How to Choose a Tablet: A Guide for Those Who Don't Want to Make a Mistake

How to Choose a Tablet: A Guide for Those Who Don't Want to Make a Mistake.

Choose an Operating System

Most tablets operate on the same OS as most smartphones: Android. If you're already comfortable with Android's setup, it makes sense to choose a tablet with this platform, so you won't have to learn a new interface and apps. However, if you use an iPhone or Mac, an iPad might be a better choice.

If you don't want to be tied to a specific ecosystem, it's worth weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Android

Android is an open system, meaning any manufacturer can release a device with it, which is why there are so many Android tablets on the market. Among them, you'll find both high-end, premium devices and budget-friendly models.

Android tablet users have access to a vast range of services, games, and applications for various tasks. Enthusiasts also have plenty of customization options to tailor the system to their liking.

However, many Android devices don't receive timely updates. As a result, new features and bug fixes may arrive late or not at all on these devices.

There are also some poorly made budget Android tablets that are slow, prone to crashing, and have poor build quality, making it difficult to install many apps. It's important to read reviews carefully before purchasing a low-cost device.

Which Tablet to Buy

- Digma Pro HIT with a 10.4″ screen, RUB 8,346

- Redmi Pad SE with an 11″ screen, RUB 14,804

- Honor Pad 9 with a 12.1″ screen, RUB 20,860

iPadOS

This is Apple's stable and secure OS. Apple's policy excludes many apps from the App Store, so there are fewer choices compared to Android, but there’s also less "junk."

iPadOS is only available on Apple tablets. There aren't any truly budget models, but you can opt for previous-generation devices that get cheaper every year. Another advantage is that all Apple devices receive regular system updates for several years after their release.

Which Tablet to Buy

- Apple iPad 10.2 2021, RUB 24,976

- Apple iPad 10.9 2022, RUB 39,500

- Apple iPad Pro 11 2024, RUB 94,869

Windows

Windows hasn't fared well on smartphones, but it does slightly better on tablets. While there aren't many Windows tablets on the market, manufacturers still produce models with current hardware. A Windows 10 or 11 tablet offers laptop-like functionality, especially when paired with a keyboard and mouse.

Windows tablet users have access to fewer apps than those on other platforms. However, they can install full desktop games and programs, including Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and familiar file managers, which is a significant advantage for those needing a work device.

If you're familiar with Windows on your computer, you'll find it easy to navigate a Windows tablet.

Which Tablet to Buy

- Digma EVE 1495E, RUB 18,880

- Microsoft Surface Pro 9, RUB 83,000

- Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Copilot+PC, RUB 130,240

HarmonyOS

HarmonyOS, developed by Huawei, is based on Android and is particularly well-suited for larger screens, though it’s also available on smartphones.

Google services are officially unavailable on all HarmonyOS devices, but many of them can be installed through workarounds. The same goes for the Play Market—you can install apps via APK files, and the system even helps you find them.

Which Tablet to Buy

- Huawei MatePad SE with a 10.3″ screen, RUB 13,579

- Huawei MatePad Air 8 with an 11.5″ screen, RUB 31,911

- Huawei MatePad S with an 11.5″ screen, RUB 36,257

Decide on Display Parameters

The touchscreen is the main working tool and the "face" of the tablet. Screen size, resolution, type of matrix, and refresh rate are all important. Let’s break down each characteristic in more detail.

Screen Size

Tablet screens usually have similar aspect ratios, so only the diagonal is specified. Based on this, tablets can be categorized into three sizes: compact (7–8 inches), medium (9–10 inches), and large (11–13 inches).

Compact tablets are great for communication, most games, reading books, and web browsing outside the home. They're more convenient for these tasks than smartphones, but a 7–8 inch screen may not be sufficient for viewing PDF documents or enjoying TV shows and movies.

Medium-sized tablets strike a balance between portability and functionality. These devices don’t fit in your pocket but are often more powerful than their smaller counterparts, making them suitable for multimedia content and games. They're also viable for work when a laptop isn't available.

Large tablets are the most powerful and best suited for business tasks, thanks to their screen size and accessories. Their larger screens are ideal for graphic work and enjoying movies and other entertainment. However, they aren't very portable, and these devices tend to be the most expensive.

Also, pay attention to the tablet's physical size. Two models with the same screen size can differ in thickness and overall dimensions. Tablets with thin bezels are generally more compact, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing.

Resolution

Screen resolution is measured by the number of pixels it contains. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image, making it an essential factor in tablet selection.

Resolution should match the screen size. For example, a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels may be sufficient for an 8-inch screen, but 2160 × 1080 (FHD+) is better. On an 11-inch screen with the same resolution, pixels will be more noticeable, so FHD+ is the minimum, and higher is preferable.

To determine an acceptable resolution, you can use the pixel density per inch (PPI). For tablets, a comfortable PPI is around 250. At 200–250 PPI, pixels are noticeable but not overly distracting.

Matrix Type

The matrix is the screen technology that determines overall image quality, so this parameter shouldn't be overlooked.

- TFT and TN are inexpensive LCD matrices that lag behind others in image quality. Clarity and contrast are low, and the image loses saturation when viewed at an angle.

- IPS and PLS are LCD matrices that provide sharp, vibrant images that don’t fade when viewed at an angle, though they can have "backlight bleed" at the screen edges. Contrast is not very high.

- AMOLED, OLED, and Super AMOLED screens use organic light-emitting diodes. They offer unparalleled contrast and good color reproduction but are more expensive. OLED pixels can completely turn off, producing true black. No other technology rivals OLED in this regard, and it also consumes less power than IPS.

The best way to choose between IPS and OLED is to compare two tablets side by side with the same images. If you notice a difference, pick the matrix that you think will perform better for your needs.

Refresh Rate

This parameter shows how often images refresh on the tablet's screen. It doesn't affect performance, but at 120 Hz, on-screen movements look smoother and more pleasant than at 60 Hz. This difference is mainly noticeable in system animations and games.

Further increasing the refresh rate has little benefit, though some tablets offer screens with a 144 Hz refresh rate.

Evaluate Performance

A tablet's speed largely depends on its processor's architecture and frequency, as well as the amount of RAM. However, if you don't plan on using your tablet for 3D gaming or professional graphics work, don’t get too hung up on these specs.

Even mid-range hardware is sufficient for most everyday tasks. However, if the software isn't well-optimized, a tablet may lag even with a top-end processor and ample RAM, especially on Android devices from lesser-known brands.

To determine if a device has enough power for your needs, the best approach is to try it out before buying: navigate the interface, open a few websites, and launch a video or game. If that's not possible, check out video reviews to see how the tablet handles these tasks.

Leading the market are Qualcomm with its Snapdragon processors and Apple with its M-series chips. Samsung (Exynos), Huawei (HiSilicon), and MediaTek (Helio) follow closely behind but still lag technologically. MediaTek is often associated with budget devices, though this perception is outdated—there’s no reason to avoid these processors.

Spreadtrum, though used in Lenovo, ZTE, and Samsung devices, stands out mainly for its low cost, lagging significantly behind all the previously mentioned alternatives in performance.

Within a single manufacturer’s lineup, higher-numbered models tend to be more powerful.

Check the Storage Capacity

The storage capacity determines how much data your tablet can hold and its speed of operation. There’s RAM, built-in storage, and additional storage in the form of SD cards. Keep in mind that storage size significantly affects the tablet’s price.

RAM

RAM is used by applications while running. The more RAM, the faster apps will perform, especially those handling large amounts of data.

- 6 GB is sufficient for everyday tasks.

- 8 GB is enough for HD games and movies.

- 12–16 GB may be needed for resource-intensive games and tasks like video rendering.

The memory type affects access speed, which directly impacts app performance. The higher the number in the memory type designation, the faster it is: DDR3 is faster than DDR2, and DDR4 is faster than DDR3.

Internal Storage

The more internal storage, the more apps, photos, videos, documents, and other data you can store on the device. Expect around 1 GB to be used by the system right away.

For web browsing, communication, and streaming multimedia content, 32 GB of internal storage should suffice