Find out which tablets offer the best value
A few years ago if you wanted a tablet you’d get an iPad. But now there’s a lot more choice with plenty of options outside of Apple.
Apple’s iOS makes for an excellent set-up-and-forget tablet experience. Apps are tablet optimised and stand out over competitors. The iPad is still king of combining productivity, power and simplicity in one package.
Android’s infinite customisation is why its users keep coming back. You can tweak the design through widgets and customise multiple home screens. Plus they can be much cheaper than competitors.
Windows tablets are powerful and flexible, but have trade-offs in battery life and size. Windows 10 improved tablet use, making it a more intuitive experience overall. If you opt for a Windows tablet then be prepared to spend more for a better experience.
Portability is a number one concern. If you’re out all day you’ll want something small and easy to carry which will survive being thrown in your bag.
Smaller screens also make reading more comfortable. But note-taking, web-browsing and watching video are all easier on larger screens. Consider sizing up to a 10-inch display if this is what you want from the device.
Size might also be dependent on your budget. Most 7-inch tablets are much cheaper than 9- or 10-inch ones.
Screen quality is one of the most important factors when buying a tablet. 10-inch tablets tend to have higher-resolution displays than smaller models. Always opt for at least a Full HD (1980 x 1080) screen unless you’re really pushed on price. Dismiss any tablet with a resolution below 1024 x 600.
32GB is suitable for most users, but if you love your downloads it might be worth upsizing to 64GB or opting for a tablet with expandable storage. Some Android tablets take external microSD cards, giving more freedom over how much you can download and store on the device.
There's no such option with Apple, so steer clear of 16GB iPad models.
We've got three of the best tablets around next from £50 to £400.
Simple but sturdy, the Amazon Fire is a low-cost option. What it lacks in specs it makes up for in its budget-busting price.
The screen is vibrant and viewing angles are good. Yet the resolution is quite low, so it’s not great for reading at length. Happily it manages to run apps and games well.
The Fire is a good first tablet, especially when paired with an Amazon Prime membership. That's when it comes into its own for watching TV and movies.
Read more: Amazon Fire Review
Buy Now: Amazon
Featuring an unassuming rubberised chassis, this tablet doesn’t have much visual flair compared with metal competitors. But underneath its discreet skin, the Galaxy Tab S2 is packed full of top-end internal components.
Key selling points include a powerful octa-core processor, a super-sharp 8-inch AMOLED display, and a fingerprint scanner.
The combination of parts make this one of the best all-round Android tablets on the market.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 review
Buy Now: Currys | Amazon
The iPad Mini 4 is slim and light, making it perfect for when you're on the move between classes.
The screen lends itself to both work and play – sharp and easy on the eyes. It’s a pleasure to read on, but also makes films and TV shows look stunning.
Full of great apps from the get-go, this mini powerhouse handles even the most intensive programs. Paired with its excellent battery, it'll keep pace with you all day long.
Read more: iPad Mini 4 review
Buy Now: Amazon | Currys