The Best Android Tablets
When they were first introduced, tablets seemed like eye candy. They were nice to have, perhaps, but limited functionality meant that they couldn't replace your laptop. And they were certainly too large to stand in for a cellphone. But since then, tablet technology has made massive strides toward establishing a class of its own powerful computing devices. We've reviewed the best Android tablets on the market to help you upgrade your browsing experience in no time.
What to Look For
When sorting through this brave new world of tablets, it’s important to think about four things: price, battery life, screen resolution, and speed. Our favorite, Samsung’s A7 Lite tablet, can play vivid video for nearly a day without dying, and it does so without breaking your bank. But for some, screen quality might be even more important than battery life or weight. That’s where the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet shines. And if you want a tablet that can connect to all your other devices, you’ll want to check out the Venturer Luna Max with its six different jacks and ports. A whole slew of brands and tablets are compatible with Android’s operating system, so read on to find the best fit for your browsing habits.
Samsung Tab A7 Lite 8.7
A tablet for today
Samsung has been rolling out Android-compatible hardware for years, but its latest installment of the A7 tablet is their crowning jewel. It has a micro SD slot for extra memory, a clear screen, and a battery to last you through the day. Though the A-line drops some of the smaller niceties that the S-line is known for, it also drops the huge price tag. For example, the plastic accents seem like a laughable trade-off for the everyday function and affordability of the A7.
Pros:
- True to its name, the slim A7 Lite can slide into briefcases and purses without weighing you down.
- This version of the tablet runs off of Android’s most updated operating system, which minimizes lagging.
Cons:
- It only has 32GB of internal memory, so you’ll likely need an external micro SD card to store applications, photos, and other data.
Amazon Fire HD 10
Crisp, clear, and colorful
As tablets have flooded the market, they’ve found their way into the laps of people of all ages. For example, seniors with vision impairments can appreciate their larger screens, higher resolutions, and brightness levels. The Amazon Fire HD 10 may not be the trendiest tablet out there, but it certainly earns its stripes as a reasonably priced, visually accessible piece of technology. Don’t let the senior citizen example fool you, though—everybody wins when they can stream their favorite shows in crisp, colorful HD. For the lover of movie and television streaming, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is the way to go.
Pros:
- We loved the new split-screen on this version of the Fire tablet since it allows you to multitask with ease.
- This tablet can function as a control hub for Amazon Echos, making your smart home even smarter.
Cons:
- Technically speaking, this tablet utilizes an Amazon operating system that isn’t always friendly with Google services. If you’re looking for full Android capabilities, you’ll want to search elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4
Cut the cord
There’s no mistaking that one of the tablet’s most appealing features is its portability, but that can become a moot point with a weak battery. The 10.4-inch version of the Samsung Galaxy A7 ensures that your tablet can be as mobile as you are, thanks to the most powerful battery in its class. We’ve found that the battery can last for several days on a single charge with light and moderate usage before it needs to recharge. Moreover, the 15W charging block resupplies your device’s power at an astonishing rate. To top it all off, the boosted screen resolution will have you watching crystal clear content for hours on end.
Pros:
- The Dolby surround sound and quad speakers provide a noticeable difference in audio quality.
- Even with the more powerful battery and bigger screen, this A7 tablet is still light enough to hold comfortably at just over a pound.
Cons:
- With only 3GB of RAM, this tablet may lag when trying to juggle multiple applications at once.
Venturer 14″ Luna Max
Plug and play
Although technology has become increasingly lightweight and slim, it’s also lost its capacity for functional jacks and ports. If you’re frustrated by the constant need for adapters, the Venturer Luna Max is here to save the day. It has six separate inputs and outputs, ranging from your traditional audio jack to an HDMI port. It’s a little bulkier than some of the competition, but there’s no denying the convenience and functionality.
Pros:
- The addition of the detachable magnetic keyboard is a huge plus for folks who still prefer keys to touchscreens while typing.
- With one of the largest screens in the market, this tablet has no shortage of real estate when it comes to working on the go.
Cons:
- The battery only lasts for an average of four hours while in constant use, which means you’ll have to charge up frequently.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
A tier above the rest
Among other things, Android-compatible products are prized for their affordability—especially when compared to Apple technology. We’re not here to pick sides, but we will confirm that this Galaxy S7+ is reasonably priced, relative to its competition. It also boasts a stunning resolution and ample RAM for multitasking, gaming, or video streaming. The included S Pen is the cherry on top of an already sweet deal.
Pros:
- We particularly enjoyed the various security options for the S7+, like the in-screen fingerprint reader.
- This tablet is designed for professionals on the go, but its processing power and battery life make it a favorite among gamers and everyday users, as well.
Cons:
- Without a headphone jack, the S7+ requires Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter to listen to audio privately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide how much internal storage I need?
If you’re hoping to store pictures, videos, or large-format files, you’ll likely need at least 128 GB of internal memory. You can also buy an external memory card, which should be compatible with most tablets. A word of caution: when brands advertise internal storage, they do so without factoring in the memory required for the operating systems. In other words, a device that has 34 GB of memory may only have half of that as functional storage. You can find out how much storage each operating system takes up by doing a quick internet search.
What is RAM and why does it matter?
RAM, or random access memory, is basically a way of measuring how well your device can manage multiple tasks simultaneously. It works along with your processor to provide a speedy and lag-free user experience. While your average tablet user can get by comfortably on 3 to 4 GB of RAM, gamers, artists, and professionals looking to replace a laptop may want to opt for something in the 6 to 8 GB range.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.