Tablets have evolved dramatically over the years and have become a favorite choice among students, professionals, and families. With the right tablet, you can do almost anything, from watching movies and checking social media to studying and taking last-minute notes for a presentation. The great news is that quality tablets don’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable and easy-to-use Android tablets available. However, if you’re looking to invest in a premium experience, Apple’s iPad models are worthy of consideration, especially with the upcoming iPadOS update announced at WWDC, which promises to enhance the user experience significantly.
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To aid in your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of our top picks for the best tablets currently available on the market. But before you rush into buying, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you choose the right device for your needs.
Which OS is right for me? Before diving into the myriad of tablets available, reflect on how your new tablet will integrate with the devices you currently own and how you plan to use it. For instance, if your household predominantly uses Macs and iPhones, opting for an Android tablet might not be the best decision, even if you are enticed by the new Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s massive 14.6-inch screen. This consideration is particularly crucial for anyone with a substantial library of purchased videos and music that may be challenging to access after switching platforms.
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Another factor to consider is the type of work you’ll be doing. While most modern tablets can handle basic tasks like web browsing and gaming, certain operating systems like iPadOS and Windows 11 are more adept at supporting multitasking and productivity compared to Android or Chrome OS. Furthermore, while popular apps and games are generally available on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, specialized software may only be fully supported on desktop platforms like Windows or macOS.
What size screen should I get? The optimal screen size for your tablet will largely depend on the activities you plan to undertake. Larger displays are advantageous for viewing multiple apps side by side and for a more immersive movie-watching experience. However, larger tablets are less portable, which means you need to consider how and where you will use your tablet. Whether you’ll be working from a desk, sofa, or bed, and how the tablet will fit into your daily routine or commute are important factors to weigh.
Potential accessories Additionally, consider any peripherals or accessories you plan to use with your tablet. Options include detachable keyboards, external microphones, or a stylus. Many leading tablets now support keyboard accessories, enabling them to function similarly to 2-in-1 devices rather than mere content consumption gadgets. Some tablets also offer features like microSD card slots for expandable storage or optional 4G/5G connectivity, which are beneficial for frequent travelers. If your primary usage is for work, investing in a USB hub for connecting multiple peripherals might be worthwhile, helping you avoid a fight for the charger.
How we test When assessing various tablets, we prioritize key aspects like performance, screen quality, and battery life. To evaluate performance, we run synthetic tests like Geekbench 6 and engage in real-world tasks such as photo editing and gaming. We also examine how well the tablet handles multitasking and how responsive it is when switching between apps. The more fluid and swift a tablet feels, the better it ranks in our evaluation.
Given that the display is a crucial component of any tablet, we test a wide range of content to assess factors like brightness, color gamut, and dynamic range. It’s essential to understand the differences between panel types such as OLED, which typically offer richer colors and excellent contrast but may not be as bright as a mini LED display. Refresh rates have also become increasingly important, with 90Hz and 120Hz screens providing smoother scrolling and sharper graphics during gaming.
We also take into account a tablet’s design, including its size, weight, and features like water resistance, as well as its connectivity options (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G, etc.). Special features like stylus support or the ability to function as a secondary display are also considered. While tablets were once seen primarily as content consumption devices, high-end models like the Surface Pro and iPad Pro can now often replace laptops for many users.
Lastly, we test battery life through our standard local video rundown test, which involves continually playing a video until the tablet runs out of power. Ideally, a tablet should last an entire working day, though longer battery life is always a plus.
Best tablets for 2024 In this section, we provide a detailed look at our top picks for the best tablets available in 2024, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Other tablets we tested Google Pixel Tablet The Google Pixel Tablet excels more as a smart display than as a conventional tablet. While its standalone tablet performance isn’t particularly exciting, it transforms when paired with its speaker/charging dock, becoming significantly more useful. It is a good option for those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem and frequent users of Google Assistant, or for those who appreciate a tablet that can double as a smart display.
OnePlus Pad The OnePlus Pad offers solid hardware featuring a well-designed build, comfortable stylus, and excellent battery life. However, it is somewhat held back by Android due to the limited availability of apps optimized for large screens. Despite this, it remains a robust choice for those looking for a versatile Android tablet with commendable battery performance.
FAQs What is the best brand for tablets? The best brand for tablets is highly subjective and depends on your personal preference and existing devices. If you are already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, an iPad might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you own a Samsung phone, a Galaxy Tab could be more convenient. There is no single ‘best’ brand; companies like Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, and Amazon all offer excellent options.
Can a tablet replace a laptop? Tablets can potentially replace laptops, especially when equipped with the right accessories. Essential add-ons include a keyboard, which can be in the form of a keyboard case or a Bluetooth accessory. Some keyboard cases, like Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad, come with a built-in trackpad, providing a more ergonomic input method than tapping on the screen. Adding a wireless mouse via Bluetooth can further enhance this setup. For the closest laptop-like experience, consider a 2-in-1 laptop, designed to function well with and without keyboards.
Recent updates June 2024: We updated our top picks to include the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ edition. This article was contributed to by Nathan Ingraham and Jeff Dunn, and originally appeared on Engadget.
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