for aspiring illustrators
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series comes with an S Pen, large screens, and apps for drawing. Beginners can use these tools to experiment with digital art, try out different ideas, and get better at drawing as they practice.
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+ offer different screen sizes, so you only need to pick the one that fits your needs. A suitable drawing app and regular practice can help you turn a simple sketch into a finished illustration.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 recommended for beginners in digital illustration?
The Galaxy Tab S12 series includes an S Pen, a large screen, and access to creative apps, which gives beginners an excellent starting point for exploring digital drawing and painting.
Does the Galaxy Tab S12 include a drawing app?
Samsung lists Clip Studio Paint among the creative apps. The series includes a six-month trial and a 20% discount on the first subscription, subject to market availability and terms.
How long does the Galaxy Tab S12 battery last?
Samsung rates video playback at up to 23 hours on the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and up to 21 hours on the Galaxy Tab S12+. Actual battery life depends on usage and other conditions, and drawing sessions may produce different results.
