Tablets today are not only more powerful, but they also boast superior displays.
Mainstream models now offer features once exclusive to more expensive flagship devices.
However, you might ask, what exactly defines a tablet?
The presence of a touchscreen and the capability to operate without a physical keyboard attached provide a reasonable definition.
So, what then are the best tablets?
We’ll introduce you to the best tablets across various categories.
Good | Most Have ItStorage starts at 64GB.
Average | Competitors May Be BetterBezels remain chunky.
Lacks the display features and USB-C connector of most iPad models.
The stereo speakers at the bottom offer good audio output and there’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack.
You also get iPadOS the most complete tablet OS available.
A brilliant combination of price, performance, and features make this an easy top choice for media consumption.
If you’re happy to pay a bit more, the iPad Air is a top choice.
120Hz refresh rate display.
12.9" model gets mini-LED HDR capable display.
Good | Most Have ItImpressive battery life.
Average | Competitors May Be BetterExpensive.
Still not a direct laptop replacement.
Pencil and Magnetic Keyboard sold separately.
The iPad Pro 11" is the best tablet available on the market.
The M2 chip outperforms the M1 in the iPad Air, particularly in graphics processing.
For various professionals, the 11" Pro stands out as the top choice.
Graphic artists will find drawing on the 120Hz display uniquely satisfying.
Interior designers looking to showcase potential designs for kitchens or offices will find the LiDAR feature indispensable.
You also get a 12MP front camera and four speakers.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Stylus has haptic feedback.
Good | Most Have ItGorgeous, 120Hz display and long battery life.
Average | Competitors May Be BetterStylus and keyboard cost extra.
Intel CPUs require active cooling.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a top choice for Windows productivity on the go.
You also get a 10-megapixel camera on the rear and a 1080p cam on the front for Windows Hello.
The downside is that, like with iPads, the keyboard and styluscost extra.
Best Android Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
Great | Differentiating FeaturesSuper AMOLED 120Hz display.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC.
Android updates until 2027.
Good | Most Have ItSleek design.
Good battery life, cameras, and speakers.
Average | Competitors May Be BetterAndroid on tablets is still in the shadow of iPadOS.
Performance can’t match Apple’s flagship.
Both S8+ and S9 tablets use a 120Hz Super AMOLED panel, with vibrant colors and perfect blacks.
The Galaxy Tab S9 is still a good option thanks to its IP68 water and dust resistance.
It also has an additional 12MP camera in the front.
The S8 Ultra starts at$950with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Regardless of your size preference, you’ll have to deal with somewhat disappointing software.
That makes it much more comfortable to use in portrait mode.
The 144Hz LCD display features true 8-bit color (10-bit with FRC) for accurate reproduction.
The MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip isn’t as fast as the Snapdragon 8.
Support for 2nd-gen Apple Pencil.
Good | Most Have ItEasy to hold with a single hand.
Sub-6GHz 5G speed support on the Wi-Fi + Cellular version.
Average | Competitors May Be BetterKeyboard support limited to Bluetooth.
Regardless of size, the Mini is better than the vast majority of tablets on the market.
The Wi-Fi + Cellular version does support sub-6GHz 5G speeds, like the iPad Air.
It also has the same ultra-wide 12MP front camera and 12MP wide rear camera.
The Mini doesn’t support the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard, but it supports the 2nd-gen Pencil.
Limited apps
It’s a case of buyer beware when purchasing a budget tablet.
