With so many tablets on the market, it can be hard to choose. At first glance, they all perform the same function. Whether you are a workaholic or need a tablet for entertainment purposes, join me as I take a look at the 5 best tablets available right now.
Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 4 is for those who want a portable device but also need to do some serious work. It runs Microsoft’s latest operating system and is sturdily built. The build quality can be compared to the much more expensive Macbook Pro (2016). Microsoft developed a hinge design which allows you to use the tablet in a range of modes. The keyboard snaps on magnetically and can be pulled off or placed behind a tablet when it is time to watch a movie or check out some blog posts.
With regard to power, it starts with 4GB of RAM and a 6th Generation Intel Core processor. Due to the fact that it was made by Microsoft, the hardware works in perfect harmony with the software. Click twice on the stylus and the Onenote opens. Notes can be shared with friends and stored on notebooks. For any students out there, it means there are no more excuses for “lost notes”.
It also has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a typical high end tablet. Namely you get a 5.0MP front-facing camera, 8MP front-facing camera, 1080P HD Video recording and surround sound from Dolby.
A big critique of the Surface Pro 4 is that it is awkward to use on the lap. This is partially true. The hinge design means that it is best used on flat surfaces. However, if you push the screen back with the hinge open and pull off the keyboard, it is incredibly comfortable to use. I think it gives the best of both worlds: power and fun.
It costs £749 without the keyboard- this costs an extra £150. The Surface Pro 4 isn’t an entry level tablet; however, if you want a workhorse laptop that you can also cosy up to for Netflix sessions, there is none better.
iPad Air 2
The iPad Air 2 is the de-facto tablet on the market, but is it the best? The iPad range hasn’t really changed a great deal. Apple stick to a formula and make mild alterations. As always it is thinner and more powerful than it’s predecessors. With regard to technical specifications, there are many tablets which beat it on paper. Notably, iOS is very well optimised for Apple’s chips. That is one of the benefits of controlling the software and hardware.
You still get the standard 10 hours of video playback and the buttery-smooth user experience we have come to expect from Apple.
Saying that, you are unlikely to use the iPad Air 2 for any “real” work. Sure, there are keyboards you can get for it; however, it isn’t the same. Unlike some Android tablets and the Surface Pro 4, Apple makes it challenging to easily upload certain files. The iPad is built as an entertainment device and for those who want to masquerade under the false pretence of using it to get work done.
Perhaps, you don’t plan on getting any serious work done on the iPad. That’s cool. If you are looking to use a tablet for gaming, videos and checking social media, you can’t go wrong with the iPad Air 2.
Galaxy Tab S2
Google Pixel C
There is something wonderful about having a pure, Android experience. The Pixel C is what Google thinks a tablet should be and they have thrown everything they can at it. Beautiful on the outside, and a raging beast on the inside.
It comes packing a Nvidia Quad Core processor for smooth gaming. When combined with the ultra bright display and high resolution (308 PPI), all your content simply bursts to life. All this power and tech is packed into a thin 7mm, aluminium frame. Google are starting to make more premium devices and one might argue that the Google Pixel C has an Apple-esque build quality.
Sony Xperia Tablet Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact is the dark horse of the tablet industry. At a screen size of 8 inches, it isn’t so small that it is an inflated smartphone, or so large that it draws stares in public **cough iPad Pro 12.9 cough**.
The screen size means that it is handy enough to fit in a jacket pocket. The waterproof function also means that it can be used in all weather. Just don’t use it in a swimming pool, because its waterproof rating isn’t high enough. The screen resolution is one of the highest you will see on any tablet. At 1920 x 1200 resolution, and combined with the smaller 8 inch screen, you feel like you are holding a much bigger tablet.
With regard to power, the Sony Xperia Z3 compact uses a Quadcore processor and has 3GB of RAM. The remaining features are what you would come to expect except two. Firstly, Sony are known for making exceptional audio equipment, and they didn’t stop at this tablet. It has what is described as the best digital noise cancellation on the market. What this basically means is that the headphones record the sounds in your surroundings and then play a sound which cancels it out in real time. As a result, you can enjoy your music without any interruption.
The feature which sets it apart is that you can dock it with a Playstation 4 controller and use remote play from any room in your house. Console quality gaming on a tablet. And the powerful battery means that you can continue playing for many hours.
All things considered, the Sony Xperia Tablet Compact is the best tablet on the market right now.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope that you have found this post useful. Do you have a tablet which you just love using? Did I mention something which you strongly disagreed with? No matter your thoughts, get it off your chest in the comments section below.