One of the best friends of a modern child and a large window into the world of digital content for adults is a powerful and reliable tablet.
And so you can buy the best model, we will talk about how to choose a tablet and present a rating of the 12 best tablets of 2020 in terms of price / quality based on tests of Trusted Reviews, PC Mag, CNet and other specialized sites.
How to choose the right tablet?
The vast majority of modern tablets are running iOS or Android. The top 3 most popular operating systems for tablets also include Windows, which is installed on top-end devices such as Microsoft Surface Go. There are also tablets with two operating systems - Windows and Android, between which you can switch.
IOS vs Android
In general, iOS is better suited for tablets, as Apple spares no effort to optimize it, and also very strictly approaches the selection of suitable applications.
Android tablets have more freedom in installing applications. However, they usually cost significantly less than iOS tablets and are great for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and watching streaming video.
The main disadvantage of tablets with Android is not always a timely update. Also, not all Android applications are well optimized, because of which they can slow down and crash with errors.
Feature set
Decide what tasks you need a tablet for. There is no point in overpaying for a top-end device with stylus or magnetic keyboard support if you just want to distract the child during long trips, watch videos in your free time or read e-books. The additional investment is really worth making if you are a designer or if you plan to use the tablet for important work tasks.
Screen diagonal
According to the screen size, the tablets are divided into compact (7-8 inches), medium-sized (9-10 inches) and large (from 11 inches or more). Typically, the larger the display, the more expensive the tablet.
Resolution and display technology
It is also important to consider the screen resolution and its matrix, if you plan to often watch video content on the tablet. As for resolution, it is advisable to choose a tablet with 1920 x 1080 (or Full HD), and the best matrices - IPS or OLED. So you get a bright, clearly distinguishable picture with natural color reproduction.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G
It’s good if the tablet supports several wireless technologies at once - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G. The second and third options are especially relevant if you plan to connect a wireless mouse or keyboard to the tablet, and intend to use the device on trips where Wi-Fi is not always available.
The theoretical part is over, let's move on to choosing the best tablet in 2020.
Top iOS tablets
3. Apple iPad mini (2019)
Specifications:
- tablet 7.9 ″, 2048 × 1536, TFT IPS
- built-in memory 64 GB, without a slot for memory cards
- iOS, 3 GB RAM, Apple A12 Bionic processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- dimensions 134.8 × 203.2 × 6.1 mm, weight 300 g
- 8MP rear camera
- 7MP front camera
- accelerometer gyroscope
Visually, the iPad mini 5 (or iPad mini 2019) looks identical to the previous model. However, its filling is significantly different, and for the better.
Under the “hood” of this model is the same A12 Bionic chip that you will find on the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. This means that the tablet will work quickly, and will cope with any programs and games that you need.
Despite the screen size, this tablet is very lightweight, compact and will not pull your bag or backpack. The battery lasts for 10 hours of continuous video viewing and Internet surfing, and the iPad mini (2019) charges very quickly. In general, this is an ideal tablet for those who need a beautiful, convenient to use and high-quality device.
pros: strong metal case, there is a fingerprint scanner, a bright display with good viewing angles, a powerful processor, works with Apple Pencil.
Minuses: thick frames, not very loud and rich sound.
2. Apple iPad Air (2019)
Specifications:
- tablet 10.5 ″, 2224 × 1668, TFT IPS
- 256 GB internal memory, without memory card slot
- iOS, Apple A12 Bionic processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- dimensions 174.1 × 250.6 × 6.1 mm, weight 456 g
- 8MP rear camera
- 7MP front camera
- working time 10 h
- accelerometer gyroscope
If the 9-inch tablet is too small for you and the 11-inch tablet is too large, the iPad Air offers a reasonable compromise with its 10.5-inch screen. It has a high-quality matrix, excellent resolution and is protected by scratch-resistant glass.
The powerful six-core A12 Bionic processor, manufactured using 7-nm technology, a large amount of flash memory allow you to install and use the most demanding hardware and games. And Apple Pencil stylus support makes this tablet the preferred choice for designers, artists and other people whose activities are related to drawing.
pros: metal case, screen with excellent color reproduction, fingerprint scanner, work up to 10 hours on a single battery charge.
Minuses: high price.
1. Apple iPad Pro 11
Specifications:
- 11 ″ tablet, 2388 × 1668, TFT IPS
- built-in memory 64 GB, without a slot for memory cards
- iOS, Apple A12X Bionic processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- weight 468 g
- 12MP rear camera
- 7MP front camera
- working time 10 h
- accelerometer gyroscope
This piece of engineering is a symbiosis of the traditional iPad design with its rounded corners and powerful components. iPad Pro 11 is comfortable and pleasant to hold, despite its large size.
And the combination of the fast Apple A12X Bionic chip with a capacious battery that lasts up to 10 hours in a row will allow you to enjoy video, games and working with the most powerful applications all day long.
Although tablets are generally not considered devices capable of taking high-quality photos, the Apple iPad Pro 11 is an exception to the rule. It has a rear 12 MP camera with optical stabilization. So, if necessary, you can take a clear and detailed picture.
According to unconfirmed information, in 2020 Apple may introduce the new iPad Pro, with a triple rear camera that supports 3D sensing for augmented reality. But until this happens, the iPad Pro 11 remains the best iOS tablet for the price and quality that you can get right now.
pros: There is a Face ID and support for the Apple Pencil stylus, a sturdy metal case, a screen with rich colors.
Minuses: high price, expensive accessories.
Best Android tablets
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 10.5 SM-T865
Specifications:
- tablet 10.5 ″, 2560 × 1600, Super AMOLED
- 128 GB internal memory, microSDXC slot, up to 1024 GB
- Android 9.0, 6 GB RAM, 2800 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G LTE, GPS
- dimensions 159.5 × 244.5 × 5.7 mm, weight 420 g
- 13MP rear camera
- 8MP front camera
- working time (music) 105 h
- working time (video) 15 h
- accelerometer gyroscope
This is practically the only top-end Android tablet that is the best Android alternative to the iPad Pro.
It has a large Super AMOLED display with a built-in fingerprint scanner, supports 4G LTE networks, and - which is a favorable difference from Apple tablets - a memory card slot.
Another reason for choosing the Galaxy Tab S6 is its long battery life thanks to its 7040 mAh battery. Without recharging, this device can work up to 15 hours in video viewing mode, and in music listening mode - up to 105 hours (no, this is not a typo).
You don’t have to worry about the speed of the tablet, because it is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, the flagship of 2019, paired with the Adreno 640 video accelerator. This means that the most demanding games will fly at high settings.
pros: there is a convenient stylus, loud and rich sound, light, despite the metal case.
Minuses: high price, keyboard case is not included and is expensive.
2. Amazon Fire HD 8 (2018)
Specifications:
- 8 ″ tablet, 1280 × 800, TFT IPS
- internal memory 32 GB, microSDXC slot, up to 400 GB
- Android 7.1, 1.5 GB RAM, MediaTek MT8163 1300 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- dimensions 128x214x9.7 mm, weight 363 g
- 2MP rear camera
- 2 megapixel front camera
- accelerometer
This is one of the best budget tablets from a famous brand that you can buy now. Its screen has good color reproduction, the build quality is excellent, and there is a lot of space for storing photos and videos (plus you can increase storage by installing a memory card).
And although this model with its MediaTek MT8163 processor does not differ in impressive speed, it is quite suitable for the most demanding Android games (though at medium graphics settings).
Fire HD is ideal for those who want an inexpensive, but good tablet, mainly for surfing the Internet and reading e-books.
pros: affordable price, support for Alexa (Amazon's voice assistant), there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Minuses: not too fast interface, not enough RAM (1.5 GB).
1. Xiaomi MiPad 4
Specifications:
- 8 ″ tablet, 1920 × 1200, TFT IPS
- built-in memory 64 GB, microSDXC slot, up to 256 GB
- Android 8.1, 4 GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 2200 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, GPS
- dimensions 120.3 × 200.2 × 7.9 mm, weight 342 g
- 13MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
- accelerometer gyroscope
The model from Xiaomi won the first place in the list of the best Android tablets of 2020 for the perfect combination of price and features. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 660 processor - not flagship, but good enough to easily launch any modern games and applications.
MiPad 4 has support for 4G networks, which not all tablets even from the higher price categories can boast of. However, there is an important nuance - this tablet does not have 2G and 3G support. Therefore, you can receive and send SMS, as well as connect to the mobile Internet, but you cannot make and receive calls. Unless you can call WhatsApp.
The rear camera has a good resolution and will allow you to make a high-quality, detailed picture. And owners of wired headphones will probably be glad to know that this tablet has a 3.5 mm jack.
Also note such useful features as face unlock and the ability to connect to a computer via USB. And the presence of GPS and GLONASS allows you to use Xiaomi MiPad 4 as a navigator.
pros: there is a slot for a memory card, long battery life - up to 10 hours without recharging with the most active use, stereo sound.
Minuses: The screen is dull, heavy (but durable).
Best Windows tablets
3. Prestigio MultiPad PMP880TD
Specifications:
- 8 ″ tablet, 1280 × 800, TFT IPS
- internal memory 16 GB, microSDHC slot, up to 32 GB
- Windows 8, 1 GB RAM, Intel Atom Z3735F 1830 MHz processor
- Wifi
- dimensions 130.3 × 208.5 × 9.4 mm, weight 370 g
- 2MP rear camera
- 1.3 MP front camera
- working time (video) 6 h
- accelerometer
A great option for those who want to get acquainted with the capabilities of a Windows tablet, but are not ready to pay tens of thousands of rubles for this.
Due to the small amount of RAM (1 GB) and not too powerful, but the energy-efficient processor, this model will not pull heavy games. But for surfing the Web and working with office applications is quite suitable. Conveniently, Office 365 Personal is already bundled with it.
pros: compact, bright screen with good viewing angles, video with a resolution of 1080p goes without lags and brakes.
Minuses: there is little space for storing user data, even taking into account the installation of a 32 GB card, low sensitivity of the sensor in the corners of the screen.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad D330 N5000
Specifications:
- tablet with a keyboard 10.1 ″, 1920 × 1080
- 128 GB internal memory, microSDXC slot, up to 128 GB
- Windows 10, 4 GB RAM, Intel Celeron N5000 1100 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G LTE
- dimensions 186x249x18 mm, weight 1106 g
- 5MP rear camera
- 2 megapixel front camera
- accelerometer
If you're looking for something like the Surface Go, then the 10-inch Lenovo IdeaPad D330 will appeal to you. It is slightly less powerful than the leader in the list of the best Windows tablets, but it is just as easy to use. Included with it is a docking keyboard, which is very comfortable to work with.
With an average load (office applications, Internet surfing) and at 25% of the brightness of the screen, the battery reserve is enough for 10 hours.
pros: very touch-sensitive screen without phantom clicks, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack, video on YouTube plays without hangs with a resolution of 1080p.
Minuses: heated when several applications are running at the same time, a plastic case, a lot of pre-installed software.
1. Microsoft Surface Go
Specifications:
- tablet 10.1 ″, 1800 × 1200
- 128 GB internal memory, microSDXC slot
- Windows 10, 8 GB RAM, Intel Pentium 4415Y 1600 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- dimensions 175x245x8.3 mm, weight 522 g
- 8MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
- working time 9 hours
- accelerometer gyroscope
If you're not a big fan of Android or iOS, then Surface Go is a solid alternative to tablets with these OSs. It runs on Windows 10, which gives you much more freedom to download and configure. If you are a student or an office worker, you will probably appreciate the ability to run Microsoft Office on this tablet.
The Intel Pentium 4415Y processor and a large number of RAM (8 GB) and flash memory turn Go into an ultra-universal machine, where you can play games and TV shows on Netflix to watch and run several programs at once, smoothly switching between us.
pros: you can install a memory card, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack, a stylish look, a sturdy case.
Minuses: heavy, discharges a little faster than Android tablets.
Inexpensive and good tablets in 2020 (up to 5000 rubles)
3. DIGMA CITI Kids
Specifications:
- tablet for children 7 ″, 1024 × 600, TFT IPS
- built-in memory 32 GB, microSDHC slot, up to 64 GB
- Android 9.0, 2 GB RAM, MediaTek MT8321 1300 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G
- dimensions 150x220x14 mm, weight 345 g
- 2MP rear camera
- front camera 0.3 megapixels
- accelerometer
If you are looking for the best tablet for your child in 2020, then it is in front of you. A small and at the same time rather bright screen with a good matrix, a large amount of flash memory will allow you to place and comfortably play educational games or run educational programs.
If necessary, the child will be able to connect headphones to the device through a 3.5 mm jack and listen to your favorite music.
pros: sturdy case, easy to hold, all the connectors are under a special cover, which will protect them from dirt and dust, it charges quickly.
Minuses: heavy.
2. Prestigio Grace PMT3758D 3G
Specifications:
- 8 ″ tablet, 1280 × 800, TFT IPS
- 16 GB internal memory, microSDXC slot, up to 128 GB
- Android 8.1, 1 GB RAM, 1300 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS
- work in cell phone mode
- 2MP rear camera
- front camera 0.3 megapixels
- accelerometer
Ideal for those who need an inexpensive tablet with loud sound, a stable connection with navigation satellites and stable mobile Internet.
Of course, they won’t play games that are demanding on the amount of memory and the processor, but Prestigio Grace PMT3758D is more than enough for surfing the Internet with several tabs open, working in text editors and watching videos.
pros: high-quality assembly, responsive touchscreen, bright backlight, there is a 3.5 mm jack, 2 SIM cards.
Minuses: not too convenient navigation, you have to charge every day with not too heavy use.
1. DIGMA Plane 1584S
Specifications:
- tablet 10.1 ″, 1280 × 800, TFT IPS
- built-in memory 8 GB, microSDXC slot, up to 128 GB
- Android 8.1, 1 GB RAM, Spreadtrum SC7731G 1300 MHz processor
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS
- dimensions 171.5 × 224.5 × 10 mm, weight 520 g
- work in cell phone mode
- 2MP rear camera
- front camera 0.3 megapixels
- accelerometer
If the budget is limited, and the soul requires scope, then we offer you a compromise option - DIGMA Plane 1584S. Its main advantage is the large screen size.
Everything else is at an average level, including performance and the amount of internal memory. The latter, however, is easily solved by installing a memory card, and its permissible volume of 128 GB is more than most inexpensive tablets can afford.
pros: lightweight, comfortable to hold, loud and clear sound, 2 SIM cards.
Minuses: not.
