Best Tablets 2024: Which Model to Buy, 10 Tablets for All Budgets and Needs

There is no such thing as a perfect tablet. The perfect tablet will be the one that best suits our needs, expectations, and budget. If you’re considering buying one, our tablet buying guide for 2024 offers guidance on what factors to consider and the best available models on the market.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tablet

Screen: Size, Resolution and Display Type

The screen is an essential factor that affects our experience with the device. It’s important to determine what we plan to use it for and how much time we’ll spend in front of the screen.

For instance, if we only intend to use it to browse the web and solve specific queries while on the couch, we won’t require the same features as we would for work or content use. Therefore, we must focus on the size, resolution, and type of display to select the right tablet that meets our needs.

In the tablet market, there are options available with screen sizes ranging from 8 to over 12 inches. However, most models available are around 10 inches in size, which is a good balance between portability and screen size.

A smaller tablet may be suitable for occasional or mobile use, and if you have budget constraints. But for intensive use, both recreational and productive, and content use, a larger tablet is better. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, then a 10-inch tablet is the best all-rounder option.

When it comes to choosing the display technology for tablets, we face the same dilemma as with TVs and smartphones: LCD versus OLED. In this case, we have to choose between LCD IPS format and AMOLED. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to understand their suitability for specific purposes.

In general, OLED panels offer high brightness and contrast, providing pure black images that look great on large screens. However, the final image quality depends on the manufacturer’s calibration process. Additionally, OLED panels are more energy-efficient and make the best use of the tablet’s dimensions.

Despite these benefits, OLED panels are not perfect. They incorporate a subpixel pattern to compensate for the different performance of RGB pixels, commonly known as Samsung’s PenTile. This mesh can cause a loss of sharpness if the screen’s resolution is not sufficient. In such cases, a panel with the same resolution and an LCD technology would provide better results.

Moreover, OLED screens are more expensive to manufacture and suffer from faster degradation than LCD screens. Additionally, OLED screens tend to produce a change in tone while viewing at different angles, which is more noticeable when viewing white backgrounds. This is something not experienced with quality LCD screens.

It’s not surprising that high-end tablets offer both OLED and LCD panels. Therefore, it’s recommended that you personally experience how the display of content looks before making a purchase.

When it comes to resolution, it’s an important parameter to consider for tablets since we place the screen closer to our eyes. However, it’s better to look at the relationship between the resolution and screen size, which is the density of dots per inch.

For moderate use, 300 dpi is a good starting point. While our eyes can perceive higher densities, 300 dpi is enough to provide sufficient detail for a positive experience.

If you’re in the market for a tablet that you can use for long periods of time or for multimedia use, it’s important to choose a model that has a high-quality display. For an 8-inch tablet, a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 (QXGA) with a density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi) is a good option. For tablets around 10 inches, a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 (WQXGA) or higher is necessary to achieve a pixel density of at least 300 ppi, which is considered to be a high-quality display.

Hardware of All Kinds, Software Has the Final Say

The tablet market is unique and diverse as compared to the smartphone market. Tablets get updates at a lower rate than smartphones. The main manufacturers in the sector offer a wide variety of devices that integrate elements typical of mid-range smartphones and laptops. The future use of these devices is under discussion.

Tablets designed for sporadic use and navigation without great demands can work well with simple processors such as quad-core MediaTek. However, if you plan to run more apps smoothly or multitask, then processors with more cores designed by Huawei, Qualcomm, and Apple, which are common in their respective high-end smartphones, might be more suitable. We can also find Intel Pentium Gold and, within the convertible category, computer processors such as the latest generation Core.

The other critical component that distinguishes tablets designed for occasional and simple use from those for multitasking or running more demanding programs and applications is the RAM memory. Although we can find old models with 2 GB of RAM, any modern basic tablet for domestic use starts with at least 3 GB of RAM.

A powerful hardware is essential for multitasking, playing demanding games, running heavy apps like photo editors, and processing photos and videos. However, it’s important to note that the weakest component in the hardware will ultimately limit its performance.

How much storage do you need? Tablets are designed for online use, such as cloud services, streaming content, and online productivity apps. Unless you plan to store offline content like TV shows, movies, or music albums, 32 GB should suffice for basic users. However, if you intend to install apps and work on them, it’s recommended to go for higher storage options.

It’s worth noting that software is responsible for optimizing the tablet’s features. So, it’s not just about the raw specs, as hardware designed for mobile devices can perform better with a mobile operating system than a classic laptop hardware on a desktop operating system.

Many manufacturers aspire to make the tablet a replacement for laptops, but making this a reality requires not only reliable hardware but also software adapted to the tablet’s inherent characteristics.

Android, Ios or Windows: a Matter of Taste, Apps and Updates

When it comes to operating systems for tablets, there are three main options to choose from: iPadOS (which is essentially an adapted version of iOS for Apple’s tablets), Windows (available on devices such as the Microsoft Surface and the Lenovo Yoga), and Android (which is used by a wide range of manufacturers).

iOS 17, Android 13, and Windows 11 all offer stable and reliable tablet experiences, so deciding which one to go for will ultimately come down to personal preference.

That being said, while Android has more options available, its lack of consistency can be a drawback. Different models may have poorly adjusted interfaces, unattractive or less functional layers, and slow or non-existent updates. Updates are important as they provide security patches, fix issues, add new functionality, and increase energy efficiency.

LTE or Non-LTE?

When choosing a tablet, it’s important to consider its connectivity options based on our usage needs. If we plan to use it at home, office, or while traveling, we need to choose the right model that caters to our specific needs.

The most basic connectivity options available in a tablet are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. However, it’s important to note that there are different standards even within these technologies. The latest and most advanced standards offer Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (ax), which provide better range and faster data transfers. Wi-Fi AC/AX also allows us to use the 5 GHz band of the router, which is less crowded compared to the 2.4 GHz band.

If we plan to use the tablet while traveling, some tablet models offer LTE connectivity, which supports 4G and even 5G in advanced models. This allows us to connect to the internet from anywhere, as long as we have our own data plan.

Design and Materials

The pace of innovation in tablets is slower than that of smartphones. However, the trend towards reduced edges has reached tablets, not just in high-end models like the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S, but also in mid-range models like the Huawei MatePad and iPad Air. While the attractiveness of reduced edges may be subjective, it’s undeniable that it improves the usability of the device.

The chassis material of a tablet is important for the durability and cooling of the internal components. Aluminum is commonly used in premium tablets, while polycarbonate is used in mid and low-range models. Although aluminum gives a luxurious finish, its properties, such as lightness, rigidity, and high thermal conductivity coefficient, make it one of the most widely-used materials in consumer electronics.

Do I Only Need a Tablet or Will I Use Accessories?

Despite cheaper models targeting browsing and media consumption needs, tablets are becoming increasingly popular for professional use, with higher-end models being equipped with essential accessories for such purposes.

The keyboard and stylus are two of the most important accessories, with the former being used for fast and accurate text input and the latter enabling sketching, editing, and digitization in creative and technical fields.

Major brands such as Samsung Galaxy Tab S, Microsoft Surface, and iPad Pro offer official accessories as well as a wide range of compatible accessories from other manufacturers. Even non-Pro tablets from various brands are now being designed with keyboard and pen compatibility.

What About the Cameras?

Although tablets have historically been used primarily for video conferencing and casual photography, premium models now offer features such as 4K recording and dual lenses that are suitable for measuring distances. Despite this, some people, especially the elderly, continue to use tablets for everything, including taking them sightseeing and taking pictures.

So, What Tablet Should You Buy?

There is a wide range of tablet options in the market. In this list, we have tried to offer a diverse spectrum of tablets in terms of functionality and budget.

A Basic Tablet

Amazon Fire HD 10

If you’re looking for a basic model with good battery life, the Amazon Fire HD 10, Amazon’s latest release, is a great option. Its over 10-inch screen is perfect for content consumption and browsing.

The tablet runs on an Android-based operating system, which provides an intuitive experience. However, its performance can be improved due to its limited resources. It does not have a stock of apps as extensive as other options. In addition, neither the design nor the screen is extraordinary, but it offers great value for money if you’re looking for a simple model or one for children.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Samsung seems to have discovered the secret to success in its more affordable tablets, and with the 2021 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, it has once again replicated this formula by enhancing its strengths. The new Samsung tablet is more powerful, larger and more focused on viewing content.

While it may fall short in its basic hardware features with just 32 GB storage in 2024, the tablet’s diagonal size and audio quality make up for it. It’s recommended to opt for the 64 GB model, which is a bit more expensive.

2022 iPad

The good news is that the 2022’s iPad 2022 brings a complete redesign with a more current, almost borderless display, a webcam on the side, and colorful options. It also adds more power and incorporates Touch ID. However, the bad news is that the price is considerably higher than the previous generation, which may make many people reconsider their options and go for the previous generation or other models.

A Versatile Tablet

Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Surface Go 3 is the third generation of its kind, and has been designed for individuals who seek lightweight, high-resolution, and high-performance devices. It’s a Windows 11s-based model, which is a familiar desktop operating system that allows users to run programs and applications.

This makes it an appealing option for those comfortable with this desktop system and its potential use of programs. However, its processor may not be capable of handling intensive usage. For multitasking and program scenarios, investing in more demanding configurations in terms of RAM and SSD options is highly recommended. While it’s commonly used with a keyboard, it’s not included, and for office use, it’s highly recommended to purchase one separately.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is one of the best value-for-money models in the Korean company’s catalog. It’s also a versatile all-in-one tablet.

It’s known for its design, finishes, and the inclusion of the S-Pen stylus, which allows it to be utilized for drawing or taking notes without the need to purchase an additional accessory. Its S-Pen features, excellent design and finishes, and the support of a brand like Samsung with a complete ecosystem that can accompany the tablet are some of its main attractions.

2022 iPad Air

Apple’s iPad Air (2022) brings its mid-range tablets closer to its computers with the M1 chip. This versatile model is suitable for productivity, multimedia consumption, or navigation, and is known for its performance, longevity, screen quality, and ease of use. It boasts good autonomy figures and is compatible with a keyboard and pen.

Google Pixel Tablet

The Google Pixel Tablet is a unique device designed to function more like a smart display than a regular Android tablet. While its target audience may be a bit niche, it's the perfect choice for anyone seeking a tablet with the same look and feel as any Google device.

A Business Tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the most ambitious model in Samsung’s high-end series.

It’s an incredibly large and slim tablet that offers power in abundance and a surround sound system for the best multimedia experience. It also has four cameras to work in situ and a battery life of 10 hours. However, it’s not very portable and may be difficult to handle. Another downside is the limited possibilities of Android after investing such a large sum.

2022 iPad Pro

Apple launched the iPad Pro (M1) in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its history by adopting the M1 chip. The new M2-chip iPad Pro is even more powerful, but it comes with a hefty price tag. This model is a real beast in every way, suitable for any task you can imagine for this type of device.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 is a tablet-type device that is lightweight, has a comfortable touch screen, and can perform computer-like tasks with the help of Windows 11 as the operating system. It comes with Intel Iris Xe graphics, a modern penultimate generation processor, and various RAM and storage configurations to choose from.

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