Tablets have become indispensable gadgets for all kinds of activities, fitting right in between smartphones and laptops. Whether you’re a creative pro who loves to draw, a hardcore gamer, or someone who needs a reliable device for business, there’s a tablet out there that’s just right for you. With their perfect blend of portability and power, tablets have something to offer everyone.
In this post, I’ve chatted with folks from different walks of life to find out what their favorite tablets are and why. From dazzling displays and powerhouse processors to all-day battery life and sturdy builds, we’re covering all the must-have features that make each tablet a winner. Whether you’re sketching your next big idea, tackling work tasks on the fly, or diving into epic gaming sessions, we’ve got the scoop on the best tablets to fit your needs.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of tablets together. Whether you’re looking for a device to help you stay productive, unleash your creativity, or just have some fun, we’ve got you covered with our top picks!
Best Tablets 2024
Best Tablet for Game Development: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
“As the CEO of Online Games, I use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It’s my mainstay for dissecting game development, hosting idea marathons, and syncing up with my crew via a suite of teamwork apps. The sharp display, robust horsepower, and flawless S Pen synergy make it a dream for jotting down spur-of-the-moment thoughts and doodling concepts.” – Cristian, CEO of Online Games.io
What is the difference between the Tab S7 and the Tab S7 FE?
The Galaxy Tab S7 offers a more premium experience with a higher refresh rate display, better performance, and a more sophisticated S Pen, while the Galaxy Tab S7 FE provides a larger screen at a more affordable price, making it a great choice for those who prioritize screen size and battery life over top-tier performance.
Best Tablet for Business: Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
“I’ve found myself hooked on the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable. It’s a great companion when I’m traveling and I use it for catching up on emails, finishing off routine tasks, and whatever else needs to be checked off for the day. Even then, it still leaves enough juice for some late-night reading sessions.
Plus, I personally love that it turns into a laptop. Unlike some tablets with flimsy, attachable keyboards, the detachable keyboard provides a satisfying clicky feel, making it great for composing emails, reports, or even tackling longer writing projects.” – Gary, CEO of Coupon Chief
What is the difference between a laptop and a ThinkPad?
A ThinkPad is a specific brand of laptops produced by Lenovo, known for their durable design, exceptional keyboards, and business-oriented features. While general laptops vary widely in design, features, and target audiences, ThinkPads are particularly aimed at business professionals requiring reliable and robust performance.
Best Tablets for Kids: Amazon Fire
When selecting the best tablets for kids, several factors such as durability, parental controls, content options, and affordability come into play. Here are some of the top recommendations:
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition:
- Features: 10.1-inch Full HD display, robust parental controls, kid-proof case, and a two-year worry-free guarantee.
- Content: Comes with a year of Amazon Kids+ (FreeTime Unlimited), offering access to thousands of books, videos, apps, and games.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition:
- Features: 8-inch HD display, durable design with a kid-proof case, parental controls, and a two-year worry-free guarantee.
- Content: Includes a year of Amazon Kids+ (FreeTime Unlimited).
- Apple iPad (9th generation):
- Features: 10.2-inch Retina display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, supports Apple Pencil (1st generation), and a wide selection of educational apps.
- Parental Controls: Comprehensive parental controls through Screen Time settings.
Best Tablet for Drawing: iPad Pro 11″
“I have two tablets: an iPad Pro 11″ and an Amazon Fire 8. My iPad Pro is fantastic for drawing. I love to create images using the 2nd generation Apple pencil in Procreate. It is my favorite way to relax and unwind. I also frequently use my iPad as a backup to my computer when I happen to be on a job site, using a virtual desktop interface to connect to a PC.” – Becky, architectural associate
What is the difference between the iPad and the iPad Pro 11?
The iPad Pro 11 offers a more powerful performance, featuring the M1 chip, a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and enhanced camera capabilities compared to the standard iPad, which uses the A-series chip and has a lower refresh rate display. Additionally, the iPad Pro 11 supports more advanced accessories like the Magic Keyboard and the second-generation Apple Pencil, catering to professional and creative users.
Best Tablet for Gaming: Asus ROG Flow Z13
“From a gamer’s viewpoint, I prefer the Asus ROG Flow Z13. It’s a Windows 11 tablet with an RTX 3050 graphics card. The best aspect is that you can upgrade to an RTX 3080 with an external GPU. It is a perfect combination of power, portability, and gaming-specific features, making it an excellent choice for gamers worldwide. The stylus support and detachable keyboard enhance its versatility. You can use the tablet as a full-fledged laptop if necessary.” – Lucas, CEO of Steambase
Does ROG Flow Z13 have a touch screen?
Yes, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 does have a touchscreen. It is a 2-in-1 device designed to function both as a tablet and a laptop, featuring a touchscreen display that enhances its versatility and usability for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks.
Best Tablet for Note-Taking: iPad Pro
For taking notes in business meetings, you need a tablet that combines great stylus support, a high-quality display, portability, and productivity features. Here are some of the best options:
- Apple iPad Pro (11-inch or 12.9-inch):
- Why It’s Great: The iPad Pro has a stunning display with a super smooth refresh rate, making writing feel natural and responsive. It’s powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 chip, so it’s incredibly fast.
- Stylus: The Apple Pencil is top-notch, offering precise, low-latency writing.
- Productivity: With tons of apps and seamless integration with other Apple devices, it’s perfect for getting work done.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
- Why It’s Great: The Surface Pro 9 has a high-resolution display and the power of a full laptop, making it incredibly versatile.
- Stylus: The Surface Pen feels smooth and accurate, perfect for jotting down notes.
- Productivity: Running Windows 10 or 11, it can handle all your business software and multitasking needs.
- Huawei MatePad Pro:
- Why It’s Great: The MatePad Pro has a high-resolution display and sleek design, making it a pleasure to use.
- Stylus: The M-Pencil offers low-latency writing and high precision.
- Productivity: It supports multi-screen collaboration with Huawei laptops and runs a variety of productivity apps.
These tablets all offer a great note-taking experience, with excellent displays, precise styluses, and features that help you stay productive in business meetings.
