Apple’s iPad Pro reigns supreme in the tablet world, offering a powerful processor, stunning display, and a sleek design perfect for work, creativity, and entertainment. But that premium price tag might not fit everyone’s budget, or perhaps you’re looking for a specific feature the iPad Pro lacks. Fear not. A range of compelling alternatives offer fantastic functionality at a more accessible price point, or cater to specialized needs. If that interests you, let’s explores the best iPad Pro alternatives currently available, highlighting their strengths and guiding you towards the perfect tablet for your unique requirements.
Choosing the Best iPad Pro Alternative
Before diving into the world of iPad alternatives, take a moment to consider how you’ll be using this device. Are you a casual web browser and movie streamer, or a productivity powerhouse needing to run demanding applications? Knowing your needs will guide you towards the features that matter most. Here are some key criteria to consider once you’ve established your tablet’s purpose:
1 – Screen Size: Measured diagonally in inches, screen size dictates your workspace. Larger screens (think 14 inches) offer more room for creative work and movie marathons, but come at the cost of portability. Smaller screens (11-inches and below) offer less views but costs less and is weighs less.
2 – Screen Resolution: Higher resolution means sharper visuals and a more enjoyable content experience.
3 – Brightness & Color: Measured in nits, brightness determines how well you see the screen in various lighting conditions. Generally, 300 nits is acceptable, 400 nits is good, and anything above 500 nits is excellent. Additionally, you might see references to color gamuts (sRGB, DCI-P3, etc.). A higher percentage coverage translates to richer and more accurate colors.
4 – Stylus Compatibility: If you have artistic aspirations or crave a note-taking experience like the Apple Pencil offers, ensure the tablet supports an active stylus. As a side note, there are tablets that includes a stylus, and then there are those you buy separately.
5 Best iPad Pro Alternatives to Buy
Now that you have a better idea of how to choose a tablet, Let’s look at the best iPad Pro alternatives you can buy right now.
Asus Zenbook 14x Flip
DISPLAY: 14-inches OLED | CPU: Intel Core i7 | MEMORY: 16GB RAM | STORAGE: 512GB/1TB SSD | WEIGHT: 1.5kg
Technically a 2-in-1 laptop, the ASUS Zenbook Flip is so lightweight and portable that it deserves a mention as an iPad contender. The ingenious hinge design allows the keyboard to flip completely back, transforming it into a tablet for tasks similar to an iPad. It even boasts a convenient “tent mode” perfect for video streaming.
Our review highlighted several impressive features. The QHD OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth experience for drawing or creative work.
Now, a couple of things to consider: At 1.5kg, the Zenbook Flip isn’t the most featherweight option for carrying around. Additionally, the lack of a dedicated power button in tablet mode might be a minor inconvenience. For a deeper dive into this unique device, check out our full ASUS Zenbook 14x Flip review.
OnePlus Pad
DISPLAY: 11.6-inches LCD IPS | CPU: MediaTek Dimensity | MEMORY: 8GB/12GB RAM | STORAGE: 128GB/256GB SSD | WEIGHT: 552g
The OnePlus Pad boasts impressive features like a bright display, fast charging, and loud speakers. While the software is up-to-date and it integrates well with other OnePlus devices, the processing power lags behind top-of-the-line phones. For everyday use and entertainment, it excels, but demanding tasks might introduce some frustrating lag.
The OnePlus Pad offers great value, especially considering the limited competition in the Android tablet market. However, if raw performance is your top priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
DISPLAY: 14.6-inches AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | MEMORY: 12GB/16GB RAM | STORAGE: 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD | WEIGHT: 732g
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts a massive 14.6-inch display, even surpassing the largest iPad Pro. Despite its size, it remains surprisingly slim and portable. It’s a powerful tablet with great performance, making it a strong contender for work tasks. The AMOLED display delivers incredibly rich visuals, perfect for movie marathons or creating digital art.
A major perk? The S Pen stylus comes included! Unlike the iPad Pro or Surface Pro, you won’t need to shell out extra for a separate pen. While the S Pen offers a smooth writing experience, it might not quite match the seamless integration of the Apple Pencil with the iPad Pro.
The Achilles’ heel? The Android operating system. While the Play Store offers a vast app selection, some creative professionals might miss out on specific iOS apps like Adobe’s suite. The size also comes with a trade-off – it’s a sizable tablet, requiring a bigger bag for carrying it around. However, the extra screen real estate can be a major advantage for multitasking.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
DISPLAY: 10.5-inches | CPU: Intel Core i3 | MEMORY: 8GB RAM | STORAGE: 64GB SSD | WEIGHT: 544g
On a tight budget? Look no further than the Microsoft Surface Go 3, the most affordable option in their lineup. We were impressed by the 10.5-inch display’s brightness for its category, and the overall size struck a great balance – portable enough for a tote bag but solid enough to feel well-made.
While the performance isn’t top-of-the-line (think iPad entry-level, not Air or Pro), it handles everyday tasks like browsing, email, and media consumption just fine. Keep in mind, similar to the Surface Pro, the Surface Pen and Type Cover keyboard are additional purchases. To truly unlock the Go 3’s potential, we recommend getting both accessories.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
DISPLAY: 13-inches PixelSense | CPU: Intel Core i5 | MEMORY: 16GB | STORAGE: 256GB/1TB SSD | WEIGHT: 879g
For those seeking a Windows alternative to the iPad Pro, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, especially the Intel i7 version (skip the SQ3 5G unless you absolutely need that connectivity). Our review highlights the Surface Pro 9’s premium, Apple-esque build quality, with a sturdy and well-designed kickstand that rivals the iPad Pro for drawing tasks.
The gamechanger? Windows 11. This OS allows you to run full-fledged desktop software, giving the Surface Pro 9 a significant edge in functionality. The power to back it up is there too. Our tests showed the i7 model with 16GB RAM handled most tasks with ease, including multitasking with multiple programs. While complex 4K video editing in Davinci Pro caused some stuttering (it’s a tablet, after all, with integrated graphics!), the performance is impressive.
The vibrant PixelSense display is a joy for watching movies and photo editing, and the Surface Slim Pen (sold separately) offers a smooth sketching experience. The 10MP camera even boasts a “Center Stage” like feature, keeping you in frame during video calls. And, the optional Type Cover keyboard transforms the Surface Pro 9 into a compact and powerful laptop replacement. Just be aware, like the pen, the keyboard is an additional purchase.
Verdict
So, there you have it! Our exploration of our top-notch best iPad Pro alternatives. Whether you prioritize affordability, crave a powerhouse processor for demanding tasks, or require a specific operating system, there’s a perfect tablet out there waiting to be discovered.
Ready to find your ideal iPad Pro alternative? Consider the factors most important to you – budget, desired features, and intended use. Research the options we’ve outlined, and don’t hesitate to explore further based on your specific needs. With a little exploration, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect tablet companion.
If you have any comments or you just want to leave us positive impressions, then leave your comments below. If any of the tablets leave you a little more interested then click on of the buttons above. That’s all for now. Stay safe until next time 😀