In 2024, the tablet market will offer diverse options for various needs and preferences. Our expert reviews highlight the top models, focusing on their standout features and performance. Whether you seek a high-performance device for creative work or an affordable option for everyday tasks, our guide provides critical insights. Dive in to find the perfect tablet that meets your requirements and enhances your tech experience.
Best Tablets: 7 Top Models Expertly Reviewed!
Apple iPad (10th generation)
The Apple iPad (10th generation) stands out as the best overall tablet, offering remarkable value at an affordable price of $349, following a recent $100 price drop. It provides a versatile and accessible option within Apple’s tablet lineup, delivering many of the features found in the more premium iPad Pro and iPad Air models. This iPad combines style with functionality with its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and various color choices such as pink, blue, and yellow. Its lightweight design and modern features, such as the A14 Bionic processor, USB-C support, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Although it has several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The iPad (10th generation) does not support the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, requiring a dongle for compatibility with the 1st-generation Pencil. However, it compensates with a new Magic Keyboard Folio that includes a 14-key function row and an adjustable kickstand, enhancing its productivity features. Overall, this iPad offers an outstanding balance of performance, design, and affordability, making it a standout option for individuals looking for a dependable and adaptable tablet.
Amazon Fire Max 11
The Amazon Fire Max 11 is Amazon’s latest and most impressive tablet, offering a significant upgrade in their tablet lineup. Priced at $229, it features an 11-inch display, 4GB of memory, and 64GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card. Although it runs Fire OS, which limits access to Google’s apps and services, Amazon’s App Store provides many popular alternatives, such as Netflix, Facebook, and Spotify. For those needing a tablet for work and play, the Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle, priced at $329, includes a keyboard with a touchpad, a case, and a stylus.
Reviewers praise the Fire Max 11 as the best Fire tablet Amazon has produced, highlighting its strong performance for its price. The tablet boasts a modern design and a solid battery life of up to 14 hours, with an outstanding user rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Best Buy. However, its performance is considered average, and some essential productivity apps still need to be included. Overall, it offers terrific value, particularly when bundled, making it an outstanding option for those mindful of their budget and seeking a reliable tablet for everyday tasks.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra distinguishes itself as one of the best Android tablets. It features a stunning 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and runs on Android 13. This high-end tablet comes with 12GB of RAM featuring 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB with a microSD card, providing ample space for most users. Additionally, it includes Samsung’s S Pen, which boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, a certification not found on many other premium tablets, including the iPad.
Maria Diaz highlights the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s impressive upgrades, noting its ability to replace a laptop for professional use effectively. For those seeking a more versatile setup, the optional $350 Book Cover Keyboard allows the tablet to function as an Android-powered 2-in-1 device, enhancing multitasking capabilities. While the tablet’s large size makes it less portable and occasional app crashes have been reported, its advanced display, robust build, and responsive S Pen make it a top choice for users seeking high performance and flexibility in an Android tablet.
OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad is considered the top Android tablet for entertainment, continuing the company’s tradition of delivering high-performance devices at competitive prices. Known primarily for its smartphones, OnePlus has extended its expertise to tablets with the OnePlus Pad, which features a vibrant 11.61-inch LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate and impressive battery life. With a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor and 8GB of RAM, the tablet handles daily tasks, gaming, and media consumption smoothly. Reviewers like Cipriani praise its snappy performance and the multitasking features of OxygenOS, allowing users to split the screen between apps easily.
While the OnePlus Pad excels in entertainment and display quality, it does have some drawbacks. The tablet’s keyboard case and stylus, which aim to mimic the iPad Pro experience, have been reported to have finicky trackpad gestures and interface features reminiscent of Apple’s iPad. Additionally, despite its strong performance and battery life, the OnePlus Pad’s Android apps are still improving tablet optimization, and there may be better choices for productivity-focused users. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who prioritize a high-quality display and robust performance for entertainment purposes.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the best compact Windows tablet, offering a familiar design that is compatible with original accessories. This updated model features faster internals and SSD storage across all configurations, addressing previous issues with slow eMMC drives and underwhelming performance from the Intel Pentium processor. The 10.5-inch PixelSense display and the Windows operating system make it a versatile choice for work and entertainment, ideal for use in tight spaces like airplane tray tables or crowded trains.
Mary Branscombe praises the Surface Go 3 for its portability and performance, noting its capability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, from running several Edge tabs to managing documents in Excel and Word. Although it offers Windows 10 in S Mode, which restricts app installations to the Microsoft Store, users can switch to the whole Windows experience if needed. Despite its compact size and extensive feature set, including Windows Hello and ample storage options, the Surface Go 3’s limitation to Microsoft Store apps in S Mode may be a drawback for some users.
Google Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet represents a significant leap forward for Android tablets, embodying what the platform should have been from the start. Despite some apps not being fully optimized for the larger screen, Google’s innovative approach to app handling and its push for developer updates have greatly improved the tablet experience. Cipriani’s hands-on review notes that the Pixel Tablet excels in multitasking, with apps seamlessly fitting into various screen positions.
In addition to its enhanced app functionality, the Pixel Tablet doubles as a smart home hub when paired with the optional Charging Speaker Dock. This accessory, priced at $129, adds robust bass and transforms the tablet into a Nest Hub-like device. While the tablet is praised for its performance and battery life, users have noted that the absence of an official keyboard or stylus limits its utility for productivity tasks. Despite these gaps, the Pixel Tablet is lauded for its media consumption capabilities and efficiency.
Wacom Intuos Pro
The Wacom Intuos Pro is the top choice for drawing tablets, thanks to its industry-leading features and exceptional performance. Renowned for its virtually lag-free experience and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, this tablet offers professional artists and graphic designers a natural and responsive drawing environment. The Pro Pen 2, included with the tablet, allows precise control over stroke thickness and shading, making detailed work more manageable and enjoyable.
Although the Wacom Intuos Pro lacks a built-in screen, users need to connect it to an external monitor; its advantages far outweigh this drawback for many professionals. The tablet’s three available sizes and the high-quality Pro Pen 2 make it a worthwhile investment for severe creators. However, users should be prepared to replace the stylus nibs frequently, as they wear out regularly. Overall, the Wacom Intuos Pro offers a superior drawing experience that is hard to match in the industry.
Critical Considerations for Selecting the Best Tablets:
Feature Sets:
Tablets vary widely in functionality. Some models are ideal for children, others cater to artists, while some are designed as mini laptops for professionals and students. We evaluated a range of features to ensure our selections meet diverse needs.
Price Points:
Tablets can be a significant investment, especially when factoring in the cost of accessories or purchasing for children who might be prone to dropping them. We considered various price ranges to offer options that suit different budgets.
Integrations with Other Products:
We looked at tablets compatible with intelligent cases, attachable keyboards, Apple pencils, styluses, and other accessories for work and entertainment purposes.
Battery Life:
Whether for work, play, or a combination of both, it’s crucial that a tablet’s battery lasts throughout your activities. We assessed battery performance to ensure longevity meets practical usage demands.
Conclusion:
The 2024 tablet reviews showcase a range of exceptional devices tailored to various needs and budgets. The Apple iPad (10th generation) offers excellent value with its versatile design and recent price drop. At the same time, the Amazon Fire Max 11 provides impressive battery life and productivity features at an affordable price. For high-performance and premium displays, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and OnePlus Pad excel in their respective areas of functionality and entertainment. The Microsoft Surface Go three, and Google Pixel Tablet offer robust performance with some limitations, and the Wacom Intuos Pro remains the top choice for professional artists seeking precision. Each tablet delivers unique strengths to cater to different user preferences and requirements.
