Nowadays, tablets have become essential pieces of technology with their own unique advantages. Whether you need a multimedia entertainment device, a laptop replacement, or just a gadget that you can use for work or school, you should consider getting a tablet. Tablets offer a unique mix of screen size, portability, and power that no other gadget can fulfill.
However, given its many specifications and features, choosing a tablet can be a daunting task. Not to mention, the market is filled with different tablet brands like Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and Huawei, which could make things more complicated. To make things less overwhelming, we've prepared a simple buying guide fact-checked by IT Specialist JC Rogelio. Don't forget to check out our list of the 10 best tablets as well!
Quick List - Top Tablets
JC Rogelio is first and foremost a fan of upgrading and modifying computers. Due to his passion, he earned a degree in Information Technology from a university specializing in the field. He is tech-savvy and likes to research computer trends. He was a former employee of a Fortune 500 company in the Philippines and now has over 3 years of experience in the IT/Engineering field in Dubai.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying below.
Just like laptops and desktop computers, tablets can come with a variety of operating systems (OS). In particular, tablets come in iOS, Android, and Windows systems. If you're buying a tablet for school or work, make sure to check whether you're required to use a particular OS. Also, don't forget to check the availability of the applications that you'll be using the most in the different tablet systems.
Different operating systems provide different experiences in terms of navigation and interface. Apple's iPadOS is considered by many to be very easy to use and is a great introduction to the Apple ecosystem.
With this, you also get access to the huge library of apps in the App Store. However, getting a tablet with this OS means that you are limited to gadgets that only Apple manufactures.
Many tablet manufacturers, big and small, use Android as their OS. With Android, you get superior customizability and access to Google Play. Unfortunately, not all applications in the App Store are available in Google Play, which can be a pain if you plan to use your favorite iPad apps on your new Android tablet.
Some manufacturers also use the most recent Windows 11, which is ideal for those who are looking for a desktop-like experience. Just like in Microsoft Surface Pro, you are given the ease of having Microsoft Office right on your tablet for productivity purposes.
Finally, there are also less common operating systems that have a special place in the tablet market. For example, Amazon's Kindle OS is perfect for those who'd like to read e-books, newspapers, and other digital media on their tablet.
If you plan to use your tablet for media consumption, like for watching movies and playing games, then a large 10-13" screen would greatly enhance your user experience. Larger screens are also a must if you are looking to use your tablet for professional work, such as drawing and editing.
However, keep in mind that the screen size would also influence the portability of your tablet. A larger screen can make it bulkier and heavier, so make sure to strike the right balance between screen size and portability.
With many options available on the market, you should check the tablet's specs and features that would best suit your individual needs. If you want a faster and smoother experience, you might want to buy a tablet with more RAM. On the other hand, considering the tablet's camera resolution would be necessary if you plan to use it as your primary device for work meetings or taking photos.
The processor indicates how fast the tablet can run applications, while RAM dictates how much multitasking it can perform. Having a processor and RAM that aren't up for the task can result in frustrating crashes and lags every time you load apps.
If you plan on doing intensive tasks such as rendering and heavy gaming, then you will benefit from a faster processor and more RAM. Top-of-the-line processors such as Apple's M1 or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865+, paired with around 8 GB of RAM, will make short work of such demanding tasks.
For light use, such as web browsing, watching movies, and light gaming, you can get away with having a more modest processor and less RAM. Although using the tablet won't be lightning-fast, at least you get to save money, which you could otherwise spend on other important things such as accessories.
Most manufacturers readily advertise the display resolution or the number of pixels that the tablet can display in the product description. However, if you want to compare the sharpness between tablets of different display sizes, make sure to compare the pixels per inch or ppi instead.
Tablets with at least 200 ppi are very common, but if you want the best of the best, go for those with at least 250 ppi. You'll definitely appreciate the sharpness of these displays while watching movies and reading texts.
Your storage requirements will depend on what you plan to do with your tablet. If you'd like to store a lot of games, movies, and photos offline, then a tablet with larger storage would be suitable for you. Tablet storage options range from 8 GB up to 2 TB, so try to plan out how much you need for your use case.
As you pick the higher storage options for tablets, they tend to get significantly more expensive. Luckily, most tablets nowadays have micro SD card slots. Be on the lookout for this feature, as micro SD cards are a more affordable tool to increase your tablet's storage.
Even though phones generally have better cameras than tablets, the tablet's cameras must not be overlooked. A rear camera with at least 8 MP will be adequate for taking pictures of documents and notes. However, if you plan on doing some portrait photography, you'll definitely want to go for those with at least 12 MP.
As for the front camera, a tablet with at least 5 MP is good enough for most users. However, if you want to look your best at all times when attending video calls and online conferences, then it might be worth it to go for a front camera that has a higher resolution.
Many tablets are offered in either Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + cellular. Wi-Fi-only models are more affordable than those with cellular, so if you plan to use your tablet mostly in areas where Wi-Fi is available, then it would be better to go for this option.
Unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn't available in all areas, which is where Wi-Fi + cellular models come in. With these, you can insert a SIM card in your tablet for cellular data, giving your device access to the internet all the time. However, keep in mind that cellular data consumes battery quicker than Wi-Fi.
Whether you're at home or on the road, nobody wants to get stuck next to a wall socket because their tablet has poor battery life. Grab a tablet with at least 8 hours of battery life, as that would definitely be enough to last you around a day of light use.
Do take note of the charging time as well. Some tablets come with fast charging features, which could offset their short battery life since it won't take too long to power up the device.
An important consideration when choosing a tablet is the included accessories that make using this gadget much easier. Some tablets might include keyboards, which are great for those who are looking for a replacement for their laptop. On the other hand, styluses are great for artists who'd like to draw on their tablets.
Aside from the included accessories, even additional accessories should be considered. Make sure that the tablet is compatible with other accessories such as earphones, speakers, cases, and more. This way, you have plenty of options should you want to further enhance your tablet experience.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Apple iPad Pro 12.9" | ![]() | Versatile and Powerful for Both Professional and Personal Use | |
2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | ![]() | The Ultimate Laptop Replacement for Work and Play | |
3 | Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 | ![]() | A Mid-Range Tablet With a Long Battery Life | |
4 | Apple iPad Air |4th Generation | ![]() | High-End Performance at a More Affordable Price | |
5 | Huawei MatePad Pro | ![]() | Narrow Bezels for an All-Screen Viewing Experience | |
6 | Apple iPad |9th Generation | ![]() | The Best Budget-Friendly Tablet for Students | |
7 | Huawei MatePad T10s|Deep Sea Blue | ![]() | 6-Layered Protection for the Kids | |
8 | Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE | ![]() | Offers More Storage for Downloading and Storing Media | |
9 | Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | ![]() | A Powerful Device That Transforms From Laptop to Tablet | |
10 | Lenovo Smart Tab M10 | ![]() | Ultra-Affordable Tablet for Students |
Apple has chosen to equip the latest iPad Pro with their very own M1 chip, making it currently the fastest tablet in the market. This particular model comes with a huge 12.9" Mini LED panel that gives it superb contrast with accurate colors. It's great for video and photo editing, and it can even enhance your experience when watching movies!
It has plenty of RAM on tap, as even its base configuration of 8 GB can handle any workload. You can even go for one with 2 TB of storage if you want the ultimate desktop replacement. While the tablet isn't expandable with a micro SD card, you can easily connect an external storage drive, thanks to its Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port.
The 2 rear cameras can be used for photography or even filmmaking. As for the front camera, you get an ultrawide camera with Center Stage, which automatically pans to keep you centered in the frame. The front camera even allows for hands-free unlocking of your iPad once it detects your face through Face ID!
The newest release from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, is now available for pre-order! The king of the S8 Series, this tab is the biggest of them all at 14.6 inches. Surprisingly, the tablet is thin and light, with a width of 0.22 inches and weighing 0.7 kg.
Equipped with Samsung's unnamed 4 nm processor and 16 GB of RAM, this can surely provide one of the fastest and smoothest performances a tablet can offer. Complementing this powerful giant is the new ultra-low latency S Pen with great controlーperfect for drawing and note-taking.
Its Samsung Dex feature also turns your Android tablet into a traditional laptop interface for maximum productivity. This is surely a tablet worth considering once it hits the shelves, given its power, capabilities, and style!
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 11has a long battery life of 15 hours, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a large 11-inch color accurate display, so if you love watching videos and movies, this is the perfect tablet for you! Armed with Android 11 and the Mediatek Helio G90T processor, this tab is able to give you a fast and fluid performance.
In addition, it has front and rear cameras at 8 megapixels, which are great for attending your online classes and meetings. It also comes with Lenovo's Pen if you need to draw or take down notes, making this an affordable and useful tab for students.
The iPad Air 4 comes in an all-new design. It comes in 5 different colors that give it a more vibrant look. But more than its aesthetics, you get some very powerful hardware, as this can easily run games with console-level graphics. It's even powerful enough to handle video, photo, and music editing!
Apple chose to forgo the traditional home button, allowing the 10.4" display to occupy most of the screen. It's also compatible with Apple's 2nd Generation Pencil, which works great with the laminated display to provide a smooth writing experience. You can even pair it up with Apple's Magic Keyboard to get a laptop-like experience!
Its mix of premium internals, midrange price, and compatibility with Apple's newer accessories makes it a perfect choice for students and professionals who want close to a high-end experience but aren't willing to splurge on an iPad Pro.
The MatePad Pro features Huawei's FullView technology that gives it astonishingly narrow bezels. Couple this with the accurate 10.8" LCD display and sharp QHD resolution, and you get images that really pop out of your display!
You get Huawei's flagship processor with 6 GB of RAM here, so everything feels snappy. You could even do some heavy gaming, thanks to its GPU-Turbo technology. If you want some more multitasking potential, simply switch it to PC Mode, and it'll work similarly to a normal laptop!
Its large battery will most likely last you all day. But if it does die on you, you'll surely find its quick charging feature useful. All in all, this is a great tablet, provided that you don't mind using a tablet without Google Services.
Apple's 9th Generation iPad features the time-tested 10.2" Retina display that's as sharp as the best tablet displays out there, making it perfect for reading texts and browsing the internet. It's even compatible with the 1st Generation Apple Pencil, should you want to take down notes or work on your sketches.
The iPad is more powerful than most tablets in this price range, thanks to its A13 Bionic chip upgrade. Couple that with the 3 GB RAM and iPadOS's speedy interface, and you get a device that'll rarely show hiccups, even when moving between apps! You can even run most of the games available in the App Store with it.
While its rear camera isn't its strong suit, it's perfectly adequate for taking pictures of your notes and documents, while the front camera is great for Zoom calls and classes. It's also compatible with Apple's smart keyboard or any other Bluetooth keyboard if you want a smoother typing experience.
The MatePad T10s from Huawei is the perfect tablet for your kids. It features a Kids Corner, which provides 6-layered protection to protect your kids' eyesight. You can also manage the time, applications, and content that your kids can access with the tablet, so they can have more fun while you worry less!
You'll surely enjoy this tablet once you decide to use it yourself. Starting with its full HD 10.1" screen and speakers on both sides, you'll have a great time surfing the web and watching videos. You won't experience much stutters with this unit, and you might even be able to play moderately intensive games with it.
Plus, this tablet allows you to choose the display mode. Whether you're reading an e-book or browsing the web, it'll have an option for you to make your viewing experience much more comfortable.
This tablet has features that make it perfect for everyone in the family. Each member will surely appreciate its large display and Dolby Atmos quad-speaker setup that's great for immersive gaming and movie marathons. Plus, its speedy internals let your apps load quickly and run smoothly.
Thanks to its 8 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras, you can capture those special family moments on your tablet. Since its storage is expandable with a micro SD card, you won't have to delete any important files!
Finally, even the kids can use this tablet. With Samsung Kids, you can easily configure it to restrict the playtime, apps, and contacts that your little ones can access in the device.
Considered as one of the most powerful tablets on the market, Microsoft fully equipped the brand new Surface Pro 8 with capability and style. With the 11th Gen Intel processor, this product guarantees a smooth and fast performance for your productivity needs.
This offer from Microsoft also brings you the most enjoyable viewing experience with its 13-inch screen. Plus, it boasts a 16-hour long battery life - perfect for those who want to use their tablet in the office but also want a streaming device to relax with at home.
Powered with Windows 11, this Surface Pro's lightning-fast processors and its impressive multitasking abilities might just be the device that will fully replace your laptop.
Don't let this tablet's price fool you! The Smart Tab M10 HD features an elegant design, with its metal back cover and rounded edges. While its display isn't the sharpest in the world, it does come with great colors and viewing angles, thanks to its IPS technology.
The display also occupies 83% of the tablet's surface, giving it a near borderless feel that'll enhance your viewing experience for games, movies, and more. Its Dolby Audio-tuned speaker provides great audio quality, too.
While it won't wow you with its speed, it's definitely capable of basic tasks such as social media, web browsing, and watching videos. This can last up to 7 hours on web browsing, and 4.5 hours on video playback so this is also perfect for students during online classes. Plus, you'll be able to do these things without grabbing the charger often!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
According to FixMeStick, you should remove unnecessary apps to save space on your tablet, especially when you don't regularly use them. It's also important to install the latest software and update your apps. You can also choose to have an antivirus to protect your tablet from malware and viruses.
Try to avoid excess heat. When your tablet warms as it charges, the battery is drained by the device to protect it from damage. This can affect the battery's performance in both the short and long-term. Try to store your tablet in a cool, dry place, and remove it right after charging.
You can also follow the 80/20 Rule. Today's batteries made of lithium-ion are best maintained if they are always charged between 80 to 20 percent. Try to keep your batteries from getting drained. Once your battery drops below 20, it’s time to charge. On the other hand, it’s better to unplug your device once it reaches 80 percent, as stated by PC Laptops.
Following the 80-20 rule from earlier, it's best to get your charger ready once your tablet's battery drops below 20 percent.
Out of the box, your brand new tablet is already equipped with features that make it versatile. With the right accessories, however, you could turn it into your personal do-it-all machine that can handle various tasks. Know how by checking out our product recommendations below!
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Author: Adriel Coseip
Re-editor: Beatrice Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Apple|iPad Pro 12.9"
No. 2: Samsung|Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
No. 3: Lenovo|Yoga Tab 11
No. 4: Apple|iPad Air |4th Generation
No. 5: Huawei|MatePad Pro
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