Your Android phone is more than enough to meet your needs, from calling, browsing and downloading apps. But one thing they don't have over tablets is a large display. Tablets can serve as a portable workstation for creating and editing content. They also provide a better view of entertainment content, whether you're streaming it from YouTube, Netflix, or other platforms.
Budget tablets are usually a good starting point since tablets are more expensive than phones. But the ones offered by unreputable sellers spoil quicker as they have less durable materials. It's worth saving for a premium tablet instead, and enjoy quality that lasts for years. If you're uncertain of which one to get, here are our top five selections from the best brands.
Overview of the best premium Android tablets
- Best overall tablet: OnePlus Pad.
- Best smart home control: Google Pixel Tablet.
- Best productivity tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
- Best entertainment tablet: Lenovo tab P12.
- Best budget tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10.
OnePlus Pad
Pros
- Large battery capacity.
- Large display with high refresh rate.
- Great performance.
- Great audio.
Cons
- No microSD slot.
- No biometric authentication.
- Doesn't come with charger.
- Screen brightness isn't sufficient under direct sunlight.
OnePlus launched its first tablet in 2023, and it's comparable to Apple's iPads. You'll also find it competing with other Android brands including Samsung and Google products, from the sleek design to the low price point. It has received appraisals from different tech reviewers, and for good reason. The OnePlus Pad 11.6-inch IPS LCD display.
It's a downer that you won't see the deep rich blacks and vibrant colors as AMOLED or OLED displays on it. But it does have a high 144Hz refresh rate and great resolution. Plus, there's enough screen room to watch, draw, type, and do pretty much everything. The tablet uses the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 and the Arm Mali-G710 MC10 GPU to deliver a smooth performance.
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor & GPU | MediaTek Dimensity 9000, Arm Mali-G710 MC10 |
| Display & refresh rate | 11.61-inches LCD, 144Hz |
| Resolution & brightness | 2000 x 2800 pixels, 500 nits |
| OS | Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1 |
| RAM & storage | 8GB + 128GB, 12GB + 256GB |
| Cameras | 8MP wide (selfie), 13MP wide |
| Battery | 9510mAh |
| Earphone jack | No |
| Price | $480 |
Google Pixel Tablet
Pros
- Great tablet for smart home control.
- High resolution screen.
- Bloatware-free.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not the latest Tensor processor.
- Stylus & charging speaker dock sold separately.
- Unimpressive refresh rate.
Google's own tablet is the best choice for quicker and regular OS updates. With the Google Home app on the device, you'll have a centralized hub for managing your Nest speakers, thermostats, and cameras. It comes with a charging dock that doubles a stand, enabling you to see your 10.95-inch IPS LCD display from different angles — if you buy it separately, of course. You can even control other devices while the screen is locked.
The Google Assistant feature also makes it convenient to command your devices with your voice. You could say phrases like, “Hey Google, turn on the lights”, and watch the magic happen. Frankly, the tablet compromises on many aspects. The standard 60Hz refresh rate and Tensor G2 processor may be a drawback for anyone targeting the latest features. But overall, the tablet remains a capable home companion with many unique features.
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor & GPU | Google Tensor G2, Arm Mali-G710 MP7 |
| Display & refresh rate | 10.95-inches LCD, 60Hz |
| Resolution & brightness | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 500 nits |
| OS | Android 13 |
| RAM & storage | 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB |
| Cameras | 8MP wide (selfie), 8MP wide |
| Battery | 7020mAh |
| Earphone jack | No |
| Price | $319 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Pros
- Supports DeX mode for PC-like experience.
- Impressive display with sharp AMOLED technology & thin bezels.
- Comes with the S Pen stylus.
- Large memory options.
Cons
- Expensive.
- No 5G connectivity support.
- No Dolby Vision support.
Samsung's Tab S9 Ultra brings the largest display on this list with a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate. It's your ideal partner in multitasking, especially when using split screen mode. You can use the S Pen for easier note-taking, sketching, and annotating documents.
Creativity is demanding when editing high resolution photos or videos, designing graphics, or performing other similar tasks. You'll use up significant storage space, which is why Samsung has provided a model with up to 1TB of storage and 16GB RAM. DeX mode also gives you a desktop-like interface where you can use multiple windows, drag and drop files, and connect an external keyboard, mouse, and other accessories.
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor & GPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
| Display & refresh rate | 14.6-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Resolution & brightness | 1848 x 2960 pixels |
| OS | Android 13 |
| RAM & storage | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 12GB + 1TB, 16GB + 1TB |
| Cameras | Main: 13MP wide + 8MP ultrawide, Selfie: 12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide |
| Battery | 11200mAh |
| Earphone jack | No |
| Price | $1200 |
Lenovo Tab P12
Pros
- Impressive large display.
- Comes with a stylus pen.
- Affordable.
- Decent performance.
Cons
- No LTE or 5G connectivity.
- Slow charging.
- Unimpressive refresh rate.
This tablet has a 12.7-inch that's well-suited for viewing media content. It also has quad speakers with Dolby Atmos that deliver clear audio. The 10,200mAh battery keeps it running throughout, and it supports the more widely supported Miracast standard. With it, you can mirror your tablet's content with friends and family on a bigger screen.
You should know that the Tab P12 does not have built-in cellular connectivity (LTE or 5G). So, you cannot connect to mobile networks for internet access when you're out and about. It relies solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. On the bright side, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest Wi-Fi standard and you'll enjoy faster speeds and better performance than older versions.
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor & GPU | Mediatek Dimensity 7050, Arm Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Display & refresh rate | 12.7 inches IPS LCD, 60Hz |
| Resolution & brightness | 1840 x 2944 pixels |
| OS | Android 13 |
| RAM & storage | 4GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB |
| Cameras | 13MP ultrawide (selfie), 8MP wide |
| Battery | 10200mAh |
| Earphone jack | No |
| Price | $330 |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Pros
- Affordable.
- Strong & scratch resistant design.
- Decent display size & quality.
- Alexa Echo Show mode.
Cons
- Doesn't have recent features.
- Amazon-focused content.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 has a sturdy design, thanks to the aluminium silicate glass protection. It's the best option under $150 featuring an eight-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and up to 64GB of storage. You can expand it to 1TB with the microSDXC card slot.
It runs the Fire OS 7, which is based on Android 9.0. It’s a user-friendly interface, though not the latest. It provides extensive access to Amazon's ecosystem, including books, movies, TV shows, and apps through the Amazon Appstore. The text-to-speech feature is also a nice addition for accessibility.
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor & GPU | Octa-core 2GHz, |
| Display & refresh rate | 10.1-inch display |
| Resolution & brightness | 1920 x 1200 |
| OS | Fire OS 7 |
| RAM & storage | 3GB + 32GB 3GB + 64GB |
| Cameras | 5MP + 5MP |
| Battery | 10200mAh |
| Earphone jack | 3.5mm |
| Price | $330 |
Enjoy multitasking from your premium tablet
The aforementioned Android tablets offer great value for your money, and even double as a phone, only they're less pocket friendly. Most of them are affordable, with brands like Samsung having a price tag over $1000. You should be able to pick one that meets your needs. Consider buying accessories for your tablet as you may not get them out of the box with your chosen device. You may purchase compatible styluses, keyboards, cases, and screen protectors from the brands official website or third-party retailers like Amazon.
