Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an elder looking for a tablet, our tablet buying guide will help you make an informed decision.
Tablets have revolutionized the way we work, learn, and entertain ourselves on the go. They’re portable, lightweight, and versatile, making them an essential tool for many of us. But with so many features and brands to choose from, selecting the right tablet for your needs can be overwhelming.
Best Tablets to Buy
Buying Guide for Best Tablet
Our guide will take you through the most important factors to consider when selecting a tablet, including features, portability, brand, pricing, keyboard & mouse support, audio quality, durability, operating system and software, display quality, battery life, and storage.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision on the best tablet for you and your budget.
So, whether you’re looking for a tablet for work, school, entertainment, or all three, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Operating System:
The operating system of a tablet is a crucial aspect, as it determines the apps and features available to you.
Popular options include iOS for the iPad, Android for brands such as Samsung and Lenovo, and Windows for tablets that offer a PC-like experience.
When selecting an operating system, consider which one you find most comfortable for your tasks.
Display Quality and Size:
When choosing a tablet, think about the size of the display you prefer and the resolution you want.
Larger screens, like 10 inches or more, are great for media consumption and office work, while smaller screens are more portable.
Keep in mind that screen size and resolution also affect your viewing experience.
Consider the type of panel, like AMOLED, IPS, and Mini-LED, they tend to offer better viewing quality than TFT and LCD.
Processor and RAM:
The performance of a tablet is determined by its processor and RAM, so look for a device with a fast processor and at least 6GB of RAM, more is always better.
For Android tablets, Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets provide better performance than Exynos and Tensor chips.
In such case, iPads have their own A-series and M-series processors. For Windows tablets, which are ultraportable versions of desktop computers, Intel and MediaTek chips are recommended.
A higher generation chip will always offer better performance.
Storage and SD Card Expandability:
When choosing a tablet, consider the storage capacity. Look for a tablet with enough storage to hold all your files, music, videos, and apps.
Though 64GB is suitable for basic usage, while 128GB and 256GB are recommended.
Additionally, consider if the tablet has a microSD card slot, which can expand storage capacity. This is particularly valuable for data management.
Windows and Android tablets offer better value for expandable storage than iPads.
Battery Life:
The battery life of a tablet is important to consider, especially if you plan on using it for work or other tasks that require prolonged use.
Look for a tablet with at least 8 hours of battery life, but we recommend 12 hours for business tablets.
For gamers, it’s better to have a tablet with a high-performance battery that can withstand intensive gaming sessions without needing to be charged often.
Connectivity:
Check for the connectivity options like faster Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity (5G).
If you plan on using your tablet for work, make sure it has a good Wi-Fi connection and 5G connectivity for reliability of service.
However, not all tablets feature all of the connections, and it all depends on your preferences.
WiFi-only tablets offer a longer battery life than tablets with both cellular and WiFi access.
Camera for Video Calling:
If you intend to use your tablet for photography or videography, look for a higher MP tablet with excellent resolution.
The minimum camera lens is 5 MP, while an 8MP lens is recommended for business tablets. When doing remote work with a tablet, a good camera is a must-have.
This improves your appearance during Zoom meetings and Skype calls from home and the workplace.
Weight and Portability
If you intend to use it on the go, look for a tablet with a smaller screen size and a lightweight design, especially if you will be carrying it about regularly.
We recommend a tablet weight of 400 to 600 grammes as an ideal weight for a student to carry and to improve efficiency as an alternative to a laptop.
Brand and Model
After considering mobility, opt for a tablet with a better brand for software and maintenance services.
This can be accomplished by going for a reputable brand that is known for creating high-quality tablets, such as Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Xiaomi.
Price Point:
Price is also an important consideration, so compare prices and look for the best value for your money in a tablet.
Consider the tablet’s price in relation to similar devices that meets your budget; we believe that budget options ranging from $300 to $400 are appropriate for saving, whilst $500 and up offer the most features for your money.
Additional Features and Functionality:
Consider whether the tablet has any extra features, such as a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, built-in kickstand, mouse and stylus support.
These features can improve user ease and experience. For professionals who enjoy writing and sketching, we recommend a keyboard and a stylus.
Tablets with a detachable keyboard and stylus are admired for their functionality.
