Samsung’s first AI tablet comes with MediaTek's Dimensity processor

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. on Friday unveiled its first AI-enabled tablet, the Galaxy Tab S10 series, powered by the high-end Dimensity 9300+ application processor (AP) made by Taiwan’s MediaTek Inc.

The launch of the new tablet PC marks the first time Samsung has used MediaTek’s Dimensity AP to power its mobile devices. Previously, the Korean tech giant used Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon chipset in its premium Galaxy Tab series.

Analysts said Samsung’s shift toward MediaTek is part of its strategy to leverage its cooperation with the Taiwanese fabless company to gain the upper hand in price negotiations with Qualcomm and other AP suppliers.

The latest tablet comes in two types – the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S10+, equipped with a 14.6-inch display and a 12.4-inch display, respectively.

Both displays feature cutting-edge dynamic AMOLED 2X technology.

Bundled with the S Pen stylus, Samsung said the Galaxy Tab S10 series tablets are “purposely built for AI.”

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s performance upgrades include an 18% increase in central processing unit (CPU), a 28% increase in graphics processing unit (GPU) and a 14% increase in neural processing unit (NPU) compared to the previous model, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

“We’re proud to add to our seamless ecosystem of connected devices, bringing versatile experiences that only an AI tablet can offer through the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ blend of power and portability," said MC Lee, vice president and head of Samsung Mobile experience Division’s Galaxy ecosystems business team.

GALAXY AI KEY

The S Pen’s Air Command with AI function provides instant access to Galaxy AI Assistant features without toggling between menus.

One of the new functions available on the Galaxy S10 series is the Galaxy AI Key.

AI Assistant apps can be easily launched by the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboard with written prompts, making it easier for users to choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for a customized AI experience, according to Samsung.

Other cutting-edge AI features include Note Assist and Drawing Assist, optimized for the tablet form factor.

Samsung said the tablet series’ quad speaker setup is further enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, which amplifies voices over unwanted noise to create ultra-clear audio.

The AI-enabled Circle to Search function, jointly developed with Google Inc., is also applied to the S10 series

With Circle to Search, users can search for anything without switching apps. Using two sections of the wider screen, users can translate any image, video or text, Samsung said.

DOUBLE AS A HOME AI DEVICE WITH 3D MAP VIEW

The Galaxy Tab S10 series also acts as a home AI device, with a 3D Map View that gives a visual overview of the home and all connected devices to streamline device management across the SmartThings ecosystem.

Users can also enable SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode to monitor their devices’ energy consumption.

The company said Samsung Knox security technology ensures data privacy.

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ will be available in select markets starting from Oct. 3 and offered in two colors – Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver.

In Korea, the two models will be available on Oct. 4.

Meanwhile, Samsung accidentally released pricing information on its website earlier and then deleted it.

According to the information, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will be retailed at $1,199.99 for the 256 GB model, $1,319.99 for the 512 GB model and $1,619.99 for the 1 TB model.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ will be priced at $999.99 for the 256 GB model and $1,119.99 for the 512 GB model.

The price ranges are the same as the Tab S9 models.

With the AI-powered tablets, Samsung aims to narrow the market share gap with industry leader Apple Inc.’s iPads.

Write to Eui-Myung Park at uimyung@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.