15 Cons of Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (Review 2024)

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. You’ve probably heard about it, right? It’s that massive-screened, premium tablet that Samsung’s been pitching as something that could just maybe, sort of, stand in for your laptop. On paper, it’s crammed with enticing specs—an enormous 14.6-inch display that basically screams “take me seriously,” a stylus meant to spark your creativity, and hardware that aspires to top-tier performance. Some reviewers have praised it as a sleek, versatile powerhouse, a device so futuristic you might think it stepped right out of a sci-fi comic. At a glance, it’s all very impressive. But let’s slow down. Let’s take off the rose-colored glasses for a minute and peek at what’s lurking underneath.

Beneath its polished exterior and marketing razzle-dazzle, the S10 Ultra isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. It’s got flaws—some small, some not-so-small—that you should know about before you dive headfirst into your wallet. I’m not saying it’s a disaster, just that it’s a complicated creature. Think of it like meeting a charismatic new friend who initially seems perfect. After a few days, you start noticing the weird habits and quirks: maybe they chew too loudly or insist on wearing socks with sandals. Perfectly fine human traits, but not something you’d expect at a premium price. Let’s get into these drawbacks and see if this tablet actually earns the hefty investment it demands.

1. The Sky-High Price Tag Leaves Your Wallet Begging for Mercy

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra doesn’t dip its toes in the premium pond—it cannonballs straight in. Starting around $1,200, and in some places as high as $1,349, we’re basically dealing with laptop-level pricing. I mean, at that cost, you could snag a pretty decent ultrabook or maybe even a gaming rig. Sure, you get a flashy screen and a fancy stylus. Great, right? But if your main goal is productivity—typing documents, editing photos, streaming shows—couldn’t a well-chosen laptop or a competitor’s tablet do the trick just as well, if not better?

It’s like going to a gourmet restaurant expecting a life-changing meal and ending up thinking: “This is good, but was it worth the three-digit bill?” When you look at the S10 Ultra and its steep price, you might find yourself quietly muttering, “Really?” Especially since other devices, including some iPads or Windows convertibles, give you comparable or superior performance at a lower cost. Unless you’ve got money to burn, be prepared for some serious financial soul-searching.

2. Déjà Vu: Minimal Year-Over-Year Changes from the S9 Ultra

If you’re an existing Galaxy Tab user waiting with bated breath for a leap forward, brace yourself for mild disappointment. The S10 Ultra doesn’t exactly break new ground; it’s more like shuffling one inch forward. Owners of the S9 Ultra may well squint at the spec sheet and wonder if someone accidentally reprinted last year’s brochure. You’d think a product with such a hefty price tag would introduce something revolutionary—a jaw-dropping feature or a transformative design twist. Instead, it’s basically the same show with a slightly shinier stage.

Yes, there are small enhancements here and there. Maybe it’s a smidge more polished, a hair quicker. But these subtle increments don’t exactly set your heart aflutter. It’s like getting a “new” car model that has the same engine, body shape, and interior, with just a fresh paint job. Upgraders hoping for fireworks might feel like they got a sparkler instead.

3. The Camera’s 30fps Ceiling Feels Like a Throwback

In a world where even affordable smartphones can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second or more, the S10 Ultra’s front-facing camera languishing at a max of 30fps across all resolutions feels oddly archaic. It’s as if the engineers missed a memo: people want smooth video, especially when they’re shelling out big bucks. Sure, 30fps might be okay for casual video calls with Grandma, but if you’re a content creator thinking of using this tablet for on-the-go vlogs or slick social media content, you’ll find yourself grumbling. It’s like biting into a chocolate chip cookie only to find just one measly chip.

At this price, you’d expect some future-proofing—something that says, “We’re ready for your next creative venture!” Instead, the camera setup just shrugs and suggests you settle for mediocrity. A small detail, yes, but in premium tech, small details accumulate into larger letdowns.

4. Haptic Feedback That Leaves You Feeling Numb

Haptics don’t usually steal the spotlight. Yet, when they’re done right, they add that subtle “ooh, this feels good” quality. Unfortunately, the S10 Ultra’s vibration feedback seems to have slept through that lesson. When you tap the screen or type, the feedback feels dull, like an old phone’s buzz rather than a refined, premium pulse. Imagine paying for front-row seats at a rock concert but hearing the band through a muffled set of headphones. Not exactly what you signed up for, right?

This might sound nitpicky, but consider that haptics shape how we physically connect with our devices. Good vibrations can make interactions feel more immediate and delightful. Subpar haptics just make it all feel a bit lifeless. At a thousand-plus dollars, lifeless doesn’t cut it.

5. The Notch: A Design Choice Stuck in Yesterday’s Trends

We’re in an era where device makers experiment with hole-punch cameras, under-display solutions, or simply slim bezels. Yet, the S10 Ultra keeps that old-fashioned notch. On a gargantuan 14.6-inch screen, you can’t help but notice the intrusion. It’s like buying a beautiful, panoramic painting only to have a small chunk cut out from the corner. Sure, you get used to it, but you shouldn’t have to.

With competitors refining their aesthetics, Samsung’s decision here feels out of sync. It doesn’t break the device, but it does feel like a subtle step backward. Little things matter when we’re talking about flagship devices, and a dated notch is just that—an annoying little thing

6. Accessory Costs That Make You Scratch Your Head

So you’ve taken the plunge and bought the S10 Ultra. You’re excited. Then you remember: to get that laptop-like functionality you’ve been dreaming about, you need a keyboard cover. Samsung’s official option hovers around $350. Three hundred and fifty bucks! For a keyboard. That’s half the price of some mid-range tablets on their own.

Even weirder, older keyboard models might still work decently, leaving you to wonder why you’d pay top dollar for the new one. At some point, all these add-ons start feeling like sneaky ways to siphon more money from your pocket. Instead of a neat ecosystem, it begins to resemble a marketplace of pricy knick-knacks that you begrudgingly buy, like those $4 water bottles at music festivals.

7. A Heavyweight Champ That’s Hard to Hold

14.6 inches. Try imagining that in your hands. Now imagine the tablet weighing about 700 grams. It’s hefty. If you like to curl up on the couch, snacking on potato chips while flipping through web articles, the S10 Ultra might start feeling like a minor workout. Maybe you’ll end up propping it against a pile of throw pillows, then cursing every time it starts to slide.

For a device marketed as a portable productivity machine, its size and weight can make it as portable as carrying a hardcover encyclopedia on vacation. That might be fine for some situations—like setting it on a desk for a Zoom call—but not so great for flipping through a bedtime novel without straining your wrist.

8. Durability Doubts: Fragile Chic?

Samsung touts “armor aluminum” for sturdiness, but let’s be honest: a large, thin slab of tech still feels delicate. Think of carrying a large, flat plate of fine porcelain. Sure, it can handle a tap or two, but one unfortunate bump or slip might be all it takes. After spending so much money, worrying about its survival becomes a nagging presence in the back of your mind.

You might end up investing in cases, sleeves, or protective covers just to sleep easier at night. And that adds bulk and cost. If you’re splurging for a premium tablet, shouldn’t you feel confident that it can handle the rigors of daily life, not just survive like a timid forest creature tiptoeing through a storm?

9. Stylus Attachment That Pops Off at the Worst Times

The S Pen is a key selling point, but how it attaches? Let’s just say it’s not the stuff of legendary engineering. It magnetically clings to the tablet’s back, which looks neat in product photos. In real life, nudge it a bit, toss the tablet in your bag, and you might find the pen rattling around freely. It’s like trying to keep a hairpin in place on a windy day: works fine in theory, but life doesn’t unfold under controlled conditions.

For serious users who rely on that pen for notes, sketches, or quick design tweaks, this is more than a small annoyance. Lose the pen once, and you’ll be fuming. A more secure docking method would’ve been a no-brainer.

10. Software Ecosystem: A Wide Canvas with Few Masterpieces

You buy a 14.6-inch tablet expecting apps that make glorious use of all that real estate. Instead, you often get blown-up phone layouts, awkward dead space, and clunky UI. It’s like having a huge, beautiful painting canvas but only a few brushes and a limited paint palette. Sure, Samsung tries with DeX mode and various tweaks, but many Android developers just don’t optimize their apps for giant tablet screens.

Compare this with the iPad, where developers typically embrace the tablet format. Here, you might find yourself running into half-baked app experiences that never quite justify the big screen. This isn’t entirely Samsung’s fault—Android’s tablet ecosystem has been lagging for ages—but for the price you pay, you’d hope they’d have found a way to lure developers into making the most of that sprawling display.

11. Charging So Slow You Might Take a Nap

On paper, 45W fast charging and an 11,200mAh battery seem good. In practice, it’s still not particularly quick. Need a full charge from empty? Grab a cup of tea, maybe two. Better yet, start a streaming series—you’ll have time. While not glacial, it doesn’t break any speed records either, especially given the device’s ambition to be your do-it-all machine.

We’re living in an era where even mid-range phones can suck down power at dizzying speeds. The S10 Ultra’s charging, while not terrible, still feels behind the times. If you’re on the go, the waiting game might become an unwelcome companion.

12. Palm Rejection That Leaves Your Drawings Smudged

So you’re excited to sketch your next masterpiece or take quick, handwritten notes. You rest your palm on the screen, start moving the pen, and… oops, a stray line appears where your hand touched. Perfect palm rejection is tricky business, but at this caliber (and price), you expect something close to flawless. Instead, you get occasional hiccups that break your flow.

It’s a small nuisance, but for artists or diligent note-takers, these micro-frustrations add up. After all, the S Pen and big screen are supposed to empower creativity, not sabotage it. Yet here you are, erasing random smudges and muttering under your breath.

13. The Processor Shift That Makes You Raise an Eyebrow

Instead of a trusty Snapdragon or a high-profile Apple chip, the S10 Ultra opts for a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus. MediaTek’s come a long way, but old habits die hard, and perceptions linger. Heavy multitasking or top-tier gaming sessions might not feel as buttery smooth as you’d hope. While casual tasks are fine, real performance enthusiasts—people editing videos, pushing 3D graphics, or juggling multiple resource-heavy apps—may feel a subtle lag.

Comparing it to the M-series chips from Apple can be painful. The S10 Ultra doesn’t exactly collapse under pressure, but it doesn’t leap over hurdles with elegance either. You end up with a pricey tablet that can’t definitively outpace cheaper options, and that stings.

14. Forced Accessory Upgrades Like a Change in Shoe Size

You had a neat case or stand for your older Galaxy Tab? Well, guess what? It probably won’t fit the S10 Ultra due to subtle design tweaks. This forces you to buy new accessories. While minor changes are common in the tech world, each forced upgrade feels like another round of minor extortion. So you end up hunting for third-party solutions that actually fit, or shelling out more cash for first-party gear.

It’s a sneaky annoyance that chips away at brand loyalty. You’re excited about the new device, then realize you have to rebuild your accessory collection from scratch. Ouch.

15. Drawing Pen Limitations: More Digital Than Natural

The S Pen is decent, but if you’ve ever tried a specialized drawing tablet with a textured screen or a stylus that mimics pen-on-paper friction, you’ll notice the difference. The S10 Ultra’s surface feels too smooth, too clinical. Drawing feels like you’re skating on ice rather than gliding a pencil across rough paper.

Some professional artists might adapt, sure. But those who crave that tactile feedback will find themselves longing for something more authentic. And at this price point, “just okay” doesn’t quite cut it. You don’t buy a luxury sedan expecting it to handle like a budget hatchback.

A Final Look: Beneath the Gleam Lies Complexity

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra presents itself as a futuristic marvel—a massive screen, a robust spec sheet, a vision of mobile computing’s next era. And sure, it has its moments. The screen can be breathtaking, colors popping like fireworks on a warm summer night. The stylus can be handy. It’s not a lemon; it’s just a fruit that’s not as sweet as you’d hoped.

Many of its flaws might be small on their own: a notch here, a slow charge there, a wobbly pen attachment, or lukewarm haptics. But together, they form a pattern, a tapestry of tiny disappointments that unravel the idea of perfection. Add in the sky-high pricing and the often subpar app optimization, and you get a device that tries hard to be extraordinary but ends up feeling like it’s standing on shaky ground.

For some folks, the S10 Ultra might still be a decent pick—maybe they can write off the cost as a business expense, or they simply love having the biggest tablet on the block. Perhaps they find the nitpicks irrelevant. Yet, if you’re the type who considers all angles before making a big purchase, these cons are not easy to ignore.

In the end, it’s not about painting the S10 Ultra as a villain. It’s more like acknowledging that the gleaming knight’s armor is a bit scuffed and the sword could use a sharper edge. When you pay top dollar, you want something that feels carefully honed, not just barely polished. That’s the rub. The S10 Ultra may be huge, but its flaws are equally conspicuous. Before you hit that “Buy” button, take a deep breath, think twice, and consider whether you’re willing to live with its imperfections—or if your money’s better spent elsewhere.

Nevertheless, if you’ve weighed all these drawbacks. Still wish to go with the purchase, congratulations! You’re making a considered decision that you won’t regret.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7J9Kqz7H0&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJy_itxeh6w&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k46BAgTzl8I&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAJWjxKB8hs&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1yhKTZlmNI&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imgl-8HeGQw&pp=ygUUR2FsYXh5IFRhYiBTMTAgVWx0cmE%3D