The Big Reveal: Top Tablets of the Year Reviewed

Tablets have become an essential part of our lives, changing how we consume media, work on tasks, and stay connected. They combine the portability of smartphones with the power of laptops, making them incredibly versatile devices. But with so many options available, choosing the right tablet can be overwhelming. That’s where tablet reviews come in.

In this article, we’ll explore the best tablets of the year in detail, examining their features, performance, and value. Our goal is to provide readers with a thorough understanding of each device’s strengths and weaknesses, empowering them to make informed buying decisions. But these reviews go beyond just specs; they also delve into user experience, real-world usage scenarios, and how each tablet stacks up against its competitors.

Whether you’re looking for a tablet from a well-established brand or considering one from a new player in the market, we’ve got you covered. Our focus is on innovation, ease of use, and meeting consumer needs. Think of this article as your personal roadmap to navigate the world of tablets and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)

The Apple iPad 10.9 is often hailed as the best overall tablet for consumers who want a powerful yet affordable tablet with easy access to the App Store. This latest version of the iPad has a new design and improved internal components that make it faster and more user-friendly.

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, offering vivid colors and sharp text
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
Storage Options: Available in 64GB and 256GB configurations
Camera: 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi or watching video
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, optional LTE models available
Operating System: iPadOS

Pros:

Enhanced Performance: With the A14 Bionic chip, multitasking is smooth, and tasks that require a lot of graphics processing power are handled easily.
Improved Front Camera: The Center Stage feature allows the front camera to automatically adjust its framing to keep you in the center of the video call.
Vibrant Display: The screen provides an immersive viewing experience whether you’re working or enjoying multimedia content.

Cons:

Limited Storage: The base model starts at 64GB which may not be enough for users who need a lot of storage space for apps, photos, and videos.
Higher Price: While it offers good value for its features, it is still quite expensive compared to cheaper alternatives.

Comparison With Other Tablets:

The Apple iPad 10.9 stands out in the market for its combination of performance and affordability. When compared to other devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 or Amazon Fire HD 10, it has a faster processor and works better with Apple services like iCloud and the App Store. However, it may also have a higher price tag than these competitors.

This tablet is a great choice for people who already use Apple products and want to upgrade their current iPad or for those who are new to Apple and are looking for a reliable device with long-term support.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is a top-performing tablet that sets the standard for what professionals and power users can expect from a portable touchscreen device. With the introduction of the M2 chipset, this iPad boasts MacBook Air-level power within its slim and sleek aluminum chassis.

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Processor: M2 chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Camera System: Dual-camera setup with LiDAR Scanner and TrueDepth front camera
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, optional 5G support
Accessories Compatibility: Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio

Pros:

Unparalleled processing power with the M2 chipset
High-quality display ideal for creative professionals
Extensive accessory ecosystem enhances productivity

Cons:

Premium pricing may be prohibitive for some users
Heavier and bulkier compared to smaller tablets

When comparing the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 to other tablets available today, it stands out for its impressive performance capabilities and advanced display technology. Its usefulness as a tool for professional creatives is even more apparent when compared to devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, which also targets a similar user group but with different software options and hardware specifications.

By including such high-end features in a tablet design, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 pushes boundaries, providing an experience that can rival traditional laptops. The ability to use professional-grade accessories like the Magic Keyboard transforms it from just a tablet into a versatile workstation.

3. OnePlus Pad

Breaking into the tablet market with the OnePlus Pad, this affordable Android tablet positions itself as a strong contender for tech enthusiasts looking for great performance coupled with a high-quality screen.

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: A strikingly vivid and large screen size that enhances user experience, especially for media consumption.
Processor: Equipped with a robust processor ensuring swift performance without lag, ideal for multitasking and gaming.
Battery Life: Comes with a long-lasting battery, designed to keep up with the demands of extensive usage throughout the day.
Build Quality: The sleek design and build quality resonate with OnePlus’s reputation for creating aesthetically pleasing devices.

Pros and Cons of the Device:

Pros:
- Cost-Efficiency: Offers premium features without the premium price tag, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- User Experience: Delivers an intuitive user interface that is responsive and user-friendly.
- Display Clarity: The high-resolution screen provides crisp visuals that appeal to both gamers and streaming enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Ecosystem Limitations: Lacks the seamless device integration found in more established brands like Apple.
- Accessory Availability: Limited options for accessories when compared to its competitors, which could be a downside for users looking to personalize their device.

When compared to other tablets in the market, the OnePlus Pad stands out by balancing affordability and performance. It competes well against higher-priced models thanks to its impressive display and reliable performance metrics. While it might not have the same brand recognition in tablets as some of its rivals, it offers an appealing choice for those who value money without sacrificing essential features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a strong contender among high-end tablets, making its mark as one of the best Android tablets available. What sets it apart is its outstanding OLED display, renowned for its deep blacks and vibrant colors—perfect for enjoying media and unleashing your creativity.

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: The tablet boasts an expansive OLED screen with high resolution, offering immersive viewing experiences.
Performance: Equipped with a powerful processor, it handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease.
Water Resistance: A notable feature is its water resistance, adding an extra layer of durability.
Battery Life: Users can enjoy extended periods of usage between charges, thanks to its robust battery.

Pros:

Superior OLED display enhances visual engagement
High-grade water resistance increases versatility
Long-lasting battery life supports intensive use

Cons:

Premium pricing may be prohibitive for some buyers
Heavier weight compared to some competitors

When compared to other tablets on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus holds its ground, especially against models without an OLED display or water resistance. Its performance is comparable to other top-tier devices, though it may come with a higher price tag.

The inclusion of advanced features makes this tablet an excellent choice for users who value screen quality and device durability in their tech collection.

5. Apple iPad mini

The Apple iPad mini stands out as a compact tablet poised to deliver more power than base iPad models. As a diminutive powerhouse, it caters to those seeking portability without sacrificing performance.

Key features and specifications:

Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
Storage Options: Available in 64GB and 256GB
Camera: 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and 5G capable models
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi or watching video
Operating System: iPadOS with multitasking capabilities
Accessories: Compatible with Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Bluetooth keyboards

Pros:

Impressively light and easy to hold for extended periods.
Surprisingly powerful A15 Bionic chip provides smooth performance.
Sharp and vibrant screen ideal for media consumption and reading.
Support for Apple Pencil adds versatility for note-taking and creative work.

Cons:

Higher price point compared to other compact tablets.
Limited storage expansion options can be restrictive for heavy users.
No Face ID; relies on Touch ID integrated into the power button.

When compared to other tablets in the market, the iPad mini is a strong choice in its category. It balances mobility and functionality well, especially when compared to Android alternatives that often prioritize one over the other. Users who want an extremely portable device without sacrificing processing power will find the iPad mini appealing.

6. iPad Air

The iPad Air is a great choice for users who want a powerful yet portable device. It offers impressive performance and essential features at a more affordable price compared to the Apple iPad 10.9 (2022).

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color
Chip: Apple’s M1 chip providing exceptional speed and power efficiency
Storage Options: Available in 64GB and 256GB configurations
Camera: 12MP back camera and 7MP FaceTime HD front camera
Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6 and a 5G option for ultra-fast downloads and streaming
Ports: Includes a USB-C port for versatile connectivity

Pros:

Powerful Performance: Leveraging the same M1 chip found in higher-end models
Color Options: A variety of finishes to choose from including blue, purple, pink, starlight, and space gray
Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation): For seamless note-taking and drawing experiences

Cons:

Price Point: While cheaper than the iPad 10.9 (2022), still considered a significant investment
Storage Limitations: The base model only offers 64GB which may not suffice for all users

The iPad Air stands out among its tablet competitors with its top-notch build quality, extensive app selection, and compatibility with various accessories like the Magic Keyboard. However, other options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series might offer features such as OLED displays at similar prices.

The inclusion of advanced technologies like the USB-C port makes it compatible with a wide range of peripherals, setting it apart from older models that used Lightning connectors.

By offering high-end features at a slightly lower price compared to the iPad Pro, the iPad Air is an appealing choice for both professionals and casual users.

iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

The iPad Pro 12.9 is Apple’s best premium iPad offering, a powerhouse designed for professionals and creatives. This model is the epitome of performance in Apple’s tablet lineup, boasting the new Apple M2 chip, which promises a performance leap from its predecessor.

Key Features and Specifications:

Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED screen
Processor: Apple M2 chip
Storage Options: 128GB up to 2TB
Camera: Pro camera system with LiDAR Scanner
Audio: Four-speaker audio with five studio-quality microphones
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G support
Operating System: iPadOS with multitasking capabilities

Pros:

The mini-LED screen delivers exceptional brightness and contrast ratios, making it ideal for high-resolution editing and viewing.
With the M2 chip, multitasking and demanding applications run smoothly, enhancing productivity.
The device boasts a pro camera system that is versatile for photography and AR applications.

Cons:

The price point puts it at the top end of the market.
The size and weight can be less portable compared to smaller models.

When placed beside competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, the iPad Pro 12.9 holds its ground well, especially in terms of processing power and display quality. However, consumers looking for versatility in operating systems might consider alternatives such as Windows or Android-based tablets.

Other Recommended Tablets

Google Pixel Tablet

The Google Pixel Tablet aims to be a strong competitor in the Android tablet market. It plans to seamlessly connect with the Google ecosystem, featuring a modern design and running on the latest version of Android. Users can expect smooth integration with services like Google Assistant and Stadia.

Key Features and Specifications:
- Integration with Google ecosystem
- Latest version of Android OS
- Potential support for Google Stadia gaming
Pros:
- Seamless Google service integration
- Expected high-quality display and build
Cons:
- Details on hardware specifications are yet to be revealed
- Price point unknown

Amazon Fire HD series

The Amazon Fire HD tablets provide an affordable option without significant sacrifices. They excel in consuming content from Amazon’s extensive library, including books, movies, and music.

Key Features and Specifications:
- Affordable price range
- Access to Amazon’s multimedia library
- Alexa hands-free capabilities
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Robust parental controls in Kids Editions
Cons:
- Limited access to Google Play Store apps
- Performance may lag behind competitors

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a versatile device that combines features of both laptops and tablets. It offers a flexible Windows experience with an optional keyboard attachment, making it perfect for productivity tasks.

Key Features and Specifications:
- Windows OS for desktop software compatibility
- High-resolution PixelSense touch display
- Optional Surface Pen and Type Cover
Pros:
- Laptop-level performance in a tablet form factor
- Excellent build quality and display
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other tablets
- Accessories sold separately

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 stands out as an affordable yet capable device running Chrome OS. It’s designed for cloud-based applications and light computing tasks.

Key Features and Specifications:
- Chrome OS with access to Google Play Store apps
- Detachable keyboard for versatility
- Long battery life
Pros:
- Very affordable with included keyboard
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Performance best suited for basic tasks
- Limited local storage capacity

reMarkable 2

Targeted at those who prefer writing over typing, the reMarkable 2 is a niche tablet designed primarily for note-taking with its paper-like E Ink display.

Key Features and Specifications:
- E Ink display that mimics paper
- Thin, lightweight design
- Long-lasting battery life
Pros:
- Exceptional digital note-taking experience
- Reduces eye strain compared to traditional displays
Cons:
- Limited functionality beyond note-taking
- Premium price despite specialized use case

Each of these devices caters to specific needs, whether it’s multimedia consumption, productivity on-the-go, budget-friendliness, or specialized digital note-taking.

Understanding Different Operating Systems for Tablets

Selecting the right operating system (OS) is a crucial part of choosing a tablet. The OS determines the user interface, available apps, and overall functionality of the device. Here’s a breakdown of some popular operating systems for tablets:

iPadOS

Compatibility: Exclusive to Apple’s iPads
Features: Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem, multitasking capabilities, robust security
User Experience: Intuitive and user-friendly, designed for touch input

Windows

Compatibility: Available on a range of tablets from different manufacturers
Features: Desktop-like experience, compatibility with Microsoft Office suite, support for multiple user accounts
User Experience: Familiar to Windows PC users, offers a more versatile computing experience

ChromeOS

Compatibility: Found on tablets such as the Google Pixel Slate
Features: Cloud-based storage, tight integration with Google services, built-in virus protection
User Experience: Simple and fast, mainly web-app driven with some Android app support

Android

Compatibility: Used by various brands including Samsung, Lenovo, and Huawei
Features: Customizable user interface, wide app availability through Google Play Store
User Experience: Diverse due to manufacturer overlays on the base Android system

Each operating system has its own strengths and is suitable for different types of users. When deciding which tablet to buy, it’s important to consider which OS best meets your personal or professional needs.

Conclusion

With the top tablets of the year reviewed, it’s clear that each device is designed for different preferences and needs. When choosing a tablet, here are some factors to consider:

Performance: If you need a tablet for demanding tasks or professional use, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) stands out with its powerful chipset and advanced features.
Portability: For frequent travelers or those who prefer a smaller device, the Apple iPad mini offers a compact solution without sacrificing performance.
Multimedia: If you’re primarily using your tablet for watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus provides an immersive display and sound experience.
Budget-Friendly Options: For those on a tighter budget, the OnePlus Pad offers a good balance of functionality and affordability.

It’s also important to note that the operating system (OS) plays a significant role in your overall tablet experience. Here’s a quick comparison:

iPads: These tablets run on Apple’s iOS and offer seamless integration with other Apple devices such as iPhones and MacBooks. They are known for their user-friendly interface and optimized performance.
Android Tablets: These tablets use Google’s Android OS, which provides more customization options and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. They are suitable for users who prefer flexibility and versatility.

Before making a purchase decision, here are three steps you can take:

Identify your primary usage: Determine whether you’ll mainly be using the tablet for work/productivity tasks, entertainment purposes, or casual web browsing. This will help you prioritize certain features (e.g., keyboard support for work) over others.
Set a budget: Tablets come in various price ranges, so it’s helpful to have a budget in mind to narrow down your choices.
Try hands-on experience: If possible, visit physical stores to test out different tablets and get a feel for their size, weight, display quality, etc. This can give you a better sense of which device suits you best.

Buyers are encouraged to review these final thoughts on tablet selection to navigate the vast market. Whether for productivity, creativity, or leisure, there’s a tablet tailored to your lifestyle and requirements.

No Related Article