There are plenty of options outside Apple’s iPad lineup for an affordable and functional tablet you can use for any digital task. Tablets from Samsung, Amazon, Google, and OnePlus can provide what you need for entertainment, drawing, work, and more.
Also: The best cheap tablets
Samsung’s tablet lineup consists of several models with a wide range of features and price points, making them ideal for those looking for a portable computing device that could even replace a laptop or desktop computer. Similarly, Amazon’s tablets, which technically run a forked version of Android called Fire OS, are designed and sold at budget prices.
What is the best Android tablet right now?
I chose tablets that other ZDNET staff and I have tested 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 experience with the products to suggest 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, but I also included tablets from Amazon, Google, and other brands.
The best Android tablets of 2024
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Android tablet overall
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the biggest and best tablet in Samsung’s lineup. 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–give 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 will also survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.”
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Verified customers say that with a tablet this large, you’re most likely considering it as a laptop replacement, and Reddit users noted that the S9 Ultra’s look and feel are exactly like a laptop. However, you’ll want to pick up the $349 book cover keyboard. Once connected, you can use Samsung DeX on the S9 Ultra, 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.
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
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
Best Samsung tablet for most people
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 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, which 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.
I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and found that movies and shows were a joy to watch thanks to the lovely colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback. Even my wife was shocked that the output came from the tablet, not an actual speaker.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
Verified customers note that the S9 Plus is the only Galaxy S series tablet to offer a 5G connectivity option for an additional $30, and they say it’s worth the upgrade.
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
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Best small Samsung S9 tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the third new Samsung tablet. It 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 screen 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.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The S9 comes with an S Pen that you can use to write or draw in your favorite apps, just like the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.
I tested this base Tab S9 model, and overall, it was an enjoyable experience. If you primarily use a tablet without a keyboard, with one app on the display most of the time, then the Tab S9 is your best option. Reddit users agree that this tablet is best for media consumption.
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)
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OnePlus Pad
Best mid-level Android tablet
OnePlus is better known for its smartphone lineup, where the company has led the way in 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 a month-long battery standby (a ZDNET writer tested it out for himself), 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 $430. Not too shabby.
Review: OnePlus Pad
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 many 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. Verified customers say that if you’re looking for an Android tablet that is better suited for productivity, Lenovo or Samsung are where you want to focus your efforts instead of this one.
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 11.6-inch 2.8K display are worth a long look.
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
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Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Best 8-inch Android tablet
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 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 available in Amazon’s Appstore. Like with most tablets in this price range, performance can be sluggish sometimes, 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 ,” he wrote.
Amazon customers praise this affordable tablet for its image quality, mentioning that the display is crisp and that the charger is snappy and quick.
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
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Pixel Tablet
Best Android tablet from Google
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 2,560 x 1,600 pixels resolution. It’s powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that’s found in the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold.
Review:
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 up to 12 hours of video streaming and supports third-party stylus pens.
We note in our review of the Google Pixel Tablet that it won’t replace a laptop for school or work but could be handy if your home is a Google smart home. If you’re looking for a tablet that can double as a smart display (if you don’t already have a smart display in your smart home), this could be a good option for you. And, customers who have bought the tablet have voiced on Reddit that they mainly use it for media consumption and that it does the job for that purpose.
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
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Best affordable Samsung tablet
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 an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating, making 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 capture documents.
Overall, 98% of Best Buy customers would recommend this tablet, giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
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
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Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet
Best Android tablet for kids
Are you looking for an Android tablet geared toward kids? Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is perfect for children ages six through 12. New to this generation is 25% faster speeds, higher quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life instead of 12 hours.
Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you’ll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The resolution is better than that of previous generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter display.
Review: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
ZDNET writer, Maria Diaz, gave her kids this tablet and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. “One thing I appreciate about Amazon’s Kids Tablets is the strong parental controls for them,” she wrote in her review. “I can easily control what my kids watch, approve their app and purchase requests, and set up time limits from the app on my phone.”
Parents on Reddit agreed and added that the screen icons are huge and easy for kids to identify.
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)
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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 |
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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 a premium Android tablet to use 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 the essentials, including an 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+. |
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Before you buy, there are several important factors to keep in mind, depending on your own priorities and needs.
- 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 Android 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.
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The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
- Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display’s performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen’s responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer’s stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet’s temperature during intensive tasks.
Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.
- Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.
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Yes! 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.
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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.
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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.
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The best time to snag a deal on a tablet is during big sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. In addition, some brands have their own events, such as Discover Samsung, where tablets and other devices are discounted on Samsung’s website.
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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.
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