The Best Tablets
If you haven't already dipped your feet into the wonderful world of tablets, then you're missing out. Tablets are mobile entertainment systems, digital notebooks, and virtual workspaces. And they're not just for working adults; retired seniors love tablets for their large displays and accessibility, and companies like Amazon have created kid-friendly devices that feature educational content and games. To help you find the perfect tablet, we've rounded up a list of some of the best of the best. Read on for a taste of a few different tablets that tingled our tech senses.
Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
The hottest tablet out there
Amazon has been churning out affordable tech for a while now, and the Fire 7 is no exception to the brand’s ability to balance price with function. The tablet features a seven-inch IPS display for a crisp resolution that can keep you entertained for up to seven hours on a single charge. The two-megapixel front camera can snap clear selfies while the rear camera can capture 720p HD video. You can opt for 16 or 32 gigabytes of internal storage, both of which can be expanded with a microSD card.
Pros:
- Supremely affordable
- Hands-free navigation with voice-activated Alexa
- Additional storage available with external microSD card
- 720p HD video capture
Cons:
- 1 GB of RAM and 1.3 GHz processor can lag when using multiple applications
- Small price increase to upgrade to an ad-free version
Apple iPad 8th Generation
The cream of the crop
When it comes to integrated tech ecosystems, Apple has proven to be the gold standard time and time again. With the eighth generation of the iPad, you can use iMessage and FaceTime, browse the internet, utilize the first-generation Apple Pencil, and switch seamlessly between apps for up to 10 hours on a single charge. The stunning 10.2-inch Retina display — a proprietary name for Apple’s series of screens with higher pixel density than usual — allows you to watch your favorite shows in all their glory. Also equipped with Touch ID for security and Apple Pay, this tablet is as practical as it is elegant.
Pros:
- Available with either 32 and 128 GB of internal storage
- 10.2-inch Retina display is among the best in its class
- 3 GB of RAM handles multitasking with ease
- Option for cellular data compatibility
Cons:
- Loss of some functionality if your other devices aren’t within the Apple ecosystem
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
A fire that won't burn out
Battery life has become the bane of our collective existence. It’s all fun and games until your screen dims, battery-saver mode turns on, and you start scrounging around for an outlet. With Amazon’s Fire 8, you can get up to 12 hours of continuous streaming, gaming, or browsing on a single charge. The tablet also features boosted speeds thanks to a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. Along with the increased internal storage option of 64 GB, this generation of the Fire tablet utilizes ultrafast USB-C charging so you can spend more time on the go.
Pros:
- 12 hours of continuous use on a single, five-hour charge (with included USB-C cable)
- Boosted processing power and RAM makes for a fluid user experience
- Internal storage expandable to 1 TB with microSD card
Cons:
- Doesn’t support the use of Google Play
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet
Fire fun for everyone
Though there are plenty of educational benefits to buying your kiddo a tablet, many standard models aren’t always kid-friendly with their features or designs. With Amazon’s Fire 8 kids edition, you get all the processing power of a Fire 8 with a protective case and a year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+. This spans over 20,000 apps, books, games, videos, and specialized content from channels like PBS Kids and Disney. Parents can even filter this content, limit usage, and set educational goals utilizing the parent dashboard.
Pros:
- All the processing power and speed of the Fire 8 with added functionality for kids
- Amazon Kids+ subscription provides access to a wealth of content
- Content controls and educational goals can be set using the parent dashboard
Cons:
- Without a continued subscription to Amazon Kids+, you lose the kid-specific features
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
The cutting edge
Samsung’s Galaxy line is aptly named since it seems like there are few things in this world it can’t do. The S7 tablet boasts an 11-inch LCD with a minimal bezel, leaving more room for viewing crisp images or HD video content. We’ve highlighted the 128 GB version with 6 GB of RAM, but that gets boosted to a whopping 8 GB when you opt for 256 or 512 GB of storage. When combined with the octa-core processor, your tablet can seamlessly juggle multiple apps without lagging. Mark up papers or take notes with the redesigned S Pen, and capture incredible images with the dual wide 13 MP and ultra-wide 5 MP rear cameras.
Pros:
- The minimal bezel LCD screen is sleek and clear
- Highest RAM capacity in its class of tablets
- S Pen is ideal for taking notes or designing
- High-quality, dual rear-facing cameras capture crisp picture and video
Cons:
- Paying a premium for advanced specs and features
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RAM and why is it important?
Random-access memory, or RAM, is commonly referred to as a device’s short-term memory. It’s utilized to store and process information on the fly, allowing you to accomplish multiple tasks at once. More RAM means a greater capacity to seamlessly transition between apps without lagging, making the multitasker in all of us much happier.
How much internal storage do I need?
This depends on how you intend to use your tablet. If you’re planning on taking daily notes or downloading extensive content, consider opting for higher internal storage of at least 64 GB. If you’re just looking for an easy-to-use piece of tech for games and entertainment, 32 GB should be plenty. Keep in mind that many tablets offer extended storage with the use of an external microSD card, so you can always bump up your space if needed.
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.