Best Tablets to Buy in 2022
With the overwhelming number of options available today, choosing a tablet can be tricky. This guide will help simplify your buying process by sharing some of the best tablets on the market, and what each device can offer.
Before investing in a new device, you need to think about what you need in a tablet. Important features to consider before buying include screen size, battery life, operating system, cameras, optional extras, and, most importantly, price.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best Tablet for Most People: Apple iPad Air (2020)
- Best Budget Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
- Best Tablet You Can Buy: iPad Pro 12.9
- Best Android Tablet: Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
- Best Tablet for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021)
- Best iPad: Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
- Best Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
- Best Windows Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Best Budget Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
- Best 10" tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
- Best 2-in-1 Tablet: Microsoft Surface Book 3
- Android vs Apple iPad: Who Makes the Best Tablets?
- How to Choose the Best Tablet for You
Best Tablet for Most People: Apple iPad Air (2020)
iPads have earned their reputation for durability and innovation. The Apple iPad Air is generally considered to be the best tablet for most people.
Specs
Price: $$$
Weight: 1.1lb
OS: iPadOS 14.1
CPU: Hexa-core (2×3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4×1.8 GHz Icestorm)
Display: Liquid Retina, 1640 x 2360 pixels, 10.9 inches
Ports: USB-C x1
Battery life: Approx. 10hrs
Camera: Front 7mps, rear 12mps
Pros
This tablet is easy to use and durable. It includes extra features such as fingerprint recognition and scratch-proof glass.
Cons
Compared to others on this list, the iPad Air isn’t the cheapest tablet available, and it won’t replace a laptop for most business professionals.
Takeaway
The Apple iPad Air is a straightforward, easy-to-use tablet. The beauty of an iPad Air is that you can buy a less recent model (2020 or 2019, for example) and still enjoy most of the benefits of a more expensive tablet. Apple products are known to be reliable, durable, and effective.
The iPad Air can be used for work and creative tasks, but its real strengths come in streaming media, TV shows, and playing games.
This tablet makes a versatile and enjoyable tool, and it’s great for entertainment. This can make it a better choice for seniors, as the Apple operating system is very user-friendly and intuitive.
Best Budget Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
Tablets can be expensive, especially if you’re buying one for the whole family. If you’re looking for a budget tablet that still offers plenty of value for money, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is well worth considering.
Specs
Price: $
Weight: 355g
OS: Android 9.0
CPU: Quad-Core 2.0 GHz Cortex A53
Display: LED, 800 x 1280 pixels, 8 inches
Ports: USB-C x1
Battery life: Approx 12 hours
Camera: Front 2mps, rear 2mps
Pros
Offering plenty of value for the money, this is a cheap tablet that still carries most of the essential extras of a good tablet, including apps like Netflix and Facebook, an all-day battery life, and a large, 1280 x 800 screen.
Cons
Amazon Firestick tablets tend to heavily promote Amazon prime and other products. This might bother some users.
Takeaway
While the Amazon Firestick HD 8 isn’t quite up to the same standards as the HD 10, it still offers plenty of features, like stereo sound and hands-free Alexa. For the price you pay, it’s an exceptional value for money. The smaller 8″ size tablet is more portable.
This tablet is one to consider if you’re working on a budget. It can also be a good choice for first-time tablet users, who aren’t quite sure if they’re ready to make the leap from laptop to tablet. You could use this tablet for travel with less of the anxiety you would feel with a more valuable device.
If you’re looking for something just a little better, the Amazon Firestick HD 8 Plus is only around $20 extra and offers extra RAM and wireless charging.
Best Tablet You Can Buy: iPad Pro 12.9
Every now and then, we get the opportunity to splurge on a really good bit of technology. If you’re lucky enough to have one of those moments, you should take a look at the iPad Pro 12.9.
Specs
Price: $$$
Weight: 1.5lb
OS: iPadOS 14.5.1
CPU: OctaCore
Display: Liquid Retina, 2048×2732 pixels, 12.9 inches
Ports: USB-C x1
Battery life: Approx 10 hrs
Camera: Front 12mps, rear 12mps & 10mps
Pros
This tablet boasts a strong battery life, the latest Apple features and software, and optional extra features (such as a 2TB storage version). It comes as a standard 128GB WiFi model.
Cons
The biggest setback is the price – it’s a very expensive tablet! Extra features may cost more.
Takeaway
If money is no object, why not buy the best tablet on the market? Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or not, there’s no denying that the iPad Pro 12.9 is the latest in tablet technology. The iPad Pro 12.9 is a large tablet, which is great if you don’t enjoy squinting at a tiny screen. The size of the screen can make it easier to adjust from a laptop or computer to a tablet.
The screen resolution is one of the finest you can get, with lightning-fast software and further updates coming along. This makes it an ideal device for using in situations where efficiency is preferred, such as at work. If a high level of detail and sharpness is particularly important in your career, you will benefit from this tablet.
As you might have guessed, the biggest downside of the iPad Pro 12.9 is its price. At over $1000 just for the basic model, this tablet is simply out of most buyers’ budgets. The lowest price doesn’t include cellular options, which will put your bill at around $1299 for starters.
You should also note that this tablet doesn’t benefit from the customizability options that you can usually find on an Android tablet. Features like USB ports and MicroSD slots aren’t included with this device. It’s worth deciding whether these features are important to you, especially considering the iPad Pro 12.9’s cost.
Best Android Tablet: Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
If you’re looking for the best Android tablet on the market, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is an all-around favorite to consider.
Specs
Price: $$
Weight: 1.07lb
OS: Android 10
CPU: OctaCore (2×2.2GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
Display: OLED, 1600×2560 pixels, 11.5 inches
Ports: USB-C x1
Battery life: Approx. 10hrs
Camera: Front 8mps, rear 13mps
Pros
This particular Lenovo model has a long battery life and high-quality display.
Cons
It doesn’t feature the best camera we’ve seen on a tablet. The software may also have some bugs.
Takeaway
The Lenovo P11 Pro is one of the few tablets that tries to compete with laptops. While it’s not quite powerful enough that we’d recommend throwing away your laptop in favor of a P11, it’s hard to rival this tablet for streaming and media entertainment.
Ideal for widescreen content and equipped with OLED tech, this is a fast, high-quality tablet. Since it’s more of a mid-range option, the Lenovo P11 Pro is great for buyers who don’t want the most expensive tablet but still want a good quality piece of tech. If you’re looking for a tablet that can mostly be used for leisure, you will enjoy this device. Teenagers should also appreciate the Lenovo 911 Pro for using social media and watching video.
Best Tablet for Kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (2021)
If you have kids and they see you with a tablet, they’re going to want one too. Very young children run the risk of breaking their tablets or accessing websites their parents don’t want them to. Tablets designed especially for kids, like the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, are a great stepping stone to get your kids used to technology.
Specs
Price: $
Weight: 778g
OS: Fire OSFire H
CPU: OctaCore 2.0GHz
Display: LCD, 1080 pixels, 10.1 inches
Ports: UDB-C x1, microSD x1
Battery life: Approx. 12 hours
Camera: Front 2mps, rear 5mps
Pros
Designed to be child-friendly, the tablet is difficult to break and can be set to a parents’ restrictions.
Cons
For some children, this Amazon device might be too heavy and clunky, and some models are more expensive.
Takeaway
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is a little more expensive than the standard version, but it has extra safety settings and ways to keep your children safe. If you buy the tablet with a solid rubber case, there’s less chance of the tablet getting broken or cracked. This makes it suitable for travel and taking to school.
However, if there are accidents, the tablet comes with a 2-year warranty. It has a sharp resolution and a large screen, though it could be too big for small children. If so, you should look at a smaller option, like the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids.
Best iPad: Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
The Apple iPad 10.2 is the perfect choice for Apple fans who want one of the best iPads the company has to offer without paying the high markups placed on new releases.
Specs
Price: $$
Weight: 1.08lb
OS: iPadOS 14
CPU: HexaCore (2×2.5GHz Vortex + 4×1.6GHz Tempest)
Display: Retina, 1620 x 2160 pixels, 10.2 inches
Ports: Lightning connector
Battery life: Approx. 10 hrs
Camera: Front 1.2mps, rear 8mps
Pros
This tablet is a great value, with features like multiple app use, Apple Arcade and compatibility with Smart and Bluetooth keyboards, which are very similar to those offered on more recent models.
Cons
The low storage capacity (32GB) and poor quality camera might put some people off.
Takeaway
If you need something that will help you with creative tasks, the Apple iPad 10.2 could be right for you. This tablet isn’t as expensive as the Air or Pro series, but it’s still compatible with most essential apps, like FaceTime, YouTube, and Apple iWork. It also runs all the necessary software, including Apple’s malware protection.
The iPad 10.2 can work well for artists, architects, engineers, and other imaginative workers, with its thin, light design, Apple Pencil, and access to thousands of apps that can help you hone your creative talents. Especially if this is your first time buying an iPad, the iPad 10.2 is a great place to start. While it hasn’t seen groundbreaking updates (which will be noticed by long-term Apple fans) this iPad will be particularly impressive to a newcomer.
Best Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
If you’re a fan of Samsung and want a top-of-the-line tablet, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 range could be the right match for you.
Specs
Price: $$$
Weight: 557g
OS: Android 10
CPU: OctaCore (1×3.09GHz Kryo 585 & 3×2.42GHz Kryo 585 & 4×1.8GHz Kryo 585)
Display: OLED, 1600 x 2560 pixels, 12.4 inches
Ports: USB 3.0 x1
Battery life: Approx. 10hrs
Camera: Front 8mps, rear 13mps
Pros
This Samsung device offers top-notch performance and high-quality OLED screen.
Cons
The tablet may be too expensive for most peoples’ budgets. It may also not be compatible with all devices.
Takeaway
This is one of the more expensive tablets we’ve reviewed, almost costing enough to rival the iPad Pro 2021. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 was created to challenge the iPad range, and it’s certainly doing that with its impressive range of features, such as cinematic viewing, gaming compatibility and ultra-fast performance. This tablet competes with Apple cost-wise, too, which is usually a reliable indication of superior quality.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 range is designed to be light, thin, and easily portable. However, this is still a heavy tablet, which is expected for this size, so it’s not as suitable for travel as others on this list. Smooth, well-built, and high-performing, this is definitely a premium tablet, especially for movie fans and gamers.
Best Windows Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
If you’re looking for a tablet to work in tandem with your laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 will work the best with windows operated laptops and computers.
Specs
Price: $$$
Weight: 775g
OS: Windows
CPU: Dual-Core 10th Gen Intel
Display: LCD, 2736 x 1824 pixels, 12.3 inches
Ports: USB-C x1, USB-A x1
Battery life: Approx. 10.5hrs
Camera: Front 5mps, rear 8mps
Pros
The Surface Pro has improved performance and new features, compared to Microsoft’s previous models.
Cons
There are few real changes to this device, and the battery life is even shorter than before.
Takeaway
While the Surface Pro 7 may not have broken any records in terms of innovation, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality tablet. However, it’s worth noting that Windows hasn’t introduced anything groundbreaking in recent tablet models, and the Surface Pro 7 is no exception.
This tablet is great for productivity if you need to work on both your laptop and tablet. With plenty of additional extras to make your working life smoother, the Surface Pro 7 is a fast-working, high-quality tablet. Ideally, this device is best used purely for work purposes.
With its ultra-light design, it can easily be taken on trips to the office, and the built-in kickstand transforms the Surface Pro 7 into a laptop when needed.
Best Budget Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
If you’re looking for a slim, attractive, yet high-quality Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a great option to consider.
Specs
Price: $$
Weight: 467g
OS: Android 10
CPU: OctaCore (4×2.3GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.7GHz Cortex-A53)
Display: LCD, 1200 x 2000 pixels, 10.4 inches
Ports: USB x1
Battery life: Approx. 12hrs
Camera: Front 8mps, rear 13mps
Pros
There are customization options available for this device, and a stylus is included. In all, the Tab S6 Lite is offered at an extremely good price.
Cons
This tablet does not work well with some Android devices.
Takeaway
The S-Pen stylus that comes with the Tab S6 Lite is great for creative workers and artists. If you need a tablet to help with your work, this model is reasonably priced and of good value. The screen is also of good quality, although not the best in color, resolution, and responsiveness when compared with some other tablets.
The Tab S6 Lite performs well, although perhaps not as quick and sharp as more expensive models. However, if you’re working on a budget, it’s still a great deal. If you’re only planning to use the tablet for streaming, media, and entertainment, it’s exactly what you need.
Best 10″ tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
Ten inches is the most convenient size for a tablet. There are plenty of 10″ tablets on the market, but this is one of our favorites.
Specs
Price: $
Weight: 476g
OS: Android 10
CPU: OctaCore (4×2.0GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.8GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Display: LCD, 1200 x 2000 pixels, 10.4 inches
Ports: USB C (x1)
Battery life: Approx. 13 hrs
Camera: Front 5mps, rear 8mps
Pros
This Samsung offering has a good battery life, features such as facial recognition, and new features that we haven’t seen on older models.
Cons
The tablet doesn’t offer the best performance of all those on this list. If you have a lot of apps open at once, you may experience a slowdown, and the rear camera quality could be better.
Takeaway
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 might not bring any new innovations to the table, but there’s no denying that it’s a straightforward, good-value tablet.
While you shouldn’t expect top-of-the-range performance quality from this tablet, it does have plenty of modern features. These include facial recognition software and excellent battery life. Its display is good, but not excellent. This device is best suited to people who are looking to read things and watch video, rather than replacing a laptop for work.
Despite the unimpressive screen, the Tab A7 is a worthwhile purchase if you’re on a budget.
Best 2-in-1 Tablet: Microsoft Surface Book 3
The portability and convenience of a 2-in-1 tablet may be the perfect solution for students or business professionals who need high-powered devices across various settings and situations.
Specs
Price: $$$
Weight: 3.3lb (including keyboard)
OS: Windows 10
CPU: QuadCore 10th Gen Intel
Display: LCD, 3000 x 2000 pixels, 15 inches
Ports: USB 3.0 (x3)
Battery life: Approx. 17.5hrs
Camera: Front N/A, rear 8mps
Pros
This Microsoft offering has a beautiful, comfortable design, offering both a tablet and laptop function in one.
Cons
With such a high price tag, it’s unlikely that everyone could afford this device.
Takeaway
There’s no denying that this is a truly beautiful device. It combines all the best features of both a tablet and a laptop. Unfortunately, that is reflected in the price.
As one of the most expensive tablets on this list, this is not the device for anyone with a smaller budget. The display is stunning, and the performance is very good. It’s a good choice for students or creative workers, and its superior graphics make it ideal for fans of immersive gaming – but only if you’re willing to invest a lot of money in a good device.
Android vs Apple iPad: Who Makes the Best Tablets?
The iPad dominates the tablet market, with Android determinedly trying to catch up. Opinion seems to be split on which produces the best tablets – Apple or Android? Talking to friends and relatives is no good, since both Apple and Android fans are fervently convinced that their device is the best.
Both Apple and Android have good qualities, but they also have weak spots. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each device, and you can choose the one that appeals most to you.
Apple
Pros
- The App Store is designed with iPads and other Apple products in mind.
- The Apple ecosystem is rich and varied.
- Apple products tend to have fewer bugs and stronger malware protection.
- Apple products may be more user-friendly and intuitive.
- iPads are consistently at the forefront of tablet innovation.
Cons
- The Apple malware protection may block out other safe apps.
- No room for customization and expansion.
- Few or no options for extra storage.
Android
Pros
- Customization options are available after purchase.
- Plenty of devices to choose from.
- The past few years have seen impressive changes in Google Play Store and in Android technology.
Cons
- Minimal supervision over which apps are available on Google Play.
- Piracy may be an issue on the Play Store.
- Android operating systems are not always compatible with all devices.
- Some top-tier apps and games are not available on the Play Store.
Apple vs Android: The Bottom Line
Apple products are a good choice for creative workers, as they allow for a lot of creative freedom, reliability, and additional accessories. Gamers might also prefer Apple products.
They’re also simple, making Apple products a good choice for seniors or anyone who doesn’t want or need customizable tech. If you already have Apple products, an iPad will work best of all with the devices you already have.
If you love consuming media and entertainment, Android products could work best for you. If you’re only buying your tablet to stream content, you probably don’t want to pay too high a price. Android products can be much cheaper than Apple, and there are customization options.
If you enjoy tweaking and playing around with your tech, you should definitely go with Android devices. Before you even buy an Apple device, you often have the option to customize it – and then there are plenty of fun, creative apps to enjoy after your purchase. If you already have certain Android devices, however, an Android tablet would be the best match for you, for the sake of compatibility and ease of use.
How to Choose the Best Tablet for You
Shopping online for a tablet can be intimidating. There’s a huge variety of choices, all ranging in price. The best tablet for you will depend on what you’re going to use your tablet for. So, before you add anything to your online shopping basket, here are a few things you should consider:
- What will I use my tablet for? Is it for work or schoolwork, creative tasks, to pair with my existing devices, or simply to stream media and enjoy entertainment? Do I need something that will support gaming?
- How big should my tablet be? Do I want a large, medium, or small screen?
- Am I looking for an updated model of my current tablet, or something entirely new?
- What’s my budget? Would I be willing to pay a bit extra for a better quality device?
- Will I be using it for long periods of time? Always check out the battery life before buying. There are few things more annoying than a tablet that needs to be charged too often.
There’s plenty more to consider before buying a new tablet. For example, always check to make sure a warranty is included with your tablet. Some devices are very expensive and are broken easily. It’s always a good idea to buy a screen protector and case for your tablet, as well.
Don’t rush into buying a new device, especially if you’re planning to buy an expensive tablet. Take the time to read reviews and customer feedback. Checking out feedback can help you identify strengths or weaknesses in the tablet.
Remember, a tablet is designed to support and enhance your routine and workflow. It’s supposed to make your life easier, not harder.
About the Author Marcus
Marcus has a graduate degree in computer engineering and has many years of experience in cutting-edge technology research and development in both startups and Fortune 500 corporations. In his free time, he enjoys RTS gaming.
