Getting a tablet, whether it’s for work, school, or play, can be difficult considering there are so many options to choose from. Not all tablets are created equal and once you get one for yourself, you must commit to it so it’s important to choose the right one that will suit your needs and preference.
In this article, we’ve listed the top 5 tablets that are not only powerful but also have their own unique features to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Please keep in mind that while we list the devices, we may mention an optional accessory such as a stylus or a keyboard. These accessories may not be included in the device’s box and will cost extra to obtain. With that out of the way, here are the top 5 tablets available right now.
Apple iPad Air 4 (2020)
CPU: A14 Bionic | Display: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640 pixels) Liquid Retina | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Ports: USB-C | Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm | Weight: 458g | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional 4G LTE
Let’s begin with one of the best tablets available on the market right now. Apple released the most recent version of the iPad Air in 2020, and they did an excellent job with the redesign. Overall, the iPad Air shares a similar design to the Apple iPad Pro, but it’s offered at a price that’s more affordable. The Air, like the Pro, has an ultra-thin bezel and is compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. In addition, the super-fast A14 Bionic chip will allow you to smoothly multitask and use demanding apps without lagging or becoming stuck.
Aside from that, the iPad Air also comes with other great attributes, like the combination of the long 10.5 hours of battery life with the bright and vivid Liquid Retina display would be amazing for binge-watching your favourite series. If you’re planning on getting the tablet for work or school, then you’ll be pleased to know that the iPad Air also comes with a 7-megapixel front camera for all your video call needs. Unfortunately, the tablet does not come with a headphone jack, so you’ll have to get a Bluetooth headset if you don’t already own one.
Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
CPU: A12 Bionic | Display: 10.2-inch (2160 x 1620 pixels) | Storage: 32GB/128GB | Ports: Lightning, Headphone | Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm | Weight: 490g | Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with optional LTE.
Now, you might wonder if Apple has another cheaper option under their belt with perhaps similar features to the iPad Air – maybe one that includes a headphone jack. Well, say hello to the Apple iPad. The latest generation of the tablet was released in 2020 and while it might not have the thin bezels like the ones on the iPad Air and Pro, the screen still measures at 10.2-inches which is a great feat. You could argue that the A12 Bionic chip isn’t up to par with the A14 Bionic chip but rest assured that it’s still powerful enough to run all your apps smoothly and efficiently.
Storage for the iPad is smaller than the iPad Air, but it is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. Adding that with the 1.2-megapixel front camera and you’ll get a decent device that can keep up with your online classes and meetings. When it comes to battery life, the iPad can also be used for up to 10.5 hours on Wi-Fi or up to 9 hours on mobile data. Also, keep in mind that this is the only Apple tablet that still has an audio jack, so you don’t have to buy a Bluetooth headset if you don’t want to.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)
CPU: A12Z Bionic | Display: 12.9-inch (2048 x 2732 pixels) | Storage: 64GB/256GB | Ports: USB-C | Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm | Weight: 641g | Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional LTE.
While the Apple iPad Pro may just be the most expensive tablet on this list, we can list a few reasons why the price tag is justified. The first reason is that the tablet is easily the best tablet from Apple. The 4th generation iPad Pro carries a powerful A12Z chipset and the option of turning the tablet into a 2-in-1 device by using the keyboard cover folio is great if you’re looking for a tablet to substitute a laptop. Also, it’s nice to know that not only is the iPad Pro compatible with the Apple Pencil, but it can also magnetically clip onto the frame, so you won’t have to worry about it rolling off the table.
Now, let’s talk about the iPad Pro’s features because there are quite a few good ones. First off would be the amazing four-speaker audio system. Pair that with the bright Liquid Retina display and you’re in for an immersive video and movie-watching experience for up to 10.5 hours. The device also offers storage options of up to 1TB so you can get plenty of space for all your apps and photos. Speaking of photos, the iPad Pro has a brilliant dual-camera system at the rear and a 7-megapixel front camera with a TrueDepth system. The front camera is not only great for video calls and meetings, but you can also use it for Face ID security authentication.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus | Display: 12.4-inch (1752 x 2800 pixels) | Storage: 128GB/256GB| Memory: 8GB | Ports: USB-C, microSD | Dimensions: 185.0 x 285.0 x 5.7mm| Weight: 575g | Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct.
Maybe you’re not into the Apple iOS and you prefer a tablet with an Android operating system. Well, maybe you’ll find a better match in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. Samsung tablets are easily one of the best options for Android tablets and they deserve that title. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset in the Galaxy Tab S7+ is the most powerful processor that you can get inside an Android product. Also, not only is the tablet compatible with Samsung’s S Pen, but you’ll also get it for free with the device which is a huge plus besides being able to magnetically attach it at the back.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S7+ is considered a strong Android rival to the Apple iPad Pro, starting off with the device’s 12.4-inch, Super AMOLED display with a 2800 x 1752 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. You can also use this tablet as a laptop substitute when you snap on the Book Cover Keyboard. Like the iPad Pro, the Galaxy Tab S7+ also comes with a four-speaker system and dual-rear camera. You’ll also get a front camera with a slightly higher resolution, so you know that this tablet will be great for work and school.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
CPU: Qualcomm SM6115 | Display: 10.4-inch (2000 x 1200-pixel) | Storage: 32GB | Memory: 3GB | Ports: USB-C, microSD | Dimensions: 157.4 x 247.6 x 7.0mm | Weight: 476g | Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct.
Perhaps you don’t need a tablet to replace your laptop, but rather as an additional device for work and entertainment. If so, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 might be a good option for you. This device is primarily designed for entertainment, with a dynamic 10.4-inch display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels and Dolby Atmos surround sound delivered by quad speakers. If it’s not movies, it’s games, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 has you covered with a fast Qualcomm SM6115 processor and plenty of RAM for a smooth gaming experience.
Whatever you use the tablet for, you’ll be pleased to know that the tablet is equipped with a high-capacity 7040 mAh battery that will last for more than 10 hours. When it comes to storage, the Galaxy tab A7 offers the option of 32GB for internal storage but you can also use a microSD card to increase the space up to 1TB. If you’re planning on using this tablet for work meetings or online classes, then the 5-megapixel front camera will do the job. You can also use any of your existing headsets with the tablet because it has an audio jack and supports Bluetooth devices.