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These are the best Android tablets you can buy
For an affordable and functional tablet you can use all throughout the year, there are plenty of options outside Apple's iPad lineup. Tablets from Samsung, Amazon, and Lenovo can provide what you need for entertainment, drawing, work, and more.
Samsung's tablet lineup consists of several different models with a wide range of features and price points, and are ideal for those looking for a portable computing device that could even replace a laptop or desktop computer thanks to dedicated keyboard accessories, high-quality performance, and display size. Unlike Apple, Samsung includes the S Pen so you can enjoy a tablet as it was intended with pen input right out of the box.
Similarly, Amazon's tablets which technically run a forked version of Android called Fire OS, are designed and sold at budget prices. The company's online stores and services are integrated into Amazon tablets, too. And, if you want to stick to the ChromeOS ecosystem, Google's latest Pixel Tablet is a new contender for Android tablets built for streaming and entertainment.
Also: The best cheap tablets
I chose tablets that offer a reliable experience and a variety of features at a reasonable price point. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed research and my personal experience with the products to make suggestions for the best Android tablets below. I found that the best Android tablet overall was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for its giant display, stellar battery life, and accompanying S Pen.
The best Android tablets of 2023
- Improved Dynamic AMOLED display
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- Ultra responsive S Pen
- DeX mode is invaluable
- Not the most portable tablet
- Size is not ideal for mobile gaming
- Occasional app crashes
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra specs: Display size: 14.6-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2960 x 1848 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB, 16GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, microSD up to 1TB
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the biggest and best tablet in Samsung's lineup. Samsung announced the new tablet in July. It features a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, runs Android 13, and comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus included in the box.
The base model comes with 12GB of memory, 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet. You can also fully kit out the Tab S9 Ultra with 1TB of storage and 16GB of memory.
ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and said that its upgrades--like its waterproof rating--gives it a "definitive edge over the competition."
"An IP68 rating gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra water and dust resistance that neither the iPad nor any premium tablet on the market is certified for," she wrote. "Though I wouldn't recommend testing the limits, the Tab S9 Ultra can resist dust and is not only splash-proof but it will also survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes."
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review: This tablet can truly replace your laptop
With a tablet this large, you're most likely considering it as a laptop replacement. That means you'll want to pick up the $349 book cover keyboard. Once connected, you can use Samsung DeX on the S9 Ultra, effectively turning the tablet into an Android 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.
- Great stereo speakers
- Updated and bright display
- 5G option
- More expensive than previous generation
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus tech specs: Display size: 12.4-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2,800 x 1,752 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB
The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus was intended to be a second-level tablet in the Galaxy S9 line of tablets. The specs are similar to that of the S9 Ultra, but the Tab S9 Plus costs $200 less. This tablet features a screen that is 2.2 inches smaller than the S9 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate.
Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen that provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience. In addition, you can add the $229 keyboard accessory to the tablet, turning it into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you can use to hammer out emails, crush work reports, or watch your favorite YouTube channel.
ZDNET contributor Matthew Miller said that the tablet's features makes him think he's "not missing out the Ultra model all that much."
"Movies and shows are a sheer joy to watch on the Samsung S9 Plus, with lovely colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback," he wrote. "Even when I played audio out loud, my wife was shocked that the output was coming from the tablet and not an actual speaker."
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus hands-on review: Come for the AMOLED, stay for the speakers
Miller notes that the S9 Plus is also the only Galaxy S series tablet to offer a 5G connectivity option for an additional $30.
- Stunning display
- S Pen in box
- Many of the same features as S9 Ultra and S9+
- Missing apps
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tech specs: Display: Display size: 11-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 8GB, 12GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB (expandable with microSD)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the third new Samsung tablet. The Tab S9 comes with 8GB or 12GB of memory and starts at 128GB of storage which can be expanded by up to 1TB thanks to microSD card support. Inside the Tab S9 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
The 11-inch LCD display is compact enough to make the tablet portable. The tablet's high resolution also ensures display clarity, so you'll be happy watching your favorite shows or gaming on it.
Miller also tested this base Tab S9 model, saying it was an enjoyable experience.
"If you are going to primarily use the tablet without a keyboard, with one app on the display most of the time, and in portrait orientation, then the Tab S9 is your best option," he wrote.
Included in the box with the S9 is an S Pen that you can use to write or draw in your favorite apps, just like you can with the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review
- Display looks good
- Solid performance
- Battery life
- Android apps still need tablet improvements
- Not a tablet for productivity
- It looks and acts a lot like an iPad
OnePlus Pad tech specs: Display: Display size: 11.61-inch | Display type: LCD | Resolution: 2,800 x 2,000 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB
OnePlus is better known for its smartphone lineup where the company has led the way with producing phones that include a ton of features and performance while undercutting the competition when it comes to cost. And for the most part, that's exactly what's happened with the OnePlus Pad.
This Android-powered tablet has month-long battery standby (I tested it), along with impressive daily battery life. It is quick and snappy for daily tasks like checking your email, playing games or browsing the web, all on a display that looks fantastic.
And you get that experience for $480. Not too shabby.
OnePlus also sells a keyboard case and a stylus for the OnePlus Pad, which more or less turns the OnePlus Pad into an iPad Pro dupe. And that's where the stellar Pad experience starts to struggle.
Trackpad gestures and navigation are finicky, and a lot of the same interface features -- such as the mouse pointer -- on the OnePlus Pad come straight from Apple's iPadOS interface for the same feature. If you're looking for an Android tablet that's better suited for productivity, Lenovo or Samsung are where you want to focus your efforts.
That said, if you're looking for a tablet that's great for keeping you entertained with very light work, then the OnePlus Pad and its 11.61-inch 2.8K display are worth a long look.
Review: OnePlus Pad: A tablet for Android fans who secretly want an iPad
- Very affordable
- MicroSD card expandable storage
- Battery life
- Not the fastest tablet
- No access to Google apps or services
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tech specs: Display size: 8-inch | Display type: IPS LCD | Resolution: 1,280 x 800 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB or 64GB
Gone are the boxy and square tablets from Amazon. The company completely redesigned the Fire HD 8 lineup with a more rounded look and feel. There are actually two new tablets: the Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus.
I am including only the HD 8 Plus in this list because it's worth the extra $20 for added memory and support for wireless charging.
The Fire HD 8 runs Amazon's Fire OS. It runs Android apps, but you're limited to apps that are available in Amazon's own Appstore. Like with most tablets in this price range, performance can be sluggish at times, but you'll have no issues shopping, browsing Facebook, or checking your email on the Fire HD 8 Plus.
Review: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
ZDNET Reviews Editor Kerry Wan called the Amazon Fire HD Plus a "no-brainer" buy if you're in the market for a cheap Android tablet.
"If you're eyeing a tablet that can play your child's favorite YouTube videos or control your home's Alexa-supported devices or even serve as a digital cookbook, then Amazon's Fire HD 8 Plus is a no-brainer at a fraction of the cost of the cheapest iPad," he wrote.
- Speaker and charging dock included
- Good battery life
- Multiple user support
- No compatibility to add a keyboard/trackpad
Pixel tablet tech specs: Display size: 10.95-inch | Display type: LCD | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Google hasn't had an Android tablet since the death of the Google Pixel Slate in 2018, but the company announced a new iteration in May 2023. Built specifically for entertainment and casual at-home use, the Pixel Tablet has a 10.95-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. It's powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that's found in the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold.
What's interesting about this tablet is that the included charging dock also converts it to a Nest Hub, meaning that when you're not using the tablet to watch YouTube, it has a second purpose as a smart home display.
The battery life can last for up to 12 hours of video streaming, and it supports third-party stylus pens.
While this tablet won't replace a laptop for school or work, it could be handy if your home is a Google smart home and you're looking for a tablet that can double as a smart display (that is, if you don't already have a smart display in your smart home).
Review: Google Pixel Tablet: What Android tablets should have been all along
- Affordable
- Expandable storage
- Excellent battery life
- IP68 dust/water resistant
- LCD not quite a stunning as AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display size: 10.9-inch | Display type: TFT LCD | Resolution: 1200 x 800 | Refresh rate: 90Hz | RAM: 6 or 8 GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Samsung recently launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with a S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating to make it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.
It has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender.
It remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help you capture documents.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet tech specs: Display size: 10.1-inch| Resolution: 1,920 x 1,200 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 1TB)
Looking for a tablet geared toward kids? Amazon's Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is perfect for kids ages six through 12 years old. Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you'll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The Kids Edition version comes with the same perks as the Fire 8 Kids Edition, including a protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and a year subscription to Amazon Kids+.
Review: Amazon Fire HD 10
Either way, you get Amazon's largest tablet with a 1080p display. It has a USB-C port for faster charging, and up to 12 hours of battery life. Performance isn't on par with an iPad, but in my experience testing, it's better than the Fire 7 or 8.
I have three children of my own and found that the standard Fire HD 10 model can serve as a solid entertainment device for little ones if you want a tablet that everyone in the household can use.
What is the best Android tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best Android tablet on the market, in my opinion, and according to expert reviews. However, if you're looking for a less expensive Android tablet for your kids or a more compact size for life on the go, you may want to consider another option.
Below I've broken down the best Android tablets based on price, display size, and storage capacity.
| Android tablet | Price | Display size | Storage |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | $1,200 | 14.6 inches | Up to 1TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ | $1,000 | 12.4 inches | Up to 1TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | $800 | 11 inches | Up to 256GB |
| OnePlus Pad | $480 | 11.6 inches | 126GB |
| Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | $120 | 8 inches | Up to 64GB |
| Google Pixel Tablet | $500 | 10.95 inches | 128GB or 256GB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | $450 | 10.9 inches | 128GB or 256GB |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro | $200 | 10.1 inches | 32GB |
Which Android tablet is right for you?
The first question you should ask yourself is how you want to use the tablet. If the answer is lightweight web browsing, email checking, watching videos, and the occasional game, then a low-end tablet like the Fire HD 10 or Google's Pixel Tablet is more than capable for you.
However, if you want to use an Android tablet as a laptop replacement with a dedicated keyboard and high-quality display, then Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 lineup is where you'll want to focus.
As long as you know what you want out of an Android tablet, it's easy to figure out which Android tablet is right for you.
Choose this Android tablet… | If you want… |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | The best Android tablet on the market. The 14.6-inch display also makes it the largest tablet on this list. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ | Screen quality that matches the flagship model. It also comes with a Samsung S Pen. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | A well-rounded Android tablet. This tablet lets you take advantage of Samsung's DeX platform. |
OnePlus Pad | An excellent mid-level Android tablet. The battery life is by far the best on this list. |
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | An Android tablet with a smaller 8-inch display and a solid battery life of up to 12 hours. |
Google Pixel Tablet | A Google-made tablet to go with your Google smart home ecosystem. It is built for entertainment. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | A perfect entry-level Samsung tablet with all of the essential, including a S Pen in the box. |
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro | An Android tablet built with kids in mind. You'll also get a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. |
How did I choose these Android tablets?
When browsing the best Android tablets, it quickly becomes clear you don't have many options. I evaluated what each Android tablet has to offer while comparing prices. I've been testing tablets and smartphones for over a decade and have used numerous tablets over those years.
I also considered the following factors:
- Features: Not all Android tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there's the one's that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. We considered a variety of use-cases to match virtually every need.
- Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories. We included Samsung tablets at different price points so there is something for every budget.
- Integrations with other products: We considered options that can work with an attachable keyboard, a stylus, and other work and entertainment add-ons.
- Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work or play (or both), you'll want it to last the duration of your task. Tablets that had substantial battery lives ultimately made our top picks.
Is the Amazon Fire an Android tablet?
Yes! Both the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus and HD 10 Plus use the Android operating system. Not only will you be able to use Amazon streaming services and apps, but you'll also get access to programs and services on the Google Play store.
Should I buy a tablet or a laptop?
It depends on how you want to use your tablet or laptop. Digital artists tend to prefer tablets since they're easier to draw with using a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies if you choose one with a large enough screen size. But if you want to do things like create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you're better off with a laptop.
Are Android tablets better than iPads?
That's a subjective question, and each type of tablet has pros and cons.
Apple iPads are favored by creative professionals and content creators for their compatible art programs, larger displays, and accessories. Android tablets are better suited for everyday use and tasks like browsing the web, streaming video and music, and mobile gaming.
Android tablets often allow you to expand the internal storage with microSD cards, so they can adapt to your needs, whereas iPads have integrated hard drives that can't be removed if you need more space.
Are there alternative Android tablets worth considering?
Tablets that have Android software come from brands like Samsung, Amazon, and Lenovo. Here are a few other options for tablets within the Android ecosystem.
HIGH RESOLUTION
Lenovo Yoga Tab 11
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 has a large-screen 2K display and Dolby Atmos sound built right in.
BEST BATTERY LIFE
Lenovo Tab M8 HD
The Lenovo Tab M8 HD is smaller with an 8-inch screen and up to 15 hours of battery life.
MOST STORAGE
Amazon Fire HD 10
Amazon's largest tablet has hands-free Amazon Alexa and expandable storage of up to 1TB.