Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021): A Performance and Battery Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra arrives as a new contender in the premium tablet space, boasting the latest Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ chipset. But how does it stack up against the established Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021), a device still relevant thanks to its solid build quality and capable Kirin 9000E processor? This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you decide which tablet best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra emerges as the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 9300+ chipset and longer battery endurance (85:18h) provide a noticeable performance advantage, justifying the higher price point. However, the MatePad Pro 12.6 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing wireless charging and a mature software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 262021, June 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, October 03Available. Released 2021, June 25
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back-
Dimensions326.4 x 208.6 x 5.4 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 in)286.5 x 184.7 x 6.7 mm (11.28 x 7.27 x 0.26 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight718 g (Wi-Fi), 723 g (5G) (1.58 lb)609 g (1.34 lb)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~239 ppi density)2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density)
Size14.6 inches, 617.8 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)12.6 inches, 460.3 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+OLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm)Kirin 9000E 5G (5 nm) - Wi-Fi modelKirin 9000 5G (5 nm) - 5G model
GPUImmortalis-G720 MC12Mali-G78 MP22 - Wi-Fi modelMali-G78 MP24 - 5G model
OSAndroid 14, One UI 6.1HarmonyOS 2.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)Nano Memory (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide) TOF 3D
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Dual12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesHDR-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (8 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model onlyGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired40W wired 27W wireless 10W wireless reversed 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 11200 mAhLi-Po 10,050 mAh
Misc
ColorsMoonstone Gray, Platinum SilverMatte Gray, Green, Silver
ModelsSM-X920, SM-X926B, SM-X926N, SM-X920NWGR-W09, WGR-W19, WGR-AN19
Price$ 899.99About 800 EUR
SAR EU0.94 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -23.1 LUFS (Very good)
EU LABEL
Battery85:18h endurance, 2000 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass E (0 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

  • Significantly faster processor with Dimensity 9300+
  • Longer battery life (85:18h endurance)
  • Faster 45W wired charging

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price

Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021)

  • Wireless charging support (27W)
  • Reverse wireless charging
  • Mature software experience

  • Older Kirin 9000E chipset
  • Shorter battery life

Display Comparison

The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) features a display capable of 382 nits of peak brightness, which is respectable but likely overshadowed by the Tab S10 Ultra, which, while lacking a specified brightness, typically exceeds 500 nits in Samsung's flagship tablets. While the MatePad Pro boasts an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, this is a nominal specification common to most OLED/AMOLED panels. The Tab S10 Ultra is expected to utilize an AMOLED panel with LTPO technology, offering variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency and smoother visuals. Bezels are likely slimmer on the newer S10 Ultra, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both tablets likely feature capable main sensors for video conferencing and document scanning. However, the Tab S10 Ultra, being a newer device, is expected to have a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 9300+, resulting in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The MatePad Pro’s camera system is likely optimized for video calls and basic photography, while the S10 Ultra aims for a more versatile experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) represents a significant leap over the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6’s Kirin 9000E 5G (5nm). The Dimensity 9300+'s Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.4 GHz, combined with its advanced architecture, will deliver substantially faster CPU performance. The Kirin 9000E, while capable, uses older Cortex-A77 cores. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 9300+ also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Tab S10 Ultra will likely benefit from faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts an impressive 85:18h endurance, indicating significantly longer battery life than the MatePad Pro 12.6. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the combination of the efficient Dimensity 9300+ chipset and optimized software contributes to this advantage. The Tab S10 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the MatePad Pro’s 40W wired charging. The MatePad Pro’s inclusion of 27W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (10W/5W) offers added convenience, a feature absent in the Tab S10 Ultra.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or multitasking. Its newer chipset and extended battery life will keep you productive on the go. Buy the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 (2021) if you prioritize wireless charging convenience, appreciate a refined software experience (despite the Google app limitations), and are looking for a premium tablet at a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ in the Tab S10 Ultra generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 9300+'s 4nm process node and advanced thermal management features are designed to mitigate heat buildup. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, it's unlikely to result in significant throttling, offering a more consistent gaming experience compared to older chipsets.
❓ How does the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 impact app availability and usability?
The MatePad Pro 12.6 runs on Huawei's HarmonyOS, which lacks native GMS support. While Huawei's AppGallery offers a growing selection of apps, some popular Google apps may require sideloading or using web versions, potentially impacting usability for users heavily reliant on the Google ecosystem.
❓ Is the 40W charging on the MatePad Pro 12.6 significantly slower than the 45W charging on the Tab S10 Ultra in real-world usage?
While 5W difference may seem small, the Tab S10 Ultra's 45W charging will likely result in a noticeably faster 0-100% charge time. However, the MatePad Pro's wireless charging capabilities offer a convenient alternative, albeit at a slower charging speed.