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Since the iPad Air 2022 and the Galaxy Tab S8 line from Samsung came out earlier this spring, there hasn’t been a lot of change in the tablet world. Lenovo showed off updated versions of the Tab P11 and P11 Pro at IFA. The Pro has an 11.2-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and updated internals. Recently, Amazon released new versions of its Fire HD 8 tablets with a new feature called “Tap to Alexa.” Even though Amazon’s e-readers aren’t usually thought of as tablets, the new Kindle Scribe is worth thinking about because it comes with a pen and can be used to take handwritten notes.
But people who want a fancy new tablet might want to wait for now. Rumors say that Apple will update the basic iPad later this fall with a USB-C port (instead of a Lightning port), better performance, the option to connect to 5G, and a slightly bigger screen. Google has also said that it plans to release the Pixel Tablet sometime in 2023.
Tech news -The best tablets for 2022
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Engadget’s picks
Best overall: Apple iPad Pro
Best Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Best budget tablet: Apple 10.2-inch iPad
Best tablet for kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
To what operating system should I upgrade?
Think about how your new tablet will interact with the other devices you have and how you intend to use it before you start looking at specific models. Even if you’ve been eyeing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s big 14.6-inch screen, it might not be the best idea to buy an Android tablet if everyone in your household already has a Mac or iPhone. This is especially important for those who have amassed a large collection of paid media that may be more difficult to access after making a platform transition.
The nature of the work itself is another factor to think about. That’s because, while all modern tablets can open webpages and play games, some OSes, like iPadOS and Windows 11, are better suited to multitasking and productivity. While the vast majority of apps and games are available on both the App Store and the Play Store, some specialist enterprise software may only have adequate support on desktop platforms like Windows or macOS.
Which size of display should I get?
The type of work (or pleasure) you plan to accomplish on your tablet will also play a role in the size decision you choose. Dual app viewing is a breeze on a big screen, and movies look and feel better on a larger screen as well. Also, the larger the tablet, the less likely you are to want to carry it around. That means you’ll need to consider not just where you’ll be using the gadget (whether at a desk or, say, in bed) but also how it will affect your daily activities and commute (if you have one).
Potential accessories
Lastly, you should think about any extras or accessories you want to use, such as a detachable keyboard, an external microphone, or a stylus. The good news is that many tablets nowadays offer some kind of keyboard accessory, which allows the device to function more like a 2-in-1 instead of simply being a content consumption device. Some tablets also feature things like microSD card slots that support expandable storage, or optional 4G or 5G connectivity, which can be a real boon to frequent travelers. And if you plan to use the tablet mostly for work, you might want to get a USB hub so that you can connect all of your favorite accessories.
Best overall: Apple iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is one of the most powerful and well-constructed tablets currently available to consumers. It is powered by the same M1 CPUs that are found in Apple’s MacBooks. It can be purchased in two sizes (11 and 12.9 inches) and is compatible with a wide variety of add-ons, including as the Apple Pencil and the very helpful albeit pricy Magic Keyboard. The screen of the iPad Pro has excellent brightness and smooth images thanks to its 120Hz ProMotion mini-LED displays. This is true regardless of whether you are viewing a movie or producing a PowerPoint presentation. Recent updates to iPadOS have also made Apple’s most premium tablet a far more capable work device. These updates include the addition of additional sidebars for fast moving between apps, a more sophisticated desktop-like UI for Safari, and numerous other new toolbars across the operating system.
Apple’s iPad Pros aren’t cheap, starting at $800 for a base model with 128GB of storage for an 11-inch device. This is before you add any extras like cellular connectivity or a keyboard to the mix. This is the primary disadvantage of the iPad Pros. However, taking into consideration the fact that there is a strong probability that a new iPad Pro is more powerful than your present laptop, there isn’t really much that you can throw at Apple’s top-of-the-line tablet that it couldn’t handle.
One last thing to mention is that there is also the fifth-generation iPad Air available to purchase if you like the iPad Pro but are looking for something that is a little less expensive. You are still provided with the same M1 chip, support for the Apple Pencil, and the possibility to connect to 5G networks. In addition, the screen measures 10.9 inches, making it virtually identical in size as the iPad Pro in its most compact form. The display on the iPad Air is not quite as brilliant and does not support a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This is the primary difference between the two models. However, if this isn’t a deal breaker for you, the iPad Air 5 is effectively an iPad Pro but with a screen that isn’t as fancy and has a starting price of $599 rather than $799.
Best Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Available in three sizes – an 11-, 12.4- and a huge 14.6-inch model – Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S8 line has the right-sized screen for practically any need. And while Android typically isn’t quite as accommodating to productivity as Windows or iPadOS, Samsung’s Dex mode offers a desktop-like UI complete with multi-window support and a taskbar for potent multitasking.
Samsung’s mobile displays are also some of the best in the business, with support for 120Hz refresh rates and vibrant colors from their OLED panels. And unlike Samsung’s flagship phone line, the Galaxy Tab S8 still comes with microSD card support, though sadly, Samsung couldn’t seem to find room for a dedicated headphone jack. You even get a choice of three different covers: a simple folio, a keyboard cover and a keyboard cover with a built-in touchpad, so you can choose the right accessory for your needs.
Buy Galaxy Tab S8 at Samsung starting at $700
Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Microsoft’s Surface Pro devices are commonly referred to as 2-in-1s, but they are more accurately classified as tablets due to the fact that a keyboard is sold separately. Despite appearances, Microsoft’s Surface Pros are purpose-built for work thanks to Windows 11 and compatibility with a variety of 11th-generation Intel processors.
The Surface Pro 8’s new and improved features include a gorgeous display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and upgraded stereo speakers, as well as an infrared (IR) facial recognition camera for quick and easy login. Additionally, the Surface Pro 8’s SSD can be upgraded by the user at any time, unlike the storage on most tablets. With Windows 11’s enhancements, the Surface Pro 8 is more comfortable in tablet mode without the need for a keyboard case, with larger app icons and more touch-friendly controls.
Best budget tablet: Apple 10.2-inch iPad
If you just want a simple tablet for a reasonable price, it’s hard to go wrong with the standard Apple iPad. Starting at $329, the basic iPad has a 10.2-inch display with good brightness (500 nits) and a relatively speedy A13 Bionic chip. It’s also the last iPad that still features an old-school Touch ID home button.
After being refreshed last year, the ninth-gen iPad got updated features including Apple Pencil support, improved cameras (in front and back) and double the base storage (64GB, up from 32GB). And just like its more expensive siblings, the standard iPad is available in a WiFi-only model or with optional 4G LTE cellular connectivity. The basic iPad is also the cheapest device Apple sells that gives you access to the App Store, which makes it a good multimedia device and a handy way of managing your media library across your other Apple devices.
Buy 10.2-inch iPad at Amazon starting at $329
Best tablet for kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is the best choice if you want to buy a new tablet for your child. It starts at $200, which makes it the least expensive tablet on this list. Unlike tablets aimed at adults, it comes with a “kid-proof” case and a two-year warranty. Amazon says it will replace the tablet for free if your child breaks it.
One of the other useful add-ons is a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which gives kids access to more than 20,000 games, books, and apps. There is also a helpful dashboard for parents that lets you set educational goals, time limits, and content filters. Even though its 3GB of RAM and 32GB of base storage aren’t much, its 1080p display is plenty sharp, and it has a microSD card slot so you can add more storage. And if you want something a little bit smaller and cheaper, you can get the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro for $140.