The best Android tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

There are many choices exterior Apple’s iPad lineup for an inexpensive and useful pill you need to use for any digital job. Android tablets from Samsung, Amazon, Google, and OnePlus can present what you want for leisure, drawing, work, and extra.

Additionally: The most effective low cost tablets

If you wish to keep within the Android ecosystem for a pill, you’ve gotten loads of choices. Whether or not you want a conveyable machine to exchange your laptop computer for work duties, one thing to behave as a wise dwelling hub, or only a machine for watching movies, there’s an Android pill that may meet your wants.

What’s the finest Android pill proper now?

I selected tablets that different ZDNET employees and I’ve examined that supply a dependable expertise and a wide range of options at an affordable value level. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed analysis and my expertise with the merchandise to counsel the perfect Android tablets under. I discovered that the perfect Android pill general was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely for its large show, stellar battery life, and accompanying S Pen.

Additionally: The most effective Samsung tablets

Nonetheless, the brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 lineup was simply unveiled final month with Galaxy AI capabilities and a brand new chipset. We’ll be testing the brand new Galaxy Tab S10 Extremely and Galaxy Tab S10+ and can add our purchasing recommendation to this web page as quickly as we do. For now, learn on to see how different Android tablets from Google, Amazon, OnePlus, and extra evaluate.

The most effective Android tablets of 2024

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely

Finest Android pill general

The Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely is the largest and finest pill in Samsung’s lineup. It contains a 14.6-inch Tremendous AMOLED show, runs Android 13, and comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus included within the field. The bottom mannequin comes with 12GB of reminiscence, 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for including as much as an additional 1TB of storage to the pill. You may as well absolutely package out the Tab S9 Extremely with 1TB of storage and 16GB of reminiscence.

ZDNET author Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely and mentioned that its upgrades–like its waterproof rating–give it a “definitive edge over the competitors.”

“An IP68 score offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely water and mud resistance that neither the iPad nor any premium pill available on the market is licensed for,” she wrote. “Although I would not suggest testing the boundaries, the Tab S9 Extremely can resist mud and isn’t solely splash-proof however may even survive being submerged in as much as 1.5 meters of water for as much as half-hour.”

Overview: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely

Verified prospects say that with a pill this huge, you are most probably contemplating it as a laptop computer alternative, and Reddit customers famous that the S9 Extremely’s feel and look are precisely like a laptop computer. Nonetheless, you will wish to choose up the $349 e-book cowl keyboard. As soon as linked, you need to use Samsung DeX on the S9 Extremely, turning the pill into an Android 2-in-1 machine with loads of house for multitasking and utilizing multiple app at a time.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus

Finest Samsung pill for most individuals

The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus was meant to be a second-level pill within the Galaxy S9 line of tablets. The specs are just like that of the S9 Extremely, however the Tab S9 Plus prices $200 much less. This pill contains a display 2.2 inches smaller than the S9 Extremely, however each fashions have the identical Dynamic AMOLED show and refresh charge.

Included with the acquisition of this pill is Samsung’s S Pen, which offers a practical paper-on-pen expertise. As well as, you possibly can add the $229 keyboard accent to the pill, turning it right into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you need to use to hammer out emails, crush work experiences, or watch your favourite YouTube channel.

I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and located that motion pictures and reveals had been a pleasure to look at because of the beautiful colours, flawless efficiency, and excellent audio playback. Even my spouse was shocked that the output got here from the pill, not an precise speaker.

Overview: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus

Verified prospects observe that the S9 Plus is the one Galaxy S collection pill to supply a 5G connectivity possibility for an extra $30, they usually say it is well worth the improve.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Finest small Samsung S9 pill

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the third new Samsung pill. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of reminiscence and begins at 128GB of storage, which will be expanded by as much as 1TB because of microSD card help. Contained in the Tab S9 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

The 11-inch LCD display is compact sufficient to make the pill transportable. The pill’s excessive decision additionally ensures show readability, so you will be completely satisfied watching your favourite reveals or gaming on it.

Overview: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

The S9 comes with an S Pen that you need to use to write down or attract your favourite apps, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Notice lineup.

I examined this base Tab S9 mannequin, and general, it was an satisfying expertise. Should you primarily use a pill with out a keyboard, with one app on the show more often than not, then the Tab S9 is the best choice. Reddit customers agree that this pill is finest for media consumption.

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OnePlus Pad

Finest mid-level Android pill

OnePlus is healthier identified for its smartphone lineup, the place the corporate has led the best way in producing telephones that embrace a ton of options and efficiency whereas undercutting the competitors with regards to price. And for essentially the most half, that is precisely what’s occurred with the OnePlus Pad.

This Android-powered pill has a month-long battery standby (a ZDNET author examined it out for himself), together with spectacular day by day battery life. It’s fast and snappy for day by day duties like checking your e mail, enjoying video games, or looking the online, all on a show that appears incredible. And also you get that have for $430. Not too shabby.

Overview: OnePlus Pad

OnePlus additionally sells a keyboard case and a stylus for the OnePlus Pad, which roughly turns the OnePlus Pad into an iPad Professional dupe. And that is the place the stellar Pad expertise begins to wrestle: Trackpad gestures and navigation are finicky, and lots of the identical interface options — such because the mouse pointer — on the OnePlus Pad come straight from Apple’s iPadOS interface for a similar characteristic. Verified prospects say that in the event you’re on the lookout for an Android pill that’s higher fitted to productiveness, Lenovo or Samsung are the place you wish to focus your efforts as a substitute of this one.

That mentioned, in the event you’re on the lookout for a pill that is nice for protecting you entertained with very mild work, then the OnePlus Pad and its 11.6-inch 2.8K show are price an extended look.

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Amazon Fireplace HD 8 Plus

Finest 8-inch Android pill

Gone are the boxy and sq. tablets from Amazon. The corporate fully redesigned the Fireplace HD 8 lineup with a extra rounded feel and look. There are two new tablets: the Fireplace HD 8 and Fireplace HD 8 Plus. I’m together with solely the HD 8 Plus on this checklist as a result of it is price the additional $20 for added reminiscence and help for wi-fi charging.

The Fireplace HD 8 runs Amazon’s Fireplace OS. It runs Android apps, however you are restricted to apps accessible in Amazon’s App Retailer. Like with most tablets on this value vary, efficiency will be sluggish typically, however you will haven’t any points buying, looking Fb, or checking your e mail on the Fireplace HD 8 Plus.

Overview: Amazon Fireplace HD 8 Plus

ZDNET Evaluations Editor Kerry Wan referred to as the Amazon Fireplace HD Plus a “no-brainer” purchase in the event you’re available in the market for an inexpensive Android pill. “Should you’re eyeing a pill that may play your kid’s favourite YouTube movies or management your private home’s Alexa-supported units and even function a digital cookbook, then Amazon’s Fireplace HD 8 Plus is a no brainer at a fraction of the price of the ,” he wrote.

Amazon prospects reward this inexpensive pill for its picture high quality, mentioning that the show is crisp and that the charger is snappy and fast.

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Pixel Pill

Finest Android pill from Google

Google hasn’t had an Android pill because the loss of life of the Google Pixel Slate in 2018, however the firm introduced a brand new iteration in Could 2023. Constructed particularly for leisure and informal at-home use, the Pixel Pill has a ten.95-inch LCD show with a 2,560 x 1,600 pixels decision. It is powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that is discovered within the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold.

Overview: Google Pixel Pill: What Android tablets ought to have been all alongside

What’s fascinating about this pill is that the included charging dock additionally converts it to a Nest Hub, which means that while you’re not utilizing the pill to look at YouTube, it has a second goal as a wise dwelling show. The battery life can last as long as 12 hours of video streaming and helps third-party stylus pens.

We observe in our assessment of the Google Pixel Pill that it will not substitute a laptop computer for college or work however may very well be helpful if your private home is a Google good dwelling. Should you’re on the lookout for a pill that may double as a wise show (in the event you do not have already got a wise show in your good dwelling), this may very well be a superb possibility for you. Clients who’ve purchased the pill have voiced on Reddit that they primarily use it for media consumption and that it does the job for that goal.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

Finest inexpensive Samsung pill

Samsung just lately launched two new FE tablets with the identical inside parts and two show/battery capability choices. The smaller Tab S9 FE is obtainable for $450 and presents rather a lot in a modern package deal. The high-powered pill comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 mud/water-proof score, making it a sensible choice for first-time pill house owners.

It has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and help for a microSD card as much as 1TB. Shade choices embrace grey, silver, mint, and lavender.

It stays a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned twin audio system. Video calling is effectively supported with a entrance 12MP ultra-wide digicam and a rear 8MP digicam to assist seize paperwork.

Total, 98% of Finest Purchase prospects would suggest this pill, giving it a median score of 4.8 out of 5.

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Amazon Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional pill

Finest Android pill for youths

Are you on the lookout for an Android pill geared towards youngsters? Amazon’s Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional pill is ideal for kids ages six by 12. New to this technology is 25% quicker speeds, greater high quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life as a substitute of 12 hours.

Due to the ten.1-inch show, you will get a bigger display with out including a lot to the general price. The decision is healthier than that of earlier generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter show.

Overview: Amazon Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional

ZDNET author, Maria Diaz, gave her youngsters this pill and was pleasantly shocked by its efficiency. “One factor I respect about Amazon’s Children Tablets is the robust parental controls for them,” she wrote in her assessment. “I can simply management what my youngsters watch, approve their app and buy requests, and arrange closing dates from the app on my telephone.”

Dad and mom on Reddit agreed and added that the display icons are large and straightforward for youths to determine.

Amazon Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional pill tech specs: Show measurement: 10.1-inch| Decision: 1,920 x 1,200 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB (expandable as much as 1TB)

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely is the perfect Android pill available on the market, for my part, and in response to professional opinions. Nonetheless, in the event you’re on the lookout for a inexpensive Android pill on your youngsters or a extra compact measurement for all times on the go, you might wish to think about an alternative choice.

Beneath, I’ve damaged down the perfect Android tablets primarily based on value, show measurement, and storage capability.

Android pill	Worth	Show measurement	Storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely	$1,200	14.6 inches	As much as 1TB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+	$1,000	12.4 inches	As much as 1TB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9	$800	11 inches	As much as 256GB
OnePlus Pad	$480	11.6 inches	126GB
Amazon Fireplace HD 8 Plus	$120	8 inches	As much as 64GB
Google Pixel Pill	$500	10.95 inches	128GB or 256GB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE	$450	10.9 inches	128GB or 256GB
Amazon Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional	$200	10.1 inches	32GB

The primary query you need to ask your self is the way you wish to use the pill. If the reply is light-weight net looking, e mail checking, watching movies, and the occasional sport, then a low-end pill just like the Fireplace HD 10 or Google’s Pixel Pill is greater than succesful for you.

Nonetheless, in order for you a premium Android pill to make use of as a laptop computer alternative with a devoted keyboard and high-quality show, then Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 lineup is the place you will wish to focus.

So long as what you need out of an Android pill, it is simple to determine which Android pill is best for you.

Select this Android pill…	In order for you…
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely	The most effective Android pill available on the market. The 14.6-inch show additionally makes it the biggest pill on this checklist.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+	Display screen high quality that matches the flagship mannequin. It additionally comes with a Samsung S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9	A well-rounded Android pill. This pill helps you to make the most of Samsung’s DeX platform.
OnePlus Pad	A superb mid-level Android pill. The battery life is by far the perfect on this checklist.
Amazon Fireplace HD 8 Plus	An Android pill with a smaller 8-inch show and a stable battery lifetime of as much as 12 hours.
Google Pixel Pill	A Google-made pill to go together with your Google good dwelling ecosystem. It’s constructed for leisure.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE	An ideal entry-level Samsung pill with all of the necessities, together with an S Pen within the field.
Amazon Fireplace HD 10 Children Professional	An Android pill constructed with youngsters in thoughts. You may additionally get a free one-year subscription to Amazon Children+.

Before you purchase, there are a number of essential components to bear in mind, relying by yourself priorities and wishes.

Options: Not all Android tablets are created equal. Some are higher for youths, others are merely for leisure functions, after which there’s the one’s that may act as a laptop computer for working professionals and college students. We thought of a wide range of use-cases to match just about each want.
Worth factors: Tablets are an costly piece of tech, particularly in the event you’re planning on investing in suitable equipment. We included Android tablets at completely different value factors so there’s something for each finances.
Integrations with different merchandise: We thought of choices that may work with an attachable keyboard, a stylus, and different work and leisure add-ons.
Battery life: Whether or not you are utilizing your pill for work or play (or each), you will need it to final the period of your job. Tablets that had substantial battery lives in the end made our prime picks.

The ZDNET workforce selected all the tablets included on this checklist primarily based on their efficiency when examined in the actual world. After we take a look at tablets, we usually comply with the identical routine for every one to see which performs finest.

Show: We measure the brightness degree in several lighting situations and assess coloration accuracy.
We additionally evaluate the show’s efficiency with what the producer promised, take a look at the display’s responsiveness to the touch, and assess the efficiency of any further options, like a producer’s stylus.
Efficiency: For real-world efficiency metrics, our reviewers measure how shortly the pill reacts to enter, assess sport efficiency and body charges, take a look at how the pill handles having a number of apps working concurrently, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the pill’s temperature throughout intensive duties.
Battery life: We take a look at completely different situations for battery life, together with measuring how lengthy the battery lasts whereas streaming, net looking, utilizing productiveness apps, and enjoying video games.
Digicam and audio: For cameras, we consider options like decision, aperture, low-light efficiency, autofocus accuracy, dynamic vary, coloration accuracy, picture high quality, sharpness, and video high quality. For audio, we have a look at the sound high quality and general listening expertise, together with audio readability at completely different volumes, stereo separation of left and proper audio channels, most quantity degree in varied environments, and if there may be perceived distortion.

For a deeper look into our testing course of, try our complete pill testing methodology.

Sure! The Amazon Fireplace HD 8 Plus and HD 10 Plus use the Android working system. Not solely will you be capable of use Amazon streaming companies and apps, however you will additionally get entry to packages and companies on the Google Play retailer.

It will depend on the way you wish to use your pill or laptop computer. Digital artists are likely to want tablets since they’re simpler to attract with utilizing a stylus. Tablets are additionally nice for photograph modifying and streaming motion pictures in the event you select one with a big sufficient display measurement. However if you wish to do issues like create spreadsheets, sort in a phrase processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you are higher off with a laptop computer.

That is a subjective query, and every sort of pill has professionals and cons.

Apple iPads are favored by inventive professionals and content material creators for his or her suitable artwork packages, bigger shows, and equipment. Android tablets are higher fitted to on a regular basis use and duties like looking the online, streaming video and music, and cellular gaming.

Android tablets usually will let you increase the interior storage with microSD playing cards, to allow them to adapt to your wants, whereas iPads have built-in laborious drives that may’t be eliminated in the event you want extra space.

The most effective time to snag a deal on a pill is throughout large gross sales occasions like Amazon Prime Day or throughout the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.

As well as, some manufacturers have their very own occasions, akin to Uncover Samsung, the place tablets and different units are discounted on Samsung’s web site.

Tablets which have Android software program come from manufacturers like Samsung, Amazon, and Lenovo. Listed below are a number of different choices for tablets throughout the Android ecosystem.

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