We’ve reviewed the best tablets of 2023 after putting them through rigorous testing to determine which one is the best for your daily working activities, entertainment needs, and the price range. Even while it’s undeniably true that the iPads from Apple are dominating this product area, there are still plenty of options available for people who prefer Android tablets or even something altogether outside of both dominant ecosystems. So without wasting time, here are seven of our top recommended tablets you should be using in 2023 and beyond.
Table of Contents
Apple iPad Air (2022)
The All-round Best iPad
SPECS
DISPLAY: 10.9-inch, 2366 x 1640 screen resolution | CPU: Apple M1 chip | MEMORY: 8 GB | STORAGE: 64 GB, 256 GB | OS: iPadOS 15 | BATTERY LIFE: 10h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 12MP (wide), Front 12MP (Ultrawide)
PROS
CONS
The fifth-generation iPad Air is a complete success, providing an excellent bridge between the base model iPad and the iPad Pro range, which represents yet another advancement in both performance and cost. Even though its asking price puts it in the same price range as other high-end tablets, we think the overall value is really good.
The M1 CPU, slim design, and the ability to combine it with accessories are all major benefits, especially for those who have been thinking about upgrading from their older tablet. The main drawbacks are the absence of Face ID and the unavailability of a 128GB variant, leaving you with a choice between the 64GB and 256GB models. There aren’t many more significant flaws with the most recent iPad Air.
Apple iPad Mini (2021)
A Worthy Travelling Companion
SPECS
DISPLAY: 8.3-inch, 2266 x 1488 screen resolution | CPU: A15 Bionic chip | STORAGE: 64 GB, 256 GB | OS: iPadOS 16 | BATTERY LIFE: 9h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 12MP (wide), Front 12MP (Ultrawide)
PROS
CONS
The new design for the Apple iPad mini is a true accomplishment. Due to a modification in the form of the bezel, it is not only now lighter and smaller than its predecessor, but it also offers a larger display size. The iPad mini is once again a stylish, portable alternative that’s great for viewing movies, playing games, and reading or writing on the road. It is far more powerful than other tiny tablets.
All iPads have these features, of course, but the fact that you can do it all with one hand and then stow it away much more conveniently is a genuine benefit. Because the Smart Connector is reserved for larger models, it can’t exactly replace your laptop, but features like support for the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) let it to remain a very flexible slate.
Therefore, the only real complaint we have is that it avoids several of Apple’s more expensive features, including Face ID, MagSafe charging, and ProMotion refresh rates. This is nonetheless a complete delight to use, despite those shortcomings and a somewhat hefty price tag. It’s so fantastic, in fact, that it owns its own niche in the tablet market.
OnePlus Pad
The All-round Best Android Tablet
SPECS
DISPLAY: 11.61-inch, 2000 x 2800 screen resolution | CPU: Mediatek MT6983 Dimensity 9000 | MEMORY: 8 GB, 12 GB | STORAGE: 128 GB, 256 GB | OS: Android 13 | BATTERY LIFE: 13h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 13MP (wide), Front 8MP (wide)
PROS
CONS
It’s official. The first OnePlus tablet has arrived, and it’s spectacular. The OnePlus Pad is a treat for content consumption with a nice and quick 144Hz IPS display, a new 7:5 aspect ratio, and some excellent speakers to back it up.
Thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor inside, it is also pretty powerful. As a result, it can multitask effortlessly and handle some gaming, but not nearly as effectively as some of our best gaming phones.
The addition of the Stylo pencil turns the OnePlus Pad into an excellent tool for doodling if you have a little bit of a creative side. Additionally, you may easily start typing if you need to do some work by adding the keyboard case. It is one of the greatest Android tablets available right now because to its affordable price, amazing performance, long battery life, and superb accessories.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
An Impressive Samsung Tablet
SPECS
DISPLAY: 11-inch, 1600 X 1560 2560 screen resolution | CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | MEMORY: 8 GB, 12 GB | STORAGE: 128 GB, 256 GB, includes microSD slot | OS: Android 12 | BATTERY LIFE: 13h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 13MP (wide) + 6MP (ultrawide), Front 12MP (wide)
PROS
CONS
It’s usually a smart idea to start with Samsung’s basic model if you’re looking for a high-end Android tablet. The Tab S8 is still a viable option even if we haven’t had a chance to test the most recent entry-level model, the Tab S9.
With few notable improvements over the Tab S7 that was introduced back in 2020, we wouldn’t say it offers the best value for the money, but to its credit, it does genuinely check off a few boxes that other devices find difficult to complete. In particular, this is one of the few Android tablets with a design that can compete with the iPad and top-tier power.
Some people will prefer the newer Tab S9 over the Tab S8 since it has an AMOLED display, but the new display technology also raises the price. We will continue to recommend the regular Tab S8 as our top Android tablet until we have a chance to evaluate the Tab S9.
Amazon Fire HD 8
A Cheap but Simple to Use tablet
SPECS
DISPLAY: 11-inch, 800 x 1280 screen resolution | CPU: Mediatek MT8169A | MEMORY: 2 GB | STORAGE: 32 GB, 64 GB, includes microSD | OS: Android 12 | BATTERY LIFE: 13h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 5MP, Front 2MP
PROS
CONS
Between Amazon’s value-pick Fire 7 and the bigger Fire HD 10, the Fire HD 8 occupies a desirable space. While the Fire HD 8’s performance and features surpass those of the Fire 7’s, it also outlasts the Fire HD 10’s, making it a little more alluring option for those who want to take it on the road.
The Fire HD 8 has a strong position in the entertainment market, particularly for Prime subscribers, where the value for money is undeniable. The Fire HD 8 is a great option to keep your kids entertained, whether you’re a frequent traveler, searching for a portable tablet, or both. There isn’t much else available that compares at this pricing.
Apple iPad (2022)
A Premium Looking and Good Performance Tablet
SPECS
DISPLAY: 10.9-inch, 1640 x 2360 screen resolution | CPU: Apple A14 Bionic chip | MEMORY: 4 GB | STORAGE: 64 GB/256 GB | OS: iPadOS 16.1 | BATTERY LIFE: 13h | INPUT: USB-C | CAMERA: Rear 12MP (wide), Front 12MP (ultrawide)
PROS
CONS
Apple unveiled a new iPad for 2022, as if its iPad lineup weren’t already diverse and sophisticated enough. The 10th generation iPad features the even bezel design originally seen in the iPad Pro and iPad Air, but – again – at a little lower price.
However, the price is still significantly more than the 9th generation model with bulky bezels that came before it. It nevertheless provides a fantastic overall experience while occupying this odd middle ground between the entry-level and iPad Air devices.
It boasts an excellent display, a long battery life, and a more contemporary style. It might use more storage at the lowest level, and we’d love to see support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, but other than that, it’s a powerful and competent iPad with a ton of features.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Ultra
The Best Ultra-sized Premium Tablet
SPECS
DISPLAY: 14.6-inch, 1848 x 2960 screen resolution | CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | MEMORY: 12 GB/16 GB | STORAGE: 256 GB/512 GB/1TB, includes microSD slot | OS: Android 13 | BATTERY LIFE: 10h | INPUT: USB-C, microphone/earphone jack | CAMERA: Rear 13MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide), Front 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide)
PROS
CONS
Samsung continued where its predecessor left off with the Tab S9 Ultra. The Ultra’s 14.6-inch display contributes to its continued excessive size. The built-in S Pen works well for taking notes and sketching on the AMOLED screen, which is also ideal for watching movies or your favorite television programs.
The Tab S9 Ultra’s waterproof design by Samsung is the most impressive—and maybe the least necessary. That implies that you may use it in the pool and even write on the screen while submerged. You know, if you’ve been waiting to use a tablet for that type of stuff.
To fully utilize the versatility that the Tab S9 Ultra brings to the market, you’ll want to purchase one of Samsung’s official keyboard cases. This case works with Samsung’s DeX platform, which transforms the tablet’s interface from an Android-first tablet into a laptop-like experience, complete with a desktop for placing shortcuts and files as well as apps that run in windows rather than taking up the full screen.
The Tab S9 Ultra is indeed huge and powerful, but it isn’t cheap, especially once you add a keyboard adapter to your basket.
My Verdict
All the best tablets of 2023 are impressive. They are easy to use, with good performance, long battery life, and are well-designed. However, the Apple iPad Air 2022 came out on top because it can give excellent, crystal clear performance without sacrificing the portable design that can also serve as a 2-in-1 laptop with the right keyboard accessories.
For Android users, the best one will have to be the OnePlus Pad. It comes with an excellent display with 144Hz refresh rate, good sound output, good battery life and impressive performance. So which of these seven best tablets of 2023 are you going for?
If you like this article, please leave your comments below, and if you have any questions you can also leave them below and we will try our best to answer it as quickly as possible.
