Not all devices should be small and ultra-portable. Samsung, Microsoft, and Apple offer some of the best large tablets that boast big screens and ample storage.<\/b>
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Big, vibrant display
iPadOS 16.1’s new multitasking feature Strong performance thanks to M2 chip
Cons
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are extra
A fully loaded iPad Pro can get expensive
Pros
Big, vibrant display
iPadOS 16.1’s new multitasking feature Strong performance thanks to M2 chip
Cons
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are extra
A fully loaded iPad Pro can get expensive
More Details
Tech specs: Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion and True Tone\u00a0|\u00a0Processor: Apple Silicon M2 |\u00a0Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |\u00a0Biometrics: Face ID |\u00a0Colors: Silver, space gray\u00a0|\u00a0Cameras: 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide rear and 12MP TrueDepth FaceTime front\u00a0|\u00a0Weight: 1.5 pounds |\u00a0Dimensions: 12.9-inches: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25-inches |\u00a0Connections: USB-C Thunderbolt\/USB-4 |\u00a0Battery life:\u00a010 hours
Apple’s 2022 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we’ve seen, making it our best overall pick. It’s also the most expensive, by a long shot. The design hasn’t changed all that much on the outside, but on the inside, you’ll find Apple’s M2 processor which consists of 20 billion transistors \u2014 25 percent more than M1. It’s the same exact processor that Apple is using in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
We spent some time with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and found it to be faster and more capable than any other iPad model we’ve tested to date. You can expect downloads up to 2.4Gbps, twice as fast as the previous model, 15 percent faster performance, and up to 35 percent faster graphics performance.\u00a0
Read the review: iPad Pro (2022) review: I’m cautiously optimistic. Or foolish
The Pro also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, and there’s a new hover feature thanks to the M2 chip. The feature works like this: once the tip of the Apple Pencil gets near the iPad Pro’s display, and when it’s within 12 millimeters, parts of the interface come to life in apps that support the new feature.The Smart Connector is on the back of the iPad Pro, giving you the option to use it with the Magic Keyboard that includes backlit keys and trackpad, or Apple’s Smart Keyboard.
And, although the differences between the fifth generation and this sixth generation model are more subtle, the M2 chip is really what shines here, making it a powerhouse tablet. The iPad Pro, combined with iPadOS and the M2 chip, is as close as you can get to a laptop without actually buying a laptop.\u00a0
Pros & Cons
Pros
Giant display
It comes with an S Pen
Battery life
5G option
Cons
A keyboard accessory isn’t included
Pricey
Pros
Giant display
It comes with an S Pen
Battery life
5G option
Cons
A keyboard accessory isn’t included
Pricey
More Details
Tech specs:\u00a0Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz, Super AMOLED 2,960×1,848 display\u00a0|\u00a0Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1\u00a0|\u00a0Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB\u00a0|\u00a0Memory: 8GB, 12GB, 16GB |\u00a0Colors: Graphite\u00a0|\u00a0Cameras: 13MP and 6MP rear. 12MP and 12MP ultra-wide front camera |\u00a0Weight: 1.6lb\u00a0|\u00a0Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches |\u00a0Connections: USB-C |\u00a0Battery:\u00a011,200mAh
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is by and large (pun intended) the tablet with biggest display on our list. With a 14.6-inch AMOLED display, you’re sure to have enough room for work and play on the Tab S8 Ultra. Included in the box is Samsung’s S Pen stylus that can be used for drawing out ideas or writing notes, or you can use it to navigate the tablet’s Android 12 interface — and even write in any text field and have it automatically converted to digital text.\u00a0
What’s not included in the box is Samsung’s $349 Book Cover Keyboard. The keyboard is a must-have accessory if you plan on doing any work on the Tab S8 Ultra, not only because it provides a physical keyboard and trackpad, but it’s also the best way to take advantage of Samsung’s DeX platform. When docked in the keyboard the standard Android 12 interface changes to something that looks and works like a regular computer with a desktop and windowed apps.\u00a0
Read the review:\u00a0Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review: Stunning hardware, but Android holds it back
Outside of gaining extra memory, don’t upgrade from the base model just to gain extra storage. The Tab S8 Ultra has a microSD card slot that will accept up to 1TB of additional storage. If you’re invested in the Samsung or Android ecosystem of products, the Tab S8 Ultra will fit your workflow setup without much tinkering, if any, on your part.\u00a0
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great display
Runs Windows 11
Battery life
Performance
Cons
You’ll pay extra for a keyboard
Need a stylus? That’s going to cost you
Pros
Great display
Runs Windows 11
Battery life
Performance
Cons
You’ll pay extra for a keyboard
Need a stylus? That’s going to cost you
More Details
Tech specs:\u00a0Display: 13-inch PixelSense Flow display\u00a0|\u00a0Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7\u00a0|\u00a0Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB |\u00a0Biometrics: Windows Hello \u00a0|\u00a0Colors: Platinum, graphite\u00a0|\u00a0Cameras: 5MP front-facing, 10MP rear-facing |\u00a0Weight: 1.96 pounds |\u00a0Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37-inches|\u00a0Connections: 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port\u00a0|\u00a0Battery life:\u00a016 hours
Microsoft’s Surface lineup helped usher in the 2-in-1 detachable computer market, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t include it on this list. It is sold as a stand-alone tablet, after all. Microsoft redesigned the Surface Pro 8, shrinking the bezels around the 13-inch display and giving it the same basic design as the Surface Pro X.\u00a0
With the Surface Pro 8, you’re getting a tablet that runs Windows 11 out of the box, instead of a mobile operating system like Android or iPadOS. That means you’re not going to have to worry about finding apps or workarounds for your workflows.\u00a0
Read the review: Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for Business review: Still in love
Of course, if you want to use the Surface Pro 8 as a laptop you’ll need to buy a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard\u00a0or you can opt to get the combo that includes the keyboard and Microsoft’s Slim Pen 2 stylus. There’s even a handy compartment on the keyboard itself that stores the pen and charges it at the same time.\u00a0
Pros & Cons
Pros
A ChromeOS option
Routine update schedule
Battery life
Cons
You can either survive using ChromeOS or you can’t
Performance may not be all that impressive
Pros
A ChromeOS option
Routine update schedule
Battery life
Cons
You can either survive using ChromeOS or you can’t
Performance may not be all that impressive
More Details
Tech specs:\u00a0Display: 13.3″ OLED display | Processor: \u200eSnapdragon SC7180 |\u00a0Memory:\u00a08GB LPDDR4x | Storage: 128GB eMMC SSD | Cameras: |\u00a0Weight: 2.22 pounds | Dimensions: 12.05″ x 7.32″ x 0.27″ | Battery: 12 hours
Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet 5 is a perfect option for someone who lives and works inside Google’s ecosystem of services and products. It’s a full-fledged ChromeOS device, but instead of having a permanently attached keyboard, it’s a tablet that docks into the keyboard that comes in the box. Finally, there’s a tablet that comes with a keyboard.\u00a0
When it’s docked, you’ll get a standard Chromebook layout and interface. You can access all of your Chrome apps, visit websites, and the like. You can also install Android apps directly from the Google Play Store. These are the same apps you can install on your phone, some of which are optimized for tablets.\u00a0
Read the review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5: Great Chromebook, great tablet
When you disconnect the keyboard from the Duet 5, the interface will slightly adjust and adapt to a touch-first approach, ideal for a tablet. If you live and work in Google’s ecosystem, then the Chromebook Duet 5 makes a lot of sense.\u00a0
Pros & Cons
Pros
Classic Surface design
LTE connectivity in a Windows 11 device
Runs Windows 11
Cons
App compatibility remains an issue
You will need to splurge on a keyboard and stylus
Pros
Classic Surface design
LTE connectivity in a Windows 11 device
Runs Windows 11
Cons
App compatibility remains an issue
You will need to splurge on a keyboard and stylus
More Details
Tech specs:\u00a0Display: 13-inch PixelSense display\u00a0| Processor: Microsoft SQ 1 or SQ 2\u00a0|\u00a0Storage:128GB SSD |\u00a0Memory: 8GB LPDDR4x\u00a0| Cameras: 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 10.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video |\u00a0Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 11.3″ x 8.2″ x 0.28″\u00a0| Connections:\u00a02 USB-C, Surface Connect port, Surface Keyboard port, nano SIM | Battery: 15 hours
I already included the Surface Pro 8 on this list, but the Surface Pro X deserves its own callout. The Pro 8 and Pro X share the same design along with keyboard and stylus support. What makes the Pro X different is that it’s powered by Microsoft’s SQ1 or SQ2 ARM-based processor. That’s the same kind of processor architecture that’s used by Apple in its Apple Silicon chips currently found in the iPad Pro and several Macs.\u00a0
The benefits of moving to an ARM processor are seen in battery life and, in the case of the Pro X at least, the addition of LTE connectivity. However, there are some downsides. One of which is that apps need to be rebuilt to support ARM processors, instead of the tried and true Intel or AMD processors Microsoft uses in the rest of its Surface products.\u00a0
Read the review:\u00a0Microsoft Surface Pro X review: Desirable but expensive hardware, work-in-progress software
I’ve used a Surface Pro X since it first launched and while the app compatibility issue has gotten a lot better, there’s still some work left to do before I’m not able to tell the difference between an app that’s been updated and one that hasn’t.\u00a0
All of that to say — if you’re someone who likes living on the bleeding edge of technology and wants a tablet that has LTE connectivity so you can work from anywhere, the Pro X is worth considering.\u00a0
Pros & Cons
Pros
More affordable than the S8 Plus
Expandable storage
Good battery life
Cons
Display could be better
Pros
More affordable than the S8 Plus
Expandable storage
Good battery life
Cons
Display could be better
More Details
Specs: Display: 12.4-inch, 2560×1600 display\u00a0|\u00a0Processor: Qualcomm SM7325\u00a0|\u00a0Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB\u00a0|\u00a0Memory: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB\u00a0|\u00a0Colors: Black, silver, green, pink\u00a0|\u00a0Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera |\u00a0Weight: 1.34lb\u00a0|\u00a0Dimensions: 7.28 x 11.21 x 0.25 inches |\u00a0Connections: USB-C |\u00a0Battery:\u00a0 12 hours
If you want to spend less on a big tablet, Samsung’s \u00ab\u00a0FE\u00a0\u00bb series of devices are designed with Samsung fans in mind. That is, the company takes the best features of its high-end devices, trims some of them down, and releases a more affordable product.\u00a0
The Tab S7 FE has a large 12.4-inch display, a snappy processor, as well as multiple storage and memory options. The device, which comes in various colors, also has a 5G version available if you want to use it while on the go.\u00a0
Some standout features include face recognition technology, two stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and multi-device connectivity. It also has a great battery life that will last you through at least 12 hours.\u00a0
While the display on the S7 FE isn’t as nice as the S8 Ultra, it’s still more than suitable for streaming or playing games, and it also comes with an S Pen, adding even more to its affordability.<\/p>\n