The Best Android-Based Tablets
These days, Android-based tablets are more affordable and advanced than ever. But with so many models and specs to consider, it can be hard to find the right one for your needs. That's why we decided to whittle down the options to the best of the best, so you can enjoy gaming, work, streaming, and more sooner.
What to Look For
We kept six main qualities in mind while searching for the best Android tablets: screen size, resolution, brightness, battery life, processing power, and price value. Of course, there are other considerations, too, such as memory size. That’s why Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A8 won our top spot since it excels in every category and even comes with some extra perks, such as expandable memory. But if you want something more affordable, we recommend the budget-friendly Lenovo Tab M8 tablet. There’s a lot to consider, so read on for our in-depth reviews.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5″ Android Tablet
The latest of the greatest
Screen quality is essential, which is why we love this gorgeous display from Samsung. The Galaxy Tab A8 features a 1080p LCD screen that delivers beautiful HD images, making it perfect for streaming. Better yet, you can save media files to the built-in memory for offline viewing. You can also expand the memory using a microSD card, so the more-affordable 32GB model is still a viable option.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery life
- Great value for the price
- Bright and beautiful 10.5-inch screen
- Weighs a little more than a pound
- Streams smooth video
Cons:
- The thinness of the design compromises durability, so you may have to also buy a protective case
Lenovo Tab M8 Tablet, HD Android Tablet, Quad-Core Processor
Low price, high value
We were blown away when we saw the specs on this inexpensive tablet. Indeed, the price is low, but the processing power is surprisingly high. With a quad-core 2GHz processor and a 1280×800 screen resolution, it’s like a mini smart TV with an HD screen. It also comes with the standard 32GB internal memory, but you can pop in a microSD card to turn this affordable tablet into a beast of a bargain.
Pros:
- Robust metal cover resists damage
- Long battery life, even with high screen brightness
- The 8-inch screen is a good size for all ages
- Easy to set up with minimal bloatware
Cons:
- It charges and transfers via a micro-USB cable, though many prefer USB-C cables these days
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The right size for surfing
Tablets are great because they’re portable and lightweight, which is where the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite excels. It’s about 0.81 pounds in weight and incredibly sleek and slim. Yet, even with this thin design, it’s still durable in the face of smacks and drops. Of course, we still recommend a case since the brilliant 1340×800 display is worth protecting.
Pros:
- Preinstalled with Android 11
- Connects to wifi quickly and reliably
- Sharp, clear screen with a high pixel density
- Runs many games smoothly without lag
Cons:
- It’s more of a budget-friendly model, so the processing power can’t beat the premium models
TOPELOTEK Kids 7-Inch Tablet with Case
Built for ruckus
Tablets can be the ultimate learning and entertainment centers for kids, but small hands are unavoidably clumsy. That’s why this inexpensive tablet from TOPELOTEK is ideal, as it boasts a super shock-absorbing case with handles for youngsters to keep a strong grip. Better yet, it comes with preinstalled educational apps and a slew of parental controls. Most importantly, the price is super affordable, so you can save the expensive tech for the adults.
Pros:
- Plays YouTube smoothly
- Bright and colorful screen
- Very little setup
- Extensive parental controls
Cons:
- Power-intensive apps will drain the battery pretty quickly
TECLAST P20S Android 12 Tablet
A 10-inch tablet with high-quality hardware used to cost a fortune, but that was then, and this is now. This beauty from TECLAST has brilliant specs, such as an 8-core processor, 4G cellular capabilities, a 6,000mAh battery, and 4GB of RAM. But what really blew us away was the 10.1-inch HD display. It’s an IPS screen, which means it delivers better color and contrast compared to its LCD cousins.
Pros:
- Expandable storage with microSD slot
- Amazing value for the price
- Excellent built-in speakers
- Versatile; great for gaming, work, streaming, and more
Cons:
- Bootup time when powering it up is kind of long
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you update an Android tablet’s operating system?
Many older versions of Android OS can be updated by navigating to the settings menu of your tablet. Others may be updated via a PC connection. However, this depends on the version of Android that your tablet comes with, as well as the model of the tablet. We recommend doing a web search to find out if your tablet of choice can be updated before you lock into a decision.
How do I enable parental controls on an Android tablet?
If your tablet doesn’t come with preinstalled parental controls, there are a number of applications in the Google Play Store app that can serve that purpose. We recommend looking up a guide for setting them up. Once you have the controls in place, tuning them to your preferences is easy.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.