Top 5 Tablets in 2024

Halfway between smartphones and computers, tablets divide as much as they attract. However, they are perfect for watching videos or surfing the Internet. But which model should you buy in 2024?

Which tablet to buy?

There are several factors to consider, and the first is, of course, the price. There are currently tablets in all price ranges, and it is likely that this will be the factor that helps you make your decision. Then comes the battery life, as this can be important if you want to use your tablet outside of your home. Whether you are on a long train or car journey, nobody wants to run out of battery halfway through their trip, especially if they are in the middle of an exciting movie. This brings me to the quality of the screen if you are looking for a tool to enjoy various multimedia content. Finally, there are the classics such as ergonomics, finish, and the camera. In short, as you can see, it is not always easy to make a choice.

What size for your tablet?

Tablets come in all sizes, and it will be important to determine what you want to do with your device in order to choose an appropriate model.

First, let’s talk about mini tablets ranging from 7 to 9 inches. Their main advantage is that they can be easily transported anywhere. Most of them are even 4G compatible so they can be used like a smartphone. Their format, very close to e-readers, will also appeal to e-book fans. Next, there are 10-inch tablets, which are more powerful and have much better battery life. These are ideal for multimedia but also allow comfortable web browsing. Then come the 12-inch and larger tablets, intended for professional use. Thanks to their increased power, they compete with laptops and will undoubtedly appeal to content creators of all kinds. Finally, note that among all these, we also find other formats like 4:3, ideal for reading comics, or 16:9, perfect for watching movies or TV shows.

The 5 Best Tablets (2024)

Now that you know a bit more about the world of tablets, here is a selection of 5 products ranked from the highest to the lowest price. If I missed mentioning a model that you care about, feel free to let me know in the comments.

Apple iPad Pro 13in (2024)

Description: 13-inch OLED screen, Apple M4 chip, storage options up to 2TB, 10-hour battery life.

The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) is the latest iteration of Apple’s high-end tablet, introducing several significant improvements over previous models. Here is an overview of its main features and innovations:

Design and Display

The new iPad Pro 13-inch stands out with its exceptionally thin and lightweight design. With dimensions of 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm and a weight of only 579 grams, it is presented as “the thinnest product Apple has ever created.”

The display is one of the highlights of this device. It features a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display using revolutionary tandem OLED technology. This display offers:

• A resolution of 2752 x 2064 pixels (264 ppi)
• A maximum brightness of 1600 nits
• ProMotion technology with a 120 Hz refresh rate
• Approximately 86.9% screen-to-body ratio

Performance

The iPad Pro 13 (2024) is the first iPad to integrate the Apple M4 chip, manufactured using a 3 nm process. This chip offers:

• “Twice as powerful as the M2 chip”
• A new display engine for better color and brightness accuracy
• An improved GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
• A more powerful Neural Engine for AI tasks

Storage and Connectivity

The device is available in several storage configurations, ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and is also available in a cellular version with 5G support.

Accessories

The iPad Pro 13 (2024) is compatible with new accessories, including:

• The Apple Pencil Pro, offering new interactions
• A new, thinner and lighter Magic Keyboard

Price and Availability

The price of the iPad Pro 13 (2024) starts at €1569 for the 256 GB Wi-Fi version, going up to €3159 for the 2 TB Wi-Fi + Cellular version. It is available in two colors: silver and space gray.

The iPad Pro 13 (2024) represents a significant evolution in the iPad lineup, offering top-notch performance, an exceptional display, and an ultra-thin design. However, its high price makes it a product primarily intended for professional users and demanding tech enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Description: 14.6-inch AMOLED screen, powerful performance, ideal for multitasking and entertainment.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a high-end tablet launched in 2023, offering impressive specifications and a refined design. Here is a detailed overview of its main features:

Design and Display

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out for its elegant design and impressive dimensions:

• Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
• Weight: 732 g
• Construction: Glass front, aluminum frame, and back
• IP68 certification for water and dust resistance

The display is one of the highlights of this tablet:

• Size: 14.6 inches
• Technology: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels (16:10 ratio)
• Pixel Density: 239 ppi
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
• HDR10+ compatibility
• Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass
• Screen-to-body ratio: approximately 90.7%

Performance and Storage

The Tab S9 Ultra is equipped with high-end components:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• GPU: Adreno 740
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: Options of 128 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB
• Storage Expansion: microSDXC slot

Camera

The tablet features a versatile camera system:

• Rear Cameras:
• Main: 13 MP
• Ultra-wide: 8 MP
• Front Cameras: Two 12 MP sensors (one ultra-wide)

Battery and Connectivity

• Battery Capacity: 11200 mAh
• Connectivity:
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
• Bluetooth
• USB-C
• 5G support (on compatible models)
• Integrated fingerprint sensor

Software and Features

• Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
• User Interface: One UI 6
• S Pen included with 2.8 ms latency

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra was launched on August 11, 2023, with various storage and connectivity options. Prices vary depending on the chosen configuration.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra positions itself as a premium tablet offering a large, high-quality display, powerful performance, and impressive versatility. It is particularly suited for demanding users, creative professionals, and those looking for an alternative to traditional laptops.

Google Pixel Tablet

Description: 11-inch screen, Google Assistant integration, excellent for streaming and smart home use.

The Google Pixel Tablet is an innovative Android tablet launched in 2023, notable for its hybrid approach that combines the features of a classic tablet with those of a smart home device. Here is a detailed overview of its main characteristics:

Design and Screen

• 11-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels (16:10 aspect ratio)
• Design reminiscent of Google’s Nest Hub products
• Nano-ceramic finish on the back for a pleasant touch
• Relatively lightweight at 439 g

Performance and Storage

• Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip
• 8 GB of RAM with storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB

Unique Features

• Comes with a charging dock that transforms it into a smart home device similar to the Nest Hub
• The dock also functions as a speaker, enhancing sound quality
• Deep integration with the Google ecosystem, including Google Assistant and the Google Home app

Audio and Camera

• Four built-in speakers
• Two 8 MP cameras (front and rear)

Software and AI

• Runs on Android with Google’s user interface
• Incorporates AI features like Circle to Search

Price and Positioning

• Initially launched at €679 (tablet + dock), the price has been reduced
• New price starts at €499 for the tablet alone, €599 with the dock

The Google Pixel Tablet stands out for its versatile approach. It can function as a classic Android tablet for entertainment and productivity but also serves as a smart home hub when placed on its dock. This duality makes it a unique device on the market, especially suited for users integrated into the Google ecosystem and interested in smart home technology.

However, certain aspects like the refresh rate limited to 60 Hz and the lack of an OLED screen may be seen as weaknesses compared to some high-end competitors. Nonetheless, its recent price drop makes it more competitive and attractive to a broader audience.

Amazon Fire Max 11

Description: Budget-friendly with an 11-inch screen, perfect for reading and streaming.

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is Amazon’s latest and most premium tablet, offering several improvements over previous Fire models. Here is a detailed overview of its main features:

Design and Display

• 11-inch screen with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels (213 ppi)
• More premium design with an aluminum body
• Dimensions: thin (7.5 mm thickness) and light (490 g)
• Reinforced glass for better durability

Performance

• MediaTek MT8188J octa-core processor
• 4 GB of RAM
• 50% faster than the previous Fire HD 10
• Wi-Fi 6 for faster connectivity

Storage and Battery

• Storage options: 64 GB or 128 GB
• Expandable via microSD up to 1 TB
• Advertised battery life of 14 hours

Additional Features

• 8 MP front and rear cameras with 1080p video recording
• Fingerprint sensor (a first for an Amazon tablet)
• Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
• Hands-free Alexa

Optional Accessories

• Keyboard case for laptop-like use
• Compatible stylus for note-taking and drawing

Software

• Runs on Fire OS (based on Android), with Amazon’s App Store
• No native access to the Google Play Store

Pricing and Positioning

• Starting price at $229.99 USD for the 64 GB version
• Positioned as a more affordable alternative to high-end tablets while offering premium features

The Fire Max 11 represents a significant evolution for Amazon in the tablet field, with a more refined design and improved performance. However, it is important to note that the software ecosystem remains limited to Amazon’s App Store, which may be a disadvantage for some users accustomed to the Google ecosystem.

Despite this, the Fire Max 11 offers good value for money for those looking for a large, versatile tablet, particularly suited for multimedia consumption and basic productivity use.

Apple iPad 10th-generation

Description: Good value for money, 10.2-inch screen, ideal for daily use.

The Apple iPad 10th generation (2022) is a significant update to Apple’s entry-level iPad line, offering several key improvements over its predecessor. Here are the main features and specifications:

Design and Display

• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 resolution (264 ppi)
• All-screen design similar to iPad Air, with slimmer bezels
• Available in four colors: silver, blue, pink, and yellow
• Touch ID integrated into the top button

Performance

• Powered by the A14 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 12)
• 4GB of RAM
• Storage options: 64GB or 256GB

Camera and Audio

• 12MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, capable of 4K video recording
• 12MP ultra-wide front camera, now positioned on the landscape edge
• Stereo speakers

Connectivity and Battery

• USB-C port (replacing Lightning)
• Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G cellular connectivity
• Up to 10 hours of battery life

Other Features

• iPadOS 16 (upgradable to newer versions)
• Supports Apple Pencil (1st generation) and new Magic Keyboard Folio
• No headphone jack

Price and Positioning

• Starting price: $449 for Wi-Fi model, $599 for Wi-Fi + Cellular
• Positioned between the entry-level iPad (9th gen) and the iPad Air

The 10th generation iPad represents a significant redesign, bringing it closer in line with the more premium iPad models. It offers improved performance, a larger display, and modern features like USB-C and 5G support. However, the price increase and compatibility only with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (requiring an adapter) are potential drawbacks to consider.

Conclusion:

Whether you are looking for a high-end tablet or a budget option, this guide offers choices tailored to your needs. For multimedia, professional, or family use, these tablets represent the best options available in 2024. Do you have any suggestions or experiences to share?
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