Every tablet included in this guide has been reviewed in full, so we've spent a lot of time with each of them working out what's good, what's bad, and how they compare. Android is the most popular tablet operating system, with models available in every price range. There are small differences between brands, but generally they all operate in the same way, with little difference from one Android tablet to another. If you’re looking to make your tablet (or phone) easier to use, making it less of a faff to tap on tiny buttons and on-screen keyboards, a capacitive stylus could be what you need. While it isn't as smart as an active stylus, it can be very useful. inches These are the smallest tablets you can buy and often the cheapest as well. They’re the best for one-handed use – which can be invaluable if you regularly use public transport. They’re a similar size to eBook readers, so could be a good Kindle alternative if you want a device that can entertain you with both literature and the latest TV programmes. They tend to be more basic, and it's rare to see a 7-inch tablet with high-end components or screens with a higher resolution than Full HD.

Read our full reMarkable 2 review . How to choose the best tablet for you How to choose the best tablet for you Connectivity: While Wi-Fi connectivity is now standard for tablets and other mobile devices, it may also be worth looking at tablets that also support LTE cellular data for when Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. This feature is great for mobile professionals who may not always be able to access traditional internet networks. Screen quality Whether it's Full HD, 4K, or even sub-HD, our tests gauge how clear the screen is, how well it handles bright sunlight, and if it stands up to being viewed at an angle. You should try to match the brand of your stylus to the brand of your tablet, such as the Apple Pencil, unless it's very clearly stated which tablets are compatible with your stylus of choice. In our review, we were very impressed with both the software and its performance. Qualcomm's processor really put in the work here, and Samsung's OneUI software makes this feel like a real laptop with enhanced multitasking capabilities that you simply won't find on offerings from Apple or Google. Unfortunately, its biggest flaw is that it continues to feel like a real laptop without actually being one. If you want a laptop to do all the laptop things, you'll still be better served running a real laptop. But as a big tablet? Unmatched.

Windows Tablet Security and Connectivity

The worst tablet we've tested for battery life lasted for just 2 hours – enough to watch a movie on a flight to the Isle of Man. ZDNET contributor Simon Bisson also used the Surface Pro X and said, "Microsoft has produced an excellent device for mobile workers, with a focus on Office and the web." One of the benefits of Android is that it’s easy to customise and adapt to your own needs. The disadvantage is that there aren’t many apps specifically optimised for big screens, so it can often feel like you’re just using big smartphone apps. Fire OS

As with any tech product, if you shop around and wait for a good time to buy a tablet, you can save serious cash. Here are some easy ways to get a good deal on each of the major tablet operating systems. Resolution is dictated by the number of pixels displayed on the screen and affects picture quality. It’s presented as two numbers, 1,920 x 1080px for example, the first of which relates to horizontal pixels and the second vertical pixels. If two otherwise identical 11in screens have different resolutions, the one with a higher resolution will display a higher-quality image. The difference isn’t always obvious on smaller screens, but if you’re buying a larger tablet and plan on doing a lot of streaming, aim for the highest resolution possible. How much storage does my Android tablet need? On paper, all tablets do mostly the same things. The difference comes in how well they perform. If you just want a tablet for browsing the internet, watching Netflix and maybe a little light gaming, a 12.9in iPad Pro is overkill, even if it does handle all of the aforementioned tasks brilliantly.Not great for precise work such as writing and sketching; if you plan on doing this a lot, and your budget allows, choose a tablet that is compatible with an active stylus Lenovo Tab Extreme specs : Display:14.5-inch OLED| Processor:‎MediaTek Dimensity 9000 | Memory:12GB| Storage: 256GB | Cameras:Rear: 13 MP Auto-focus + 5 MP; Front: 13 MP Fixed-focus| Weight:1.6 pounds | Dimensions:12.9 x 8.3 x 0.23 inches | Battery:Over 8 hours Microsoft's Surface lineup helped usher in the 2-in-1 detachable computer market, so I'd be remiss if I didn't include it on this list. It is sold as a stand-alone tablet, after all. Microsoft redesigned the Surface Pro 8, shrinking the bezels around the 13-inch display and giving it the same basic design as the Surface Pro X.

I also got my hands on the Microsft Surface Pro, and was (almost) converted to a Windows user. What particularly impressed me was the the addition of Thunderbolt 4 support. The ability to connect a tablet to an external display and have it actually work how it's supposed to is a huge boost for my productivity. Consider how much you want and need to spend too. If you don't need top-end power then you can usually save some money. Beyond that, other things to pay attention to are the screen resolution (higher is better), and the battery life - obviously longer is better, but how important that is will depend on whether you mostly plan to use your tablet at home (where you can plug it in at any time) or when out and about (where you might have to rely heavily on the battery).

What Size Tablet Do You Need?

When trying to decide between one of these tablets, the biggest question to ask yourself is what operating system do you want. Once you figure out if you need a full computer experience or if a mobile-centric operating system is enough, you can narrow it down from there.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is virtually the same as the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. We don’t have a problem with iterative releases, but we hoped Microsoft would do something to make the latest edition of their flagship Windows 112-in-1 more appealing. Sadly, that isn’t the case.

If you want the biggest Android tablet for entertainment and cost isn't a concern, the Tab S9 Ultra is the one to get. Its giant screen and multitasking software make it viable tool for getting work done. Just keep in mind that if you plan to travel or commute with your tablet, the 12.4-inch, 5G-capable Galaxy Tab S9+ is a better choice with comparable specs. The T21 also features a large 2K display that, unlike its predecessor, isn’t hampered by DRM restrictions, leaving you free to enjoy HD content in full resolution. The boosted vibrancy makes the colours pop more than ever and the viewing angles are decent enough. It’s a shame that the refresh rate tops out at 60Hz, though it’s understandable at this price. If you're a writer who loves pen and paper, you know that the iPad and its Apple Pencil don't really feel right. That's where the reMarkable tablets have jumped into the fray, offering a real-feeling writing experience, with a unique screen technology that uses digital paper and the Marker stylus, which feels more authentic when you press its nib against the screen. The reMarkable 2, however, is a much more seductive device, now measuring a sleek 0.2 inches and ditching its plastic frame for a sleeker metallic chassis.