Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra renders feature the dreaded notch

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New renders of the giant Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra feature a notch for the front-facing camera.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra renders
(Image credit: 91mobiles / OnLeaks)

Update: A new specs leak has shed more light on the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, and the notch looks set to be a thing. 

For the eighth generation of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line, the company reportedly has three models in the works. While there was just a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7 Plus, this year we’ll apparently also be treated to a Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra which will allegedly feature enhanced internals and supersize the screen to an unprecedented 14.6-inches.

Unfortunately, this premium tablet will apparently introduce something a bit more divisive: the introduction of a notch for the first time in the series’ history.

That’s according to new renders produced by the solidly reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (more commonly known as OnLeaks) for 91mobiles. As you can see from the renders, the notch is small compared to the massive screen canvas, but is still somewhat distracting.

While Apple includes a notch on its iPhones for the advanced facial recognition hardware required for Face ID to function (as well as its new MacBook Pro), 91mobiles claims there’s no such plan here. It’s simply because there’s not enough room in the bezel to house the camera as there was on past models — and indeed the other two Tab S8s, which are apparently unlikely to feature a notch.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra renders

(Image credit: 91mobiles / OnLeaks)

You can sort of see the logic here. Samsung is clearly prioritizing screen size above everything else, but a 14.6-inch display makes a weighty tablet, and it’s unsurprising the company wouldn’t want to make it any larger with a bulky bezel just to hide the cameras more effectively. Nonetheless, it’s perhaps a little surprising that the company didn’t opt for the pinhole camera found on its Galaxy S21 handsets.

On the back, things look pretty conventional, with dual rear cameras and a magnetic strip for the S Pen to stick to. While not unexpected, it is good to see the S Pen viewed as integral here, as a 14.6-inch display is likely to be great for both annotations and creating digital art.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra renders

(Image credit: 91mobiles / OnLeaks)

The site states that the designs are “not 100% complete” so minor changes may follow. In terms of dimensions, it’s set to be 325.8 x 207.9 x 5.4mm; taller and slimmer than the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, in other words.

The report states that all three tablets will arrive in November or December, but that goes against the word of the leaker IceUniverse, who previously stated that we should expect them next year alongside the Galaxy S22. 

Whenever it launches, if you like the sound of the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, you’re advised to get in early. A report last week indicated that it will be built in limited quantities for select regions, with restocks unlikely once it sells out. 

Alan Martin
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. He also handles all the Wordle coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game for the last several years in an effort to keep his streak forever intact.