Best tablets in 2023

Best tablets to buy in 2023: A guide for buyer's

Finding the perfect tablet to suit your needs can be challenging, whether you're in search of a low-cost, durable option for the children's schoolwork, or simply a sleek, additional screen to have by the couch.

Luckily, we're here to lend a hand by regularly reviewing the latest tablets from all the major manufacturers. We put these devices to the test in both our lab and the real world, leading us to draw a few key conclusions on the top tablets available. For instance, Amazon's tablets are often the best choice for those on a tight budget or for kids, while Apple's iPads are the go-to for students and creatives, particularly now that they're powered by an M2 chip.

Based on our extensive reviews, we've rounded up the best tablets currently on the market.

1. Apple iPad Air (2022):

Specifications:

CPU: M1

Camera Resolution: 12MP wide (f/1.8) (front and rear)

Display: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640 pixels)Liquid Retina

Storage: 64GB, 256GB

Ports: 1 USB-C

Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.24 inches

Weight: 1 pound

The iPad Air 2022 now features the M1 chip, which brings it closer in performance to the iPad Pro. However, it's not a complete replacement for the Pro model. The power difference between the two has narrowed, which could make the Air more appealing to those who are on a budget but still want the best iPad available.

With a reasonable starting price, the latest iPad Air is an excellent tablet that's hard to put down. Although there's still some room for enhancement, it's almost perfect. For most users, this is arguably the best tablet available.

2. iPad 2022 (10th gen):

Specifications:

CPU: A14 Bionic

Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear), 12MP with 122-degree FOV (front)

Display: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina

Storage: 64GB, 256GB

Ports: USB-C

Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches

Weight: 1.05 pounds

The iPad 2022 boasts a refreshing new design and feel, setting it apart from the previous few versions. The larger display and sleeker design are welcome changes, although some may lament the absence of a headphone jack from the 9th generation iPad. 

Other notable improvements include the repositioned front camera, Touch ID-enabled power button, USB-C charging, 5G connectivity, and upgraded A14 Bionic chip. However, the $449 price tag may seem steep to some, and the Apple Pencil charging situation is inconvenient with no storage solution when not in use.

Although the $120 increase from the previous generation is noteworthy, Apple still offers the $329 iPad 9th gen. While the iPad 10th gen is more future-proof, it may not be the best tablet for everyone due to the higher price and Apple Pencil inconvenience. Overall, the iPad 2022 is a great tablet, but we cannot decisively declare it as the top choice for most users.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8:

Specifications:

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Display: 11-inch (2560 x 1600) 120Hz LCD display

Storage: 128GB/256GB

Memory: 8GB RAM

Ports: USB-C, microSD

Dimensions: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

The Galaxy Tab S8 excels in many areas, but it truly shines as a high-end Android tablet. While it can serve as a reliable tool for completing tasks in a pinch, I have found that it truly excels as an all-purpose device that enhances both work and leisure. Whether you are gaming or reading on the couch, or using it as a note-taking device or secondary display at work, it performs exceptionally well. Additionally, if you invest in the Galaxy ecosystem and make your workspace DeX-friendly, it becomes even more useful.

If you are in search of the ultimate Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a premium Android tablet that delivers outstanding performance, the Galaxy Tab S8 sets a new standard for the category.

4. Amazon Fire 7:

Specifications:

CPU: Quad-Core 1.3 GHz processor

Camera Resolution: 2MP (rear), 2MP (front)

Display: 7 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels

Storage: 16GB, 32GB

Memory: 1GB

Ports: headphone jack. microUSB, microSD,

Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.5 x 0.4 inches

Weight: 0.6 pounds (10.1 ounces)

Price is a significant factor for many customers, and Amazon could have easily relied on the low cost of their $50 Fire 7 tablet. However, the latest version of this budget tablet features a speedy quad-core 1.3 GHz processor, enabling smooth app navigation and faster web browsing than one would typically expect from a tablet in this price range.

Additionally, the Fire 7 tablet now includes voice triggers for Alexa, which makes more sense than the previous tap-to-activate method.

However, it's worth noting that the Fire 7 tablet lacks the extra features that come with more expensive tablets. The sub-HD screen may not be as sharp as an iPad, and the lock screen includes ads unless you pay for their removal. Nonetheless, it's a fantastic option for children who are in search of a device for media consumption.

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7:

Specifications:

CPU: Qualcomm SM6115

Display: 10.4-inch, 2000x1200-pixel

Storage: 32GB

Memory: 3GBPorts: USB-C, microSD

Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

The Galaxy Tab A7 is a compelling alternative to the iPad that Android fans can appreciate, especially since it is much more affordable. With a price tag of $229 (often available for less), this 10.4-inch tablet is ideal for content consumption. 

The device's super-thin bezels are even thinner than those on Apple's $329 iPad, allowing you to concentrate more on your content whether you're browsing the web or streaming movies. Moreover, it has an impressive battery life, lasting 13 hours and 13 minutes on the Tom's Guide battery test. Additionally, facial recognition technology to unlock the device is a feature typically reserved for iPad Pro models, but it is available on the Galaxy Tab A7.

The Galaxy Tab A7 also charges via USB-C, allowing you to eliminate non-reversible microUSB cables from your life, just like Apple's pricier tablets. Although it may not be as quick as the iPad, and its screen may not be as bright, these are not significant issues at this price point. Moreover, Samsung provides true Android with the Google Play app store, as opposed to the watered-down Amazon Fire tablet experience.

6. Microsoft Surface Go 2:

Specifications:

CPU: Pentium Gold, 8th Gen Intel Core m3

Camera Resolution: 8MP (rear), 5MP (front)

Display: 10.5 inches, 1920 x 1280 pixels

Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Memory: 4GB, 8GB

Ports: headphone jack, USB-C, microSD, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover Port

Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches

Weight: 1.22 pounds (1.75 pounds with type cover)

On occasion, it requires a second attempt to get things right. The Surface Go 2 addresses all of its predecessor's flaws and corrects them. The Surface Go 2 has a larger screen, which is arguably the most critical component of a tablet, thanks to thinner bezels. It boasts a 10.5-inch display compared to its previous iteration's 10 inches.

The most significant improvement is the Surface Go 2's battery life, which now lasts 11 hours and 39 minutes, over 5 hours longer than the original Surface Go. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed the need for a laptop with a high-quality webcam. 

The 5-megapixel 1080p camera in its top bezel is ideal for the era of online video calls, and its second front camera sensor adds Windows Hello biometric login. Finally, for multitaskers, the Surface Go 2 with the 8th Gen Intel Core m3 upgrade is the way to go. Although it is a little more expensive at $629, it is certainly worth the extra cost.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra:

Specifications:

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 octa-core CPU

Camera Resolution: 12MP + 12MP UW (front), 13MP AF + 6MP UW (back)

Display: 14.6-inch, 2960 x 1848-pixel

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Ports: 1x USB-C, microSD

Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches

Weight: 1.4 pounds

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, priced at $1,099, outshines the iPad Pro as the first tablet to have a massive 14.6-inch OLED display. Its size dwarfs the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. In addition to the optional keyboard attachment and improved multi-window mode, this Android tablet has the potential to substitute for a laptop.

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is aimed at home and hybrid workers, evidenced by the dual front cameras that support up to 4K resolution for video calls and auto-framing to keep you in the frame even when you move. There is also advanced noise reduction to ensure you are heard clearly.

Moreover, the Tab S8 Ultra features a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen-1 chip, a low-latency S Pen experience, 45W fast charging, and better integration with Galaxy S series smartphones.

8. iPad mini 6 2021:

Specifications:

CPU: A15 Bionic

Camera Resolution: 12MP (front and rear)

Display: 8.3-inch (2266 x 1488 pixels) Liquid Retina

Storage: 64GB, 256GB

Ports: USB-C

Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches

Weight: 0.7 pound

Take almost everything we know and love about the iPad Air, but shrink it down to a size and weight that's super-easy to use with just one hand and you have the iPad mini 6 (2021), which may be the iPad you've been waiting for. It has the Apple Pencil 2 support with the flat-edged design, the much-smaller bezels and nearly everything else we love about an iPad. 

Currently, Amazon has the market cornered on sub-10-inch tablets with the pricing of its Fire slates, but the new iPad mini gives quality-focused folks an alternative worth investing in.

On top of that, you've got the super-fast A15 Bionic system-on-chip, which outpaces the iPad Air and every non-Pro iPad out there. Its display is also super bright (over 500 nits of brightness), plus surprisingly good sound for a device this small.

Oh, and speaking of outperforming its size, the iPad mini 6 has terrific battery life. The only thing that isn't small about the iPad mini 6? Its $499 price tag is a bit higher than the normal iPad, but it's another case of "you get what you pay for.

9. iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch):

Specifications:

CPU: M1

Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear, wide) 10MP (rear, ultra wide), 12MP True Depth (front)

Display: 11 inches (2388 x 1668 pixels)

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Ports: USB-C, Smart Connector

Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.2 inches

Weight: 1 pound

The 11-inch iPad Pro may be a better fit for most users, despite the 12.9-inch model having a superior display. Not only does it have a long battery life of over 13 hours on the Tom's Guide Battery Test, but it's also lighter and more compatible with the Magic Keyboard. And it comes with the powerful Apple M1 chip, which might be overkill for most tablet apps, but it's perfect for those using demanding video and image editing apps. (Note that the latest iPad Pro features an even more powerful M2 chipset from Apple.)

In addition to its impressive performance, the 11-inch iPad Pro has plenty of smaller features that make it a great choice. Its display is bright and colorful, and its four speakers provide surprisingly large sound for such a thin device. And if you're willing to spend the extra money, the optional Magic Keyboard offers the smoothest and simplest tablet typing experience available.

10. Lenovo Yoga Tab 13:

Specifications:

CPU: Snapdragon 870Camera 

Resolution: 8MP (front)

Display: 13-inch (2160 x 1350 pixels) capacitive touchscreen

Storage: 128GBPorts: USB-C, micro-HDMI

Dimensions: 11.55 x 8.03 x 0.24-0.98 inches

Weight: 1.83 pounds

Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is a tablet designed for entertainment, featuring an impressive 13-inch display and quality speakers that provide a cinematic experience for watching movies and shows. 

With a speedy Snapdragon 870 processor and 8GB of memory, gaming on this device is a delight. It also has the added feature of being used as a secondary monitor for your laptop or tablet, providing extra versatility with its 2K screen.

However, it's not the most portable device due to its size and weight, and finding a protective cover can be a challenge because of its unique design. 

Additionally, the lack of 5G support and headphone jack are drawbacks. Nonetheless, if you are in search of a tablet that prioritizes entertainment and don't plan to carry it around frequently, the Yoga Tab 13 is a solid choice.