Apple iPad tablets, despite the emergence of new rivals, according to users, are still the best choice. This roundup highlights the newest and best alternatives on Android and Windows platforms, as well as budget models and devices that are perfect for kids.
Search for the ideal
Experts recommend choosing a tablet according to parameters that are not inferior to those listed below.
- High definition screen. Displays with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p) have become commonplace in all but the cheapest tablets. High-end models are equipped with high-definition screens. For example, the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 has a display resolution of 2048x1536 pixels.
- Support for multi-touch gestures. The best tablets recognize up to 10 touches at a time, making the on-screen keyboard highly responsive.
- Maximum amount of data storage. Apps, music, and especially videos can eat up flash memory quickly. Some cheap models come with 8 GB of ROM, but according to w3bsit3-dns.com experts, choosing a tablet with 32 GB ismore preferable if you plan to use it frequently. You also need to make sure there is an SD card slot so that you can expand the memory if necessary.
- Good connectivity. As a rule, tablets are equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module. Most models also support Bluetooth. Some devices come with mobile broadband options, but this feature and data charges will apply.
Support required software. Apple and Google have huge app stores. Alternatively, users can take advantage of third-party app stores such as Amazon.com, although the process is not always straightforward. Microsoft also offers thousands of programs in its Windows Store, although it lags far behind other platforms. However, Windows 10 tablets can run all standard PC apps, which is not available on iOS or Android
Customized to individual preference
In order to choose a tablet, you need to decide on a number of questions. Will it be used for business or entertainment? While there are many productivity apps available for tablets, regardless of platform, most owners use them for gaming, multimedia, and light tasks such as web browsing and email. Those who plan on typing a lot should invest in a wireless keyboard because using a virtual keyboard is quitetiresome. Tablets that install the full version of the Windows 10 operating system have the advantage of allowing you to use any software that runs under this OS.
What is the optimal screen size? It is set by the diagonal size of the display. The choice of an 8-inch tablet will be good for those who use it mainly in crowded public transport, reaching the place of work and back. Larger models are not always comfortable, but they offer better visibility and are easier to use. They are also best for gaming and watching movies.
Does the tablet support the necessary applications? The iTunes and Google Play stores provide a huge selection of software, but this does not mean that a particular program is available for both platforms. It is better to check before buying.
Do I need to be connected to a cellular network? According to experts, no. Tablets can have both a Wi-Fi connection and a connection through a mobile operator. But it is much more profitable to use only Wi-Fi, and away from the network to use the smartphone's Internet connection. However, when choosing a tablet, you need to make sure that the phone and provider support this feature.
What is the required degree of OS control? The Apple iPad doesn't offer many customization options, but iOS has a great interface. Google Android allows you to install widgets, keyboards, and have multiple home screens, but this can be confusing to the user as each tablet becomes unique. Windows combines these approaches,offering a highly customizable yet simple interface.
Types of tablets
Apple iPad, like the iPhone, runs on the Apple iOS operating system. The tablet has a great interface, but its customization options are inferior to Android or Windows. The iTunes store offers the largest app library, and this advantage is even more pronounced when it comes to apps optimized for a larger screen than a smartphone.
Android devices are very diverse because it is an open operating system and manufacturers can modify it to suit their needs. Some go to the extreme, creating unrecognizable interfaces and offering their own app store. Amazon Fire tablets are perhaps the most famous example of this type of device. Their app store is smaller than Google Play, which, in turn, is inferior to iTunes. Android devices are usually cheaper than the Apple iPad. A good model can be purchased for less than 12 thousand rubles.
Parents looking for a gift for their child are faced with the challenge of choosing a high performance tablet that limits access to the dark side of the internet. Many "kids'" devices run a heavily modified version of Android that keeps the "playground" safe. In theory, it prevents access to that part of the Internet that parents consider unwanted.
iOS and Android tablets can be used for work. Butif such use is a top priority, it may make sense to purchase a Windows device. It features more powerful processors (usually Intel Atom) and can run any PC program. There is also an app store, but it's smaller than Apple or Google.
Choosing a tablet by size
Models with different screen sizes are available to users, from 7” to 20” and more. They can be roughly divided into two categories. Tablets with a diagonal of 9” or more are considered large, the rest are small. 9-10 inch tablets are ideal for watching HD movies on the couch or in a comfortable armchair. Devices with smaller screens are usually cheaper and ideal for reading in bed and more practical on public transport.
Apple iPad Pro 9.7
This tablet is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. Experts and users unanimously claim that the iPad Pro 9.7 is the best device of this type that you can buy. It has an almost perfect balance of power and portability. While some may prefer a 13-inch model, experts recommend choosing a 10-inch tablet that is more comfortable to use. It's almost identical in size to the iPad Air 2, but features a better display, sound, camera, and a powerful processor with a battery life that's just as good (10 hours). iPad Pro models support the Apple Pencil stylus unlike others.
If the iPad Pro seems too expensive, consider buying the cheapest iPad yet. All of themwork better than most Android tablets.
Apple backs its iPads with a one-year warranty, but they rarely break. According to experts, only 6% of them are repaired during the first two years of operation.
Best Android tablets
For those who do not have enough money to buy Apple devices, until recently, the Nvidia Shield K1 was the best choice. Originally designed for gaming, the K1 has proven to be the best Android tablet ever. Unlike most other models, it uses a clean version of the OS without adware or unnecessary software. According to user reviews, the Nvidia Shield K1 featured fast web browsing and smooth movie playback on an 8” screen. The K1 was able to stream games to a TV and received an image of a game running on a PC with a graphics card.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8
According to experts, this tablet leaves almost the same impression as the iPad. The model has an ultra-slim body and a clear 8” screen. There is also a version with a larger 9.7 display that looks like an iPad Air. Owners love the Galaxy Tab S2, but it lags behind the iPad Air 2 in both speed and battery life.
Best budget models
The network has a large selection of Chinese tablets that cost less than 6 thousand rubles. Unfortunately, most of them are disappointing. The Amazon Fire HD 8 is one of the very few exceptions. It is durable, fast, easy to use, but it has a bigdisadvantage.
Technically, Amazon Fire tablets run on Android OS, but their users do not have official access to Google Play (although, as in many other cases, there are ways to get around this limitation, but you will have to find them yourself). Instead, all purchases are made through the Amazon app store, which has a very limited offering (no Microsoft Office, for example).
However, critics point out that the Fire's target audience simply wants a tablet for web browsing, movies, and gaming. And the Fire HD 8 does a great job of it. Plus, with Amazon content already purchased, the tablet makes it easy to access it and, of course, buy more.
Those who used the iPad before will still feel that this model is a step back, but for the price of Apple's cheapest model, you can buy 3 of these tablets. The Fire HD 8 has a pretty good 8” screen and decent speakers, solid battery life, and lets you talk to Alexa (a variant of Siri). The battery takes forever to charge (6 hours) and the camera is mediocre. But in general, despite the small flaws, it is impossible to find a tablet with similar features and performance at the same price.
Amazon Fire
This is an even more budget-friendly tablet choice. It provides the same features as its older brother Fire HD 8, and costs only 3 thousand rubles. While not the best choice for a 7-inch tablet, it is the most budget-friendly option.
Amazon Fire Kids Edition
The tablet comes with a thick, soft rubber bumper and a 2-year warranty that promises a no-question-asked replacement if it stops working or breaks.
Kids Edition costs more than regular Fire because it has more features. In addition to a rugged housing and a long warranty, the Kids Edition provides a safe gaming environment. Parents can create up to 4 separate profiles for children and adults, specifying in advance what content can be accessed by each of them. Kids' profiles disable browsing the internet and app purchases, and parents can set time limits for activities such as playing games or watching videos.
Amazon FreeTime Unlimited also has a one-year free service. The service is aimed at children ages 3 to 12 who offer unlimited access to age-appropriate games, educational apps, books, TV shows, and movies, including from Disney, Nickelodeon, PBS, and more. After this period, use of the service is charged subscription fee.
No other tablet for kids can match this model - Amazon Fire Kids Edition is named the best by many special editions and users.
Surface Pro 4
Today, every Microsoft tablet or convertible laptop runs on the platform of the full version of the Windows 10 operating system. The clear favorite in this category is the 12-inchSurface Pro 4. The manufacturer offers it as a complete replacement for a laptop. The base version comes with an Intel Core m3 processor, 128 GB ROM and 4 GB RAM, while the high-end model comes with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 512 GB storage and 16 GB RAM.
Users and experts evaluate this choice of tablet on Windows positively. They find the Surface Pro 4 powerful, fast, and elegant, with a wonderfully responsive touch screen. The keyboard is sold separately and increases the price of the device by 7.5 thousand rubles. In addition, Surface Pro 4 comes with a one-year warranty. However, when choosing a Microsoft tablet, remember that one in five of them breaks within the first two years of operation.
