The Best Android Tablet

Whether you’re looking for a portable device for entertainment, work or casual internet usage, an Android tablet offers a lot of potential. You can use the tablet to watch movies from your favorite apps, create documents for work and school, play popular games, and even keep in touch with loved ones. You’ll get to choose from many options to fit different budgets and performance needs.

To determine what type of Android tablet to look for, you’ll want to think about how you intend to use the gadget so you can find options with the right specifications. Your intended use will affect everything from the type of processor and amount of memory needed to the storage capacity and screen size.

If you’ll use demanding apps like the latest games or special design apps for work, then you’ll want to look into higher-performing options than someone who just needs a budget tablet to browse the web and send an email. On the other hand, if you plan to use the tablet to watch movies and TV shows, you might opt for one with a high-quality screen and nice speakers.

When comparing tablets, you’ll find that the processor and memory matter a lot for performance. Android tablets usually come with processors with 2 to 8 cores, and processing speeds are measured in gigahertz where higher numbers yield higher performance. You’ll find plenty of Android tablet options with at least 2 gigabytes of RAM, and the more RAM you have, the more open apps the device can handle at once.

Keep the amount of storage the Android tablet comes with in mind since this will determine how many apps you can have installed as well as how much data you can hold on the device.  You’ll find that most Android tablets have at least 16 gigabytes of storage, and this will suffice for installing basic apps and holding pictures, documents and some videos. You might opt for 32 gigabytes or higher if you want flexibility for the future or you plan to download heavy apps or store a lot of videos.

You’ll want to consider portability along with your preferences for viewing content to decide what type of tablet size to look for. If you want a tablet you can easily fit in a purse or bag for on-the-go use, you can find plenty of lightweight and portable options with screens between 7 and 9 inches. Bigger tablets often have screens measuring 10 to 12 inches, and while these are heavier and bulkier, they can work well for using creative apps and watching videos.

The Android tablet’s screen resolution matters along with the screen size since two same-sized tablets might have quite different visual quality. You can expect a clearer image with more detail when you go with the tablet with a higher resolution.

Especially if you plan to use your Android tablet away from home, consider options that provide a long enough battery life. Often, high-end tablets have larger batteries than lower-end options and can keep your tablet going longer on the go. However, battery life can vary by manufacturer, and other factors like the apps you use and even the screen brightness will matter.

You’ll also want to select an Android tablet that can provide the right connectivity for your needs. You can expect all Android tablets to connect to Wi-Fi networks at a minimum along with Bluetooth for connectivity to gadgets like wireless earbuds. However, some also have cellular connectivity where you can purchase a data plan through a mobile carrier and have access wherever you can get a signal.

Android tablets often also have extra features that add utility and even boost security. For example, many models have at least one camera so you can video conference or take pictures, and high-definition camera options are available. You can find Android tablets with fingerprint readers as an extra security measure. Tablets with a rugged or waterproof design exist for heavy usage in more extreme environments alongside special child versions that can handle drops and knocks.

• While it’s important to buy an Android tablet with enough storage for now and the future, keep in mind that you can find options with expandability. For example, you can buy a tablet with a slot for a memory card that can hold your documents and other media files. You can also use an external hard drive plugged into the port of compatible Android tablets or store certain items like media files in the cloud.
• While you can expect to run popular apps on any Android tablet, you’ll find that some tablets have special versions of the operating system that can affect the appearance of the interface as well as the access to Google services. For example, Amazon Kindle Fire tablets are based on Android but use a special version called Fire OS. This means you don’t have the Google Play Store or other Google apps on these devices.
• If you plan to use your tablet to take notes or draw, you can find some options that support a special stylus that offers features like pressure sensitivity that helps mimic drawing on paper. Basic tablets can also work well with generic styluses if you don’t need a high level of precision.
• While your Android tablet’s specific battery determines the maximum battery life possible, the way you use the device will also matter, so you can take steps to improve the battery life on any tablet. You can lower the brightness, minimize the use of high-draining apps like 3D games, choose Wi-Fi over cellular when possible and avoid animated backgrounds. Rechargeable external battery packs also exist so that you can recharge your tablet when you’re away from an outlet.
• If you do a lot of typing, you might find using the on-screen keyboard tedious and less natural than typing on a computer. Android tablets are usually compatible with Bluetooth keyboards that can solve this issue and offer a more comfortable experience.
• Consider putting your Android tablet in a case and using a screen protector to reduce the damage from everyday mishaps like drops or knocks. When purchasing such add-ons, make sure you look for accessories that fit your specific tablet size. Often, you’ll find cases and screen protectors marketed to your specific tablet model for convenience.
• Especially when you’re considering buying a lower-end Android tablet, check that it can successfully run the apps you plan to use. The app’s listing on the Google Play Store will tell you which version of Android the tablet needs to have to install an app, so this provides a helpful guideline. You’ll also want to make sure you choose powerful enough hardware so that the app runs well.
• Unless the device has a special Android version with limitations, you’ll often have plenty of opportunities to customize your Android tablet. This might include adding handy widgets, switching to an alternative on-screen keyboard, changing the background and color schemes, and switching the apps the device uses by default for things like email and web browsing.