Best Tablets for All Your Multitasking Needs
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Google Nexus 7 Tablet -
NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet -
Samsung Galaxy Tablet -
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet -
Buyer's Guide
Tablets were initially marketed as the "missing link" between smartphones and traditional computers, combining the instant access of the former with the more usable size of the latter. Since then, tablets have evolved to become the poster child for multi-tasking. Each of these best tablets in 2021 is extremely well-suited for general use, and offers plenty of support in terms of apps and content for just about any purpose.
Comparing the Best Tablet
Google Nexus 7 Tablet - Best Tablet Overall
Google has teamed up with Asus to produce this tablet at an extraordinarily adorable price. While the 2012 Nexus 7 was priced at $200 for the 16GB version, the 2013 model has received a bump in price to $230. Even so, this small tablet presents one of the best values on the market.
The 2013 Nexus 7 has seen several performance bumps over the previous model. A 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM make this tablet even more snappy and responsive than before. Google's latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean comes standard and while it might not be earth-shatteringly different, it maintains smooth tablet operation.
A bump in screen resolution now puts this tablet at 1920x1200 pixels, which is impressive especially when remembering this is a 7-inch screen. The 2013 Nexus 7 also now has dual cameras, having added a 5-megapixel rear-facing one as well as the 1.2-megapixel front-facing unit of the previous model.
The Nexus 7 is offered with 16GB or 32GB of storage, with the larger size costing an extra $50. 802.11n WiFi is standard, and the 32GB Neus can also be purchased with access to 4G LTE connectivity from the network of your choice. This device offers full access to Google's 'Play' service while Google's most popular Apps come pre-loaded, making the Nexus 7 just about ready to go straight out of the box.
Other updates include the addition of Bluetooth Smart, allowing connections with Bluetooth devices the ability to transmit data, and support for SlimPort, allowing the Micro-USB port to be used as an HDMI port with the purchase of an additional adapter. Multi-User restricted profiles have been added, making the current Nexus 7 a kid-friendly family tablet by allowing for setting up accounts with very limited online access.
Perhaps the only potential negative in the updates to the latest Nexus 7 is the design which, despite being smaller and lighter, no longer has the soft and grippy feel of the previous model. That being said, the tablet retains much of the same overall look: basic, black, and sleek with sturdy build quality that has a reassuring heft. Even when compared to all of the other tablets on the market today, latest Google's Nexus 7 makes a solid case for itself. The affordability is simply icing on the cake.
NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet - Runner Up
The Nvidia Shield Tablet loses some of the portability of its predecessor but offers an excellent gaming tablet, good battery life and an included stylus pen at a reasonable price. The latest Nvidia Shield Tablet uses an attractive 8-inch display and the new Tegra K1 processor to offer excellent performance both for gaming and all-around.
This tablet can be used as a TV-connected microconsole, as well as being able to connect to Nvidia Gamestream. This allows for streaming and remote playing of games using connected PCs with compatible hardware. This tablet also includes Google Play access, and storage is expandable with a micro SD card.
Despite the heavy focus on gaming, the Nvidia Shield Tablet is versatile and affordable enough to be purchased and used by non-gamers. The tablets 5-megapixel cameras in front and rear are decent but the front is reported to offer better picture quality. Although it is bulkier than a lot of the competition, it offers a huge amount of performance even if you're not planning on using it for gaming. However, it’s fairly compact and reasonably lightweight so it’s unlikely to cause discomfort during use.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet - Honorable Mention
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S might not yet be quite able to beat the Apple at the tablet game, but it’s one of the first to really give the iPad a run for its money. Though not quite as insanely thin and light as the latest iPad Air 2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S comes very close to the Apple tablet's numbers in terms of weight and dimensions. The Galaxy Tab S features a sleek design with a vivid and sharp screen which is actually larger than the iPad Air 2.
Despite its thin and light size, the Galaxy Tab S doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. It’s comfortable to hold for long periods of time, helped in part by the dimpled finish on the back. This tablet supports multiple features, including Google Play, a customizable multi-window function, and even a fingerprint scanner which allows for both unlocking the device and paying for purchases with PayPal.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S is undoubtedly the best Samsung tablet to date, and top tablet choice for Android. This premium tablet commands a hefty price tag, but offers a user experience and zippy performance that more than justifies the cost.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet - Consider
Although the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 seems to function better as a tablet than as an actual replacement for a laptop, it offers increased portability and convenience for working on-the-go. Performance is similar to that of the Surface Pro 2, allowing it to keep up with current laptops. Like most new tablets, the Surface Pro 3 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, including a large 12-inch display which is bright even when viewing off-axis.
Despite a convenient kickstand that allows for tilting the screen to almost any angle and an excellent keyboard cover (not included w/base price), the Surface Pro 3 can be difficult to balance on your lap. While not a huge problem, it can be a hassle finding an adequate work surface when the tablet is supposed to be highly portable. A digital pen is included, although it lacks on-board storage. While the Surface Pro 3 might not be the best choice for games, its excellent battery life and overall portability and performance make it easily the best Microsoft Surface Pro to date.
Buyer's Guide
A tablet can be a significant addition to your tech gadgets. It allows you to browse the internet, send or read emails, stream videos, play games, and perform many other tasks that you would do with a laptop.
However, the price of tablets ranges from less than $100 to more than $1,000, making it hard for you to decide the right amount to invest in this device. Pay too much, and you may end up purchasing a tablet with advanced features you don’t even need. Pay too little, and you may get a tablet with low storage and poor quality camera as well as display. In this guide, we have explained vital factors and features you should take into account to get your hands on the best tablet.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Purchasing a Tablet?
Size and Weight
Tablets are designed to bridge the gap between your smartphone and laptop in terms of functionality and size. Thus, they are bigger than mobiles and smaller than laptops. The larger the size, the more the weight, making it difficult for you to hold a device for a long time. Though a lighter tablet is more handy and preferable, you must ensure the display doesn’t break in case you drop your device.
Versatility
If you are fond of consuming online content like e-books or streaming videos, you can invest in a basic tablet that costs around $50. Though they don’t have the highest-resolutions screens, you can still read books and magazines hassle-free. However, you may consider a high-quality tablet with at least 12 hours of battery life to watch movies, use productivity apps, and create docs with a separate keyword.
Budget
Setting a budget for your tablet and deciding how long you want to keep it can help you narrow your search and make a better decision. Depending upon the brand, model, features, different tablets have different prices. For instance, a tablet with a 7-8 inches display starts under $200, while devices with 10 inches display will cost around $300. There are even models available in the market that don’t cost more than $100.
What Features Should a Good Tablet Have?
Operating System (OS)
The tablets feature more operating systems than smartphones and laptops. Besides iOS and Android, they also have Microsoft Windows and Amazon Fire OS. Since each OS come with their pros and cons, determining which one suits your requirements can be challenging.
If you want an experience like a traditional PC, Windows can be the best choice. However, iOS is an excellent option for streaming videos and playing games, though an iPad can hurt your pocket. If you want a budget-friendly tablet that facilitates multitasking, then you should look for Android OS. Apart from the operating system, you should also consider the number of apps available for each platform.
Display
The display plays a vital role in your buying decision because it is the main interface of the tablet. Size, brightness, resolution, coating, and viewing angle are some of the factors that decide the quality of a display. While the display size directly correlates to the size of a tablet, the resolution determines how easy it is to read text on your gadget. A high-resolution display is also important if you like to watch Full HD (1080p) movies.
Viewing angles of a display come in handy when the tablet is viewed at odd angles or more than one person. Moreover, brightness is essential to have a clear view when you use your tablet outdoors. The display should also have durable coatings to prevent scratches from appearing.
Connectivity and Networking
Like your smartphone, your tablet should also have internet connectivity. Tablets generally have two types of connectivity: Wi-Fi and Cellular.
If we talk about Wi-Fi, make sure the tablet you choose supports at least 802.11n wireless networking standards. The best tablets are compatible with 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz radio bands.
On the other hand, cellular connectivity is quite complicated as you have to consider whether the device supports 3G, 4G, or 5G networks along with its coverage, carriers, and contract rates. Bluetooth is another wireless connectivity option that allows local P2P connections between a tablet and other devices like a keyboard, smartphone, etc.
Storage Space
Most tablets have 8 GB to 64 GB storage, which is way lower than a laptop. Storage space doesn’t matter if all you want to do is read books, browse the web, and stream videos using a tablet. However, if you download HD movies and games, consider a tablet with a higher storage capacity. Thus, you won’t have to delete data or transfer it from one device to another when your tab goes out of memory. You can also extend the storage via cloud storage, but this is possible only when the device is connected to the internet.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial when you use a tablet throughout the day. This specification is hard to determine as different applications have different battery usage.
Basically, you can measure the battery life in two ways. The first is through watching videos that draw more battery power, and the other is based on consistent web browsing that offers at least 8 hours of battery running time. However, if you play games and multitask heavily, the battery life of your tablet would be shorter than advertised.
Final Words
Since tablets nowadays demand a lot of investment, no one would want to waste their hard-earned money on the wrong device. Armed with this great deal of information, you can easily find the best tablet that meets your requirements.
Tablet FAQ
Q: What is the key function of a tablet?
A: A tablet can be used to browse the web, read books, watch videos, play games, check emails, and much more. They are basically designed to bridge the gap between mobiles and laptops.
Q: How much RAM is good for a tablet?
A: If you want to use a tablet at home, then 16 GB of RAM is enough to store a dozen apps, a little music, images, and a few videos. Mostly, users prefer at least 32 GB of RAM for a seamless experience.
Q: Do tablets charge faster when switched off?
A: Yes, tablets charge fasters when they are switched off or placed in airplane mode. However, you have to wait for your device to boot up when you switch it on again.
