It’s difficult to choose a tablet. There are so many different options on Apple’s side, and it’s not always clear what’s different between them. Unless you’re familiar with all the terminology, the difference between a liquid retinal display and an ultra retinal tandem with professional movement is not immediately clear. There is also a big difference under the hood, and Apple currently offers devices featuring the old A16 chips at the low end and with a high end and extremely fast M4 chip.
And it’s just Apple. The Android tablet market is only expanding its field that much. If Apple tends to trim outdated tablets in a stable era, the Android tablet market will easily show you devices you shouldn’t buy when you’re new, let alone years later. And like Apple’s devices, there’s a considerable range of hardware options, ranging from severely inadequate capabilities to a complete excess. At that point, it’s possible that a Windows tablet makes more sense. What makes shopping on Android tablets even more complicated is software support. Apple has been running tablets on modern operating systems for a long time, but the amount of time a particular Android tablet remains up to date is a much more difficult question to answer.
After looking at the market, we weighed out what actually makes sense when buying a tablet, taking into account the iPad I tested and Android tablets, so we narrowed down just a handful of the best options to balance it out.
Additional contributions Mark Throws
TL;DR: The best tablet now
The combination of power, versatility and portability helped solidify the tablet’s position in the portable market. Regardless of your needs, if you want to entertain your device at the end of a busy day of work, for example, if you want something more robust for video editing, then there is a tablet.
1. iPad (11th generation)
The best tablet
CPU
Apple A16 Bionic Chip 5-core CPU + 4-core GPU
screen
11 inch, 2360 x 1640 liquid retinal display
camera
12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
A stunning liquid retinal display
It’s still on an outdated processor
Apple has been able to find the ideal iPad for most people very easily over the years. Its base layer iPads are very affordable, while generally offering excellent performance and build quality. Even against the competition against the Android side, which generally suffers from decent low-cost tablets, the base iPad stands out. And with the latest 11th generation, Apple continues to simplify the choice.
This new model is a very minor iteration of the 10th generation iPad that we previously recommended. There are very simple changes, such as shifting from a 10.9-inch display to an 11-inch display, but the resolution remains the same. The display is also at 60Hz with a peak brightness of 500 knit. Luckily, none of this would result in a bad display. Although it is the same first-generation apple pencil that the previous model supported, it supports apple pencils.
The internal upgrade is better. For one, the 11th generation iPad will eventually discontinue 64GB of base storage. Now starting at 128GB, it significantly improves the space for apps, games, media and digital works. The internal chip gets a more recent bump to the A16 from the date A14 bionic (but Apple is currently on the A18).
Overall, the 11th generation iPad is packed into a tablet with a larger screen, more storage, and more recent CPUs that have not changed their physical footprint. Better yet, the prices have not changed either. This updated model is priced at the same $349 price point on its predecessor and is available in the same fun colours. I’ve seen it already sold for $299.
Please refer to the guide for The best iPad model For other options.
2. OnePlusPad 2
Best Android Tablets
Screen size
12.1 inch, ips, 2120 x 3000
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
camera
13 megapixel rear, 8 megapixel front
Shorter OS support than Apple
Samsung doesn’t have an Android tablet worth spending $1,000, but at that price you can get a capable 2-in-1 Windows machine with a clearer longevity (like the Asus Proart PZ13). And many of the cheaper options raise a lot of concern. But the OnePlus Pad 2 brings tons of tablets, whether they’re on a tinsel budget Android tablet or unreasonably expensive. Pulling the roots of the flagship killer, it offers a tablet.
First, pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This is something that until recently was Qualcomm’s flagship chipset and hasn’t been taken on tablets yet. This will give the OnePlus Pad 2 excellent performance. Additionally, 12GB of memory helps you keep up with multitasking that allows you to access your tablet. The tablet has a larger screen up to the task.
Speaking of screens, there’s a OnePlus Pad 2 pack on a fairly 12.1″ display with a resolution of 2120×3000. It could be just an IPS panel, but it offers a 900 NIT peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate. Tablets – take notes, Apple.
OnePlus Pad 2 receives decent treatment if software is involved. OnePlus was released on Android 14 and promised a three-year OS and four-year security update. In the market for tablets that boot with outdated operating systems that don’t promise updates, it’s refreshing to see options that are not destined to become outdated from the gate.
The OnePlus Pad 2 was launched for $550 and proved to be good value for the price, but it has been running for $450 recently from OnePlus, allowing it to include free accessories like keyboard cases.
3. ipadPro (M4, 2024)
The perfect tablet for creative work
screen
12.9 inch tandem OLED
camera
12MP wide camera (rear), landscape 12MP ultra overall camera (front)
Powerful M4 chip ready for video editing and 3D rendering
Tandem OLED display is the best you can get into your tablet now
The most expensive tablets most people buy
When I first opened my iPad Pro, I didn’t know what to do with it. Apple was branding it as a permanent workstation alternative, but still didn’t run the desktop applications you want on finder or such devices. However, after a month of using the iPad Pro, it becomes one of my everyday devices. A tandem OLED display alone is enough to make most people hooked, even if the price flinched a bit.
With the M4, the iPad Pro is currently the most powerful tablet on the market. The M4, which runs things, is packed with an 8-core CPU clocked at 3.49GHz. However, please note that the amount of RAM you receive will vary depending on the storage configuration you use. As long as you’re getting a 1TB model, you’ll get a respectable 16GB of RAM, but the 512GB and 256GB models need to use half of the memory. If you don’t plan on using your iPad Pro for heavy creative workloads, this isn’t a problem. After all, iPads are not known exactly as being super memory intensive. If you’re doing a lot of work in Photoshop or Premiere, you’ll feel that.
Artists will also want to pair this tablet with an Apple Pencil Pro or one of the countless Apple Pencil alternatives. With your stylus in hand, the iPad Pro becomes an incredibly creative powerhouse, despite the limitations that come with working with what is essentially a soupy version of iOS.
4. iPad Air (2024)
The best thin and light tablet
Storage
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
screen
11 inch 2360 x 1640 liquid retina display
camera
12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Apple has put together some amazing little packages 2024 iPad Air. It was upgraded from its predecessor with a thin design, selfie camera upgrades and a new tip under the hood. Hang your iPad Air on either an 11″ or 13″ display, and beyond the resolution-compatible adjustments, most of the specs on the two tablets remain the same. Both options get an Apple M2 chip backed by 8GB of memory. In our testing, we found that this provides enough performance for everyday use, such as movies and streaming views. It was also pending for extended gaming sessions on Zenless Zone Zero. The thin design of the tablet can lead to heat buildup, so be careful if you want to play serious games.
The new design of the iPad Air reduces its depth to just 6.1mm. This is even thinner than the iPhone 16. And the tablet weighs a pound above the hair and is extremely portable you need from the tablet. It also boasts a high quality build with an aluminum frame and a back. I’m not expecting much from an apple.
The iPad Air display is not as bright as some of its competitors, reaching 500 nits, but offers a wide range of colours perfect for TVs and movies. It also works well with the Apple Pencil Pro, providing smooth ink for drawing and taking notes. Additionally, for those looking to incorporate tablets into a broader device ecosystem, the benefits of the USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port at the bottom of the tablet support faster data transfer and DisplayPort output.
The new iPad Air model, which offers the M3 chip, will be released on March 12th.
5. iPad (9th generation)
Best budget iPados tablet
screen
10.2 inch 2160 x 1620 LED-Backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display
camera
8MP (rear), 12MP (front)
Super affordable price tag
Upgraded front camera
The processor is not as fast as other iPad models
Apple may have moved to something better, but the 9th generation iPad is still on the market. Its A13 Bionic Processor is not a hot new one, and 64GB of storage may be limited to some. There is also an older style that is not responsible for stimulating technicians chasing the latest devices. But it’s still a small serviceable machine that can run the latest version of iPados.
If your tablet needs are light, it may fit your bill. It should still be the task of browsing the web, reading comic books, watching videos, and making fascinating time calls with friends and family where people’s heads are not the size of your fingertips. But here’s the catch. Apple drives a very powerful bargain on the 11th generation iPad. This model is still present in the grey area of units available in the market and does not have a solid price to cooperate. If this 9th generation iPad is for $250 (sometimes you do, but it’s considered a valuable budget alternative. However, if it’s located above $300, then head over to the 11th generation iPad instead.
What we look forward to:
There’s still a lot to discover, but OnePlus has officially confirmed the arrival of the new OnePlus Pad 3. This will be the successor to my favorite Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad 2. Pricing and most specifications are still wrapped, but the announcement is scheduled for June 5th. What we know is that the OnePlus Pad 3 will upgrade the system-on-chip to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite. For power users and gamers, that’s great news.
There was already a lot to do with the OnePlus Pad 2, and most of it was within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Soc. It’s a speedy tip that’s perfect for work and play. However, when the Snapdragon 8 Elite dropped phones like the OnePlus 13 and Redmagic 10 Pro, it showed a whole new level of performance that didn’t step up from its predecessor.
Knowing that the OnePlus Pad 3 features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it could be one of the most powerful Android tablets you can already get. It’s as great as SOC proves on smartphones, but the heat generated when it works with its greatest effort ultimately leads to throttling on the air-cooled Redmagic 10 Pro. The advantage of tablets with those same heavy workloads is the size of the tablet. The extra space allows for larger heat transfer systems inside and more cooling from more surface area to escape the system. If you’re lucky, that’s the case with the OnePlus Pad 3.
The OnePlus Pad 3 may be for sure, but there are also unconfirmed details that Redmagic may have its own updates along the way. Redmagic already had a powerful Nova gaming tablet running on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Soc. However, NotebookCheck is reported in a post on Weibo of the phone leaker, suggesting a new version has come and will work even by the Snapdragon 8 elite. Given the inherent benefits of tablets and the almost certainty that tablets have some form of active cooling, it could potentially land as a true gaming powerhouse.
How to choose the right tablet
The first step in determining a tablet is to determine your budget. Do you just want to stream shows and scroll through social? A cheap slate is enough. However, if you are chasing a productivity tool that works similarly to a laptop, you will need to increase your spending. You can also slap the keyboard onto some tablets. Removable laptopalthough there are hardware and operating system limitations.
Next is the design. It’s lightweight, but requires a durable option for use on the go. A rather crisp and responsive display ensures the best user experience, but the OLED panel is a more premium option with deeper blacks and richer colours than the LCD counterpart.
Of course, internal components are just as important. You don’t want a dull device that leads to reaching for you Smartphone Or a laptop instead. A solid processor and at least 4GB of RAM are required to prevent that from happening. Upgrading these specifications for games and creative work can make a difference in the world. Beyond that, you need to make sure your software is up to date. The Android OS is in the 15th generation, and the iPads 18 is Apple’s latest.
Other features like long battery life, great sound speakers, crisp cameras, and stylus support can help you improve your tablet experience. You might also consider getting a 5G tablet that can connect to a cellular network when you’re not using Wi-Fi.
Tablet FAQ
Is the iPad better than an Android tablet?
no. For both types of tablets, there are many solid models to choose from. It’s a matter of personal preference. If you already have it iPhone and/or MacBookIt makes sense to grab the iPad for seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, including the ability to double as the second screen of your MacBook. The iPad is known for its smooth user experience and a wealth of apps and games, but its pricing is more restrictive.
Tablets running on Android OS are provided by different manufacturers, using different components and different versions of the Android operating system. However, there is a wider range of slates, from super stable to high end. There are some injustices, so doing your research is just important. There is also a more limited selection of apps optimized for Android tablets. Still, almost all Android apps should work fine, not as well as mobile phones.
Should I buy a tablet with cellular network support?
In most cases, you will find that even if there is no way to connect via Wi-Fi, a tablet with cellular network support is not necessary. Adding additional lines to your mobile phone plan can be expensive, and smartphones can usually act as a tablet’s Wi-Fi hotspot when you’re in a pinch. However, if you need cellular network support, many of the picks come in 5G versions. Know that you need to make that decision in advance.
Jackie Thomas is the hardware and purchasing guide editor for Passthecontroller and PC Component Queen. You can follow her @jackiecobra