Tablets are increasingly vital for various activities, from work to entertainment. As Black Friday Week 2024 approaches, the article reviews standout options like the reMarkable Paper Pro, designed for note-taking. It highlights top picks, including the Lenovo Extreme Tab, Apple iPad Air, and Google Pixel Tablet, catering to diverse needs. The testing process involves technical assessments and real-world usage evaluations, ensuring comprehensive insights into performance, battery life, and overall user experience.
Discover the Best Tablets Available Now
Updated on November 19, 2024 – Tablets have become an essential tool for various activities such as work, movie-watching, and gaming. With the rapid evolution of this market, especially as Black Friday Week 2024 approaches, it’s vital to take your time before making a decision on your next tablet. Currently, we are reviewing the reMarkable Paper Pro, a unique device that sits between an e-reader and a tablet, specifically designed for note-taking. If your goal is to enhance your work experience while minimizing the loss of the tactile feel of paper, this is a product worth considering.
Whether you want to enjoy a game, stream your favorite shows, check emails, finish a report, or entertain your kids during travel, investing in a tablet can be a smart choice. We’ve explored the current tablet landscape to bring you a selection that caters to various needs and budgets. Here, we present a list of the top tablets currently available. If you’re contemplating between a tablet and a laptop, our expert has also analyzed the best laptops of the market.
Our Top 3 Tablet Picks
1. Lenovo Extreme Tab: The ultimate all-rounder
2. Apple iPad Air: The most versatile option
3. Google Pixel Tablet: The best choice for a smart home
Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations
Pierre Fontaine has been a technology journalist since the early 2000s. His journey began when the TO7 was the pinnacle of innovation, and he has since kept a keen eye on Apple developments while enjoying the competitive landscape. A true tech enthusiast, he transitioned from covering news on the Internet Actu site to joining the Testing team. After working at Univers Mac, he made his way to 01net, moving from editor to deputy editor-in-chief. Pierre has a deep appreciation for smart technology, and his passion often pays off.
How We Test Tablets
Our testing process for tablets, similar to that for smartphones, follows two main phases. The first phase is a technical assessment, where we utilize several synthetic benchmarking applications to gauge the performance of each device’s processor and graphics capabilities. This stage provides insights into file download speeds and overall interface responsiveness.
Next, we conduct screen measurements to evaluate brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. After breaking in the battery through a complete charge cycle and setting brightness to 200 cd/m2, we perform a battery life test using continuous 4K video playback.
Following the battery’s depletion, we time how long it takes to recharge using the provided charger or the recommended fast charger. Once these technical tests are completed, we move to the second phase, which involves real-world usage. This phase can last from days to weeks, allowing us to assess performance while browsing the web, gaming, or working.
In-Depth Tablet Reviews
Here’s a comprehensive overview of our selected tablets, complete with test summaries and ratings.
Lenovo Extreme Tab: The Ultimate All-Rounder
The Lenovo Tab Extreme stands out as our top pick, being both the most expensive and the most impressive in our lineup. With a massive 14.5-inch 120 Hz OLED display boasting a resolution of 1,876 x 3,000 pixels, it excels at multitasking, enabling users to view multiple windows simultaneously. It even features a dedicated USB-C port for connecting to an external monitor, making it suitable for professional use. Additionally, the tablet’s bundled stylus enhances note-taking and drawing experiences.
For entertainment, the screen’s brightness (measured at 472 cd/m2) and Dolby Atmos compatibility make movie-watching a pleasure. Gaming is equally enjoyable, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity chip, which delivers impressive performance while maintaining battery efficiency, lasting over 11 hours during our video streaming tests. Charging is also swift, reaching 52% in just 30 minutes and a full charge in 75 minutes.
Apple iPad Air: The Most Versatile Option
The iPad Air may not be the most powerful tablet in Apple’s lineup, but it strikes a remarkable balance between affordability and performance. Featuring the M1 chip, originally designed for Macs, this tablet offers incredible power in a sleek aluminum body. The 10.9-inch touchscreen is the brightest in our selection, delivering excellent color accuracy.
Whether for gaming or productivity, the iPad Air provides a delightful experience. While its camera system is basic, it performs adequately in good lighting and is great for augmented reality applications. The battery life reached nearly 10 hours in our testing, making it a reliable companion for daily tasks.
Google Pixel Tablet: The Best for the Connected Home
Google’s latest entry into the tablet market brings a minimalist design that embodies Google’s aesthetic. While some buttons are less accessible, the overall ergonomics are commendable. Running on Android 14, it integrates seamlessly with its hardware.
A standout feature is its charging dock, which allows the tablet to remain powered while serving as a smart display when not in use. This makes the Pixel Tablet an attractive option for those invested in a smart home ecosystem.