Choosing the best tablet can be deceptively difficult. Though all tablets look more or less alike on the outside, under the hood there are a handful of operating systems and system configurations to choose from.
For operating systems options, there’s Apple’s iPadOS, Google’s Android, Amazon’s Fire OS (a version of Android), and Microsoft Windows. Some tablets work with a stylus for writing and drawing directly on the screen, while others are better for entertainment, as opposed to productivity and multitasking. The bottom line is that the best tablet for you depends on how you plan to use it.
If you are already invested in the Apple, Google or Windows ecosystems, you might consider sticking with that operating system for your tablet. An iPad can complement an iPhone, MacBook, iMac or Apple Watch quite nicely, for example, thanks to features like Continuity that lets you smoothly transition and automatically sync your work between your Apple devices. Sticking with Android, on the other hand, lets you run the same apps on both your phone and tablet. And Android tablets are generally more affordable than Apple iPads.
Likewise, don’t discount Amazon. The low-cost Fire tablets are excellent for entertainment and run a modified version of Android. Microsoft’s tablet line runs the same Windows you already know, and they boast capabilities that make it essentially as powerful as an ordinary Windows laptop.
As you’re about to discover, there are a lot of great tablet options, so we rounded up the best of the best for specific kinds of roles. Need a tablet for schoolwork, gaming, entertainment or productivity? Or are you looking for the best overall Android- or iPadOS-based tablet? Find what you need with the list of recommendations we’ve compiled for you right here.
- Best Overtall iPad: Apple iPad Pro 12.9” Wi-Fi + Cellular (5th Generation)
- Best Overall Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (256GB)
- Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
- Best Overall Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
- Best Smaller-Size Tablet: iPad Mini (6th Generation)
- Best Tablet for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
- Best Tablet for Handwriting and Drawing: Apple iPad Pro 12.9” (Wi-Fi Only)
- Best Amazon Fire Budget-Friendly Tablet: Amazon Fire 8 Plus
- Best Gaming Tablet: Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch
- Best Budget-Friendly iPad: iPad (9th Generation)
- Best Budget-Friendly Android Tablet: Lenovo Tab M10
- Best Desktop Replacement Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- Best Tablet for Zoom and FaceTime Video Calling: iPad Air (4th Generation)
- Best Smartphone/Tablet Hybrid: Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Best Overall iPad
Apple iPad Pro 12.9” Wi-Fi + Cellular (5th Generation)
Featuring a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and True Tone, this iPad runs using Apple’s own M1 processor (the same processor used by many of its newest MacBooks). The base model comes with 256GB of internal storage, but you can choose a hardware configuration that includes 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. The camera setup within this tablet is top-notch, but where this tablet really shines is when you take advantage of the optional cellular connectivity to access a 5G data network.
When it comes to viewing, editing, and sharing photos or video, the Retina display showcases vivid and authentic colors in all their beauty. You’ll also love utilizing this screen to watch movies or your favorite TV shows. The four speakers do an amazing job at simulating surround sound to create an immersive experience when watching any video content, playing games or listening to music.
Thanks to iOS 15, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes bundled with a bunch of powerful apps, and with the larger screen size that the tablet offers, multi-tasking (running two apps side-by-side) is a breeze. Using the Sidecar feature, this iPad can also be used as a second screen for your iMac or MacBook.
If you really want to boost the power and functionality of this tablet, invest in an Apple Pencil 2 stylus and optional Magic Keyboard. Expect to experience 10-hour battery life (nine hours if you’re relying heavily on a cellular data connection). Weighing in at 1.51 pounds, this ultra-thin tablet is a powerhouse and externally versatile in terms of what it can handle. If you’re seeking the best tablet that Apple currently offers, this is the one to choose.
Best Overall Samsung Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (256GB)
Like Apple, Samsung sells several great tablet models. But, if you want the best of the best in terms of an Android-based tablet, well it’s the Galaxy Tab S7+ that you should be looking at. The enormous 12.4-inch display is powered by a bright and sharp Super AMOLED display running at 120Hz, and sound is handled with four AKG-tuned speakers that produce virtual surround Dolby Atmos sound.
If you want to use this tablet like a laptop, you’ll appreciate Samsung’s DeX mode, which does pretty well at mimicking a traditional desktop operating system. This tablet comes with a Samsung S Pen, which means you can easily handwrite or draw on the screen using a stylus when it’s the smarter way to get a particular task done. If the S7+ is too large for you, you can always step down to the Galaxy Tab S7, which has an 11-inch display.
Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
Introducing Fire HD 10 Plus tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Slate
If you’re looking for an Android-based tablet that runs many popular apps, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is a nice solution. Keep in mind, all of the Amazon Fire tablets run a special (somewhat scaled down) version of the Android operating system, and you must acquire optional apps directly from the Amazon App Store (as opposed to the Google Play Store). However, Amazon has done a nice job at making hundreds of very useful apps readily available.
Featuring a 10.1-inch screen that can display 1080p Full HD, this tablet can come bundled with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which isn’t much, but you can’t argue with the tablet’s low price. Expect the battery life to last about 10 hours. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is a wonderfully versatile tablet that offers the core functionality most average users will appreciate.
It’s particularly useful as an entertainment device for watching/streaming video content (TV shows or movies), listening to audio content (music, audiobooks or podcasts), or reading eBooks, for example. It has the Amazon Alexa digital assistant built-in, so when it’s connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you can issue voice commands directly to the tablet.
Best Overall Android Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
The Android 11 operating system is powerful and comes with a nice selection of bundled applications that allow you to handle a wide range of common tasks - from surfing the Internet, to managing your email accounts, managing your contacts, and keeping track of your hectic schedule. When you visit the Google Play Store, you’re then granted access to million of optional free and low-cost apps that can greatly extend the capabilities of your tablet.
For someone looking for a tablet that can handle all of the common tasks people use a tablet for—and handle them well—be sure to check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G, which connects to the Internet via a Wi-Fi or 5G cellular data connection.
This tablet offers a 12.4-inch WQXGA (2560 by 1600 resolution) display and features Dolby Atmos surround sound with dual speakers tuned by AKG. The included S Pen allows you to handwrite or draw on the screen, as opposed to typing on the virtual keyboard (or an optional external keyboard).
Based on the hardware configuration you choose, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G can have 64GB or 128GB of memory, and with the use of an optional microSD memory card, up to 1TB of internal storage is available. Weighing in at just 1.34 pounds, you’ll love taking this tablet with you everywhere, and having the computing power and Internet connectivity you need literally at your fingertips. For someone who prefers the Android operating system and needs a tablet with a lot of computing power, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is an excellent choice.
Best Smaller-Size Tablet
iPad Mini (6th Generation)
When it comes to a tablet’s screen, many people believe that size really matters. However, this isn’t always the case. Plenty of users prefer a smaller and lightweight tablet that’s comfortable to hold in their hands for extended periods, like when reading eBooks, for example.
The iPad Mini (6th Generation) runs iOS 15 just like all of the other current iPad models. In fact, feature-for-feature, it measures up very well to the other iPads, but it’s more compact.
With a starting price of $500 for the Wi-Fi only model (64GB of storage), iPad mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina True Tone display, runs using the Apple A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine processor, features a 12MP Ultra-Wide front-facing camera (ideal for video calling), and two rear-facing cameras - including a 12MP Wide and a 10MP Ultra-Wide camera.
The weight of the iPad Mini is a mere .66 pounds, and the unit measures 7.69-inches by 5.3-inches by 0.25 inches. It features one USB-C port for charging and connecting optional peripherals. When it comes to handwriting or drawing directly on the tablet’s screen, iPad mini supports the optional Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), and if you want to add an external keyboard, a variety of Bluetooth options are available.
Like all iPads, the iPad Mini works with Apple-operated services and apps for Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Fitness+, Apple Podcasts, the App Store and Apple iCloud. Right out of the box, you can experience the power and capabilities of the smaller-sized tablet, regardless of what you’ll be using it for.
Best Tablet for Kids
Amazon Fire 10 Kids
Designed with kids in mind, the affordable ($200) Fire HD 10 Kids tablet is very similar to the “adult” version of the Fire HD 10 tablet, but with some valuable and useful additions.
For example, this kids version comes with a one year subscription to the Amazon Kids+ service (normally $2.99 per month), which gives users unlimited access to more than 20,000 apps, games, songs, videos, and eBooks that are suitable for people between the ages of three and 12. In addition, Amazon bundles the tablet with a”kid-proof” case for protection, but also includes a two-year, worry-free guarantee, so if anything happens with the tablet, Amazon will replace or repair it for free.
Beyond what’s included with Amazon Kids+, parents can easily set up the optional apps for streaming video services and adjust their respective parental controls, so the young users will only have access to suitable content on services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.
The tablet itself features a 10.1-inch Full HD display (1920 by 1200 resolution, featuring two million pixels at 224 ppi), low resolution front- and rear-facing camera(2MP and 5MP, respectively), one USB-C port, and a memory card slot that allows you to expand the device’s internal storage up to 1TB. Built into the device is 32GB of internal storage. Battery life is approximately 12 hours.
Basically, this tablet offers a great deal for parents who want to provide their child with an entertainment and educational device that offers plenty of suitable content, without having to spend a fortune on the tablet itself or on later repairs.
Best Tablet for Handwriting and Drawing
Apple iPad Pro 12.9” (5th Generation - Wi-Fi Only)
For the tablets that offer a stylus, the ability to handwrite or draw on the screen opens up an entirely new way to interact with the device and create content. For example, it becomes possible to handwrite notes into a digital notebook, sketch out an idea, edit photos with precision, or create digital works of art using an app that replicates the ability to paint or draw using a wide range of virtual brushes and tools.
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9” is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation stylus. The iOS 15 operating system allows you to handwrite within many apps and then either leave your content in its original form or have the tablet transcribe what you write into typed texted. There are literally hundreds of apps that support the Apple Pencil’s precision when it comes to writing, drawing or painting on the screen.
For those who don’t like to type, the iPad Pro, when used with an Apple Pencil, can authentically replicate a notepad, single sheet of paper, or sticky note, for example, upon which you can use a virtual writing instrument (such as a pencil, ballpoint pen, fountain pen, or marker) to handwrite just about anything or fill in digital forms.
Photographers, illustrators and artists have discovered all sorts of ways to tap the power of the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil combination to provide them with creativity tools virtually anywhere. With so many optional apps available, what’s possible is limited by your own imagination.
Thanks to the iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, between 128GB and 2TB of internal storage space, 10-hour battery life, four speaker audio system, two rear-facing camera, single front-facing camera, built-in microphones, and the processing power of Apple’s M1 chip, creative people have a large digital canvas available, plus the computing power needed to create in ways that were never before possible on a device that’s extremely lightweight and portable.
Best Amazon Fire Budget-Friendly Tablet
Amazon Fire 8 Plus
Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, HD display, 32 GB, latest model (2020 release), our best 8" tablet for portable entertainment, Slate
The Apple iPads are the most popular tablets in the world, and with good reason. However, in most cases, they’re also rather costly. If you don’t need all of the functionality of an iPad (or a full-featured Android-based tablet), but still want to experience the convenience of using a tablet for a wide range of common tasks, the Fire HD 8 allows you to accomplish this for a mere $100.
The Amazon Fire 8 Plus offers an 8-inch (1280 x 800 resolution) touchscreen display, a 12-hour battery life, and either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. It also comes bundled with a collection of apps that allow you to handle popular tasks, like managing contacts, scheduling, email and web surfing.
You can also use the tablet to experience many of Amazon’s digital services. For example, the tablet can serve as a feature-packed Kindle eBook reader (with full-color screen), or audiobook player (for listening to content from Audible). You’re also able to stream TV shows and movies via Amazon Prime Video, or listen to your favorite music or podcasts thanks to the Amazon Music service. A subscription fee is required for many of Amazon’s digital services.
In addition, the Amazon Fire 8 Plus offers many third-party apps (available from the Amazon App Store, as opposed to the Google Play Store), so content from Netflix, Spotify, Showtime and Disney+, for example, is only a few screen taps away. This tablet can also be used for video calling (via apps like Zoom), or used with various optional apps from Microsoft.
The Alexa digital assistant is built-in, so when the tablet is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you’re able to interact with it using voice commands. The Amazon App Store also offers a decent selection of optional game apps that can help keep you entertained and productive.
From a technology standpoint, nothing about the Amazon Fire 8 Plus is cutting-edge or top-of-the-line. For example, the front and rear-facing cameras offer a mere 2MP resolution, and the resolution of the display isn’t exactly stellar. However, if you’re looking for a very low cost, Android-based tablet that can easily handle common tasks, this device is a viable option.
Best Gaming Tablet
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (3rd Generation)
There are many things about Apple’s iPad Pro tablet lineup that make the mobile devices extremely appealing. They’re powerful, versatile, lightweight, thin, and chock-full of higher-end technology that give the tablet the computing power needed to handle a wide range of more advanced tasks, like playing fast-action and graphic-intense games that also feature immersive sound.
Whether you subscribe to the Apple Arcade service or acquire individual games and apps from the App Store, there are millions of exciting, challenging and innovative gaming experiences available to you using the iPad Pro.
The tablet’s 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone—combined with the processing power of Apple’s M1 chip and the tablet’s four speaker sound system—create an extremely portable and versatile gaming experience that can take advantage of the tablet’s touchscreen, or you can use an optional keyboard or gaming controller to take control over the action. The iPad Pro supports either an Xbox or PlayStation 4 wireless controller (sold separately).
It’s not just the vast number of games available for the iPad Pro that span across many popular genres—it’s also the quality of many of the individual games available, and the overall interactive experience that this tablet is able to offer using its built in technologies that gamers will appreciate.
Of course, the iPad Pro is also able to handle a wide range of other tasks exceptionally well, so it can just as easily be used as a powerful productivity or communications tool, for example, especially when it’s used in conjunction with an Apple Pencil and/or the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.
Best Budget-Friendly iPad
iPad (9th Generation)
Designed as an iPad for the masses, the latest version of the iPad has a starting price of $329 (Wi-Fi only) or $459 (Wi-Fi + cellular). The tablet features a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone (2160 by 1620 resolution at 264 dpi), runs using Apple’s A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine as its processor, and come with at least 64GB of internal storage. A hardware configuration with 256GB of internal storage (which is recommended), is priced at $479 (Wi-Fi only) or $609 (Wi-Fi + cellular).
Several things set this iPad apart from the iPad Pro models, starting with the display size and processor chip. The iPad is also only compatible with the original Apple Pencil (not the Apple Pencil 2nd generation), and it only has one front- and one rear-facing 12MP camera, along with two built-in speakers (as opposed to four).
Also, while Apple has switched the connection type on the other newer iPad models to USB-C (which also utilize Face ID), this iPad continues to rely on a Lightning connector and a Touch ID sensor built into the Home button (which the iPad Pro models no longer have). The Wi-Fi + cellular version only supports 4G LTE data connectivity (as opposed to 5G).
Finally, the maximum internal storage for this iPad is 256GB, while the iPad Pro models can go up to 2TB. There are optional flash drives (with a built-in Lightning connector) that allow for additional external storage, however.
So while the internal technology of the iPad (9th Generation) is somewhat inferior to the current iPad Pro models, this iPad does run the same version of iPadOS 15 (or later) as the rest of Apple’s tablet lineup, so it’s fully compatible with all of the same apps. Expect a 10-hour battery life from the iPad, which weighs just 1.09 pounds.
Thanks to its lower price, this is the iPad model that Apple is recommending as suitable for kids, teens and students (or as a “starter” tablet for anyone)—although college-level students and business professionals will likely appreciate the added capabilities of a more expensive iPad Pro model.
Best Budget-Friendly Android Tablet
Lenovo Tab M10
For people who already rely on an Android-based smartphone and want to stick with the Android operating system for their tablet, yet don’t want to spend a fortune, the Lenovo Tab M10 is a very low-cost option. In fact, you can pick one up for as little as $150. Unlike the Amazon Fire tablets, this one uses a full version of the Android 9.0 OS that is fully compatible with the Google Play Store when it comes to finding and adding optional apps to the device.
The Lenovo Tab M10 features a 10.3-inch LED display (1920 by 1200 resolution). The core model offers just 32GB internal storage. There is, however, a built-in microSD card slot, so expanding the internal storage is easy using an optional memory card. This tablet also relies exclusively on Wi-Fi for Internet connectivity, but also supports Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting optional accessories, such as wireless ear buds. Unlike most tablets, this one continues to offer a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting wired headphones or external speakers.
At the bottom of the tablet, you’ll find a single USB-C port. Expect to get up to nine hours of battery life. The front-facing camera offers 5MP resolution, while the rear-facing camera offers 8MP resolution, which by today’s technology standards is low (especially for shooting digital photos or videos), but the cameras will work just fine for video calling.
The Lenovo Tab M10 is a really good “starter” tablet, especially for kids, teens and non-tech-savvy adults who don’t need a high-end device. It’s certainly not cutting-edge in terms of the technology it offers, but it will prove to be a highly functional and versatile tablet that weighs just 16.16 ounces.
Best Desktop Replacement Tablet
Apple’s iPads are designed to work seamlessly with Macs in terms of automatically syncing and sharing app-specific data, files, photos and other content. Using the free iCloud for Windows software, iPads can be set up to sync with Windows PCs as well Meanwhile, Android-based tablets can also be set up to share information with Windows PCs or Macs.
However, if you’re a Windows 11 PC user and already familiar with the operating system, it probably makes sense to purchase a tablet that also runs the Windows 11 operating system. Not only will this greatly reduce your learning curve for using the tablet, it’ll also ensure full compatibility with all of your data and content.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a powerful and feature-packed tablet that runs Windows 11. The tablet uses an 11th generation Intel Core processor, has a battery that lasts up to 16 hours, and it features two built-in Thunderbolt 4 ports. The tablet is also designed to work with the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus (which makes writing or drawing on the screen a natural and authentic experience, as if you’re writing with a pen on paper), as well as the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (sold separately).
In addition to offering a large, state-of-the-art, 13-inch display (with 2880 x 1920 resolution at 267 dpi with a 120Hz refresh rate), you can configure the Surface Pro 8 to include plenty of RAM (up to 32GB) and internal storage space (up to 1TB).
The Surface Pro 8 is the higher-end tablet in Microsoft’s Surface device lineup, but for business professionals who are constantly on the move, this tablet offers all of the benefits of using a tablet with a touchscreen display, but also provides the computing power and full Windows 11 compatibility of a laptop computer.
Best Tablet for Zoom and FaceTime Video Calling
iPad Air (4th Generation)
Any tablet with a front-facing camera and the ability to connect to the Internet will allow you to participate in video calls, although which video calling services the tablet is compatible with will vary. The benefit to using any iPad as a video calling tool is that in addition to FaceTime (which comes bundled with iPadOS 15), optional and free apps are available for Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype and just about every other video calling and virtual meeting service.
In addition, most of the newer iPad models, including the iPad Air (4th generation), take advantage of Spatial Audio during video calls, so you can tell which direction sound is emanating from. The new SharePlay feature allows multiple people to enjoy watching video content or listening to music at the same time while participating in a FaceTime video call.
The 7MP front-facing camera that’s built into the tablet, along with its two built-in stereo speakers and dual microphones, will ensure you’ll be seen and heard clearly (and clearly hear and see the people you’re communicating with) as long as the tablet has a stable Internet connection.
When comparing Apple’s entire iPad lineup, the iPad Air is in the middle - between the iPad and iPad Pro models. It has a starting price of $599 (Wi-Fi only with 64GB of internal storage), and offers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (with 2360 by 1640 resolution at 264 dpi), and it runs using Apple’s A14 Bionic chip processor.
Unlike other iPad models which have a Touch ID sensor built into the Home button or use Face ID, the iPad Air has a Touch ID sensor built into the button that’s located along the top-right edge of the tablet.
iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Apple Magic Keyboard, so you can interact and type directly on the tablet’s touchscreen display, handwrite/draw using the stylus, or touch-type using an external keyboard. iPad Air also includes one USB-C port, and supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and 5G cellular connectivity (on Wi-Fi + cellular models).
People love the iPad Air because of its power and versatility, but also its ultra-thin size. It measures 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24-inches and weighs just one pound. Like all of the other iPads, this one comes bundled with a nice collection of popular apps, but millions of optional apps are readily available from the App Store.
iPad Air comes in your choice of five casing colors (silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue), and like all iPads, is available in a Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + cellular version. Choose between 64GB or 256GB of internal storage.
Best Smartphone/Tablet Hybrid
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Until just a few months ago, you needed to choose between a smartphone and a tablet, or purchase two separate devices separately, and then set them both up to automatically sync data, documents, files, photos, and other content between the two devices (and perhaps your computer as well).
Now, however, you have the option of purchasing a single device that offers all of the features and functionality of a 5G smartphone and cutting-edge tablet combined into a single device.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is an Android-based smartphone/tablet hybrid that features two screens that can be used separately (when running two apps simultaneously) or used together as a single, 7.6-inch display. Using a stylus, you can also write or draw directly on the screen with extreme precision.
Meanwhile, the new Microsoft Surface Duo 2 also features a folding design with two screens, but the big differentiator is that this device runs Windows 11, as well as all Android apps (available from the Google Play Store).
So, if you already have a Windows PC, the same applications you already use on your desktop or laptop computer will run flawlessly and sync data with the Surface Duo 2. Of course, the Surface Duo 2 offers 5G cellular data connectivity, but also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
It’s the 5.8-inch AMOLED display (1344 x 1892 resolution), however, that opens up to be an 8.3-inch display (2688 x 1892 resolution at 401 ppi with a 90Hz refresh rate) that gives you the feeling of using a handheld tablet when you need the extra screen space.
Just about everything about the Surface Duo 2 takes advantage of the latest technology - from the quality of the displays to the processor, speakers, microphones, ports, and camera setup. In fact, you can use any of the three rear-facing cameras (including a 12MP wide, 16MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto) to capture stunning digital images or 4K HDR video at up to 60 fps.
For anyone who wants full access to Windows 11 (and all of their favorite applications) in a smartphone/tablet that folds up and fits nicely within a pocket, purse or briefcase, the Surface Duo 2 is a durable (water-resistant) device that comes bundled with a wide range of Microsoft applications, including Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams, Microsoft To-Do, Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Lens and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.).
Expert Advice for Choosing the Perfect Tablet
When it comes to choosing the perfect tablet for yourself, you have several important decisions to make, starting with which operating system you want the tablet to run. As you now know, the most common options include iPadOS, Android or Windows. This will determine compatibility with your other mobile devices and computers, without needing to install special apps or software.
As you evaluate tablets, make sure you’re looking at the current generation of each tablet, as many manufacturers keep the name of a tablet the same, but upgrade the technology within the tablet with each new generation. For example, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9” (5th generation) is technologically superior to the 4th generation model.
Consider what you’ll be using the tablet for and how much internal storage you’ll ultimately need. For example, if you plan to store a large collection of movies and HD video files within the tablet (to watch when you’re offline), at least 128GB or 256GB of internal storage will be desirable.
The internal storage within Apple’s iPads, for example, cannot be upgraded once you purchase a tablet. Some other tablets, however, have a built-in microSD memory card slot that allows you to expand internal storage using an optional memory card.
Of course, you can also rely on cloud-based storage, but without a continuous Internet connection, content stored in the cloud (using Apple iCloud, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox, for example) won’t be accessible.
When selecting a tablet, you’ll often be able to choose a casing color. This is a decision to make based on personal preference, as casing color has no impact whatsoever on the tablet’s functionality. It’s purely a cosmetic decision. Keep in mind, the casing will likely be covered up if you opt to use a protective cover or case with your mobile device (which is highly recommended).
The other big decision you’ll need to make, in most cases, is between a Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + cellular configuration. As the name suggests, a Wi-Fi only model will only allow you to connect to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. If you pay extra and upgrade to a Wi-Fi + cellular compatible tablet, determine if that tablet supports 4G LTE or 5G networks, keeping in mind that an ongoing fee will apply to utilize a cellular data connection with the wireless service provider you choose.
If you go with a Wi-Fi + cellular tablet, definately seek out 5G compatibilty and a device that works with your existing cellular service provider. The service provider you use for your smartphone will often offer a lower-cost bundle for adding tablet service to your existing account.
Beyond these decisions, consider the overall size and quality of the display, the weight of the tablet, its battery life, and the type of port(s) it offers. These days, a USB-C port is most common. Then, based on how you’ll be using the tablet, the number and resolution of the front- and rear- facing cameras should also be considered. The higher a camera’s resolution, which is measured in megapixels (MP), the better.
Finally, take a look at the collection of apps that come bundled with the tablet, and determine where optional apps will be available from. Optional apps for all iPads come from Apple’s iOS App Store, and there are literally millions to choose from.
Most Android-based tablets give you access to the Google Play Store, which also offers millions of optional apps. However, the Amazon Fire tablets, although Android-based, require you to acquire apps from the Amazon App Store (as opposed to the Google Play Store). Apps for Windows-compatible tablets typically come from the Microsoft Store.
Keep in mind, the amount of internal storage built into the tablet, the size of the display, and whether the tablet offers cellular data connectivity will all impact the tablet’s initial price. Beyond the cost of the tablet itself, figure out how much you’ll need to spend on optional peripherals and accessories, such as a case/cover, external keyboard, stylus or wireless earbuds. Also, calculate into your purchase price the cost of an extended warrantee that covers repairs, technical support, and in some cases, the replacement of a lost or stolen device.
Initially, choosing the right tablet may seem a little daunting, but once you determine what you need out of the tablet, your budget, and what other equipment the tablet needs to be compatible with, your decision about which tablet to acquire will become much more obvious.
To save money on your new tablet purchase if you’re upgrading your equipment, keep in mind that companies like Apple and Samsung, as well as some online retailers, have a generous trade-in program that allows you to instantly save up to several hundred dollars off of new equipment when you trade in your eligible older equipment.
Once you start using the mobile device, you’ll likely discover that it’ll become an indispensable tool in your personal and professional life, as it can serve as a versatile communications, productivity, organizational, health/fitness, and entertainment device that’s customizable to meet your needs, work habits and personal preferences.
