The Best 5 Tablets You Can Buy

Best Tablet 2024

1. Apple iPad Air (2024)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
5. OnePlus Pad 2

Apple iPad Air (2024) – Overall Best

Apple did not release any new iPads in 2023, but the 2024 iPad Air was worth the wait. The sixth-generation iPad Air is the best all-around tablet available. It combines high-quality hardware with excellent Software.

iPads have many great apps and a smooth user experience, making them stand out from Android tablets. The iPad Air performs well with the Apple M2 chip and has a great display, whether you choose the 11-inch or 13-inch model. However, the refresh rate is still at 60Hz.

The battery life is good, but the 20W charging means it takes almost two hours to charge from empty to full. It feels like a professional tablet in many ways, but it becomes expensive once you pick the right size, enough storage, and the needed accessories.

The latest iPad Air is the best tablet for most people, but it could be more budget-friendly.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus – Great All-rounder

The S9 Plus is the best choice in Samsung’s 2023 Galaxy Tab lineup. It has nearly everything you want in an Android tablet without the high price of the Tab S9 Ultra.

It is fragile at just 5.7mm and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which is rare for tablets. The Tab S9 Plus is more powerful than many laptops, thanks to its overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Galaxy Edition and impressive 12GB of RAM. You can do almost anything with this tablet, which features a beautiful 12.4-inch 120Hz OLED display.

This is an excellent tablet with the S Pen stylus, extended Software support, AKG speakers, and optional 5G. However, you should wait for a full review before considering the Galaxy Tab S10+.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Best Budget Tablet

If your budget is under £200 and you want an Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab A9 is a great choice. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the US.

This affordable tablet offers excellent value for money. It features strong performance, a solid 8.7-inch display, and impressive quad speakers. The One UI Software is less robust than Samsung’s phone Software but is still one of the best Android tablet versions.

At this low price, some compromises exist. Scrolling can feel slow and appear blurry, and it charges slowly at 15W, with disappointing cameras. But you’re not buying this tablet for its camera, and it excels in the basics of a great tablet. If you want a bigger screen, consider the 11-inch Galaxy Tab A9+.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best Big Tablet

The S9 Ultra is a large, high-priced tablet that is only for some. However, it’s a strong choice if you want a 14.6-inch screen and prefer Samsung tablets over iPads.

The large 120Hz OLED display and excellent speakers provide a great video experience. The switch from Qualcomm to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ does not affect performance, which is fast and reliable for all tasks, including gaming.

The included S Pen is ideal for digital art or taking notes, while the optional keyboard makes it a good laptop alternative. However, the need for dedicated Android tablet apps still limits its use. Samsung‘s One UI generally provides a good Software experience, but battery life is okay. Note that no charger is included in the box; a full charge can take over an hour.

Ultimately, the Tab S10 Ultra shares many similarities with last year’s Tab S9 Ultra, with AI features being the main difference. If you want the best large Android tablet, this is it.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Best Mid-Range Tablet

If you want more than a budget tablet but don’t want to pay premium prices, consider the OnePlus Pad 2. At launch, it costs £499/$549.99 and offers everything most people need from an Android tablet.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides nearly flagship-level performance, even if benchmarks show a slight dip compared to premium phones. While it lacks an OLED display, you get a solid 144Hz LCD. Its premium and elegant design will last over time, especially with three years of OS updates and four years of security patches from OnePlus.

The Software is also decent, with features that utilize a large display and impressive battery life. However, the cameras need to be more forgettable, and the desktop mode when connecting to an external display is disappointing. But these issues are easy to overlook, given its price and the value you get.