Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra 5G isn't necessarily better for US users

Short answer:
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra supports 5G connectivity in some regions, such as Europe and Australia, but Samsung doesn't offer 5G or LTE options in the US.

Sometimes there's a lot of fun to be had in other parts of the world too. Well, maybe not all, but a device like the Samsung Galaxy A55 isn't a terrible option to have in the US (though the Galaxy S24 FE partially makes up for its lack). Similarly, a decent handful of today's good tablets don't launch in all versions in North America.

Users looking to maximize their productivity from their Android tablets can benefit from integrated 5G support. One reason is that it eliminates the need for constant Wi-Fi hunting and battery-draining hotspot usage. Some US tablets have built-in modems, but many do not. Let's take a closer look at whether the biggest and fastest Android slates offer fast mobile data and whether it's a feature worth considering.

Does Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra have 5G?

Works in one version and not in the other

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra released in the US (with model numbers starting with SM-X920) does not have 5G support built-in. An optional variant launched in many other parts of the world, starting with the designation SM-X926, offers integrated 5G connectivity. Interestingly, 5G-enabled Galaxy tablets are essentially giant smartphones that can make voice calls and send messages just like regular (albeit clunky) devices.

Pricing will vary by region, but users down and across the pond will end up paying the equivalent of $160 to $260 more for the 5G version. With that in mind, convenience-minded US customers may be tempted to import, but they should consider the limitations before doing so.

Will the global version of Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra work well in the US?

While 4G networks will probably be more carrier dependent than 5G.

Samsung doesn't care about multiple SKUs for its mobile-enabled flagship tablets, so it's limited to supporting the SM-X926 frequency band. The international version supports nearly all major 4G bands in the US, except for T-Mobile's ultra-long range B71. It provides fairly fast internet to rural areas.

Tab S10 Ultra 5G network support in the US is a different story. Verizon users get great performance with support for all four of the carrier's sub-6 bands. However, you may need to first activate your Verizon SIM card using an approved US cell phone. T-Mobile users shouldn't have any activation issues, but they will no longer have access to rural n71 connections as they would with 4G spectrum.

US Cellular and Boost only share a single 5G band with the Tab S10 Ultra SM-X926. This means that subscribers will mostly be using 4G connectivity. AT&T users are also out of luck at all, as they only allow pre-approved devices to connect to their mobile network, and that doesn't include international phones or tablets.

Is it worth importing the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra 5G to the US?

If you really need to be productive on the big screen (and have the right career)

It's often easier to use your phone's hotspot than to import an international tablet and rely on less-than-perfect bandwidth support. Sure, it can drain your battery a lot, but having a reliable power bank can easily solve the problem.

Alternatively, if you often need internet access when you're on the go, you can choose from several worthy standalone hotspots. I don't want to pay taxes on my cell phone. Laptops also support mobile data tethering over USB, while Android tablets (ironically) do not.

But if your heart is set on being able to connect to the internet completely spontaneously, there's a short list of great mobile data-enabled tablets to look at. Most importantly, that list includes the Galaxy Tab S10+, so if you're willing to opt for Samsung's slightly smaller screen, you'll get all the benefits of 5G connectivity without giving up too much else. That's what it means.

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  Wi-Fi only

  Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

  Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is big and good, a super-powerful 14.6-inch slate that wants you to treat it like a laptop replacement. There's a good chance you'll buy an Android tablet because it bundles the S Pen and the fast MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, but you won't benefit from 5G connectivity if you're in the US.

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  5G compatible

  Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+

  Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10+ is a little smaller than the Ultra, but I actually prefer the size of its 12.4-inch AMOLED display. The bundled S Pen and MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ are still available. Additionally, with the Tab S10+, you also get the option of built-in 5G connectivity.