We’ll be looking at the most popular tablets from the top manufacturers and comparing their main features and specifications to see which tablet is the best overall. In addition to that we will also be looking at which tablets excel the best in certain categories such as studying, gaming, office use and travelling. Let’s begin!
5. Google Nexus 9
Name: Nexus 9 - View official website
Weight: 425g
Dimensions: 228 x 154 x 8mm
Screen size: 8.9 inch
Resolution: 1536 x 2048
Storage 16/32GB
Battery: 6700 mAh / 10 hours
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 1.6MP
Coming in 5th place is the Nexus 9. A highly customisable tablet that allows users to download the latest Android operating system before anyone else giving users a superior software experience compared to other manufacturers. The tablet is available in 16 and 32GB sizes which offers plenty of room for storing songs and documents. This 8.9 inch screen tablet has all the basics covered such as two front and rear facing cameras, a mid range weight and a great battery life offering up to 10 hours of web browsing over WiFi on a single charge, perfect for everyday home, office and study use. This no frills tablet is great for a first time buyer who is just looking for something to get the job done without the added bells and whistles.
Good For: First time tablet owners, looking for the best software experience.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
Name: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 - View official website
Weight: 256g
Dimensions: 197 x 135 x 5.6mm
Screen Size: 8 inch
Resolution: 1536 x 2048
Storage: 32GB / 64GB
Battery: 4000 mAh / 6 hours
Rear Camera: 8MP
Front Camera: 2.1MP
4th on our list is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. This tablet comes in on the smaller side of the scale just after the iPad mini offering an 8 inch screen with a 4000mAh battery meaning up to 6 hours of continuous web browsing over WiFi. The Tab S2 is also the lightest on the list weighing only 256g which is perfect for travelling. The S2 also comes in two sizes of 32 and 64GB which is impressive for the weight and size of the tablet. The tablet also comes equipped with two front and rear cameras at 8MP and 2.1MP respectively. Also available in a larger 9.7 inch version, with a longer battery life but heavier weight compared to the 8 inch version.
Good For: Light travelling, Android alternative to the iPad mini 4.
3. Apple iPad Mini 4
Apple iPad mini 4 - Visit official website
Weight: 299g
Dimensions: 203 x 135 x 6mm
Screen size: 7.9 inch
Resolution: 1536 x 2048
Storage: 16GB/64/128
Battery: 5124 mAh / 7 Hours
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 1.2MP
In 3rd place is the iPad's little brother the iPad mini 4th generation. This tablet is on the smaller side of the list coming in with a screen size of 7.9 inches placing it just in front of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. Although similar in specifications and size to the Galaxy Tab S2 the main differences are that the iPad mini offers an increased battery life and higher capacity storage without massively adding on much size or weight and putting it with the bigger tablets such as the Nexus 9 previously covered. Available in three sizes of 16, 64 or 128GB the iPad mini is also one of the largest capacity tablets available coming in with the same storage capacities as its big brother the iPad Air. In summary the size and power of this tablet makes it perfect for travelling lightly without adding any more trouble to your trip.
Good For: Pocket size travelling, listening to music and checking social media.
2. Google Pixel C
Google Pixel C - Visit official website
Weight 517g
Dimensions 242 x 179 x7mm
Screen size: 10.2 inch
resolution: 2560 x 1800
Storage: 32GB / 64GB
Battery: 9000 mAh / 10 hours+
Rear cam: 8MP
Front: 2MP
Missing out on the top spot and 2nd on our list is the Google Pixel C. This is by far the heaviest and largest on the list with a screen size of 10.2 inches and a resolution of 2560 x 1800, meaning the screen looks a lot sharper and higher definition compared to the other tablets on this list. In order to power this large screen it comes with a huge 9000 mAh battery which can power the tablet up to 10 hours (even up to 13+ hours depending on the brightness settings). Available in two sizes of 32 or 64GB the Pixel C also provides adequate storage for everyday use such as watching movies, playing games or storing music. It also comes with an optional keyboard (pictured), a unique addition not seen on most other tablets. In conclusion the size of this tablet is perfect for people who prefer their screens larger and is best used in the office or during studying sessions were a larger screen can benefit the user.
Good For: Office work, studying & typing, watching movies.
1. Apple iPad Air 2
Apple iPad Air 2 - Visit official website
Weight: 437g
Dimensions 240 x 169.5 x 6.1mm
Screen size 9.7 inch
Resolution: 1536 x 2048
Storage: 16/64/128GB
Battery: 7340 mAh / 10 hours
Rear cam: 8MP
Front cam: 1.2MP
Taking the prized number one spot on our list is the iPad Air 2. On its original launch the iPad Air was the thinnest tablet ever launched but he iPad Air 2 trumps this with its 6.1mm depth making it 18% thinner than its predecessor. The new model is also lighter and features a faster processor making it around 40% faster than its forerunner and almost 100g lighter than tablets of a similar size.
The Air 2 features a 9.7 inch screen putting it almost in the same league as the Google Pixel C yet the Air 2 crams the same specifications and features into a smaller version such as a 7340mAh battery capable of up to 10 hours of web browsing and surfing. Overall the iPad Air 2 is the best tablet for performance, size and storage and can be used in almost every day to day scenario.
Good For: Gaming, watching movies, fast browsing and light travelling.