Ultimate Tablet Buying Guide to Choose the Best Tablet in 2024
The tablet is a beautiful invention that combines the best of both worlds: the power and versatility of a desktop or laptop and the portability and ease of use of a smartphone. Whether you want to stay connected, work remotely, learn online, or enjoy entertainment, a tablet can do it all. But how to choose the best tablet for your needs and preferences? That’s what this tablet buying guide is here to help you with.
Unlike other guides focusing on technical specifications or features, this guide will help you find the right tablet based on your personal goals and expectations. Think of it as a roadmap leading to your ideal tablet. This tablet buying guide consists of critical questions you must ask yourself before buying a tablet.
How to Choose the Best Tablet? Complete Tablet Buying Guide
Choosing the best tablet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. To help you find the right tablet for your needs and preferences, here are some features we’ve discussed in this tablet buying guide to look for:
Compare the different Aspects:
Consider Price
The price of a tablet can vary depending on the brand, model, size, features, and quality of the tablet. Generally, the more expensive the tablet, the better the performance and functionality of the tablet. However, you may only need to spend a little on a tablet if you use it for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, or reading books.
You can find affordable tablets that meet your needs without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you want a tablet that can handle more demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, or graphic design, you may need to invest in a higher-end tablet that can offer you more power and features. You can compare the prices of different tablets by using online tools such as [this one].
Compare Size and Appearance
The size and appearance of a tablet can affect how comfortable and convenient it is to use and carry around. The size of a tablet is usually measured by the diagonal length of the screen, which can range from 7 inches to 13 inches.
The smaller the screen, the more portable and lightweight the tablet is, but the less enjoyable and productive it is for viewing content or working with complex tasks. The larger the screen, the more immersive and efficient the tablet is, but the heavier and bulkier it is.
You should choose a size that suits your preference and how you intend to use your tablet. The appearance of a tablet can include its color, shape, design, and material. You should choose an appearance that matches your style and personality.
Compare Features
The features of a tablet can determine how well it performs and what it can do. Some of the features to compare are:
- Processor: The processor is the brain of the tablet that controls how fast and smooth it runs. The processor can have different types (such as ARM or Intel), cores (such as dual-core or quad-core), and speeds (measured in gigahertz or GHz). The higher the type, core, and speed of the processor, the better the tablet’s performance. However, the higher processor also consumes more battery power and generates more heat than the lower processor.
- Memory: The memory is the short-term storage of the tablet that holds data and instructions for running apps and programs. The memory is measured in gigabytes or GB. The more memory a tablet has, the more apps and programs it can run simultaneously without slowing down or crashing. However, more memory also costs more money than less memory.
- Storage: The storage is the long-term storage of the best tablet that stores files and data such as apps, games, movies, music, books, photos, etc. The storage is also measured in gigabytes or GB. The more a tablet has, the more files and data it can store without running out of space or needing external storage devices such as SD cards or USB drives. However, more storage also costs more money than less storage.
- Battery: The battery is the power source of the tablet that determines how long it can last without charging. The battery is measured in milliampere-hours or mAh. The higher the mAh of the battery, the longer the battery life of the tablet. However, higher mAh also makes the battery heavier and larger than lower mAh.
- Screen: The screen is the tablet’s display that shows images and text on it. The screen can have different resolutions (measured in pixels), aspect ratios (the ratio of width to height), pixel densities (measured in pixels per inch or ppi), and technologies (such as LCD or OLED). The higher the resolution, aspect ratio, pixel density, and technology of the screen, the better the image quality and viewing experience of the screen. However, a higher screen also consumes more battery power and requires more processing power than a lower screen.
- Camera: The camera is the device on the tablet that captures photos and videos on it. The camera can have different resolutions (measured in megapixels or MP), apertures (the opening that controls how much light enters), zooms (the ability to magnify objects), flashes (the light that illuminates objects), and modes (such as portrait or panorama). The higher the resolution, aperture, zoom, flash, and mode of the camera, the better the photo and video quality of the camera. However, a higher camera also consumes more battery power and storage space than a lower camera.
- Speakers: The speakers are the devices on the tablet that produce sound. The speakers can have different types (such as mono or stereo), volumes (measured in decibels or dB), and qualities (such as bass or treble). The higher the type, volume, and quality of the speakers, the better the sound quality and listening experience of the speakers. However, higher speakers consume more battery power and generate more noise than lower speakers.
- Microphone: The microphone is the device on the tablet that records sound. The microphone can have different types (such as internal or external), sensitivities (measured in decibels or dB), and qualities (such as noise cancellation or echo reduction). The higher the type, sensitivity, and quality of the microphone, the better the sound recording and communication experience of the microphone. However, a higher microphone also consumes more battery power and requires more accessories than the lower microphone.
- Ports: The ports are the openings on the tablet that allow you to connect external devices or accessories. The ports can have different types (such as USB, HDMI, or headphones), sizes (such as micro or mini), and functions (such as charging, data transfer, or audio output). The more ports a tablet has, the more compatible and versatile it is with other devices or accessories. However, more ports make the tablet heavier and thicker than fewer ports.
- Sensors: The sensors are the devices on the tablet that detect changes in the environment or movement of the tablet. The sensors can have different types (such as accelerometer, gyroscope, or GPS), functions (such as orientation, rotation, or location), and accuracies (measured in degrees or meters). The more sensors a tablet has, the more responsive and interactive it is with the environment or movement. However, more sensors consume more battery power and require more calibration than fewer sensors.
Compare Apps and Operating Systems
The apps and operating systems are the software on the tablet that controls how it works and what it can do. The apps are programs you can download and use on your tablet for various purposes such as entertainment, education, productivity, etc.
The operating systems are the platforms that run and manage the apps and other functions of your tablet. There are three central tablet operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows. Each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as:
- Android: Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google and used by many brands such as Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo, etc. Android offers you more customization options, more app choices, more compatibility with other devices, and more affordability than other operating systems. However, Android also has more security risks, more fragmentation issues, more update delays, and less customer support than other operating systems. You Can check here some of the best Android Tablets in 2024.
- iOS: iOS is a proprietary operating system that is developed by Apple and used by its own devices such as iPad, iPhone, etc. iOS offers you more stability, more security, more simplicity, more performance, and more customer support than other operating systems. However, iOS also has fewer customization options, fewer app choices, less compatibility with other devices, and less affordability than other operating systems. You Can check here some of the best iOS Tablets in 2024.
- Windows: Windows is a hybrid operating system developed by Microsoft and used by its devices such as Surface Pro, Surface Book, etc. Windows offers you more functionality, more productivity, more versatility, and more compatibility with desktop programs than other operating systems. However, Windows also has less battery life, fewer app choices, less user-friendliness, and less portability than other operating systems. You Can check here some of the best windows Tablets in 2024.
Usage of The Tablet
The location where you plan to use your tablet can affect your choice of the best tablet for your needs and preferences. Depending on where you want to use your tablet, you might want to consider the following factors and options:
Movies
For movies, a tablet with a large and bright screen, good sound quality, a fast and stable internet connection, and enough storage space for downloading or streaming videos. Some of the features that can enhance your movie-watching experience are:
- A Super AMOLED or OLED display, which offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles.
- A high-resolution display that delivers sharp and clear images.
- A high refresh rate display which reduces motion blur and stuttering.
- A quad-speaker system, or Dolby Atmos sound, creates immersive and surround sound effects.
- A 5G or WiFi 6 connectivity enables fast and smooth streaming of high-quality videos.
- A sizeable internal storage or expandable storage option that allows you to store more movies on your tablet or use external storage devices such as SD cards or USB drives.
Some of the top tablets for movies are:
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ has a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, 5G connectivity, and up to 512 GB of internal storage.
- The Apple iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with QHD resolution and ProMotion technology, four speakers with spatial audio, WiFi 6 and optional cellular connectivity, and up to 2 TB of internal storage.
- The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus has a 10.1-inch Full HD display, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, wireless charging support, and up to 64 GB of internal storage plus unlimited cloud storage for Amazon content.
Casual Use
If you want to use your tablet at home, you might want a large screen, good sound quality, a fast and stable WiFi connection, and a long battery life. Some of the features that can enhance your home use experience are:
- A Super AMOLED or OLED display, which offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles.
- A high-resolution display that delivers sharp and clear images.
- A quad-speaker system or Dolby Atmos sound creates immersive and surround sound effects.
- A WiFi 6 or WiFi 5 connectivity, which enables fast and smooth streaming of high-quality videos.
- A wireless charging support or fast charging feature allows you to charge your tablet quickly and conveniently.
Some of the top tablets for home use are:
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ has a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, WiFi 6 connectivity, and wireless charging support.
- The Apple iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with QHD resolution and ProMotion technology, four speakers with spatial audio, WiFi 6 connectivity, and a fast charging feature.
- The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus has a 10.1-inch Full HD display, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, WiFi 5 connectivity, and wireless charging support.
Work and School
If you want to use your tablet at work or school, you might want a tablet that has a powerful performance, versatile functionality, a compatible operating system, and a durable design. Some of the features that can enhance your work or school use experience are:
- A Qualcomm Snapdragon or Intel Core processor offers fast and smooth performance for demanding apps and programs.
- Support for an external keyboard or mouse, which allows you to type or navigate on your tablet with more precision and comfort.
- A Chrome OS or Windows operating system that offers you more functionality and compatibility with desktop programs and websites.
- A rugged or water-resistant design that protects your tablet from accidental drops or spills.
Some of the top tablets for work or school use are:
- The Google Pixel Slate, which has an Intel Core m3/i5/i7 processor, supports the Pixel Slate Keyboard and Pixelbook Pen and runs on Chrome OS with Google Assistant built-in.
- The Microsoft Surface Go 2, which has an Intel Pentium Gold/Intel Core m3 processor, supports the Surface Go Type Cover and Surface Pen and runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode.
- The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, support for Lenovo Keyboard Pack and Lenovo Precision Pen, and runs on Android 10 with Google Play Store.
Portability
If you want to use your tablet on the go, a tablet with a portable size and weight, a long battery life, cellular connectivity, and a GPS feature. Some of the features that can enhance your on-the-go use experience are:
- A compact and lightweight design, which makes your tablet easy to carry around and use anywhere.
- A high-capacity battery or power-saving mode that allows your tablet to last for hours without charging.
- Cellular connectivity, or eSIM feature, enables you to access the internet anywhere without relying on WiFi networks.
- A GPS feature or location-based service that helps you navigate or find places on your tablet.
Some of the top tablets for on-the-go use are:
- The Apple iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch Retina display, powerful performance, support for Apple Pencil, and cellular connectivity or eSIM feature.
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has an 8.7-inch TFT display, a high-capacity battery with fast charging, cellular connectivity or eSIM feature, and a GPS feature.
- The Huawei MatePad T 10s has a 10.1-inch IPS display, a power-saving mode with intelligent power management, a cellular connectivity or eSIM feature, and a GPS feature.
Note Taking
For note-taking and doodling, you might want a tablet with a responsive and accurate touch screen, support for a stylus or pen, a good note-taking or drawing app, and a large storage capacity for saving your notes or sketches. Some of the features that can enhance your note-taking and doodling experience are:
- A pressure-sensitive or palm-rejection touch screen, which allows you to write or draw on your tablet with more precision and comfort.
- A stylus or pen that is compatible with your tablet which enables you to use different strokes, colors, and effects on your tablet.
- A note-taking or drawing app that suits your needs and preferences, which offers you various tools and functions for creating and organizing your notes or sketches.
- A sizeable internal or cloud storage option allows you to store more notes or sketches on your tablet or access them from anywhere.
Some of the top tablets for note-taking and doodling are:
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has a 10.4-inch TFT display with pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, an S Pen that is included with the tablet, a Samsung Notes app that syncs with other devices, and up to 128 GB of internal storage plus a microSD card slot.
- The Apple iPad Air has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, an Apple Pencil sold separately, a Notes app that supports handwriting recognition and scanning documents, and up to 256 GB of internal storage plus iCloud storage.
- The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, which has a 10.1-inch IPS display with pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, a Lenovo Precision Pen that is sold separately, a Google Keep app that integrates with Google Assistant and other services, and up to 64 GB of internal storage plus microSD card slot.
Creative Work
For creative work, you might want a tablet with a powerful performance, a high-quality display, support for an external keyboard or mouse, and access to various creative apps and programs. Some of the features that can enhance your creative work experience are:
- A Qualcomm Snapdragon or Intel Core processor offers fast and smooth performance for demanding apps and programs.
- A high-resolution display with HDR or Dolby Vision support, which delivers stunning and realistic images and colors.
- Support for an external keyboard or mouse, which allows you to type or navigate on your tablet with more precision and comfort.
- A wide selection of creative apps and programs that suit your needs and preferences, such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Autodesk Sketchbook, etc.
Some of the top tablets for creative work are:
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, which has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, an 11-inch LTPS TFT display with QHD resolution and HDR10+ support, support for Samsung Keyboard Cover, and Samsung DeX mode, and access to various creative apps such as Clip Studio Paint, Canva, etc.
- The Apple iPad Pro has an Apple M1 chip, a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with QHD resolution and Dolby Vision support, support for Magic Keyboard and trackpad, and access to various creative apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, etc.
- The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, which has a 10.1-inch IPS display with pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, a Lenovo Precision Pen that is sold separately, a Google Keep app that integrates with Google Assistant and other services, and up to 64 GB of internal storage plus microSD card slot.
Web Surfing
For web surfing, you should have a tablet with a fast and reliable internet connection, decent screen size and resolution, a user-friendly interface, and enough storage and memory for browsing multiple tabs or windows. Some of the features that can enhance your web surfing experience are:
- A WiFi or cellular connectivity enables you to access the internet anywhere and anytime.
- A Chrome OS or Windows operating system that offers you more functionality and compatibility with desktop programs and websites.
- A Chrome or Edge browser that provides you with fast and secure browsing and supports various extensions and plugins.
- A sizeable internal storage or expandable storage option that allows you to store more files and data on your tablet or use external storage devices such as SD cards or USB drives.
Some of the top tablets for web surfing are:
- The Google Pixel Slate, which has an Intel Core m3/i5/i7 processor, an Intel HD Graphics/Intel UHD Graphics/Intel Iris Plus Graphics GPU, a 12.3-inch Molecular Display with QHD resolution, and runs on Chrome OS with Google Assistant built-in.
- The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has an Intel Pentium Gold/Intel Core m3 processor, an Intel UHD Graphics GPU, a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with Full HD resolution, and runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode.
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has a Samsung Exynos 9611 processor, a Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, a 10.4-inch TFT display with Full HD resolution, and runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1.
Gaming
For gaming, you might want a tablet with a powerful processor, a smooth graphics performance, a responsive touch screen, and access to a large selection of games. Some of the features that can enhance your gaming experience are:
- A Qualcomm Snapdragon or Intel Core processor offers fast and smooth performance for demanding games.
- An Adreno or Intel UHD Graphics GPU, which delivers high-quality graphics and effects for immersive gaming.
- A high refresh rate display, which reduces motion blur and stuttering for fluid gaming.
- A large and bright display offers a comprehensive and clear view of the game.
- Support for external controllers or accessories, which allows you to play games with more precision and comfort.
Top tablets for gaming are:
- The Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, an Adreno 660 GPU, a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 144 Hz refresh rate, and an integrated gaming platform called ROG Vision.
- The Lenovo Legion Duel 2 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, an Adreno 660 GPU, an 8-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, and dual cooling fans for optimal performance.
- The Razer Phone 2 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, an Adreno 630 GPU, a 5.72-inch LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a customizable RGB logo on the back.
Some Important Questions Regarding to Tablet Buying Guide
Tips & Tricks: Best Tablet Buying Guide
Pay attention to aspect ratio.
The aspect ratio of a tablet is the comparison of the longer side of the screen to the shorter side. Different aspect ratios have different advantages and disadvantages depending on how you use your tablet.
For example, 16:10 is suitable for watching videos in landscape mode but can be top-heavy in portrait mode, which is better for reading ebooks. 4:3 is more balanced and easier to use in portrait mode but may have black bars when watching movies.
Consider the app market.
The app market of a tablet determines what kind of apps and programs you can access and use on your device. Different operating systems have different app markets, such as Android, iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS.
Some app markets may have more variety and compatibility than others, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, Android tablets have access to the Google Play Store, which has millions of apps and games, including Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, and more.
- iOS tablets have access to the Apple App Store, which has a curated selection of apps and games, as well as Apple apps like iMessage, FaceTime, Safari, and more.
- Windows tablets have access to the Microsoft Store, which has a limited number of apps and games but also supports desktop programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
- ChromeOS tablets have access to the Chrome Web Store, which has web-based apps and extensions and some Android apps and games.
WiFi is good enough for most people.
Most tablets come in two versions: WiFi-only or WiFi + Cellular. The WiFi-only version can only connect to the internet via WiFi networks, while the WiFi + Cellular version can also connect via cell phone signals.
The WiFi + Cellular version is usually more expensive and requires a data plan from a carrier. However, for most people, WiFi is good enough for their internet needs. WiFi is widely available in many places like home, work, school, coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc.
It is also faster and more reliable than cellular data in most cases. WiFi also does not consume your data limit or incur extra charges. If you need internet access when no WiFi is available, you can use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot and share its data connection with your tablet.
You might not need a tablet case.
A tablet case is a protective cover that can protect your tablet from scratches, drops, dust, etc. Some tablet cases have other features like stands, keyboards, pens, etc. However, you might not need a tablet case if you are careful with your tablet and do not need the extra features.
A tablet case can add bulk and weight to your device, making it less portable and comfortable. Tablet case can also block some ports or buttons on your device or interfere with its cooling system. A tablet case can also be expensive and complicated for some models. Instead of a tablet case, you can use a tablet sleeve or bag to protect your device when you are not using it or carrying it around.
What about detachable laptops?
A detachable laptop is a hybrid device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet. It has a detachable keyboard that you can attach or remove as needed. A detachable laptop offers more versatility and functionality than a regular tablet or laptop.
You can use it as a laptop when you need a keyboard and touchpad for typing or navigating. You can use it as a tablet when you need a touch screen for drawing or watching videos. A detachable laptop also runs on an entire operating system like Windows or ChromeOS that supports more apps and programs than a regular tablet operating system like Android or iOS.
However, a detachable laptop also has some drawbacks compared to a regular tablet or laptop. A detachable laptop is usually more expensive and heavier than a regular tablet. Detachable laptop also has less battery life and performance than a regular laptop due to its smaller size and components. A detachable laptop requires more maintenance and care due to its moving parts and connectors.
Conclusion
Finding the best tablet can be a challenging task, but it can also be a satisfying one. By considering the factors we mentioned in this complete tablet buying guide, such as the operating system, size, resolution, storage, connectivity, and battery life of the tablet, you can filter your choices and find the one that matches your needs and preferences. Whether you need a tablet for work, entertainment, education, or anything else, there is one for you.