After the release of the 2022 Apple iPad Air and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 lineup last year, there hasn’t been much movement in the tablet world. At IFA, Lenovo announced refreshed versions of the Tab P11 and P11 Pro with updated internals and even an 11.2-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate on the Pro. Apple’s latest tablet is the revamped 10.9-inch iPad, but at $449 it’s more of an upgrade than an alternative to the cheaper 10.2-inch iPad. More recently, Amazon launched revamped versions of its Fire HD 8 tablets with new “Tap to Alexa” functionality. While there haven’t been a ton of breakthrough releases lately, there are still plenty of great tablets to choose from if you’re on the hunt for a new tablet or looking for a laptop replacement. Let’s break down what you should consider before picking up a new device, and our current top tablet picks.
Which operating system is right for me?
Before you even start looking at specific devices, consider how your new tablet will fit in with the gadgets you already own and how you plan to use it. For example, if everyone in your house uses Macs and iPhones, it probably doesn’t make much sense to buy an Android tablet, even if you were tempted by the large 14.6-inch screen of the new Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. This goes double for anyone with a large library of purchased videos and music that might be harder to access after switching platforms.
Another consideration is the type of work you will be doing. Indeed, while most modern tablets are adept at browsing websites or playing games, some operating systems like iPadOS and Windows 11 are better designed to support multitasking and productivity than Android. or even Chrome OS. The situation is similar for software, because while the most popular apps and games are available on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, more specialized software may not receive support. appropriate only on desktop platforms such as Windows or macOS.
What screen size should I take?
Determining the best screen size for you will also relate to the type of work (or game) you intend to do. Larger screens make it easier to view two apps side-by-side, and larger screens also provide a more immersive movie-watching experience. But at the same time, the bigger the tablet, the less you’ll want to move it. This means that you’re not only going to want to take stock of your workspace (for example, if you have a desk or plan to work from a sofa or even your bed), you’re also going to want to think about how whose device will fit into your daily routine or on the go (if you have one).
Potential accessories
Finally, you’ll want to consider any add-ons or accessories you plan to use, which can range from detachable keyboards to things like external mics or a stylus. The good news is that many of the best tablets today offer some kind of keyboard attachment, which allows the device to function more like a 2-in-1 instead of just being a consumer device. content. Some tablets also feature things like microSD card slots that support expandable storage, or optional 4G or 5G connectivity, which can be a real boon for frequent travelers. And if you plan to use the tablet primarily for work, you might want to get a USB hub to connect all of your favorite peripherals.
Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro
Powered by the same Apple M2 chips you get in MacBooks, the iPad Pro is one of the fastest, best-built tablets you can buy today. It comes in two sizes (11-inch and 12.9-inch) and works with a range of accessories, including the Apple Pencil and the extremely useful (but pricey) Magic Keyboard. And thanks to their 120Hz ProMotion mini-LED displays, the iPad Pro display delivers strong brightness and smooth visuals whether you’re watching a movie or creating a slideshow. Recent versions of iPadOS have also made Apple’s most premium tablet a much more capable work device, with the addition of new sidebars for quickly switching between apps, a more desktop-like user interface powerful for Safari and various new toolbars.
The main downside is that starting at $800 for a base 11-inch model with 128GB of storage, Apple’s iPad Pros don’t come cheap, and that’s before you add extras like cellular connectivity or a keyboard. But given that there’s a good chance the latest iPad Pro will be more powerful than your current laptop, there’s really nothing you can throw at Apple’s high-end tablet that it can’t. not manage.
A final note is that if you like the iPad Pro but want something a little more affordable, there’s also the fifth-generation iPad Air. This is powered by the M1 chipset, but it supports Apple Pencil and optional 5G connectivity. And with a 10.9-inch screen, it’s essentially the same size as the smaller iPad Pro. The main difference is that the iPad Air’s screen isn’t as bright and doesn’t support a 120Hz refresh rate. But if that’s okay with you, the 5th-gen iPad Air is basically an iPad Pro with a less fancy screen that starts at $599 instead of $799.
Best Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Available in three sizes – an 11, 12.4 and a whopping 14.6-inch model – Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 range has the right size screen for virtually any need. And while Android isn’t generally as accommodating to productivity as Windows or iPadOS, Samsung’s Dex Mode offers a desktop-like user interface with multi-window support and a taskbar for powerful multitasking.
Samsung’s tablet screens are also some of the best around, with support for 120Hz refresh rates and vibrant colors from their OLED panels. And unlike Samsung’s flagship phone line, the Galaxy Tab S8 is still compatible with microSD cards, although unfortunately Samsung doesn’t seem to find room for a dedicated headphone jack. The tablet also comes with an S Pen stylus and there are three different covers to choose from: a simple folio, a keyboard cover and a keyboard cover with integrated touchpad, so you can choose the accessory that suits your needs.
Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
While most people think of Microsoft’s Surface Pro devices as a 2-in-1 lineup because they don’t come with a keyboard (you have to buy it separately), that technically makes them tablets. But make no mistake, because with Windows 11 and support for a range of 12th Gen Intel processors, Microsoft Surface Pros are built for productivity.
The latest Surface Pro 9 has a beautiful display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and improved stereo speakers, while the inclusion of an IR facial recognition camera lets you log into the system in a snap. ‘eye. Another nice perk is that unlike many tablets, the Surface Pro 9’s SSD is user-accessible, allowing you to upgrade its storage yourself whenever you want. And thanks to improvements in Windows 11, Surface Pro 9 is better suited to life as a tablet without ever needing to attach a smart keyboard thanks to larger app icons and more user-friendly controls.
Best budget: 10.2-inch Apple iPad
If you just want a simple tablet at a reasonable price, it’s hard to go wrong with Apple’s standard iPad. Starting at $329, the base iPad has a 10.2-inch screen with good brightness (500 nits) and a relatively fast A13 Bionic chip. It’s also the last iPad that still has an old-school Touch ID home button.
After being refreshed last year, the ninth-generation iPad got updated features, including support for Apple Pencil, improved cameras (front and back), and dual basic storage (64 GB, against 32 GB). And just like its more expensive siblings, this budget tablet is available in a Wi-Fi-only model or with optional 4G LTE cellular connectivity. The entry-level iPad is also the cheapest device sold by Apple that gives you access to the App Store, making it a good media device and a convenient way to manage your media library on your other devices. Apple at an affordable price.
Best tablet for kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
If you’re looking for a new tablet for your kid, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is the easy choice, especially for new users. Starting at $200, it’s the cheapest tablet on this list, and unlike more adult-targeted pricing, it comes with an included “kidproof” case and a two-year warranty. Amazon says that if your child breaks the tablet, the company will replace it for free.
Other useful add-ons include a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which unlocks over 20,000 games, books, and apps designed for kids. There’s also a handy parent dashboard that lets you set time limits, content filters, and educational goals. And while its 3GB of RAM and 32GB of base storage aren’t much, its 1080p display is plenty crisp and it has a microSD card slot for expandable storage. And if you want a slightly smaller, more affordable option, there’s also the $140 Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro.
