How to Buy the Right Tablet for You

Your Guide to buying the best Tablet

Overview

Tablets are a great choice for consumers looking for a device that's lightweight, powerful, and versatile. Whether you're looking for a device to read e-books and stream movies, or a device to take notes and stay organized, a tablet can offer a range of features to suit your needs. This buying guide will help you find the best tablet for you, outlining features and considerations to look for when making your purchase.

Key features

  • Operating System – You will want to decide if you prefer an Android, iOS, or Windows operating system as this will affect the features, applications, and availability of the tablet.
  • Size – Tablet sizes generally range from 7-inches to 11-inches, with the most popular size being 10-inches. Consider how you plan to use it and how portable you want it to be.
  • Storage and Memory – Tablets come in different amounts of internal storage ranging from 8GB to 128GB. Larger storage options will usually cost more. Consider how much storage you need and whether you can expand it with a microSD card.
  • Display – Consider the resolution of the display for a better viewing experience. The higher the resolution, the sharper pictures and videos. Also look for features like anti-reflective coating and brightness levels.
  • Battery Life – Before you purchase a tablet, check the estimated battery life. Most tablets have around 10 hours of battery life, but some have much more.
  • Connectivity – Consider if you need Wi-Fi and/or 4G LTE/5G modems. These are most common in tablets, but you may need to purchase a separate modem if your tablet doesn’t have one built in.
  • Camera – Depending on the purpose of your tablet, you may want to consider the resolution and number of cameras. A rear-facing camera will help you take better photographs and videos.
  • Additional Features – Check for other features like a headphone jack, USB port, and Bluetooth. Also consider what accessories, such as a stylus, you may need.
  • Price – Consider your budget when purchasing a tablet. Prices range from less than $100 to more than $1000, so it’s important to decide what features you need and find the best value.

See the most popular Tablet on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost - Tablets can range in cost from $100 to over $1000, so buyers should consider the amount they are willing to spend before making their purchase.
  • Size - Tablets come in various sizes and can range from a small 5 inch display to a large 12 inch display. Buyers should consider what size works best for their needs.
  • Battery Life - Different tablets offer different battery life, so buyers should consider what battery life is appropriate for their needs.
  • Processor - Tablets have various processors from the entry level to the latest and greatest. Buyers should consider what type of processor they need for their usage.
  • Operating System - Tablets come with various operating systems such as Apple iOS, Android and Windows. Buyers should consider which operating system works best for their needs.
  • Storage - Tablets come with different levels of storage, from 8GB to 128GB. Buyers should consider how much storage they need for their usage.
  • Connectivity - Some tablets offer wifi only, while others offer both wifi and cellular connectivity. Buyers should consider what type of connectivity they need.

Cons

  • Battery Life - Tablets may not have the longest battery life compared to laptops, making them less ideal for extended use.
  • Price - Some tablets can be expensive, depending on the features and brand.
  • Storage - Tablets tend to have less storage space than laptops, meaning that files need to be stored in the cloud or an external hard drive.
  • Size/Weight - Tablets are generally smaller and more lightweight than laptops, but this can be a downside in some cases, as they may be too small for some tasks.
  • Durability - Tablets are more prone to damage than laptops due to their smaller form factor, and may not be ideal for users who need something more robust.

Best alternatives

  1. Laptop - A laptop is a portable computer that contains all the features of a desktop, such as a hard drive, memory, processor, and graphics card, in a small, compact body.
  2. 2-in-1 device - A 2-in-1 device is a combination of a laptop and a tablet in one device, allowing you to switch back and forth between the two as needed.
  3. Smartphone - A smartphone is a mobile communication device with advanced computing capability and functionality, allowing it to perform tasks similar to those of a computer.
  4. E-reader - An e-reader is a device specifically designed for reading digital text, such as books, magazines, and newspapers.
  5. Convertible - A convertible is a device that can transform from a laptop into a tablet by folding the display down over the keyboard.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Tablet Case - A case for a tablet to protect it from damage. Stylus - A stylus is a pen-like device used to interact with a tablet screen. Screen Protector - A thin sheet or film that is placed over a device screen to protect it from scratches and other damage. Wireless Keyboard - A keyboard that connects to a tablet via Bluetooth or other technology. Charger - A device used to charge a tablet's battery. USB Cable - A cable used to connect a tablet to a computer or other device.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of tablets? The main types of tablets are slate tablets, convertible tablets, and hybrid tablets.
  2. What are the different operating systems used for tablets? The main operating systems used for tablets are iOS, Android, and Windows.
  3. What are the advantages of buying a tablet? The main advantages of buying a tablet are portability, convenience, access to different apps and games, and touchscreen functionality.
  4. What specifications should I look for when buying a tablet? When buying a tablet, you should look for things like processor speed, RAM, storage, display size, resolution, battery life, and connectivity options.
  5. What are the different prices of tablets? Tablets can range in price from around $50 to as much as $1000, depending on the type and specifications.
  6. Are there any accessories I should consider buying with a tablet? Yes, there are several accessories you may want to consider purchasing along with a tablet, such as a case, stylus, keyboard, and charger.

Trivia

In 2017, a tablet was sent into space on the SpaceX rocket as an experiment. The tablet was part of a project from the European Space Agency, which tested the durability of consumer electronics in the harsh environment of space. The experiment was successful and the tablet returned to Earth in one piece and it is now on display in the ESA's Technology Center in the Netherlands. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.