A 12-Step Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Tablet
Woman viewing map on tablet
Tablets are becoming more popular every year. Perhaps you think now is the time to jump on the bandwagon and start yourself off with one this year. Or, you may just be looking for a cooler laptop replacement that won’t break the bank.
Man using tablet at table
No matter why you’re getting one, the most important thing to understand is which one to get. In this beginner’s buying guide, we will go over the different tablet operating systems, performance, battery life, and other factors that you will need to consider when buying your first tablet.
White tablet
1. Why Do You Need A Tablet?
The first thing to think about when considering to buy a tablet is what you will be doing with it. Are you planning on watching movies? Reading through blogs? Or perhaps even looking for an impressive photo editor?
Man using tablets outdoors
No matter what you plan to do with it, make sure the tablet you’re looking for can perform all the tasks you need.
User with tablet in bed
2. Android Operating System
One of the most popular operating systems among devices is Android, which is developed by Google. Including in this operating system is a list of services and apps such as Google Now, Google Assistant, along with Maps, Calendar, Chrome, Play Music, etc.
Tablet in black case
This is one of the most customizable interfaces on the market and runs on the majority of Samsung, LG, and Motorola devices.
User holding tablet at desk
In addition, Android supports a variety of logins which is perfect for larger families who want to share devices. One of the most current versions of Android is 7.0.1 Nougat and includes an AI assistant to help out with everyday tasks.
Woman using tablet
So, whether you need the operating system to help you with school, chatting with friends, or answering a general question, it may be the perfect fit for you.
Tablet on bench in park
3. iOS
iOS is arguably one of the best operating systems created and supports over 725,000 apps running on their exclusive iPad line of devices. If you’re looking for a simple and clean interface with everyday computing with combined Facetime and iMessage, along with Apple’s word processors such as Pages, iOS might be a great alternative.
Tablet sitting on laptop
Although, one thing to note is that iOS is definitely one of the most expensive operating systems since it only runs on Apple devices which are plenty expensive, to begin with. But, if you’re not the customizing type and looking for an easy to use system, you should give iOS a try.
Tablet sitting on open book
4. Windows Operating System
Windows UI comes on all windows tablets and is the closest service to a modern computing software. On this operating system you can use Microsoft Office, Skype, and other Microsoft programs to the best of their ability. In addition, there are over 200,000 apps collected in the Windows Store to use with your tablet for more functionality.
Tablet with Windows Operating System
Unfortunately, Windows tablets have shown to be slightly less powerful than iOS or Android tablets and far more expensive than either. But, if you’re looking for a full computer squashed into a small tablet, Windows is a great choice for you.
5. Storage Space
You can usually choose the amount of storage space your tablet has. Storage ranges from 16GB all the way up to 256GB. Some models support extra, expandable storage with a microSD card. You may also consider a cloud storage service.
Woman with dog using tablet
6. Battery Life
The battery life of tablets varies greatly and can be anywhere from five hours to 14 hours. In general, when it comes to battery life, the longer the better. Try to find a model that will stay charged for at least ten hours.
Tablet charging
7. Wi-Fi Only or Cellular
If you want your tablet to be functional, you will need to think about its connectivity ability. With some tablets, you can only access the internet via Wi-Fi and others can be used with a 3G or 4G LTE connection.
Woman on phone using tablet
If you need to use your tablet on the go a lot, opt for the data connection. If not, then choose the just Wi-Fi model as they are less expensive.
Tablet showing chart and graph on screen
8. Camera
IF your main reason for buying a tablet is to take photos, this is probably an important feature. You will also want to pay attention to the front camera, especially if you need to use video chat for work.
Woman smiling at tablet screen
9. Keyboard
If you are going to use your tablet for work or as a substitute laptop, the keyboard is an incredibly important feature. There are a number of tablets that are compatible with keyboards. Some tablets can dock into a keyboard, making typing easy and acting like a stand for your tablet.
Tablet with stylus pen
There are also Bluetooth keyboards that can work with any Bluetooth compatible tablet. Make sure you keep this in mind when you are looking for your new tablet.
10. Size and Weight
Tablet screen sizes generally range from seven inches all the way up to 16 inches. Screen size is all about preference. If you plan on using your tablet for watching movies during your morning commute, a smaller screen will do nicely.
Tablet on books
If you are using your tablet as a replacement for a laptop, you will probably want a larger screen. The thickness of the screen varies from 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches. Thinner tablets look sleeker and are more portable.
Woman looking at tablet screen
Tablets also vary in weight, though most will be under three pounds. Smaller and simpler tablets usually weigh less than a pound. The more complicated tablets with larger screens will weigh more. No matter what size tablet, all of them are fairly lightweight and portable.
11. Screen Resolution
The resolution will tell you how sharp and clear the images on screen will be. Look for a tablet with a high resolution of 1080p (1920×1080 pixels) or higher. Another important measurement to keep in mind is the pixels per inch, or PPI. This also contributes to the sharpness of the onscreen image.
Social media screen on tablet
12. Brand
Another key thing to think about is which brand you want to buy. There are numerous tablet brands in the marketplace. There are some brands which are more reliable than some in terms of durability, value for money and after-care service. I would suggest that you do a quick research on the brand before you invest your cash in a new tablet.
Woman sitting down with tablet in her hand
Here are some best selling tablets that you can check out:
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8"; 16 GB Wifi Tablet (Smoky Titanium) SM-T350NZAAXAR
- Android 5.0 Lollipop, 8 inch Display; Product Dimensions (inches) 8.20 inch x 5.43 inch x 0.29 inch
- Samsung Quad Core Processor, 1.2 GigaHertz
- 16 GB Flash Memory, 1.5 GB RAM Memory, Features: Geo Tagging, Auto Focus, Online Image uploading, Photo Editing
- Android 5.0 Lollipop, 8 inch Display; Product Dimensions (inches) 8.20 inch x 5.43 inch x 0.29 inch
- Samsung Quad Core Processor, 1.2 GigaHertz
- 16 GB Flash Memory, 1.5 GB RAM Memory, Features: Geo Tagging, Auto Focus, Online Image uploading, Photo Editing
- MicroSD Card Slot (Up to 128GB); Battery : 4200 mAh
- Supports WIFI only (Does not support 3g, LTE)
- Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 XGA
Samsung Galaxy Book 10.6” Windows 2-in-1 PC (Wi-Fi) Silver, 4GB RAM/128GB storage,...
- Keyboard and S-Pen included
- Core M fanless technology delivers performance and value in a portable yet affordable 2 in 1 solution. Battery Type and Size: 4000mAh
- Samsung Flow connects the Galaxy Book and your Samsung smartphone with a touch. Share files wirelessly, even without WiFi. Plus, receive and respond to notifications from third party and native apps
- Keyboard and S-Pen included
- Core M fanless technology delivers performance and value in a portable yet affordable 2 in 1 solution. Battery Type and Size: 4000mAh
- Samsung Flow connects the Galaxy Book and your Samsung smartphone with a touch. Share files wirelessly, even without WiFi. Plus, receive and respond to notifications from third party and native apps
- Switch from touch to type with a keyboard that connects on contact. The precise, pressure-responsive S Pen creates and navigates with ease. Both are included with your Galaxy Book and never need charging.
- Power for up to 11 hours of video playback on a single charge. Then get back up to a full charge with less than three hours of Adaptive Fast Charging.
Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa, 7" Display, 8 GB, Black - with...
- 7" IPS display; 8 or 16 GB of internal storage (up to 256 GB with microSD)
- 1.3 GHz quad-core processor
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- Alexa enabled
- 1 GB of RAM
- 7" IPS display; 8 or 16 GB of internal storage (up to 256 GB with microSD)
- 1.3 GHz quad-core processor
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- Alexa enabled
- 1 GB of RAM
- VGA front-facing camera + 2 MP rear-facing camera with 720p HD video recording
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- 90-day limited warranty
- Enjoy millions of movies, TV episodes, songs, books, apps, and games
Lenovo ZA1N0007US Yoga Tab 3 Plus QHD 10.1 inch Android Tablet (Qualcomm...
- Android tablet has a 10.1” Full HD IPS crystal-clear display perfect for binge-watching TV and movies on-the-go
- Built-in dual speakers and Dolby Atmos create a theater-like experience. WiFi and Bluetooth : WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- Android tablet has a 10.1” Full HD IPS crystal-clear display perfect for binge-watching TV and movies on-the-go
- Built-in dual speakers and Dolby Atmos create a theater-like experience. WiFi and Bluetooth : WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- At less than 2 lbs, Battery: 9300 mAh Li-ion Battery with up to 18 hours battery life
- Integrated Camera Rear : 13 MP Auto Focus, Front : 5 MP Fixed Focus
- Yoga Tab 3 Plus does not support xfat or ntfs files systems.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7-Inch, 32GB Tablet (Black, SM-T820NZKAXAR)
- Featuring High Dynamic Range on a Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy Tab S3 delivers cinematic vividness, detail, and deep contrast to a screen that fits in your hands
- Our revolutionary S Pen is more precise and pressure-responsive than ever, and never needs to be charged, liberating you to create, translate, and navigate without limits
- Featuring High Dynamic Range on a Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy Tab S3 delivers cinematic vividness, detail, and deep contrast to a screen that fits in your hands
- Our revolutionary S Pen is more precise and pressure-responsive than ever, and never needs to be charged, liberating you to create, translate, and navigate without limits
- Powerful Quad speakers, tuned by AKG, calibrate with your movements as you rotate the Galaxy Tab S3, and intuitively reflect what's playing on-screen; Sensor Type: Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor,Gyro Sensor,Geomagnetic Sensor,Hall Sensor,RGB Light Sensor
- Easily switch from touch to type with a feather light keyboard that auto-pairs, attaches on contact, and never needs charging.Digital Optical Zoom:X8 (Digital)
- Keyboard sold separately. Processor Speed Type : Quad Core(2.15 GHz + 1.6 GHz Quad), Qualcomm APQ8096. External memory or micro sd capacity up to 400 gb. Features bluetooth v4.2
Fire HD 10 Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free, 10.1" 1080p Full HD Display,...
- Brilliant 10.1" 1080p Full HD display (1920 x 1200), up to 1.8 GHZ quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, and up to 10 hours of battery life.
- Our largest display, now with over 2 million pixels, stereo speakers, Dolby Audio, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi—perfect for watching Full HD video, playing games, reading magazines, and streaming content seamlessly
- Brilliant 10.1" 1080p Full HD display (1920 x 1200), up to 1.8 GHZ quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, and up to 10 hours of battery life.
- Our largest display, now with over 2 million pixels, stereo speakers, Dolby Audio, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi—perfect for watching Full HD video, playing games, reading magazines, and streaming content seamlessly
- Use Alexa hands-free mode to pause videos, play music, open apps, show sports scores, display the weather, and more—just ask
- Call or message almost anyone hands-free, or make video calls to family and friends with a Fire tablet, Echo Spot, Echo Show, or the Alexa App. Instantly connect to enabled Echo devices.
- 32 or 64 GB internal storage expandable by up to 256 GB (using the microSD slot). Watch downloaded videos anywhere with a Prime membership, Netflix plan, or Showtime subscription.
- Enjoy millions of movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle eBooks, magazines, Android apps, and games—including Netflix, Facebook, HBO, Spotify, and more
- Prime members get unlimited access to over a thousand books and magazines, millions of songs, and thousands of movies and TV episodes—at no additional cost
Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8" HD Display, 16 GB, Black...
- Up to 12 hours of battery life, a vibrant 8" HD display, a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, and Dolby Audio. More durable than the latest iPad.
- 16 or 32 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 256 GB of expandable storage
- Up to 12 hours of battery life, a vibrant 8" HD display, a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, and Dolby Audio. More durable than the latest iPad.
- 16 or 32 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 256 GB of expandable storage
- Just ask Alexa for quick access to the information and entertainment you want. Ask questions, play music, check your calendar, get the news, weather, and more.
- Ask Alexa to call or message almost anyone, or make video calls to family and friends with a Fire tablet, Echo Spot, Echo Show, or the Alexa App. Instantly connect to enabled Echo devices.
- Enjoy millions of movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle eBooks, apps and games - including Netflix, Facebook, HBO, Spotify, and more
- Prime members get unlimited access to over a thousand books and magazines, millions of songs, and thousands of movies and TV episodes - at no additional cost
- Watch downloaded videos anywhere with a Prime membership, Netflix plan, or Showtime subscription
Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T580NZKAXAR 10.1-Inch 16 GB, Tablet (Black)
- 1.6 GHz exynos 7870 octa core Processor. 10.1" wuxga Display, 8Mp rear camera + 2Mp front camera
- Os: android 6.0 Marshmallow. Battery Type and Size:Li Ion 7,300mAh
- 2GB of RAM + 16GB. Bluetooth profiles: A2DP,AVRCP,DI,HID,HOGP,HSP,OPP,PAN
- 1.6 GHz exynos 7870 octa core Processor. 10.1" wuxga Display, 8Mp rear camera + 2Mp front camera
- Os: android 6.0 Marshmallow. Battery Type and Size:Li Ion 7,300mAh
- 2GB of RAM + 16GB. Bluetooth profiles: A2DP,AVRCP,DI,HID,HOGP,HSP,OPP,PAN
- Refer User manual in Technical Specification before use
- Music play time is up to 187 hours. Video play time is up to 13 hours. Internet use time is up to 13 hours. Wi fi connectivity is 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz plus 5.0 GHz, vht80
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5" 128GB, Wifi Tablet - SM-T860NZBAXAR, Cloud Blue
- The 2 in 1 that’s your all in one; Instantly transform your Android tablet into a PC desktop experience when you attach the keyboard1 with built in trackpad
- Power to multitask; Thanks to the speed of the fast mobile processor, rapidly switch between apps and tasks or immerse yourself in graphic intensive games; Plus, get PC caliber internal RAM
- The 2 in 1 that’s your all in one; Instantly transform your Android tablet into a PC desktop experience when you attach the keyboard1 with built in trackpad
- Power to multitask; Thanks to the speed of the fast mobile processor, rapidly switch between apps and tasks or immerse yourself in graphic intensive games; Plus, get PC caliber internal RAM
- All new S Pen included; Now the included S Pen lets you pause and skip at the press of the button; Plus, you can still mark up papers, sign docs and take notes; The S Pen even attaches magnetically for easy storage and charging
- Light on weight; Heavy on entertainment; With a spectacular edge to edge Super Amoled display, superior graphics and quad speakers tuned by AKG, get drawn into immersive games all on a 2 in 1 that only weighs about a pound
- More hours of power; With up to 15 hours 1 on a full charge, you can create and edit all day, plus enjoy continuous browsing and streaming; Then quickly recharge the Fast Charging battery. Bluetooth v5.0 (LE up to 2 Mbps)
- Disclaimer: 1Based on laboratory testing; Battery life depends on usage; 2 Compatible keyboard sold separately
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e- 128GB, Wifi Tablet- SM-T720NZKLXAR Black
- Ultra light for on the go; Lighter than a pound, our slimmest tablet won't add weight to your load; Stream, browse and more on eye catching metal design
- Crisp; Clear; Captivating; Get drawn in to the 10; 5 inches Super AMOLED display with an immersive 16: 10 ratio widescreen; Shows and movies come to life in true to life color and crisp, clear details
- Ultra light for on the go; Lighter than a pound, our slimmest tablet won't add weight to your load; Stream, browse and more on eye catching metal design
- Crisp; Clear; Captivating; Get drawn in to the 10; 5 inches Super AMOLED display with an immersive 16: 10 ratio widescreen; Shows and movies come to life in true to life color and crisp, clear details
- Smartly connected; Control all your connected devices from your tablet; Adjust lights, control your TV, lock doors and even adjust the thermostat; Plus, get the details If you get a security camera alert
- Charge Fast and go; Get up to 15 hours of video on a full charge and power up quickly with fast charging
- Get 4 months of ad free YouTube and YouTube music with your Samsung Galaxy device
Apple iPad Air 2, 64 GB, Space Gray, (Renewed)
- Apple iOS 8; 9.7-Inch Retina Display; 2048x1536 Resolution
- A8X Chip with 64-bit Architecture; M8 Motion Coprocessor
- Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac): 16 GB Capacity: 2GB RAM
- 8 MP iSight Camera; FaceTime HD Camera - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
- Apple iOS 8; 9.7-Inch Retina Display; 2048x1536 Resolution
- A8X Chip with 64-bit Architecture; M8 Motion Coprocessor
- Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac): 16 GB Capacity: 2GB RAM
- 8 MP iSight Camera; FaceTime HD Camera - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, 10.1" FHD Android Tablet, Octa-Core Processor, 64GB Storage,...
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (8C, 8x A53 @2.0GHz)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (8C, 8x A53 @2.0GHz)
VANKYO MatrixPad P31 10 inch Octa-Core Tablet, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, Android...
- Outstanding Performance: Features 4GB RAM and an octa-core chipset, this tablet offers improved graphics and enhanced performance, which lets it get the power and the capacity to achieve more from anywhere. Check social media, watch videos, play the latest mobile games, do your schoolwork or finish your job, you can switch between apps as you like, and enjoy the smooth and stable experience.
- Outstanding Performance: Features 4GB RAM and an octa-core chipset, this tablet offers improved graphics and enhanced performance, which lets it get the power and the capacity to achieve more from anywhere. Check social media, watch videos, play the latest mobile games, do your schoolwork or finish your job, you can switch between apps as you like, and enjoy the smooth and stable experience.
- Latest Android 10 Tablet: Features latest Android 10 version and certified by GMS, MatrixPad P31 offers an optimized experience for you to focus on the task at hand, on the content you really care about and the interaction with the features you want. Get rid of unexpected ads and have full access to Google Play and download the apps you love, such as Skype, Netflix, YouTube, kids app and more.
- PC Tablet with Dual Camera: With Stylus, you can easily take notes, organize your thoughts, and mark up screenshots, email, and more. Attached to the smart keyboard for comfortable typing, you are allowed to edit your schoolwork while researching something on the web and making a video call to your tutor with the 5MP front camera at the same time. Take a shoot when you have inspired thanks to the 13MP back camera.
- Immersive Widescreen Enjoyment: The P31 tablet packs a 10.1-inch 1920 x1200 Full HD display with narrow bezels to offer a greater viewing experience. Colors are more vibrant and graphics are more immersive-perfect for enjoying movies, playing games, and making video calls. You can choose the Eye Comfort Mode or the Read Mode for an enjoyable experience close to reading books for your viewing pleasure.
- Take your favorite anywhere: With its built-in 6000mAh battery, your entertainment will last up to 8 hours. With the light and portable body, you can take your favorite apps, games and videos in your hands. Features with GPS function, you can download offline maps before going out and start your journey wherever you like.
<h4>Here is our top selection, sorted by price:</h4>
