When looking to find your ideal device, it helps to first priorities what matters to you most – whether you’re choosing from this month’s selection or not.
1. Pack Your Size
The last few years have seen tablets steadily creeping up in size, so that the old standard 10in slate is now seen as a smaller form factor, while 12in, 13in and even 14in tablets have become mainstream. The extra size usually comes at a cost, and bigger isn’t necessarily better. If you’re looking for something light and portable or that you can comfortably use handheld, then a 10in or 11in tablet is usually the best choice. For simple communications, note-taking and media consumption, you can even get away with a sub-9in model.
Go for the bigger-screen versions, though, where display real-estate really matters. For image editing, video editing and other creative endeavours, screen size can make a massive difference, and the same goes for more complex productivity tasks where you may need to work across multiple apps.
2. Software is Crucial
In the world of laptops, you can have a great experience whether you’re running macOS or Windows, with Linux and ChromeOS as perfectly workable alternatives. In the world of tablets, that’s not quite the case. Apple still has the most polished and tablet-specific user experience in iPadOS, and the Android competition varies in terms of usability. Multitasking features and desktop-style interfaces can be very different, with a few companies favouring a more iPad-like UI, while some manufacturers are clearly better than others at developing software to make the most of specific capabilities.
There’s also still a gulf in tablet app support. While the lineup of tablet-ready software on Android’s Google Play store is improving, you’ll find many apps that just look weird on a bigger screen, or don’t work well in multitasking workflows. Here the maturity of iPadOS and greater development support gives Apple a real advantage. Don’t discount Android tablets by any means – they can be better value – but make sure your slate can run the apps you need it to.
3. Prioritise the Screen
Even more than performance or battery life, the screen is the key element for a successful tablet. It’s both a display and your primary means of interaction, and if it’s dim, blocky or cursed with poor contrast, your tablet won’t be great to use. The days of cheap Android tablets with gloomy screens are mostly behind us, but paying more will give you a lift in resolution, a higher brightness level and richer colours.
It’s worth splashing out on a 2K to 3K resolution (somewhere above 2,360 x 1,600) and a brightness level of 100 to 600cd/m², not to mention good coverage of the sRGB and DCI-P3 colour gamuts (above 90% for sRGB and 70% for DCI-P3). Meanwhile, support for higher refresh rates of between 90Hz and 120Hz will provide smoother scrolling when you’re browsing and the potential for faster frame rates in some games. Good colour accuracy is a must for serious creative work, while support for HDR10 or Dolby Vision HDR formats will give you a great streaming experience you can take with you anywhere you go.
4. Core Specs
Many buyers underestimate the scale of difference in performance between low- and high-end devices. Premium tablets are now using desktop-class chips, meaning they can handle productivity and creative apps that would have previously seemed impossible. Some cheaper models still use entry-level smartphone processors, which can’t really cope with running Android on a big display.
RAM can also be a constraint. Many apps and websites now run slowly on 4GB devices and need 8GB or more to work at decent speeds. An entry-level tablet may be fine for basic web browsing, email and media consumption, but spend more if you have anything else in mind. Similarly, be realistic about what you’ll need in terms of storage. Some manufacturers (yes, you Apple) ask over the odds for extra gigabytes, but without enough space for your apps, audio, video, photos and documents, you may regret going cheap. Some tablets give you an expansion option in the shape of microSD cards, but check before you buy.
5. Check for Connectivity
Proprietary power connectors are now history, with all the major manufacturers now united around USB-C. This doesn’t mean that all USB-C ports are the same, however, with different tablets offering different data speeds, the ability to drive aK or 4K displays, as well as different charging capabilities. Transfer speeds are only an issue when connecting a dock or a USB hard drive for additional storage, but the ability to connect to an external monitor can be a big deal with the more productivity-focused devices. Similarly, the ability to charge at 30W or higher can make a big difference when you need to charge a tablet quickly before a trip.
Don’t neglect wireless connectivity, either. Wi-Fi 6 is now standard across modern slates, but some are supporting Wi-Fi 6E and even Wi-Fi 7. It also pays to have the more recent Bluetooth standards onboard for mice, keyboards and headsets.We’ve yet to see any with Bluetooth 6, but Bluetooth 5-4 is worth having for low-latency audio and improved energy efficiency.
6. Accessories for your Slate
For some users, the only accessory a tablet needs is a solid case. However, if you’re serious about notes, drawing or productivity, then you’re going to need a keyboard or a stylus. Sometimes these come bundled or as an optional extra, while iPad users can count on not just Apple’s brilliant Magic Keyboard and Pencil accessories, but a wide range of third-party options. If you’re buying a tablet as an ultra-mobile workhorse, check something suitable is available and price it in.
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