Except for some great Samsung tablets, it wasn’t that long ago that Android tablets were treated as second-class citizens. Those days are gone as Android tablets have gone from an afterthought for many companies to a primary focus.
With this renewed interest, there has been an explosion in the category that allows for a variety of options that cover almost anything you could need from a tablet.
Whether you need a performance monster capable of taking on anything you can throw at it, or something more specific like a tablet for taking notes, or a small tablet that you can toss in your bag, there is an Android tablet designed for you.
Android devices have always been about versatility and openness, and it’s awesome to see that same philosophy come to tablets.
However, with so many options available, finding a great one can be a daunting task. This list is your cheat sheet for finding the best Android tablets.
Top Android tablets around
OnePlus Pad 3
Excellent performance at a decent value
- Storage
-
256GB
- Operating System
-
OxygenOS 15
- Battery
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12,140mAh
The OnePlus Pad 3 features an expansive 13.2-inch LCD panel with a 3.4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM, providing ample horsepower for even the most intensive Android apps. OnePlus included a massive 12,140mAh battery, which the company claims can hold a charge for 70 days on standby.Â
- Fantastic performance
- Excellent battery life
- Large display
- A bit heavy
OnePlus delivered our top pick for a second consecutive year with the excellent OnePlus Pad 3. It’s a fantastic blend of power and performance, precisely what we expect from OnePlus.
It features an expansive 13.2-inch display, ideal for productivity work. Yes, it’s an LCD, but the trade-off in price is worth it, especially when you consider its other specs.
The OnePlus Pad 3 is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite paired with 12GB of RAM. It’s all the performance you need in a tablet and then some. The OnePlus Pad 3 effortlessly handles even the most intensive Android apps, and gaming is a silky-smooth experience.
I’ve been impressed by every device I’ve used a Snapdragon 8 Elite on, and the OnePlus Pad 3 is no exception.
It’s not just the snappy performance that makes the OnePlus Pad 3 stand out. The tablet gets outstanding battery life, thanks in part to its 12,140mAh battery. Standby time can be counted in months, and you’ll notice little battery drain when it’s not in use for a day or two.
When it is time to charge up, the OnePlus Pad 3 features the fast 80W wired charging that the company is known for.
OxygenOS 15 is a pleasant experience on the OnePlus Pad 3, and Open Canvas remains the standard for multitasking on Android.
OnePlus promises three years of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. I would have liked a few more years of OS upgrades, but the security patches ease any disappointment.
The best part about the OnePlus Pad 3 is the price. All of that power and a premium build is only $700, a significant discount from the flagship Samsung tablets. Yes, it has some limitations, but a friendly price tag goes a long way in making me overlook them.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Large, fast, refined, streamlined, and relatively pricey
- Storage
-
Up to 512GB, microSD support up to 1.5TB
- Operating System
-
One UI 6.1.1, Android 14
- Battery
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10,090mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Display type
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120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Anti Reflection
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ offers massive improvements over its predecessor. It features a 12.4-inch AMOLED display, the S Pen in the box, and a powerful chipset. It also has new AI features that help you be more creative and get work done faster and more efficiently.
- Large and beautiful display
- Snappy performance
- Great battery life
- It could do with a newer design
- A bit expensive
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ looks similar to its predecessor, but it hides a completely new design on the inside. It provides significant performance improvements and graphical enhancements that further refine the experience.
The tablet boasts a large 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
It’s colorful, bright, and large enough to enjoy all types of content, whether it’s a movie, your favorite TV show, any game, or any app. It’s smooth too, thanks to the high-refresh-rate display that provides smooth scrolling across the operating system.
There’s also plenty of performance. Thanks to the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip and 12GB of RAM, it’s fast and powerful enough to do anything from running graphics-intensive games to multiple apps simultaneously.
Samsung is one of the best companies out there, offering extensive features to run multiple apps, which is handy when you have such a large display.
The Galaxy Tab S10+ offers the best overall experience, providing the experience that most users look for in a tablet that is cheaper than the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Yet, it features a spec sheet that is similar to the same level of performance, features, overall design, and support for accessories.
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Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Hard to beat for the money
- Storage
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32 or 64
- Battery
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Up to 13 hours
- Ports
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USB-C, MicroSD
The new Fire HD 10 improves upon performance and benefits from durable construction materials to deliver a fantastic tablet experience that is both affordable and enjoyable. It’s a great tablet for kids or the budget-minded.
- Bright display
- Better performance than previous generations
- Extended software support
- No Google Play Store unless sideloaded
- Relativelys slow charging
It’s difficult to talk about budget tablets without mentioning the Amazon Fire HD 10. The latest generation Fire HD 10 is a noticeable step up from its predecessors, providing snappier performance and more productivity options.
I always thought of the Amazon Fire HD 10 as a content consumption device — a nice, large screen to binge-watch my favorite shows. That’s still true, but this latest Fire HD 10 is excellent for the office and classroom.
Paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and stylus, the Amazon Fire HD 10 becomes an ideal companion for less than $200. Amazon also supports them for years, and you get access to Amazon’s ecosystem of apps and content.
The Fire HD 10 sports an expansive 10.1-inch 1080p display. It gets bright enough to do the job, and its excellent battery life means it won’t run out of power in the middle of marathoning your favorite show.
Then there’s the price, which is almost unbeatable for the amount of utility you get. With frequent sales, you can purchase the Amazon Fire HD 10 for under $100, and I believe it’s worth it, even at the full $140 price tag.
If you’re on a budget but want a tablet that’s well-supported and can handle a little bit of everything, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is an ideal choice.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
An all-around great package that will satisfy a lot of users
- Storage
-
64GB or 128GB, microSD card to 1TB
- Operating System
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Android 14 and One UI 6
- Battery
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7,040mAh
- Ports
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USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Display type
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TFT LCD, 90Hz
Outfitted with the One UI operating system fans know and love, Samsuing’s latest low-cost model is one of the best in its price range, despite raw performance not quite leading the field. It’s an especially good investment due to the promise it will ultimately receive at least Android 16, and security patches until 2027.
- An interface that’s hard to beat
- Consistent display performance with good brightness
- Above-average battery life
- Performance could be better
- Doesn’t charge very quickly
While Samsung has more competition in the entry-level Android tablet market than ever, it still makes great low-cost slates with capable specs that allow competent performance on everyday tasks.
It won’t render complex 3D graphics or keep up with power users, but that’s not what the Galaxy Tab A series sets out to do.
At 11 inches, it’s big enough for a range of purposes, and the respectable screen performance allows Samsung’s vaunted One UI interface to shine.
The intuitive controls, high degree of customizability, and supremely effective multitasking tools make the A9+ a masterclass on how a no-nonsense, convenient tablet should work.
It weighs just over a pound and measures a mere 6.8 millimeters thick, for portability that significantly increases its versatility. Even if you equip it with a durable protective case, it’s easy to carry around and pull out when you need instant entertainment or productivity on the go.
The midrange Snapdragon 695 limits what it can do with resource-intensive software, and we recommend springing for one of the models with 8GB of RAM if possible. The added system memory makes a difference if you tend to let browser tabs collect or use the multitasking features.
On the other hand, you can opt for a 5G-equipped model if you’re OK with only 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage. All models support microSD expansion cards.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
Limited performance, but quite versatile with a few tricks
- Storage
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32 or 64GB
- Operating System
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Fire OS 8.3
- Ports
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USB-C 2.0, MicroSD
- Display type
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LCD
- Price
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$100
In line with previous Amazon Fire tablets, the latest iteration of the Fire HD 8 doesn’t boast blazing performance, but works well for simple tasks. It delivers a considerably smoother, more satisfying experience than similarly priced tablets, and sideloading the Google Play Store unlocks impressive versatility.
- As affordable as a functional tablet can be
- Better performance than other cheap models
- Battery lasts quite a while
- Needs the Play Store sideloaded for best results
- Takes a long time to charge
Amazon’s Fire Tablet lineup occupies an important niche within the Android tablet market. They’re routinely the most affordable, and their “bends but won’t break” build quality makes them great for casual use, especially by kids.
The recent refresh of the 8-inch entry makes a few upgrades over its predecessor. However, it doesn’t need to because Amazon’s relatively locked-down, Android-based Fire OS uses system resources frugally.
That efficient Fire OS interface works fine, and although it’s the absolute most user-friendly, it gets the job done.
The Fire HD 8’s biggest drawback is that it’s not ideal for running some apps, and doesn’t offer Google Play Store access by default.
Sideload the Google Play Store as one of the first steps toward maximizing the Fire Tablet experience.
Assuming you’re OK with less-than-speedy performance at times, it’s a great option, but it does have some downsides that software tricks can’t fix.
Most notably, the charging speed stinks, so stay vigilant, as you don’t want the battery to run out when a fussy kid (or adult, for that matter) needs a little distraction.
Android Police expert Stephen Radochia notes that it’s a worthwhile purchase even at full price, but watchful eyes can help you spot relatively common discounts. It’s not unusual to find it for as low as $60, and at that price, it’s hard to pass up if you need something simple but effective.
Onyx Boox Go 10.3
You don’t always need a backlight
- Brand
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Onyx
- Screen
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10.3″ Carta 1200
- Resolution
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2480×1860
- Storage
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64GB
- Connectivity
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Wi-fi, Bluetooth
The Onyx Boox Go 10.3 offers impressive functionality in a stylish form. Its 10.3-inch Carta 1200 display is crisp and readable, with an added stylus layer for pen inputs. Onyx includes its Pen Plus and a magnetic case for the Boox Go, adding value. Due to its lack of front lighting, the 3,700mAh lasts over a week on a single charge depending on use.Â
- Gorgeous E ink display
- Solid build
- Excellent native software suite
- No proper content store
The Onyx Boox Go 10.3 isn’t for everyone, but it’s simply amazing if you need a premium E ink tablet with a gorgeous display.
It’s incredibly thin at only 4.6mm, but it’s solidly engineered. It’s an amazing device to carry in your hand, and you’ll marvel at its design every time you use it.
The Boox Go 10.3 features a 10.3-inch HD Carta 1200 monochrome display. It’s not backlit, but that’s not a negative on this device. It’s highly reflective, and text jumps off the page. I have a hard time convincing myself I’m not writing in Sharpie marker on the glass.
It takes a little work to understand how you’ll use the Onyx Boox Go 10.3. There isn’t a real content store on the device, so you’ll rely on Android apps to fill in the gaps.
It runs Android 12, and you have access to the Play Store, but you’re limited by the tablet’s refresh rate and E ink monochrome display.
Still, the Onyx app suite is excellent, and the company does a fantastic job of giving you granular control over the screen refresh rate.
I use my Onyx Boox Go 10.3 as a paper replacement, as it serves as both a day planner and a notetaking device. It even features built-in speakers for audiobooks and music.
If you’re in the market for an E ink tablet for more than just reading books, the Boox Go 10.3 is worth a look.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Good balance of performance and price
- Storage
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128GB/256GB
- Operating System
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Android 15
- Battery
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8,000mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Display type
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LCD, 90Hz
Samsung’s latest midrange tablet isn’t just a spec bump. With a brighter display, new AI tools, and IP68 water and dust resistance, the Tab S10 FE could be one of the best value tablets around at just $500.
- Capable chipset
- Included stylus
- IP68 rating
- LCD display
If you need a stylus for your tablet and are looking for a solid all-around choice, the Samsung Galaxy S10 FE is worth considering again this year.
It has a few compromises you’d expect from a midrange tablet, such as a 10.9-inch LCD instead of the OLED featured on more expensive Samsung tablets. I don’t mind that, and I think the benefits outweigh the additional value of the OLED.
The Galaxy S10 FE is powered by an Exynos 1580. I’ve had excellent luck with this chipset in a couple of devices I’ve used it on. The Exynos 1580 offers smooth performance and is also a power-efficient chipset. It can be paired with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM, depending on what you plan to do with your tablet.
It’s running Android 15 out of the box, with some Galaxy AI features sprinkled on top. The tablet is also IP68-rated for added peace of mind. There is a stylus, which is ideal for drawing and navigation for those who love that tactile input.
If you want a solid tablet that’ll perform well while providing the conveniences of a stylus, the Galaxy S10 FE should be on your list.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
- Storage
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256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (expandable with microSD card)
- Operating System
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Android 14 with One UI
- Battery
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11,200mAh
- Ports
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USB-C
- Display type
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AMOLED, 120Hz
- Price
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$1,200
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offers an enormous 14.6-inch AMOLED display with a high refresh rate and bright colors. It’s powered by a flagship chipset, enabling you to focus on graphics-intensive tasks and multitasking. It’s excellent for artists, students, and anyone looking for a large display in a modern form factor with thin bezels.
- Fantastic, large display
- It comes with a Pen stylus
- Clear and crisp sound
- Hard to grip thanks to thin bezels
- Uncomfortable fingerprint sensor placement
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra takes everything from the flagship lineup and pushes it to extreme levels.
It’s not only the largest flagship tablet in Samsung’s premium tablet portfolio, but it’s the most impressive. It boasts a massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz smooth refresh rate and HDR10+.
It has thin bezels, which some might argue make it difficult to hold and operate. It also has a notch on top that houses two 12MP cameras, making it practical for conference calls and other activities.
It’s an excellent tablet for work, play, and entertainment, thanks to the large and colorful display. The enormous size also makes it easy to multitask, as you can use multiple apps side by side.
The tablet is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ chipset with 12GB of memory. The base model has 256GB of storage, but if you need more, you can upgrade to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of space to store your favorite apps and other files.
The main drawbacks of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra are its price and the extra cost for a keyboard. It’s also absolutely gargantuan, but if you’re interested in it, you probably find that positive.
If you want to make the most out of it, you’ll spend even more, on top of the already existing price tag.
Suppose you need a reliable tablet for work and play. It’ll do a fantastic job. However, if you need a device for casual use, consider the Galaxy Tab S10+ or a Chromebook.
The best Android tablet for you
Picking an Android tablet isn’t as easy as it used to be, but in a good way. Where once just a few good options made any sense, a variety of choices at a wide range of prices now give tablet fans a lot of flexibility.
From great budget models to tablets that include every feature you could think of, it’s a great time to be an Android fan.
The OnePlus Pad 3 does everything you could ask from a flagship tablet. It features excellent performance and the value OnePlus is known for. If you need the raw performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a steal for only $700.
Samsung makes a variety of tablets to suit every budget. The Tab A9+ won’t win any awards for performance, but it’s the best entry-level option for casual use.
The Galaxy Tab S10+ can’t be beat if your budget constraints don’t pose an issue, thanks to its beautiful 12.4-inch AMOLED display and powerful chipset. It’s among the largest of the top slates, and exemplifies how convenient it can be to replace your laptop with a tablet.
If you’re on a tight budget and your tablet needs are more about content consumption and less about productivity, they don’t get cheaper than the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024).
It’s perfect for watching your favorite shows or as a tablet you can give to a child. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it has a good display and decent performance.
OnePlus Pad 3
Best performance for the value
- Storage
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256GB
- Operating System
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OxygenOS 15
- Battery
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12,140mAh
The OnePlus Pad 3 features an expansive 13.2-inch LCD panel with a 3.4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM, providing ample horsepower for even the most intensive Android apps. OnePlus included a massive 12,140mAh battery, which the company claims can hold a charge for 70 days on standby.Â