The best tablets in 2023 offer a balance of performance, functionality, and design. Apple’s iPad remains a top choice for its smooth performance, stylish design, and robust selection of tablet-optimized apps. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab offers a similar experience with the added benefit of access to Google Play and the Android ecosystem. Google’s Pixel Slate provides excellent hardware and software integration, while Amazon’s Fire HD tablet offers affordability and a focus on entertainment. There is a range of options to meet different needs and budgets, but these budget tablets are all sure to provide an excellent user experience. Whether you’re looking for a productivity tool, a device for entertainment, or a combination, the best buy tablets of 2023 are a great choice.
1. iPad Air (2023)
The iPad Air (2023) is a slim, powerful tablet device featuring a large edge-to-edge display, Apple’s latest M1 chip, and advanced cameras for superior performance and versatility.
Pros:
- High-Performance Processor: The iPad Air (2023) is equipped with the latest M1 chip, which delivers impressive performance and efficient battery life.
- Large and Vibrant Display: The tablet features an enormous 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, providing vivid and accurate colors.
- Improved Camera: The iPad Air (2023) comes with a 12-megapixel front camera, making it ideal for taking photos and videos and making FaceTime calls.
- Thinner and Lighter Design: The iPad Air (2023) is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, making it easy to carry around and use.
Cons:
- Expensive: The iPad Air (2023) is relatively expensive compared to other tablet devices in its class, making it less accessible for some users.
- Limited Expandability: The tablet does not have a USB port or a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which may be limiting for some users.
- No Headphone Jack: The iPad Air (2023) does not have a headphone jack, so users need to use wireless headphones or purchase an adapter.
Spec
Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
Camera: a 12-megapixel front-facing camera
Storage: Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options
Operating System: iPad 14 or later
Dimensions and Weight: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm
Colors: Sky Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, and Space Gray
Review
The iPad Air (2023) is a fantastic tablet that combines performance and versatility. The M1 chip provides lightning-fast performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and more. The large and vibrant display is a joy to use, and the improved cameras are great for taking photos and videos. The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and the long battery life means you won’t have to worry about running out of power on the go. The iPad Air (2023) is a top-notch tablet that delivers the best of Apple’s hardware and software, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a premium tablet experience.
2. iPad Pro 2021 M1
The iPad Pro 2021 with M1 chip is a high-performance tablet computer with a Liquid Retina display, versatile camera system, and powerful Apple-designed M1 chip for demanding tasks.
Pros:
- High Performance: The Apple M1 chip delivers exceptional speed and performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
- Beautiful Display: The Liquid Retina display is sharp, vivid, and provides excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for viewing multimedia content.
- Versatile Camera System: The iPad Pro 2021 features a universal camera system with a 12 MP ultra-wide lens and 10 MP TrueDepth front-facing camera, making it ideal for taking photos, recording videos, and making video calls.
- Rich Ecosystem: The iPad Pro 2021 is part of the Apple ecosystem, providing access to a wealth of apps, services, and accessories that enhance the user experience.
Cons:
- Expensive: The iPad Pro 2021 is one of the most expensive tablets on the market, and its high price may only be affordable for some.
- Limited Storage: Depending on the model, the iPad Pro 2021 may have limited internal storage, which may need to be increased for some users who need to store a large amount of data.
- No USB Port: The iPad Pro 2021 does not have a USB port, which may make it difficult for users who need to connect to external devices such as a camera or a hard drive.
- No Expandable Storage: Unlike some other tablet computers, the iPad Pro 2021 cannot expand its internal storage via an SD card or similar, making it difficult to add more storage as needed.
Spec
Chip: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.
Operating System: iPad 14.5 or later.
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of internal storage.
RAM: 8GB or 16GB of unified memory.
Camera: 12 MP ultra-wide lens and 10 MP TrueDepth front-facing camera.
Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of web browsing and 22 hours of video playback.
Weight:11-inch model: 483 grams (1.06 pounds).
Review
The iPad Pro 2021 with an M1 chip is a powerful tablet computer that offers exceptional speed and performance. With its beautiful Liquid Retina display, versatile camera system, and support for the latest accessories, such as the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, it is an excellent choice for demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming. The M1 chip delivers smooth and fast performance, making the iPad Pro 2021 ideal for demanding workflows. The iPad Pro 2021 also provides a rich ecosystem of apps and services that enhance the user experience. It can be the best tablet for work. However, its high price and limited storage capacity may be a drawback for some users. The iPad Pro 2021 is a top-of-the-line tablet that is well worth considering for anyone looking for a high-performance mobile computing device.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the best high-end Samsung tablet with a large display and powerful hardware, offering smooth multitasking and multimedia experience.
Pros:
- Large and High-Resolution Display: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features an 11-inch AMOLED display with a high resolution of 2560 x 1600, which provides clear and vivid images, making it perfect for entertainment and productivity.
- Powerful Hardware: The tablet is powered by the latest Snapdragon 888 processor and has ample RAM and storage, which ensures a smooth and fast performance while running demanding applications and multitasking.
- Good Battery Life: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is equipped with a large battery that provides all-day battery life, making it convenient for users who need to stay productive on the go.
- S Pen Support: As the best drawing tablet, it comes with an S Pen, which makes it easier to take notes, draw, and navigate the device with precision.
Cons:
- Expensive: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a high-end tablet, which means it is significantly more costly than other similar devices on the market.
- Limited App Support: While Android tablets have a wide range of apps, some popular apps need to be optimized for larger displays, which can be a problem for some users.
- Limited Keyboard Options: Although the tablet supports a keyboard cover, the options for detachable or backlit keyboards are limited, making it less convenient for heavy typing tasks.
- No Headphone Jack: The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra lacks a headphone jack, which can be an issue for users who prefer using wired headphones or external speakers.
Spec
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
RAM: 6GB / 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card
Rear Camera: 13 MP with LED flash
Front Camera: 8 MP
Operating System: One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
Colors: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black
Dimensions: 245.0 x 165.0 x 6.3mm
Weight: 509g
Review
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a high-end Android tablet with a large and vibrant 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED display powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor and ample RAM and storage. The device runs on One UI 3.1 based on Android 11 and is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a 10,090mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities. The S Pen support makes it an excellent device for taking notes, drawing and navigating precisely, while the 5G connectivity ensures fast and reliable internet speeds. The only downside is its high price tag, making it less accessible to some consumers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a premium tablet for those who want a large screen and high-performance device for entertainment and productivity. While T-Mobile is a good choice for 5G network.
4. iPad Mini (2021)
The iPad Mini (2021) is a compact tablet computer featuring a 7.9-inch Retina display, an A14 Bionic chip, and the latest iOS operating system version.
Pros:
- Compact size: The 7.9-inch screen makes the iPad Mini (2021) easy to carry and handle, making it ideal for people who are always on the go.
- High-quality display: The iPad Mini (2021) features a Retina display, which delivers crisp and clear images, making it great for watching videos, browsing the web, or reading books.
- Powerful performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides speedy performance, making it easy to run demanding apps and multitask.
- Latest software: The iPad Mini (2021) runs on the newest version of iOS, providing access to the latest apps and features and frequent software updates to ensure the device stays up-to-date.
Cons:
- Price: The iPad Mini (2021) can be more expensive than other tablet options, which may be a barrier for some customers.
- Limited upgradeability: The iPad Mini (2021) has limited upgrade options, as it is impossible to upgrade the storage or RAM.
- No headphone jack: The iPad Mini (2021) does not have a headphone jack, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- No USB port: The iPad Mini (2021) does not have a USB port, making it harder to connect some accessories or transfer files.
Spec
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture and Neural Engine
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System: iOS 14
Camera: 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi,
Review
The iPad Mini (2021) is a compact and powerful tablet that offers a great user experience. Its 7.9-inch Retina display provides vivid and clear visuals, making it ideal for watching videos, reading books, or browsing the web. The A14 Bionic chip offers speedy performance, allowing for smooth multitasking and running demanding apps. The latest version of iOS provides access to the latest apps and features, as well as frequent software updates. However, the iPad Mini (2021) is relatively expensive compared to other tablet options and has limited upgradability options. The iPad Mini (2021) is an excellent choice for a compact and powerful tablet.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop/tablet device that runs on the Windows operating system and is designed for personal and professional use.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight design
- High performance with 11th-generation Intel Core processors
- Supports touch, stylus input, and detachable keyboard
- Comes with Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite pre-installed
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other tablet or laptop options
- Limited upgradability options
- Limited battery life compared to other tablet options
- It can be challenging to use in your lap due to its design.
Spec
Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Pro
Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core processors (i3, i5, or i7)
Memory: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB solid-state drive (SSD)
Battery: Up to 11.5 hours of typical device usage
Weight: From 775 g
Dimensions: 292 mm x 201 mm x 8.5 mm
Review
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device that combines performance, portability, and versatility. The 11th-generation Intel Core processors make it a fast and efficient machine, while the 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display provides a high-quality viewing experience. The detachable keyboard, stylus support, and touch input make it suitable for personal and professional use. The long battery life of up to 11.5 hours of typical device usage is a plus. However, the Surface Pro 8 can be expensive compared to other tablet or laptop options, and its limited upgradeability and short battery life may be a drawback for some users. The Surface Pro 8 is a well-designed device for those who need both a laptop and a tablet in one package.
Conclusion
The best tablets of 2023 offer a range of features and options to meet the needs of a variety of users. Whether you’re a professional looking for a productivity tool, a student who needs a versatile tablet device for school, or just someone who loves entertainment, a tablet on the market will meet your needs. The iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Pixel Slate, and Amazon Fire HD are just a few of the top options available, each offering a unique combination of performance, functionality, and design. With so many great options available, choosing the best tablet for you may come down to personal preference and budget. You’re sure to enjoy an excellent user experience regardless of which pill you choose.
