The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's pricey and not the right pick for someone who prefers a smaller, more portable tablet. Still, as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.
What are the best Android tablets?
There's a lot more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny what an important role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy Tab S7 has one of the most impressive displays on any device we've used. It's able to get extremely bright and even bears support for Samsung's S Pen stylus. Of course, the Tab S7 also packs incredibly powerful specs elsewhere, and you can even buy a 5G-capable variant for a bit more money.
If you really want to go the extra mile, Samsung's larger and pricier Galaxy Tab S7+ is an even more powerful choice. You'll trade the Tab S7's LCD for an AMOLED one and gain quad speakers and a larger battery. Both tablets feature the same Snapdragon 865+ processor and S Pen stylus.
For the absolute best value, though, Amazon's Fire HD 8 is an unbeatable offering. The specs are nothing to write home about, but performance is surprisingly good, and you get a great media consumption device for an extremely competitive price. The only catch? The Fire HD 8 runs Amazon's Fire OS, rather than a more typical Android build, meaning you'll need to download apps from Amazon's app store rather than Google's.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Best Android Tablet
Bottom line: The Tab S7+ is appealing but expensive. The Tab S7 offers a nearly identical experience in a smaller, more affordable package.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 |
|---|---|
| Display | 11 inches, 2560x1600 (274 ppi) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ |
| Memory | 6 / 8GB RAM 128 / 512GB storage |
| Cameras | 13MP rear, 8MP front |
| Battery | 8,000mAh |
| Dimensions | 253.8x165.3x6.3mm, 498g |
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze |
Pros:
- Super light for its size
- Large, high-quality screen
- Quad speakers
- Optional hardware keyboard cover
- Productivity features including DeX Desktop
Cons:
- Can feel cramped when using as a laptop
- Smaller battery
The Galaxy Tab S7 is Samsung's de facto flagship offering in the tablet space, with a comfortable size and potent specs. It's built on the same tenets as the Tab S7+ but takes small, strategic cuts back to be more affordable — and that makes it all the more enticing.
You get a manageable 11-inch LCD, which feels dramatically better for handheld use compared to the S7+ and still features a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as the same 6GB of RAM, 128GB to 512GB of storage, and high-quality quad speakers. The battery is a little smaller, but at 8,000mAh, it's still plenty large enough to deliver reliable battery life.
The entire body has a sleek aluminum design that feels extremely high-end and impossibly thin and light, at just 6.3mm thick and 498 grams. That makes it great for media consumption and handheld use in ways that even the Tab S7+ isn't. But you can still attach a hardware keyboard and jump into DeX desktop mode to get some serious work done just as well.
Best Android Tablet Overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab S7 offers nearly every feature of the S7+ in a smaller, slightly more affordable package.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Best Upgrade Pick
Bottom line: It's Samsung's ultra-premium tablet, and it can do it all. Solid specs, a great display, and long battery life are all selling points.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.4 inches, 2800x1752 (266 ppi) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865+ |
| Memory | 6 / 8GB RAM 128 / 256 / 512GB storage |
| Cameras | 13MP rear, 8MP front |
| Battery | 10,090mAh |
| Dimensions | 285x185x5.7mm, 575g |
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze |
Pros:
- Best screen available on an Android tablet
- S Pen stylus included in the box
- Robust and beautiful hardware
- Long battery life
- First-party detachable keyboard available
- High-quality quad speakers
Cons:
- Expensive if you're only a casual tablet user
- Too large for extended portrait or handheld use
The most important things to have in a full-sized Android tablet are a great screen, loudspeakers, robust build quality, and software that makes use of the extra screen size. That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ well worth the extra cash for power users — it has a combination of everything.
Its spec sheet leaves little to be desired, with a super-fast Snapdragon 865+ processor, 6GB of RAM, plenty of storage, and well-optimized software. Since it's a Samsung product, you're getting a best-in-class display — coming in at 12.4 inches with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate — and a fantastic metal build. You also get an in-display fingerprint sensor, which was missing on prior models.
Beyond the specs, you get extras like excellent quad speakers, a microSD card slot, and an S Pen stylus included in the box that attaches to the tablet's back for charging when not in use. Despite being thin and light, it gets great battery life, as well. You can add a tremendous first-party keyboard cover to get some work done and then jump into the DeX desktop-style interface for a more laptop-like experience.
If you want a do-everything Android tablet and you're willing to spend the money, there's nowhere else to go but the Galaxy Tab S7+.
Best Upgrade Pick
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus Wi-Fi
The Tab S7+ is an incredibly well-designed tablet with a stunning display that's perfect for watching movies or playing games on.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Productivity for Less
Bottom line: The Tab S6 Lite is easy to find on sale and offers much of the Tab S7's best features in a similarly slim, light form factor.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.4 inches, 2000x1200 (224 ppi) |
| Processor | Exynos 9610 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM 64 / 128GB storage |
| Cameras | 8MP rear, 5MP front |
| Battery | 7,040mAh |
| Dimensions | 244.5x154.3x7mm, 460g |
| Colors | Angora Blue, Chiffon Rose, Oxford Gray |
Pros:
- Widely available at discounted prices
- Fantastic WUXGA+ display
- Dual speakers
- Optional hardware keyboard cover
- Ultra-thin and lightweight
Cons:
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Keyboard doesn't have as much travel as the Tab S7's
Last year's Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is still an excellent tablet with most of the same features as the newer Tab S7. It's easy to find for cheap these days thanks to sales and refurbished models, and with it, you get a thin, lightweight 10.4-inch tablet with support for both the S Pen and a first-party keyboard, which automatically enables DeX mode when connected.
You won't get a 120Hz refresh rate on the Tab S6 Lite, but the display is otherwise gorgeous, with fantastic color reproduction and a sharp 2000x1200 resolution. Like the Tab S7, this tablet's smaller form factor makes it great for both handheld use and media playback.
Productivity for Less
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4"
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has the power to chew through anything you can throw at it, even a year after its release.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Low-Budget Android Tablet
Bottom line: This budget-friendly tablet won't blow you away with its screen or specs, but it offers Android at an unbeatable price.
| Category | Galaxy Tab A8 |
|---|---|
| Display | 8.0 inches, 1280x800 (189 ppi) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 429 |
| Memory | 2GB RAM 32GB storage |
| Cameras | 8MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery | 5,100mAh |
| Dimensions | 210x124.4x8mm, 345g |
| Colors | Silver, Black |
Pros:
- Small, comfortable display and size
- Thin and lightweight metal design
- Runs standard Android software with Google services
- Also available in larger 10.1-inch size
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- Larger bezels than on other Samsung tablets
- Not the most powerful specs
If you're looking to buy a tablet for the first time and don't have any stringent needs, the Galaxy Tab A series is an excellent option for a fraction of the Tab S7+'s cost. While you likely won't be blown away by its specs or features, the Tab A manages to still offer a metal body and, unlike Amazon's Fire tablets, a fully functional version of Android, complete with Google services like the Play Store — meaning you can download whatever apps you want.
The Galaxy Tab A is available in both 8-inch and 10.1-inch configurations, but I think the former is a perfect starting point for first-time tablet owners. The smaller display and overall design make the Tab A extremely portable and comfortable to hold in one hand, all while still being large enough to consume media from streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+.
Low-Budget Android Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The Galaxy Tab A8 doesn't have top-of-the-line specs, but it's an incredible value for a fraction of the price of Samsung's other tablets.
Amazon Fire HD 10
Big on a Small Budget
Bottom line: The Fire HD 10 is all about the essential tablet experience without the extra complication and cost of productivity features.
| Category | Fire HD 10 |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1 inches, 1920x1200 (224 ppi) |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8183 |
| Memory | 2GB RAM 32 / 64GB storage |
| Cameras | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery | 7,040mAh |
| Dimensions | 262x159x9.8mm, 504g |
| Colors | Black, White, Plum, Twilight Blue |
Pros:
- Exceptional value for this size
- Solid display
- Amazon's apps get the basics done
- Fun color options available
Cons:
- No access to Google Play apps
- Cheap-feeling plastic body
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is one of those deals that's almost too good to pass up if you're after a device with a large screen but a small price tag. It's simply the best big Android tablet for doing the basics, from watching movies and TV shows to browsing and playing some casual games.
The big caveat to keep in mind with an Amazon Fire tablet is that you don't get the Google Play Store or Google's great apps and services. Instead, you'll rely on the Amazon App Store, which has a dramatically more limited app selection. But for this price and what you're likely to do with it, that's an okay trade-off for most.
Big on a Small Budget
Fire HD 10 Tablet (10.1" 1080p full HD display, 32 GB)
Amazon's largest tablet is one of the best values in this space. It's perfect for light browsing, gaming, and, most of all, media streaming.
Amazon Fire HD 8
Cheap as it Gets
Bottom line: A light and portable tablet at a great price — there isn't much you can complain about in that equation.
| Category | Fire HD 8 |
|---|---|
| Display | 8.0 inches, 1280x800 (189 ppi) |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8168 |
| Memory | 2GB RAM 32 / 64GB storage |
| Cameras | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery | 12 hours |
| Dimensions | 202x137x9.7mm, 355g |
| Colors | Black, White, Plum, Twilight Blue |
Pros:
- Small enough for kids to use
- Fun color choices
- Gets all of the basics done
- Now has 32GB storage and USB-C
- Almost unbelievable price
Cons:
- Low-quality screen
- Cheap-feeling plastic build
- No access to Google Play apps
Amazon also makes the best super-inexpensive Android tablet available, the Fire HD 8. And it was just refreshed in June 2020 to provide a great value at what is still an excellent price. You're still getting an 8-inch HD display, but now 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, and this new version has a 30% faster processor and finally charges with USB-C.
It still comes in a variety of neat colors, which can keep things interesting for kids and adults alike. You can spend a little more to get 64GB of storage for apps and video, and also opt to spend a little more to remove Amazon's "Special Offers" lock screen ads.
Like the Fire HD 10, it doesn't have the Google Play Store or Google apps. But you're even more likely to look past that when you're spending this little on a tablet. This is an excellent choice for media consumption, browsing, or handing to your kids.
Cheap as it Gets
Fire HD 8 tablet
The 2020 Fire HD 8 is newer than the Fire HD 10, and comes in a smaller, more portable form factor.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition
Best for Kids
Bottom line: With up to 12 hours of battery life and over 20,000 titles of kid-approved content, your kid will have plenty to keep them occupied.
| Category | Fire HD 10 |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1 inches, 1920x1200 (224 ppi) |
| Processor | MediaTek MT8183 |
| Memory | 2GB RAM 32GB storage |
| Cameras | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
| Battery | 12 hours |
| Dimensions | 292x206x26mm, 778g |
| Colors | Blue |
Pros:
- Great warranty
- Lots of content for kids of all ages
- Included case
- Excellent parental controls
- Fantastic display
- Great sounding dual speakers
Cons:
- Can be a bit large for some children
- On the expensive side
- No Google services built-in
The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is filled with the best hardware and software you could ask for as a parent. Amazon took its top big tablet and loaded it with parental controls, child-specific content, and wrapped it in a durable and functional case. While the screen size could be difficult for young children, the provided case includes a kickstand for viewing.
The 1080p display provides solid colors and clarity for content. This is important when your child is learning to read since text can be clearer, and it's what you want for video too. The HD 10 Kids Edition also has the same awesome dual-speaker setup. However, for those times when you'd like to limit the noise, there's a standard headphone jack.
Since this is a kids' edition from Amazon, it gets a free year of Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited software. This provides parental controls for you and over 20,000 age-specific titles for your kids. Not only that, but the tablet also gets two years of "worry-free" guarantee — if the tablet breaks, Amazon will replace it. That could be the most important feature of all.
Best for Kids
Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet – 10.1" 1080p full HD display
Amazon's 10-inch kid's tablet offers a great experience for youngsters of all ages, with a huge screen perfect for movie watching.
Now that many of us are working from home, you might be looking for a tablet for productivity or just fun around the house. The number of great Android tablet options is limited, but there are a few that are worthy of recommending. The best Android tablet experience comes from Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 with its high-end materials, great screen, capable software, hardware keyboard support, and stylus.
If you're willing to spend the extra money to truly get the best possible specs and experience, Samsung also makes the Galaxy Tab S7+. For a bit more, you get a larger canvas for drawing, watching movies, and even gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as well as a larger, more comfortable keyboard to type on — not to mention the quad speakers tuned by AKG. For those who don't need every bell and whistle under the sun, the Amazon Fire HD 10 and HD 8 offer an excellent media experience without costing you an arm and a leg — so long as you can live without Google Play services.
There are plenty of different use cases for tablets that might influence which one you should buy. Yes, the Galaxy Tab S7 is the best overall option with the most horsepower and even the capability to replace your laptop. Still, you don't need all of that if you just want to stream videos and play casual games on occasion. Know your needs, and don't overpay for a tablet that does more than you need.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Hayato Huseman is a recovering trade show addict and video editor for Android Central based out of Indianapolis. He can mostly be found complaining about the cold and enthusing about prog metal on Twitter at @hayatohuseman. Got a tip or inquiry? Drop him a line at hayato.huseman@futurenet.com.
Jerry Hildenbrand is Mobile Nation's Senior Editor and works from a Chromebook full time. Currently, he is using Google's Pixelbook but is always looking at new products and may have any Chromebook in his hands at any time. You'll find him across the Mobile Nations network, and you can hit him up on Twitter if you want to say hey.
Daniel Bader is the Managing Editor of Android Central. As he's writing this, a mountain of old Android phones is about to fall on his head, but his Great Dane will protect him. He drinks way too much coffee and sleeps too little. He wonders if there's a correlation.
Post a Comment