Many of us use tablets (on the road, at work, for study) and this form factor will not lose its relevance in the near future. The problem is that inexperienced users do not know what parameters to pay attention to in order not to make a mistake when buying a good gadget, not knowing how far manufacturers have advanced in the development of this area of electronics. We will try to help you understand the important nuances of our ranking of the best tablets of 2021. Our top list includes affordable and quality models and flagship solutions, even for games.
If it was not possible to find a suitable solution in the presented assortment, we recommend that you pay attention to the recommendations for choosing a tablet at the end of the article. But first, let’s take a look at our list.
Best Inexpensive Tablets
This section presents multimedia solutions available to the average user. If you are interested in a children’s device, we recommend that you pay attention to our rating of children’s tablets, which contains more relevant gadgets. We note right away that, as practice shows, it is risky to buy budget inventions up to 5,000 rubles for a child. Do not forget about the software part, which is implemented very poorly in such devices. As a result, most of these gadgets start to slow down after a while, and the quality of the screen implementation in them leaves much to be desired. We chose models with decent displays and parameters.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0
In terms of cost, we can say that this is one of the most productive budget smartphones. At last year’s training, the representative received an 8-inch screen based on a TN matrix. At the same time, the gadget has a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels. A good solution for a child, given the strength and laconic design of the aluminum case. In addition, the device is compact and lightweight – less than 350 grams. This model is suitable for surfing the net, playing simple games and watching videos. The case houses a budget Snapdragon 429 chip paired with 2 gigabytes of RAM. Adreno 504 is used as a graphics core, which is enough to work with 3D at the input level. The pluses include a large 5100 mAh battery, which is enough for 10-12 hours of intensive work.
Advantages:
- good battery;
- good performance;
- resistant body;
- fair value.
Flaws:
- simple screen
Alcatel 3T8
Alcatel 3T with an 8-inch display and a large 4800 mAh battery has joined the list of good cheap tablets for children. Unlike many workarounds of past generations, modern communications are implemented here, including Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, as well as Wi-Fi with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Among other things, support for fourth-generation networks is available. The amount of RAM is 2 gigabytes, the permanent memory in this configuration is 32 gigabytes. This is enough for simple solutions. Responsible for performance is a low-power MediaTek MT8766B series chip with a frequency of up to 2 GHz. The relatively new device runs a fairly modern Android 10.0 operating system.
Advantages:
- relevant communications;
- good display;
- memory size;
- multitouch support.
Flaws:
- weak processor.
Lenovo Tab M8 TB-8505F
An excellent solution among the whole variety of cheap but good tablets is the Lenovo Tab M8 model with a solid screen and a solid build. The manufacturer positions this gadget as a convenient tablet for the whole family with the ability to create a separate entry for each user. An HD screen with a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels with a good level of visibility and a rich picture is responsible for the image quality. The case houses a 4-core MediaTek Helio processor paired with 2 gigabytes of RAM. It would be foolish to say that this is a productive tablet, but it justifies its cost. In addition, the model is compact and has an elegant appearance.
Advantages:
- appearance;
- good display;
- good sound;
- quality assembly.
Flaws:
- low power.
Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8
This year, many users liked the 8-inch model of a good tablet Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 8 series with 2-band Wi-Fi and Harman/Kardon sound system. The sound quality is definitely higher than the parameters of the segment. Another plus is a high-quality IPS-screen with FullHD resolution. It must be said that this device supports 3G/4G (LTE). At the same time, the manufacturer took care of a good level of computing power, despite its compact size. The proprietary HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor and the Mali-G51 MP4 graphics core are enough to comfortably watch videos and games in UltraHD / 4K format. Inside is a large 32 GB memory card and 3 gigabytes of RAM. The battery capacity is 5100 mAh, but thanks to the bright screen, it lasts only 5-7 hours of continuous operation.
Advantages:
- 3 gigabytes of RAM;
- good processor;
- IPS matrix;
- compact size;
- excellent stereo speakers.
Flaws:
- not yet identified.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
The best budget tablet of 2021 in our opinion is the 10-inch Lenovo Tab M10 Plus with MediaTek Helio P22T processor. Yes, this is far from the most powerful chip, but the disadvantages are compensated by an excellent display with a resolution of FHD (1920×1200 pixels), which is built on an IPS matrix. For watching Netflix or YouTube services, the picture is definitely suitable. In addition, the manufacturer has taken care of the excellent Dolby Atmos sound. It would not be superfluous to note the simplicity of the settings and the child mode, which provides for blocking access to the gadget. There is definitely enough memory for content and settings for multiple users at the same time.
Advantages:
- display quality;
- simple settings;
- certified parts;
- memory size.
Flaws:
The best 10 inch tablets
It’s no secret that the most popular models are made in the form factor of 10 inches. This is not surprising, because 7- and 8-inch devices are not too noticeable against the background of modern flagship smartphones (phablets), in addition, smartphones with flexible screens have appeared. As for large tablets, their cost is often unjustified. If you are interested in a practical premium solution, let me introduce you to interesting models with 10-inch screens.
Apple iPad Air 3
Our 2021 tablet ranking includes the iPad Air 3 model with Face ID support. It should be noted right away that this model does not have GPS, but, unlike its predecessor, the flagship A12 processor is used, the performance of which is beyond doubt. In addition, the novelty has acquired a screen enlarged to 10.5 inches. The front-facing camera has been bumped up to 7 megapixels, just like the 1.2 megapixel camera on the Air 2. The list of upgrades doesn’t end there. The display supports a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels with DCI-P3 color space mapping. The screen supports True Tone mode (responsible for automatic white balance correction). It should be added that the internal memory of this flagship tablet is 256 gigabytes, which is enough to install many games.
Advantages:
- 11 hours of battery life;
- bluetooth 5.0 support;
- enlarged display;
- flagship processor;
- the amount of internal memory.
Flaws:
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, supporting FHD resolution, joined the list of 10-inch tablets of the year. A great solution for watching any video from your favorite services including Netflix and YouTube. The screen, built on an IPS matrix, perfectly reproduces colors, attracts with a high level of contrast and brightness. At the same time, the model has a rich and powerful sound, which is due to the support of high-quality stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos technology. There is a child mode for blocking. However, flexible settings allow you to create multiple accounts, specifying full or partial access. The battery capacity (5000 mAh) is enough for 9 hours of operation. The 8-core MediaTek Helio P22T chip is responsible for the “reaction speed”. 8MP main camera, 5MP front camera.
Advantages:
- good camera;
- good battery;
- flexible settings;
- big screen;
- speakers.
Flaws:
- average power.
Apple iPad 7
We are talking about another 10-inch top-end tablet that attracts with an excellent screen and parameters. The gadget is equipped with a quad-core processor with a frequency of 2.34 GHz and a screen resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. Internal memory 32 gigabytes. At the same time, the manufacturer of the brand took care of the presence of a capacious battery, which is enough for 10 hours of battery life. The problem is only in the quality of the front camera, which works on the basis of a 1.2 megapixel sensor: the quality is not the best. I was pleased with the presence of an optimized operating system, support for Apple Pancil and a convenient Smart Keyboard. Finding flaws in the quality of the aluminum housing, as in stereo speakers, is extremely difficult. In addition, there is a slot for a memory card, a Lightning connector.
Advantages:
- good equipment;
- screen clarity;
- memory size;
- build quality;
- battery life.
Flaws:
- front camera.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Surely a good 10-inch tablet was released by Samsung two years earlier. At the same time, the Galaxy Tab S6 line, which combines elegant design and powerful technical characteristics, has not lost its relevance to this day. The device received a high-quality case with small frames. Several color variations are available for the buyer to choose from, each of which looks elegant. An AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels is responsible for stunning image quality. The display can recognize more than 4 thousand degrees of pressure, which indicates a very good response. The flagship Snapdragon 855 processor is responsible for performance. A special DeX multi-window mode is provided. The main camera allows you to record 4K video. The module consists of two lenses, of which 13 and 5 megapixels. The front camera has an 8 MP sensor.
Advantages:
- wonderful screen;
- multi-window mode;
- main camera;
- battery life;
- powerful processor.
Flaws:
Apple iPad Air
The best 10.9-inch tablet of 2021 is the Apple iPad Air, released last season. At the heart of this line is already the A14 Bionic processor, which offers customers chic performance for a wide range of tasks. In fact, a similar chip is used in the iPhone 12 series smartphone. Among the features of the gadget, I would like to note the presence of the Apple Pencil (second generation), the presence of color temperature adaptation, the USB C interface and the fingerprint sensor located on the power button. Wi-Fi 6 support and a powerful camera with 4K video support will not be superfluous. This is a truly chic exhibit that will not lose its relevance for a long time.
Advantages:
- powerful processor;
- 4K video shooting;
- front camera;
- have a stylus.
Flaws:
The best hybrid tablets
Of course, even in 10-inch models that received Snapdragon 855 and A12 processors, there is enough power to run high-end games at maximum settings, but … Indeed, flagship tablets have screens from 12 to 13 inches and are really capable of replacing PCs and laptops in terms of viewing content, work and study. Such models can easily cope with any mobile game. The only drawback is the huge price justified by the large list of tasks assigned to such equipment.
Microsoft Surface Go2 Pentium
Perhaps the most affordable hybrid tablet solution is the powerful Microsoft Surface Go 2 Pentium, running Windows 10 series operating systems with Intel Pentium Gold or Core M3 computer processors. On the front is a sleek 10.5-inch display. The screen used has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 3:2. The amount of RAM and internal memory can vary from 4/64 GB to 8/128 GB, respectively. The battery life of this gadget can reach 10 hours. It will not be superfluous to note the keyboard and pen holder for drawing.
Advantages:
- graphics tablet functions;
- different configurations;
- good screen;
- operating system.
Flaws:
- not powerful processors.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro
As for premium processors, I would also like to note the product of the HUAWEI MatePad Pro LTE series with the proprietary flagship Kirin 990 processor. The display occupies about 90% of the front panel of the device. At the same time, the brightness level of the gadget is 540 nits, which is a good indicator, as well as the color space level according to the DCI-P3 standard. TÜV Rheinland technology, in turn, reduces the negative impact of UV radiation on the eyes of users. Of the interesting features, I also note support for a 4-channel audio system and the presence of 4 high-quality speakers. Histen 6.0 technology contributes to the correct distribution of stereo sound.
Advantages:
- sound quality;
- good display;
- many options;
- model ergonomics.
Flaws:
- mobile chip.
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Of course, many are sure that the Windows tablets of this company failed miserably, but this is not entirely true. The fact is that such devices have their own target audience, and we cannot but reveal the possibilities and advantages. Yes, this is not the best gadget for users looking for a gaming device for entertainment, but there are no analogues to make it work. In addition, the device has a high level of usability and a beautiful screen for viewing multimedia content. Surface Pro X is another experiment, but a successful one. The manufacturer managed to please fans with a thin and light branded tablet with an excellent screen, the brightness of which is 450 nits. For mobile versions, this is a very high figure. At the same time, the SSD capacity is 512 GB, which is an indicator of a PC. The amount of RAM is from 8 to 16 gigabytes. There are two cameras with support for 4K recording.
Advantages:
- memory size;
- display quality;
- high power;
- data recording speed;
- thoughtful drawing.
Flaws:
Dell Latitude 7285 256GB
Another premium hybrid tablet with all the features. It’s practically a laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor. The model works on the basis of the Windows 10 operating system. The kit includes two keyboard units at the same time. The first is movable buttons, and the second is with an additional battery, which allows you to increase battery life by another 4 hours. The highlight of the gadget is a powerful matrix Sharp IGZO premium 3K with an aspect ratio of 3 to 2 at a resolution of 2880 by 1920 pixels. The processor clock speed reaches 3.2 GHz, the weight of the structure is about 680 grams, taking into account the presence of a large 256 GB SSD.
Advantages:
- data transfer rate;
- screen quality;
- additional battery;
- two keyboards;
- good power.
Flaws:
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The best flagship tablet of 2021 is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This device is more like a small laptop than a mobile gadget. This is confirmed by performance, support for solid state drives (SSD) and the Windows 10 operating system. The resolution of the 12.3-inch display is 2736 by 1824 pixels. The advantages of portable technology include the presence of a stylus, Wi-Fi 6 generations and support for face authentication. For users who want to be confident in the security of their data and require the highest conditions for the comfortable operation of electronics, this device will be the ideal solution.
Advantages:
- elegant design;
- data protection;
- good power;
- gorgeous screen.
Flaws:
How to choose a good tablet?
It must be said right away that we will consider the standards for buying classic tablets without taking Microsoft into account, which have become a kind of exception to the rule, and this is due not only to the operating system, but also to the technical component. Such models are most likely intended for users who value comfort in work. If you do not know how to choose a tablet for entertainment, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Display: The diagonal of the screen can vary from 7 to 13 inches. The best in the region of 8-10 with resolutions from HD to UltraHD. The 4K format for tablets is not practiced yet, but we will soon see these flagships. As for the matrix, IPS and Amoled are definitely better than NT and TFT. The latest options are distinguished by a slight viewing angle and color reproduction.
- Processor: Budget models have from 2 to 4 cores with a frequency of up to 2 GHz, they are paired with 2 GB of RAM. This performance is enough to perform simple tasks, view content. Premium tablets can be equipped with high-end mobile processors, up to the dragon 855a series, although the 865a already exists, but there are no models equipped with this chip on the market yet. For Apple, the maximum is A12.
- Memory: The amount of RAM can vary from 2 to 6 gigabytes (no longer needed), and the amount of ROM can be up to 256 GB. Hybrid solutions may have SSDs, but that’s closer to PCs than tablets.
- Battery: This parameter is specified in milliamps per hour. But battery life depends not only on battery capacity, but also on the size and performance of the screen. Optimally up to 9-12 hours during operation. It’s measured
- Cameras: Indeed, even flagship models can rarely handle good photos and videos, although there are tablets with 4K support. But in this respect, expensive devices are inferior to smartphones, and this must be understood.
Tablet manufacturers rating
Previously, many mistakenly believed that tablets would soon cease to be in demand due to the alleged rapid development of smartphones, but so far there is no intermediate link between PCs and phones. In addition, portable technology is becoming more powerful and functional. Hybrid tablets already exist, and we believe it is necessary to pay due attention to brands that make a significant contribution to the development of this electronics segment. To do this, we have prepared a conditional rating of the best tablet manufacturers:
- The best manufacturers of cheap tablets. In this category, the undisputed leaders are Lenovo and Huawei. The first brand offers many models with a diagonal of up to 7-10 inches with 3 GB of RAM and a mobile chip at the level of mid-range smartphones. Lenovo equips its products with certified components that ensure a long service life. All models are satisfied with the ease of setup, but many lines are equipped with outdated processors, which negatively affects power. In turn, Huawei uses its (current) proprietary processors, which perfectly expand the capabilities of the technology (there is for the studio, for games, etc.).
- Top premium tablet brands. In this category, the undisputed leader is Apple, whose products are distinguished by a high level of reliability, security and value. It’s only in recent years that the South Korean company Samsung has tried to compete with a company that has managed to achieve serious success in the field of screen production.
- The best hybrid tablet companies. Unlike many other brands, Microsoft tablets are as close to laptops as possible. The brand creates devices for IT professionals and creatives, so their devices already have computer processors with a very high level of performance and autonomy. The downside is that this manufacturer does not support the distribution of free software.
Which tablet is better to choose in 2021?
Therefore, all tablets today can be conditionally divided into several categories: for children, for games, for entertainment (viewing multimedia content, surfing the net) and for work (hybrid solutions with a diagonal of more than 10 inches). At the same time, the price and technical parameters of modern devices can be very different. If you don’t know which tablet is the best to buy this year, you need to understand what actions you have set up for the device. We have tried to highlight the characteristics and applications of various classes of equipment. Well, now let’s summarize:
- Best tablet for kids: Lenovo Tab M8
- A good model for games is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6;
- Great tablet for work: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- In terms of price and quality – Apple iPad 7;
- The best tablet in all respects is the Microsoft Surface Pro X.
Share your opinion, as well as experience in operating a particular model.