Top Things to Look for When Buying a New Tablet

Tablets act as the perfect middle ground between a laptop and a smartphone. They’re a much better option for browsing and streaming than a smartphone but aren’t as high-performing and bulky as laptops. Especially if you’re a digital nomad or like to have access to the internet on the go, a tablet is an essential device that helps you stay productive, entertained, and connected. With just as many tablets on the market as their other counterparts, however, how do you find the best fit? 

Here are the most important aspects to consider when buying a tablet for everyday use.

Photo by Leone Venter on Unsplash

Cost

Cost

The first consideration, and perhaps one you’d naturally look at first, is the best prices on tablets. Because there has been an increase in consumer demand for tablets with a diverse set of capabilities, you’ll spot a lot more high-end options on the market. The Apple iPad Pro comes at a steep price at $2,399, while certain Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 models are priced at just over $2,100. Professionals in the music production field or the animation sector might seek out these sorts of models, but they are likely beyond the everyday person’s budget. 

Luckily, there are plenty of tablets under $300 and even under $200 that are highly popular. Of course, it’s not advisable to purchase a device based on price alone, but if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to compromise between cost and function.

Size and Weight

The main reason why people buy tablets in the first place is because they’re portable. Some tablets are made to be extra compact, like the seven-inch Lenovo Tab, while others boast a large screen, such as the Samsung Tab S8 Ultra. The choice all depends on what you’re planning to use your tablet for. If you’re simply using it for basic browsing, communications, and accessing things like expert slot reviews on casinos.com, then you might want to stick to a smaller, lighter device. On the contrary, if you’re planning to use it for intensive tasks like serious gaming or demanding work tasks, then you might have to choose a larger tablet.

Display Resolution

No matter the size of the tablet you choose, display quality is important. And keep in mind that screen size doesn’t necessarily determine resolution. It’s entirely possible to have a smaller screen with a higher pixel density that’ll provide sharper images or a larger screen with a subpar display and vice versa. It can help to consider what sort of activities you’ll be using your tablet for and whether you need an extremely high resolution or if you’ll be happy with a standard display. Before purchasing the device, look through the list of specs and the type of resolution it comes with, the pixel density (pixels per inch), the sort of display technology used (whether LCD, OLED, or Retina, for instance), color gamut and accuracy, and the contrast ratio.

Battery Life

Battery Life

You certainly don’t want to be out and about and have your tablet run out of battery, which is why ample battery life is essential for a portable device. Each of the current iPad models boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours when watching videos or surfing the web and up to 9 hours when using cellular data. Meanwhile, according to a test done by Tech Radar, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE was able to run for a lengthy 18 hours. On average, tablets tend to last around 5 to 10 hours – any less than that, and you might have issues if you plan to use your device for long periods of time.

Operating System

When you select a certain brand of tablet, you also get a specific operating system (OS) that could completely change your experience. Apple comes with Apple’s iOS, which is famed for its high-quality and user-friendly interface that makes navigation and use seamless for all sorts of users. On the other hand, some of the most popular tablets from Lenovo, Samsung, and Huawei all run on Android OS – Google’s very own OS. This OS is more suitable if you’re seeking more customization and flexibility, such as changing the look and feel of your home screen and interface or modifying other more complex technological changes. Finally, Windows tablets like Microsoft Surface tablets provide a more professional desktop-style interface that is ideal if you’re looking for a work-on-the-go type experience.

Your choice should depend on whether you’re seeking tablet-optimized apps, the steepness of the learning curve you’re willing to undergo, versatility, and the ability to connect with an ecosystem of native devices.

Performance and Speed

Enjoying a smooth sailing experience every time is arguably what matters most in a tablet. No matter what you’re doing, you don’t want delay or lag to get in the way, which means that a quick startup time and snappy responsiveness shouldn’t ever be compromised on. Make sure you invest in a tablet that has high-quality hardware components, such as an efficient CPU, ample RAM, a solid graphics processing unit (GPU), and enough storage to meet your needs.

With storage space, the rule of thumb is typically the more, the better. Having a higher amount of storage means you’re unlikely to run into issues with having insufficient space for content and system files. That’ll both future-proof your tablet and give you the peace of mind you deserve. The catch is that tablets with more storage capabilities come at a higher price, so it’s again about finding a middle ground if you’re watching your spending.