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Tablet - These are the best cheap tablet models in 2025

When it comes to tablets, the Chinese are the big kings, and brands such as Teclast, Chuwi or Alldcoube have taken over the market here as well. But the most famous is probably the Xiaomi Mi Pad/Xiaomi Pad series, several models of which we tested. Chinese tablets are real price/value champions and are excellent for countless uses. They are good for studying, summer, holidays, playing games, watching movies, surfing the net, e-mailing, but they can also partially replace book readers. The more powerful pieces can even be suitable for work and are much smaller than a laptop. Let's dive head first into the tablet waters and see how to choose these devices. We also provide tips and tricks that we have gathered based on our own experience.

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Tablets can be classified into several categories based on size, use, performance, and even price. It doesn't matter whether you choose something from a quasi-noname manufacturer or a product from a strong brand. Android or iPadOS? Maybe Windows? We have found a suitable model for almost all of them, so that the palette is as colorful as possible. Let the best tablets come, on a strictly subjective basis!


These are the best tablets, tablets (2025)

The tablets and tablets on our list have been selected based on the following criteria:

  • more than 10 years, based on our own experience as testers
  • we also use such tools
  • based on the service experience and long-term tests of our previous partners
  • based on individual research, which is based on domestic and international customer opinions
  • based on opinions read in various forums and special groups

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Source: Banggood

Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro NFE tablet - The best small, cheap tablet

Advantages of the tablet:

  • small
  • quite good hardware
  • good build quality
  • Widevine L1 certificate for streaming
  • satellite support, WiFi and 4G modem

Specification

  • SoC: MediaTek Helio G99
  • RAM: 8 GB (plus 8 GB virtual RAM)
  • Storage: 128 GB or 256 GB UFS 2.2
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 5000 mAh
  • Fast charging: 18 W PD fast charging
  • Data package: 4G, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Display type: IPS In-cell
  • Display resolution and size: 1920 x 1200 pixels, 8,4 inches
  • Operating System: Android 13
  • Backup storage expandability: It can be expanded up to 512 GB with microSD

Who we recommend it to

Alldocube is an under-the-radar Chinese brand that produces products with a particularly good price/value ratio. Their iPlay 50 series is full of excellent tablets, so you should definitely check out their other models. Az Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro NFE tablet is recommended primarily for those who have a affordable, compact and versatile they are looking for a device, especially for multimedia use and running basic games.

Why is it out of stock?

Considering that the Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro NFE is a $150 tablet, its build quality is surprisingly good. It was equipped with all kinds of sensors and wireless connections, and it even got a 4G modem, so you could use it even where there is no WiFi. Widevine is L1 certified, so you can also enjoy the materials of streaming platforms in high resolution, all for relatively little money.

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Source: N-One

N-One Npad Ultra tablet - Muscular hardware at a low price

Advantages of the tablet:

  • 12-inch, cinematic display
  • more powerful hardware than average
  • Qualcomm central chip, lots of RAM
  • Widevine L1 certificate for streaming
  • satellite support, WiFi and 4G modem

Specification

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 685
  • RAM: 8 GB (plus 12 GB virtual RAM)
  • Disk Arrays: 128GB UFS 2.2
  • Widevine certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 9200 mAh
  • Quick charge: 18 W USB-PD fast charging
  • Data connection: 4G, WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Display type: IPS In-cell
  • Display resolution and size: 2000 x 1200 pixels, 12 inches
  • Operational system: Android 14
  • Disk Arrays expandability: Expandable up to 2 TB with microSD

Who we recommend it to

In addition to the Alldocube brand, the other is N-One, which is emerging like groundwater in the tablet segment. There are still problems with the quality in some places, but the price and the hardware capabilities have made up for it. N-one Npad Ultra tablet is recommended for those who have a a versatile device with a large display are looking for in the middle price category, with better than average hardware, which is also excellent for multimedia use and games.

Why is it out of stock?

The N-One Npad Ultra tablet discarded the previous MTK and Unisoc central cores and switched to the more famous Qualcomm units, which greatly improved performance. It already has a sufficiently fast UFS 2.2 external storage, the image diagonal is quite large, and not only does it support watching movies, but so does the Widevine L1 certificate. It also has a large battery, so you probably won't have any problems with the operating time. This is now the top N-One tablet, but it's still much cheaper than the competition.

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Source: Blackview

Blackview Tab 15 Pro tablet - A diamond in the rough, with nice extras

Advantages of the tablet:

  • nice accessories
  • good build quality
  • cheap due to older hardware
  • Widevine L1 certificate for streaming
  • satellite support, WiFi and 4G modem

Specification

  • SoC: Unisoc T606
  • RAM: 8 GB (plus 6 GB virtual RAM)
  • Disk Arrays: 256 GB
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 8280 mAh
  • Quick charge: 18 W fast charging
  • Data connection: 4G, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Display type: IPS In-cell
  • Display resolution and size: 1920 x 1200 pixels, 10,5 inches
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Expandability of background storage: can be expanded up to 1 TB with a microSD card

Who we recommend it to

We haven't really liked Blackview's products in the past, but the Blackview Tab 15 Pro is a living example that there are always exceptions. The tablet should not be confused with the plain Tab 15, that is the weaker model, just buy the Pro. Blackview Tab 15 Pro tablet is recommended for those who have a mid-price device with large storage and long battery life, suitable for multitasking and consuming multimedia content they are looking for

Why is it out of stock?

The great thing about the Blackview Tab 15 Pro tablet is that it is suitable for a lot of things with the help of its accessories. The case is also a support, you can take notes on it with a stylus, the build quality is excellent, it is not too big, not too heavy and the hardware is fine. Since the central chip is provided by Unisoc, we would not recommend this tablet for navigation, but it is a fair choice for everything else.

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Source: Banggood

Teclast T65 Max tablet – Great looking tablet with 2K display

Advantages of the tablet:

  • 13 inches
  • 2K resolution display
  • huge battery
  • 8+12 GB RAM including virtual
  • Widevine L1 certificate for streaming

Specification

  • SoC: MediaTek Helio G99
  • RAM: 8 GB (plus 12 GB virtual RAM)
  • Disk Arrays: 256 GB
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 10 mAh
  • Quick charge: 18 W USB-PD fast charging
  • Data connection: 4G, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Display type: IPS LCD
  • Display resolution and size: 1920 x 1200 pixels, 12,95 inches
  • Operating System: Android 14
  • Expandability of background storage: can be expanded up to 1 TB with a microSD card 

Who we recommend it to

Teclast tablets have undergone an amazing quality improvement in the last couple of years. The current top model, the Teclast T65 Max tablet, is a real "magnificent" piece, its nearly 13-inch screen diagonal almost rivals smaller notebooks. Basically, we recommend it to those who are looking for something indoors with a larger panel equipped tablet for movies and they need it for higher than average resolution.

Why is it out of stock?

The Teclast T65 Max tablet is a sort of all-in-one commitment for the company. 13-inch display, 2K resolution, you can't throw this into a smaller women's bag, but not even a larger one. This is a real cinema tablet, with a huge battery so that you don't run out of soufflé at halftime. Not incidentally, it fulfills all important tablet features: it supports the Widevine L1 certificate, there is a 4G modem and WiFi for Internet access, and the backup storage can be expanded up to 1 TB using a micro SD card.


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Source: Redmi

Redmi Pad SE tablet - Our favorite budget tablet

Advantages of the tablet:

  • cheap but good
  • 90 Hz display
  • high capacity battery
  • It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC
  • 4 speakers with Dolby Atmos support

Specification

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
  • RAM: 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB LPDDR4X
  • Disk Arrays: 128 GB
  • Widevine Certification: L1
  • Battery capacity: 8000 mAh
  • Quick charge: 10W charging
  • Data connection: WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Display type: IPS LCD
  • Display resolution and size: 1920 x 1200 pixels, 90 Hz, 11 inches
  • Operating System: Android 13, MIUI Pad 14
  • Expandability of background storage: expandable up to 1 TB with microSD 

Who we recommend it to

The Xiaomi brand separated the Redmi brand from itself a few years ago in order to have an entry-level series for those with less money. The latest variant of this is the Redmi Pad SE, which is comparable in terms of quality and price to the cheaper Chinese competitors, but it is stronger and of better quality. Basically, we recommend it to those who are an international brand looking for a reliable product with excellent material use, but doesn't want to spend a lot.

Why is it out of stock?

Xiaomi has always been happy to serve both low budget and high end needs, the Redmi Pad SE belongs to the former category. Fortunately, the hardware did not fall victim to the cheapening, the 11-inch tablet equipped with a 90 Hz display is based on a Qualcomm chip. It still runs MIUI and not OxygenOS, but it is one of the latest variants, and the tablet can also be requested with 6 GB of RAM, which we definitely recommend, as it can postpone the replacement by 1-2 years, and the system also feels faster. The tablet is not only handsome, but the use of materials is also lavish. If you are looking for "just one tablet", take this one home.


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Source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro tablet - High quality, rugged hardware, high reliability

Advantages of the tablet:

  • up to 12 GB of RAM
  • big name, reliable products
  • quite brutal and modern hardware
  • 12,4 inch, 3K resolution, great movie watching experience
  • WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB 3.2 and other goodies

Specification

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2
  • RAM: 8 GB or 12 GB LPDDR5X
  • Disk Arrays: 256 GB or 512 GB UFS 4.0
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 10 mAh
  • Quick charge: 120 W HyperCharge (full charge in 35 minutes)
  • Data connection: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, USB 3.2 Gen 1
  • Display type: 3K LCD (3:2)
  • Display resolution and size: 3048 x 2032 pixels, 144 Hz, 12,4 inches
  • Operating System: Based on Xiaomi HyperOS, Android 14
  • Expandability of background storage: Not expandable

Who we recommend it to

I don't think we need to introduce the Xiaomi brand to anyone, its reputation among tablets was established with the Mi Pad series. The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is considered a rough step up even compared to them, a top SoC manufactured by Qualcomm known from phones, 12 GB RAM, WiFi 7, one of the most brutal fast charging, this is roughly the range. Basically, we recommend it to those who a I would bring home a top model of a Chinese manufacturer, and they don't mind the expandability - with 512 GB it's unnecessary - and the lack of a cellular connection, in return they get a power plant.

Why is it out of stock?

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro tablet was created according to a philosophy where the user gets what he buys, it is not possible to expand anything. An example is the hard drive, but with 256/512 GB, this is not really necessary. It's hard to even list what it can do in 2 sentences: 3:2 aspect ratio, 3K display that refreshes at 144 Hz, 900 nit brightness, which means it can be seen even in sunlight, very brutal central chip, 35-minute fast charging, while 10 mAh the battery. 000-speaker Dolby-supported sound system, surprisingly good cameras, HyperOS user interface, NFC tag support, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. The sore point is the lack of a 6G/4G modem, but that's it, we can't connect to anything else.


Tablet - These are the best cheap tablet models in 2025 8

Source: Apple

Apple iPad 9 2021 tablet - Secret tip for Apple fans

Advantages of the tablet:

  • retired but still available
  • decent hardware, despite its age
  • Retina display with TrueTone technology
  • If you absolutely need an Apple product, this is the cheapest choice
  • 10,2 inches, ideal for many things, neither small nor large size

Specification

  • SoC: Apple A13 Bionic
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • Disk Arrays: 64 GB or 256 GB
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 8526 mAh (32,4 Whr)
  • Quick charge: None, Lightning charging
  • Data connection: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, LTE (depending on the model)
  • Display type: 10.2 inch Retina IPS LCD
  • Display resolution: 2160 x 1620 pixels (264 PPI)
  • Operating System: iPadOS 18
  • Expandability of background storage: Not expandable

Who we recommend it to

Apple is one of, if not the largest device manufacturer in the world, a real premium brand with its own ecosystem. Currently, the iPad Pro costs roughly half a million forints, but many people do not have that much money at home. This is how the Apple iPad 9 made it onto our list, which is not today's chicken, but a correct product that works well with the company's ecosystem. Basically, we recommend it to those who they are looking for the cheapest Apple iPad tablet, and the only important thing is that it is produced by the Almás company.

Why is it out of stock?

The Apple iPad 9 was a very good product 3 years ago - now we are at the 10 series - but the company took it off the market, because it was replaced by the next generation. Because of this, its price has dropped considerably, which is why it was included on our list. The hardware is still great, and iPadOS is a pretty well-optimized system, so you can stick with it for a while longer. Its display is legendary for these tablets, it's perfect for content consumption, and since it works with other products in the ecosystem, it's still worth a look to this day.


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Source: Apple

Apple iPad Pro 13" (2025) tablet - The über tablet from the Almás company that crushes everyone

Advantages of the tablet:

  • modern, M4 chip
  • the roughest tablet from Apple
  • Ultra Retina XDR display with extremely high brightness
  • compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
  • compared to how big it is - 13 inches - it's amazingly thin

Specification

  • SoC:Apple M4
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Disk Arrays: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB
  • Widevine Certification: N/A
  • Battery capacity: 38,99 Wh (approx. 10 mAh)
  • Quick charge: 18 W charging via USB-C port
  • Data connection: 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Display type: OLED (Ultra Retina XDR)
  • Display resolution and size: 2752 x 2064 pixels (265 PPI), 120 Hz, 13 inches
  • Operating System: iPadOS 18
  • Expandability of background storage: Not expandable

Who we recommend it to

Apple has always been at the forefront of technological development, so they produce high-quality devices, but at a very high price. The full package of their current tablet costs USD 2000, in return, it knows everything that can be known in the apple ecosystem today. Brutally strong, class-leading hardware, very rough display, strong wireless connections. Basically, we recommend it to those for whom the cost does not matter, They think in terms of the Apple ecosystem and want the maximum of everything know for yourselves.

Why is it out of stock?

The Apple iPad Pro 13" is a tablet blessed with extremely rugged hardware. It offers the maximum in everything, you can even request it with a 2 TB backup. The displays of Apple tablets have always belonged to the über category, the Retina technology is legendary, their brightness is enormous, and the color rendering of OLED panels is much better than that of IPS solutions. Not to mention that it refreshes at 120 Hz, and its resolution is not exactly low either. Then there are goodies such as the LiDAR sensor capable of 3D negotiation, WiFi 6 and the 5G modem that enables Internet access even in the middle of nowhere, which put the finishing touches on the i.


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Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet - More than acceptable piece from the South Korean manufacturer

Advantages of the tablet:

  • Samsung, the name obliges
  • the first Full HD+ panel
  • Qualcomm central chip
  • expandable storage up to 1 TB
  • a great entry category into the Samsung ecosystem

Specification

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
  • RAM: 4 GB or 8 GB LPDDR4X
  • Disk Arrays: 64 GB or 128 GB UFS 2.2
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 7040 mAh
  • Quick charge: No fast charging specified (USB-C)
  • Data connection: 5G, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1
  • Display type: IPS LCD
  • Display resolution and size: 1920 x 1200 pixels, 90 Hz, 11-inch
  • Operating System: Android 13
  • Expandability of background storage: expandable up to 1 TB with microSD

Who we recommend it to

Samsung divides its tablets into two series, the entry-level category with "A", the more serious ones with "S" and these have LTE - mobile connection -, WiFi, "+" - larger display - and similar versions. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is already a tablet in the affordable category, not to mention a worthy competitor of Apple's "small tablets". Basically, we recommend it to those who believe in the In the name of Samsung, but they are not looking for the top, however, they don't want the constraints that appear with Chinese tablets either.

Why is it out of stock?

Why is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ on our list and not the regular A9? Because it does not yet have a Full HD+, 90 Hz refreshable display, which can be a deal breaker for 11 colons. In other respects, the company did not force itself, nothing blatant, but we cannot say very negative things about the product either. And this is exactly its beauty, the very even, well-polished combination of hardware and software, which is difficult to get hooked on. It is not at the level of the S9 series, but in return, the "civilian" Samsung tablet is much cheaper.


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Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ tablet – One of the wildest models on the market

Advantages of the tablet:

  • great AMOLED display
  • very powerful central chip
  • 12 GB of RAM, which is enough for a long time
  • streaming at maximum resolution
  • supporting ecosystem, great software

Specification

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Disk Arrays: 256 GB or 512 GB, expandable with microSDXC up to 1 TB
  • Widevine Certification: L1 (Netflix HD support)
  • Battery capacity: 10 mAh
  • Quick charge: yes, supported
  • Data connection: 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Display resolution and size: 2800 x 1752 pixels, 120 Hz, 12,4 inches
  • Operating System: Android 13 (One UI 5.1.1)
  • Expandability of background storage: can be expanded up to 1 TB with a microSD card 

Who we recommend it to

In the upper category, Samsung primarily competes with Apple products - and abroad with Huawei and Google. Their top model is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ tablet, which is close to the Apple iPad Pro in price, but you get similar hardware and software in return. Samsung is building on Qualcomm's chip, but it is far behind the Apple M4. Basically, we recommend it to those who they think in terms of an Android system, they want high-end hardware, and they already have a Samsung-affiliated device, so they can take advantage of the ecosystem.

Why is it out of stock?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ tablet is the company's flagship product. If you measure the performance of the QC 8 Gen 2 with some benchmark, you will get a Top 10 result, but the other hardware is not a dog either. 512 GB of storage, a huge battery, very recent wireless connections, a huge AMOLED display with a high resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, which is always a good sign, but also to be expected in this price range. Here you can also give the cameras a chance, as you won't have any problems with the Widevine L1 certificate, so streaming can also be done in maximum resolution.


Which didn't make the list, but is worth noting

Another hundred products could be added to the list, since we did not - on purpose - write about stapatabelets, although Oukitel, AGM, Cubot or Fossibot could also be included in the Top 10 of the Chinese manufacturers. Then there are the products of Huawei and Honor, which have been deprived of Google services, we could mention the tablets of OnePlus, which strive for the premium category, and there are also low budget solutions under all kinds of rebranded names.



Everything you wanted to know about tablets

Let's start by defining what we call a tablet. THE tablets, in Hungarian tablet, a portable touchscreen computing device that sits between laptops and smartphones in both size and functionality. This roughly means that you can get such devices in all sizes between 7-13 inches, so they are bigger than a phone, but typically the peripherals of notebooks - keyboard, touchpad or mouse - are replaced by a touch screen. Therefore, in their use, they are closer to phones, but they cannot be pressed with one hand, rather they are used in a sitting, lying position or with a support, which can even be a tablet case.

They can be "laptopized", in which case a magnetic keyboard with Bluetooth connection and a stylus are usually associated with it. This used to be typical especially for tablets equipped with the Windows operating system. It's worth dwelling a little on how tablets compare to notebooks, and whether or not they can take over each other's tasks.

Tablet or notebook: what's the difference, what should I choose?

Let's start by defining what a laptop is. In fact, notebooks are miniaturized desktop PCs, so they started from top to bottom, while tablets are larger smartphones, which is bottom-to-top logic, so the two device classes meet in the middle of the scale. Laptops almost always contain built-in peripherals - display, keyboard, touchpad -, countless input and output connectors, and since they are relatively large compared to a tablet, they can be packed with more serious hardware than tablets, which typically cause the performance of a leached PC. A rule of thumb is that performance is determined by two things: whether the manufacturer can cool the given hardware and how much space is available for it. It is not possible to endlessly miniaturize the components or wrap the associated cooling around them. The beauty of it is that there are laptops that can be folded completely flat or even negative - Lenovo Yoga - and have a touch screen, so they can also perform tablet functions.

That is why the two asset classes, despite the overlaps, have typical characteristics, on the basis of which it is possible to decide which category they belong to.

The tablet, devices equipped with a 7-12 inch display, weighing less than 1 kilogram - excluding rugged tablets - with a touch display and an advanced sensor set. Relatively weak, but not unusable hardware. In terms of operating system, the two most typical systems are Android – ARM-based SoC – or Apple's iPadOS, there used to be tablets with Windows - based on x86 and x64 - but these are largely obsolete. Due to their size, they typically fit in a small bag, and some models are even so small that they are also suitable for navigation when placed in a special car holder. Their prices range from 30 to 300 HUF, but there are also more expensive models, especially in the range of premium manufacturers.

laptops/notebooks 12-18 kilogram devices equipped with a 1-5-inch display, the vast majority of which do not have touch displays. They have countless input ports to which you can connect data carriers - HDD, SSD, flash drive, TF card - and peripherals. They can be turned into a workstation with several monitors - we are sitting in front of one of these - some models can be docked, and there are even gamer versions with serious hardware and corresponding cooling. Their size - as in the case of tablets - is basically determined by the display size, but they are usually moved with a separate laptop bag or a medium-sized backpack. Their prices start somewhere around HUF 100, and millions of units are not rare either, but in the case of modular notebooks, the sky is the limit. The overwhelming majority run on Windows or Linux, and in the case of Apple products, macOS.

The bottom line is that typically people don't see the tablet/laptop question as an "or-or", but instead use these devices in parallel. Watching a movie in bed is best on a tablet, while working on a laptop is comfortable. If you need high performance, it is also worth getting a laptop, and if size matters, I will get the tablet again, and I could go on and on.

How does a tablet work?

Tablets are made up of very similar components as a laptop. The main difference is in their architecture and supported data processing capabilities. Without going too deep into things, some hardware only runs certain operating systems:

  • ARM-based systems (Qualcomm, Mediatek, etc.): Android, iPadOS (and more recently Windows again)
  • x86 and x64 based systems (Intel, AMD): Windows, Linux

That is why you will not find, for example, Intel Pentium Core processors or AMD solutions in modern tablets, just as there are no laptops equipped with Qualcomm chips, apart from one or two extreme exceptions. From the above, it is easy to guess that the heart of tablets is the central unit, around which the rest of the hardware is built.

The tablet's central chip, the SoC

The SoC, or system-on-chip, is an integrated solution where they try to integrate most of the traditional components known from the PC world - i.e. desktop computers - into one chip. These include the central processing unit, CPU, graphics processor, coprocessors, microcontrollers, wireless modems, and many other components.

Without going into too much detail, the more powerful the tablet's SoC, the better the system performance and other things - memory management, camera resolution support, etc. – also depend on the development of the central chip.

But how do you know how advanced an SoC is? In short, for a layman out of nowhere. Longer, the more modern the generation, the faster, and within the given generations, manufacturers usually mark the models with numbers, where the higher is typically the more powerful hardware. For example, the Mediatek G85 is a weaker SoC than the Mediatek G90, as it has a lower numbering. Much the same is true for Qualcomm products.

You can tell for sure if you download so-called benchmarks - testing programs - to the tablet and run the specific tests. The point values ​​of the following programs answer many questions:

  • AnTuTu: general testing program, mainly tells the power of the SoC and the speed of the hard drive
  • GFX Bench: specifically for GPU testing
  • Androbench: tests memory and storage speed

The higher the value, the better. The best-known manufacturers are the following (for now, let's leave aside who actually designs and manufactures these technical items, the only point is what brand they belong to):

  • Qualcomm (US)
  • Apple (US)
  • MediaTek (China)
  • RockChip (Chinese)
  • Unisoc (Chinese)
  • Amlogic (Chinese)
  • Allwinner (Chinese)

The operative memory, or RAM

Operational memory is called RAM - Random Access Memory - in English. This is where the operating system runs the processes and applications, they basically determine the performance - how fast you feel the system is - so it's not worth saving on it. Following the more is better rule of thumb, it is not worth going below 2025 GB in 4, but by definition 6 or 8 GB of RAM is even better, more than this is usually only found in very expensive devices. RAM loses its contents when the device is turned off, so it is not intended for permanent storage.

Manufacturers often play tricks by adding the size of the virtual memory to the RAM, so for example 8+8 GB becomes 16 GB. In fact, in the case of virtual memory, they do nothing but reserve an area on the background storage with the operating system, which is used as RAM. This is several orders of magnitude slower than real RAM, so it seems to do the job, but it doesn't provide the same user experience as physical memory.

The tablet's storage

It is also incorrectly called ROM - it stands for Read Only Memory - but in fact these devices use flash-based memory, which differs from RAM in that the data storage here is permanent, i.e. the data is not deleted even after switching off or restarting . This is where the operating system and applications are loaded into memory, and where you can store data - basically files such as music and movies. It can be anything between 32 GB and 2 TB, but those who want to store movies should choose the largest capacity possible. Today, this can easily be replaced with a streaming subscription, so images and applications usually fill the background storage.

It is also worth paying attention to the standard by which the hard drive communicates, it is called UFS - Universal Flash Storage - the older, outdated technology is eMMC. For UFS, higher version numbers are faster and better. Since the speed of the system is held back by the slowest link in the chain - which is almost always the data storage - it is therefore worth choosing a tablet with a high UFS version number. UFS 3.x versions are already capable of GB/s speeds, but even UFS 2.2 versions are acceptable and even faster than eMMC.

The back storage of the tablets can be expanded many times with a microSD card. These are basically slow but high-capacity storage devices, many tablets handle them up to 2 TB in size. It is not worth installing applications here, they are only for data storage, for example movies or pictures.

The tablet display

Perhaps the most important element of the tablet, it is also the component that significantly determines the appearance. Since this is the largest element of the tablet, the size is usually specified using the image diagonal. For example, a tablet with a 7-inch - or inch - screen diagonal is considered small, and a 12-inch tablet is considered large. The display of all tablets is a touch display, but some models can also communicate with a stylus. However, the main method of use is taping, i.e. a tablet is excellent for any task that you can do well with your fingers.

Tablets are typically equipped with two types of displays, one is IPS and the other is AMOLED.

The IPS display

Az IPS – In-Plane Switching displays are a special type of LCD – Liquid Crystal Display – that is particularly popular in monitors, laptops, smartphones and televisions. IPS technology is mainly designed to improve the disadvantages of traditional TN - Twisted Nematic - displays.

Advantages of IPS display

  • Wide viewing angles: one of the biggest advantages of IPS displays is that the picture can be seen in good quality from almost every angle, unlike TN displays, where the picture quality deteriorates if you look at it from the side or from above.
  • Outstanding color accuracy: IPS displays usually have excellent color reproduction. Therefore, they are often used in areas where accurate color reproduction is essential, such as graphic design, photography or video editing.
  • Better contrast and brightness: compared to TN displays, IPS displays can provide better contrast and brightness, which results in more vivid images and deeper blacks (in this respect, AMOLED is much better than IPS).
  • More stable colors: the stable color quality provided by IPS technology is especially important for long-term work, as TN displays can show color distortion during long-term use.

Disadvantages of IPS display

  • Higher response time: the response time of IPS displays is generally slower than that of TN panels, so the image lags slightly behind the actual signal received by the display. Most panel manufacturers have solved this by now, there are simply monitors with a response time of 1 ms, see a our KTC tests. But this is not a weighty data for tablets.
  • More expensive: IPS panels are more complicated and expensive to manufacture than other technologies, so IPS displays are often more expensive than TN or VA (Vertical Alignment) displays, but still cheaper than AMOLED.
  • Higher energy consumption: IPS displays generally consume more energy than AMOLEDs, as they require stronger backlighting due to the liquid crystal operating mechanism.
  • Show black color: IPS panels tend to make blacks look more like dark gray, especially in lower light conditions, where they don't measure up to the level of OLED technology. In many cases, the lighting is not perfect, so the edge of the image will be blotchy.
  • Staining: the backlight of IPS panels is almost never completely uniform. This may cause smearing along the edges of the image. In addition to the small display size of tablets, this is not really disturbing, but it is much more spectacular in the case of a monitor or a TV.

The AMOLED display

Az AMOLED – Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode – displays are the more advanced screen technology of the two, which is particularly popular in smartphones, smartwatches and premium televisions, but has now also been adopted by some tablets and most smartphones.

Advantages of AMOLED display

  • Deep Blacks: the unique feature of AMOLED displays is that each pixel emits its own light, as each is a separate diode. When a pixel is black, the light source simply turns off, creating a true deep black color. This results in a better contrast ratio - practically infinite - compared to traditional LCD displays, which always use some kind of backlight.
  • Bright colors: AMOLED displays excel at displaying vivid and rich colors, resulting in a much more dynamic and lively image. This is particularly attractive for multimedia content such as movies and games.
  • Greater energy efficiency on dark screens: since AMOLED displays only illuminate active pixels, black or dark areas are turned off, which can mean significant energy savings for content with a lot of black or dark colors. Plus, since there is now a light and dark mode at the operating system level, it is relatively easy to choose and thus save money.
  • Slim design: AMOLED panels are extremely thin as they do not require a backlight, so lighter, slimmer devices can be made with them.
  • Fast response time: AMOLED technology has a faster response time than LCD displays (such as IPS or TN), which means faster response for content that requires a low response time, such as games or sports.
  • AOD: AOD stands for Always On Display, which is an element on an AMOLED display that is always active. You can see it in the case of smart watches and phones, they usually show the time and date in this mode, but of course tablets can also do this if you turn on the function.

Disadvantages of AMOLED display

  • Burn-in: when displaying static content for long periods of time, AMOLED displays can be prone to "image burn-in", where some pixels permanently fade or leave a permanent mark. This happens when an image element is present in the same place for a long time (such as an icon or logo). This can be compensated quite well with various software tricks, so this problem is rarely encountered on modern devices.
  • Loss of color accuracy: AMOLED panels can lose their color accuracy over time, especially blue pixels tend to fade faster, which can cause color deviations in the long run.
  • Higher production cost: AMOLED displays are more complicated and expensive to manufacture than LCD displays. Therefore, these devices are usually more expensive, especially in the premium category, so they are only found in premium tablets.
  • Less visible in bright environments: AMOLED displays are more difficult to read in sunlight or in very bright environments, as they generally operate at a lower brightness than LCD displays, which have a brighter backlight. Today, this technological problem has been practically solved.
  • Oversaturation of colors: although vivid colors may seem beneficial, sometimes AMOLED displays over-saturate colors, which can result in an unrealistic display, especially for those looking for accurate color reproduction (e.g. graphic designers, photographers). This can be eliminated with proper calibration, but in the case of tablets this can only be solved during the production process.

The brightness of the displays

Key data for displays a fényerő, as it depends on whether you will see the display image in sunlight or not. Brightness – or perhaps more correctly luminance – is given in nits or cd/m² – candela/square meter – above 500 can be considered relatively high. The screens used for drones can reach a value of 2000 nits, they can be seen even in blinding sunlight, but even premium tablets can squeeze out a brightness of over 1000 nits.

Display resolution

Another very important technical data is the resolution of the displays. This is typically given in pixels, in row*column format, and the individual resolutions are also named. The list is quite long and the names are often quite misleading, but we list the most important ones:

  • 1024×768 pixels - XGA (4:3)
  • 1280×720 pixels - HD (16:9)
  • 1280×800 pixels - WXGA (16:10)
  • 1920×1080 pixels - Full HD (16:9)
  • 1920×1200 pixels - WUXGA (16:10)
  • 2560×1600 pixels - WQXGA (16:10)
  • 2736×1824 pixels - PixelSense (3:2)
  • 2880×1920 pixels - 3K (3:2)
  • 3000×2000 pixels - 3K (3:2)
  • 3200×1800 pixels - QHD+ (16:9)
  • 3840×2160 pixels - 4K (UHD) (16:9)

You should read a few things from the above:

  • the higher the resolution of the display, the more data and the larger website area can be accommodated
  • the higher the display resolution, the more expensive the device tends to be
  • the smaller the pixels are crammed into, the harder it is to see the content (therefore it doesn't matter how many inches the tablet is)

What about movies and resolution?

Many people use their tablets to watch movies and series, for which such devices are perfectly suited. The problem usually stems from the fact that the aspect ratio of the display - the number in brackets behind the name, for example 3:2 - does not match that of your film. For example, you enjoy a 3:2 movie on a 16:9 or 16:10 panel, in which case the players proportion the image, that is, they cut off an area from the "screen" at the bottom and top. What actually happens is that these pixels are not being used, so a black bar appears at the bottom and top.

This is normal, but because of this, higher resolution displays often do not represent a real advantage over a smaller one. In the case of tablets, a 1920×1080 pixel panel that is larger than the 1920x1200p - aka Full HD - resolution is often installed in the device, which makes it wider - more space on the side - but you won't be able to take advantage of this advantage while watching movies.

Display refresh rate

The update frequency of tablet displays determines that the display how many times per second it updates the displayed image, and is measured in hertz (Hz). The higher refresh rate results in smoother movements and faster response time, which is especially beneficial when watching videos, running games or even scrolling.

More frequent update frequencies for tablets:

  • 60 Hz: this is the standard refresh rate for most budget and mid-range tablets. It's fine for basic tasks like browsing, managing email, and watching videos, but it doesn't offer the smoothest experience.
  • 90 Hz and 120 Hz: these refresh rates are becoming more common in mid-range and high-end tablets. The 90 Hz display provides smoother movements, while the 120 Hz is already quite spectacular, especially for games and smooth animations. This refresh rate improves the user experience as fast movements appear much smoother on the screen.
  • 144 Hz or higher: although rare for tablets, some premium models have refresh rates of up to 144 Hz or higher, which are primarily of interest to gamers.

Effects on user experience

  • Smoother movement: a higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and videos, which can be especially important when consuming multimedia content or browsing.
  • Faster reaction time: for players, a higher refresh rate allows faster and more accurate responses.
  • Energy consumption: a higher refresh rate consumes more energy, which can lead to faster battery drain. Therefore, many modern tablets provide an option to automatically adjust the refresh rate (eg dynamic refresh rate) to balance performance and battery life.

Dynamic refresh rate

Some more advanced tablets support dynamic refresh rate, which means that the system adjusts it to the current content. For example, if you're only looking at static images, the frequency can be lower - say 48 Hz - but when you're scrolling or playing games, the frequency can increase to 120 Hz, thus optimizing power consumption.

Other technical parameters of the displays

There are also a lot of other important technical parameters of the displays - e.g. the response time, -, but for the sake of simplicity, we will not deal with these now, since this is really important in the case of TVs and monitors (unless you want to play on a tablet, but for that a PC or a gamer notebook is better).

The displays are usually provided with some kind of surface protection, they are typically hardened by Gorilla Glass, which protects the surface from scratches, but screen protectors can also be placed on them. It is also important that the panels of most cheap tablets are reflective because their surface is glossy and not matte. This is primarily because matte displays have a lower brightness, but you can also apply a matting film to glossy displays. There is also a special E-ink-like display, the TLC NXTPAPER technology, about this on our companion site, In reflection we wrote.

Sensor set of tablets

Today, tablets are equipped with countless sensors, since they are needed for a lot of services, for example, you cannot pay contactless without NFC, without GPS there is no satellite navigation, and a 4G modem helps you access the Internet. Let's see a list of them!

Accelerometer (Accelerometer): can measure the movement of the tablet and its speed in different directions. With the help of other sensors, this is used, for example, to automatically rotate the screen if you tilt the tablet or to detect the tilt in games.

Gyroscope (Gyroscope): this sensor detects the rotational movements of the tablet. It provides more accurate data about the direction of rotation, which is used, for example, in virtual reality (VR) applications or precision game control.

Magnetometer (Magnetometer): this sensor detects the earth's magnetic field and helps determine direction. Its most common use is the compass function, which helps with orientation.

Satellite positioning system (GPS, Global Positioning System): determines the geographical position of the tablet, which is particularly useful in navigation applications such as Google Maps or when using location-based services. It is often called simply GPS, but it is actually the name of the American satellite system. Since it was the first of its kind, that's why it stuck, but there are others like Galileo (EU), Beidou (Chinese) or Glonass (Russian).

light sensor (Ambient Light Sensor): it can measure the level of ambient light and automatically adjust the brightness of the display so that the user can read the screen comfortably in different light conditions. If this is missing, it is one of the most annoying shortcomings, typically left out of cheap tablets.

proximity sensor (Proximity Sensor): detects when something is close to the display (such as your hands or face). It is often used to seal the display or to prevent accidental touches.

Barometer (Barometer): it can measure atmospheric pressure, which can be useful for weather forecasting or altitude data (for example, when hiking or climbing), but it can also be useful for people with headaches, for example.

Fingerprint sensor (Fingerprint Sensor): used for biometric identification. It allows for secure unlocking and protection of user data, as a fingerprint is much harder to forge than a password. Today, it is also used for countless other functions, such as electronic payments.

Facial recognition "sensor" (Face Recognition): not a sensor, but also used for biometric identification. The tablet can recognize your face and unlock the device or identify you based on this. Usually, this task is performed by the camera, preferably supplemented by several other sensors.

Temperature sensor (Thermal Sensor): monitors the internal temperature of the tablet and, if necessary, helps prevent overheating by reducing power or turning off the device. It is also customary to measure the external temperature using a thermal probe, for example rugged phones or rugged tablets can do this.

Thermal camera: very rare, we have seen this on CAT phones and some Chinese models, it displays the temperature map of the environment on the display.

Microphone: (Microphone): used during voice commands, voice recordings and video calls. Some tablets include multiple microphones for noise reduction and better sound recording.

The tablet's wireless connections

WiFi: Allows you to connect to the Internet through local wireless networks. Most tablets support the latest WiFi standards, e.g Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vagy Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which provide fast data transfer and greater coverage. Routers supporting the WiFi 7 standard are already available, so there is a good chance that such devices will soon flood the market.

Bluetooth: provides short-range data transmission between devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice and other accessories. Tablets are usually the latest Bluetooth 5.3 vagy 5.4 they use standards that provide better range, stability and energy efficiency. Today, it is not worth buying one where the version number starts with 4, but you need to use it.

Cellular - mobile - connection (LTE/5G): enables Internet access via the mobile network. Some tablets have a built-in SIM card slot or eSIM support, which LTE 4G vagy 5G provides fast internet access via networks even when there is no WiFi connection. If you want to use your tablet in the middle of nowhere, you will need this.

Infrared sensor (IR Blaster): emits infrared signals, so the tablet can also be used as a remote control to control televisions, air conditioners or other electronic devices.

NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC enables short-range wireless communication between devices, usually within a few centimeters. This technology is often used in payment solutions (e.g. mobile payments), for fast data transfer between devices or for pairing other NFC-enabled devices such as headphones.

WiFi Direct (Hotspot): this technology allows two devices to connect directly to each other without a WiFi network. This is useful for sharing files, playing games or quickly pairing devices. If there is an LTE output, for example, the tablet can provide internet to other devices, in which case the device acts as an internet gateway.

AirDrop (For Apple tablets): AirDrop is Apple's proprietary wireless data transfer solution. It enables the quick sharing of data and files with other Apple devices (iPhone, Mac) via a combination of Bluetooth and WiFi.

UWB extension (Ultra-Wideband): although not yet so widespread, some premium tablets support ultra-wideband technology, which enables accurate spatial positioning and supports functions such as accurate tracking of objects or quick recognition of other devices nearby.

Battery, operating time and charging of tablets

There are quite a lot of misunderstandings about the batteries and operating time of tablets. Usually the battery capacity They are given in mAh - milliampere hours - values ​​typically range between 4-10 mAh. It can even be higher among rugged tablets. However, this does not say much about the actual operating time, which depends on many things, but mainly on the following:

  • from recorded performance (you surf the net or, for example, play on it)
  • display size and current brightness
  • from the status of wireless connections

In the case of phones, mAh is given, while in the case of notebooks it is already Wh, which is an abbreviation for watt hours, and this abbreviation is also used by power banks and power stations. In fact, it is relatively easy to bring these values ​​to a common denominator, since Wh is nothing more than that electrical work done in a given time, which is nothing but P=U*I, i.e. voltage multiplied by current.

Since we know that the average value of the cell voltage of tablets - and in fact all modern devices powered by lithium batteries - is 3,7 V, you can convert the values ​​given in milliampere hours to Wh. For example, 10 Ah*3,7V= 37Wh, by definition, in the case of 20 mAh, this will be 000 Wh, which corresponds to the value of a larger power bank. Of course, this is only a nominal value, we should also take into account various other conditions, such as heat loss, but we will elegantly omit this for now.

In general, it can be said that a 10-inch tablet lasts 6-8 hours on a single charge, at less than average brightness, from an 8-10 mAh battery.

How do we charge the tablets?

Nowadays, all tablets can be charged via USB Type-C or Lightning – if we are talking about an older Apple device – connector. Which charging standard the tablet supports tells you what the SoC, the PMIC – the integrated circuit responsible for power management – ​​and the BMS behind it – the electronics that control the battery – support. Most companies have developed their own charging standards so that life is not that easy by accident. Fortunately, most devices recognize countless charging standards, of which we have listed a few non-exhaustively. Performance is extremely important here, because you have to charge a 10-12 mAh battery, which can take several hours.

USB Power Delivery (USB-PD, performance, up to 240 watts)USB-PD is the most common charging standard in modern tablets, especially for devices equipped with a USB-C port. This standard dynamically adjusts voltage and current to the needs of the connected device, ensuring faster and safer charging. USB-PD can deliver energy at different levels (e.g. 5V/2A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A). The latest version already enables the output of 240 watts, but devices compatible with this have not yet arrived.

Quick Charge (QC, performance, up to 27 watts, QC 4.0+ versions)the Quick Charge standard developed by Qualcomm enables fast charging of the battery, especially during the initial charging phase of devices. Versions of QC (QC 2.0, 3.0, 4.0+) use a higher voltage and/or current than standard USB charging, providing faster charging for compatible devices.

Proprietary Fast Charging (PFC)literally a unique manufacturer's fast charging standard meansPerformance: 15-45 watts or even more, depending on the manufacturer. Some tablets support specific manufacturer charging standards such as:

  • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging: Used for Samsung tablets, it provides up to 25 W charging and adapts to the current energy needs of the device.
  • Huawei SuperCharge: Can output up to 40W for compatible devices.
  • Apple iPad Fast Charging: The new iPads now have a USB-C port and support fast charging at 20W or more.

MagSafe (Apple, performance, up to 25 watts)Apple's MagSafe charging technology uses magnets to ensure that the device and the charger are perfectly aligned. Typically used for iPhone devices, but some iPad models can also use MagSafe wireless charging.

WPC Qi (Wireless charging, performance, up to 15 watts)the Qi wireless charging standard is increasingly common on tablets, especially Apple and Samsung models. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which transfers energy using the magnetic field between the charger and the device. Its efficiency varies depending on the distance, but it offers a convenient charging solution, as it can be used without cables, but in exchange its power is low.

Super VOOC (Oppo/Vivo, performance, up to 65 watts)the Super VOOC technology developed by Oppo offers extremely fast charging speeds. This system uses high-voltage charging, but is optimized to minimize heat generation, so tablets can be charged faster and more safely.

Of course, Xiaomi, OnePlus and many other companies have their own standards, so the list is far from complete.

Regarding the charging standards, you should know that charging does not take place linearly, for example a 65 W charger will not charge a 1 Wh battery to 100% in 65 hour, since on the one hand the energy transfer slows down, there is a balance between the cells - voltage equalization - and the charger also protects the batteries. Some manufacturers trick by putting 2 batteries in the device, so on paper they can write double the charging power - for example, 2×66 W becomes 132 W - on the box.

The tablet camera

In the case of tablets, the camera set is not an important element, which is not typically why we buy such devices. There are practical reasons for this, primarily because it is much easier to take photos with a smartphone, because it is smaller and lighter and is always in your pocket. That is why mobile phones almost always beat tablets to death in terms of technical parameters. What good is a tablet camera set then? On the one hand, to photograph the minimum things, and on the other hand, to make video calls. Let's see what are the technical parameters that matter (they are largely the same as the parameters of mobile phones, but with much lower performance).

Tablet cameras usually do not reach the highest level of dedicated cameras or smartphones, but they have many important technical parameters that affect the quality and the possibilities of use. Here are some important parameters:

  • Resolution (Megapixel - MP): the resolution of the camera is one of the most important factors. In general, the front cameras of the tablet have a resolution of around 5-8 MP, while the rear cameras can be 8-20 MP. Higher resolution means more detail, but not necessarily better images. Quality is also affected by other factors – optics or software.
  • Sensor size: the size of the sensors in the cameras determines how much light they can absorb. A larger sensor provides better low-light performance, but tablets tend to have smaller sensors than premium smartphones.
  • Focusing: cheaper tablets often use fixed-focus cameras, which means they can't automatically focus on objects at different distances. Autofocus results in better quality images, especially for close-up subjects, and you don't have to 'dance' away from your target to keep the image sharp.
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): some premium tablets may have optical image stabilization, which reduces blur caused by shaking, especially in low light or when shooting videos. OIS is less common in tablets than in smartphones.
  • Video recording: most modern tablets are capable of Full HD (1080p) video recording, but some high-end models record video in up to 4K resolution. Video recording capabilities are also determined by the number of frames (FPS), which can be 30 or 60. The problem with video recordings is that if there is no OIS next to them, they shake terribly. If there is software stabilization, the application is often overzealous and stabilizes the image very violently. This results in the image being smoothed out, but with jitters and refocusing in places, which is just as annoying as judder. The quality of video recordings is usually not an important element of tablets, so rarely does anyone buy such a device.
  • HDR and software optimization: HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology helps balance the contrast between very bright and dark areas, so images can contain more detail. Many tablets optimize images using software, for example using artificial intelligence to improve faces or color saturation, but sometimes they push these values ​​too far.
  • Front camera (selfie camera): the front cameras of tablets in general for video calls and are optimized for taking selfies, so they do not require such a high resolution or special lenses. Front-facing cameras often have wide-angle lenses to fit more people in one picture, especially for video conferencing. Basically, we don't often see anyone taking a selfie with a tablet, but we have already made several video calls this way, so the latter use is much more typical.
  • Quality of lenses: the optics of tablet cameras are generally less advanced than in premium smartphones. The type and material of the lens has a great influence on the sharpness and distortion of the image. More advanced tablets have more lens elements and greater light transmission.

Of course, the above are only generalizations, most cheap tablets come with weak cameras. The exception is very expensive, premium tablets, such as Apple, Huawei or Samsung products. Recently, Xiaomi has caught up with them with the Xiaomi Pad 6 series, and the Xiaomi Pad 7 is slowly coming.

Operating system for tablets

Different operating systems run on tablets, but since they are actually "larger phones", the two most typical systems are Google's Android and Apple's iPadOS. In the past, Windows tablets were also popular, and there are one or two exceptions. Let's line them up quickly!

  • Android (Developed by Google): Android is the most common operating system on tablets. It is open source, so different manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo and Huawei can build their own user interface and applications on it. One of its typical features is the presence of GAPPS, i.e. Google's software package, which includes the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Google Drive, and some other applications. This is what Huawei was deprived of, which had to start its own development because of this. Android is currently at the 15th major version, so it's always worth checking which version is running on a given tablet. The newer the better.
  • iPadOS (Developed by Apple): iPadOS is a tablet-optimized version of the iOS system, available only on Apple iPads. It is famous for its stability and very well optimized. The It works well with other Apple devices within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch).
  • Windows (Developed by Microsoft): The tablet versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 (usually on Surface devices) provide full PC functions. The system is familiar with touch screen control, but also works fully with the use of a mouse and keyboard. Its use is not typical on Chinese tablets these days.
  • Starting with Windows 11: the operating system recreated on ARM bases already supports the emulation of X86-based programs - a "simulation layer" is built between the hardware and the software, which enables the running of applications written for other architectures - so there is actually no obstacle to, for example, a desktop application to run on the new ARM-based Windows machines. Some Surface tablets - for example the Surface Pro X - are just like that, they can run both ARM - developed for mobile devices - and X86 - applications written for desktop processors - and thus Windows 11 can be used much more conveniently even on mobile devices. ARM-based systems they are typically more energy efficient, so for example a longer operating time can be achieved, and emulation increases compatibility in the field of software.

Others

  • Fire OS: Fire OS is Amazon system, which is a modified version of Android and runs exclusively on Amazon Fire tablets. It is built on Amazon's ecosystem, so it prioritizes Amazon's services (Kindle, Prime Video, etc.).
  • HarmonyOS: HarmonyOS is a Huawei its self-developed operating system, which runs primarily on the Chinese manufacturer's devices, including tablets. It is a cross-platform operating system designed to work seamlessly across devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
  • ChromeOS: ChromeOS is an operating system originally developed for Chromebooks, but it is now also available on tablets. The central element of the system is the Chrome browser and relies heavily on cloud-based services.

Tablet accessories

The tablet can be supplied with various accessories. There are those specifically for tablets, such as the stylus pen - or the docks, or more general ones, such as the power bank used for charging when traveling. Let's see what you could buy with the tablets!

Protective cases: cases primarily serve to physically protect the tablet, protecting it from scratches, bumps and falls. Many cases can also be used as a stand, which helps users to film, read or type more comfortably.

  • I'm smart: cases that have built-in magnets so they automatically turn on the tablet when you open it and close it when you close it.
  • Shockproof cases: offer particularly strong protection and are optimized for use in more difficult conditions, such as travel or off-road.

Stylus pen (stylus): styluses such as the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen are extremely useful for digital drawing, sketching or recording handwritten notes. It provides more precise control than touching with fingers, which can be useful, for example, in graphic work or operations with more precise details. Most tablets can be supplemented with it, they communicate with the device on a BT basis.

  • Active stylus: has built-in technology such as pressure sensitivity and palm rejection that ignores accidental touches while drawing.
  • Passive stylus: the touch pens that do not have extra functions, but are suitable for simple touch and navigation.

Keyboards: keyboards that can be connected to tablets (often with a Bluetooth connection) allow the tablet to be used as a laptop, making it easier to edit longer text documents or write e-mails. It is useful for those who write e-mail a lot or use a text editor or spreadsheet. In the case of older Windows tablets, the keyboard was typical.

  • Cases combined with a keyboard: these cases have a built-in keyboard, so they serve as a single accessory to increase protection and productivity.
  • Bluetooth keyboards: separate keyboards that you can connect to the tablet via Bluetooth.

Screen protector films (screen protectors): screen protectors are usually made of glass or plastic and protect the tablet screen from scratches, bumps and breakage.

  • Tempered glass: extra hard glass that protects the screen from major physical damage. It is easier to put on than the plastic film and it expels most of the air from under it.
  • Matte or non-reflective foils: they reduce light reflection, so using the tablet outdoors will be more comfortable.

Docking stations: these accessories provide more ports and connection options (USB, HDMI, SD card reader), which allow the tablet to be connected to more peripherals, such as monitors, mice or external drives.

  • Multimedia: allows you to easily connect the tablet to a larger screen or speaker system.
  • Data transfer: provides fast data transfer with other devices.

From the list above, according to our experience, the most typical thing is that if you buy a tablet in a package - a bundle - you get a screen protector, a stylus and a case along with the tablets, and thus you also get them at a significantly cheaper price than separately.

Gaming tablet

One gaming tablet a tablet that has specific hardware and software features to be able to run modern, resource-intensive games smoothly. At least that's what the manufacturers claim, but the truth is that modern Android games in the vast majority of cases they automatically rescale themselves – counterexample: CarX Street, which is not – for the given hardware so that they can run almost smoothly there as well. Examples include PUBG and the Asphalt series, but we have also tested Iron Blade, Genshin Impact and other resource-intensive games before. So the special hardware requirements are partially true, while partially not. It's never a problem if iron is a bull in the tablet.

  • A muscular central chip (SoC): the tablet must have a powerful multi-core CPU and GPU to run the latest games smoothly. Here, you don't have to immediately think of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or an Apple M4, but the stronger is better principle should be followed.
  • Lots of memory: at least 6 GB of RAM is required for multitasking and smooth gaming, but the more is better principle applies here as well.
  • High resolution display: the display must have at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution, and it doesn't matter what time you watch the "cinema". However, larger tablets are harder to hold, but everyone plays while sitting or lying in bed anyway, so 10 inches or more isn't bad.
  • High refresh rate: the display's 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother visuals for fast-moving games such as shooters or racing games. Not everyone notices, but when you put a display with a low and a high refresh rate side by side, the difference is spectacular, and everyday use seems better with the latter.
  • Large battery capacity: in order to have a long playing time, the gamer tablet should have as large a battery as possible, which also supports fast charging. Fortunately, you can also play while charging, but in this case you have to expect extra heating.
  • Ample storage space: for storing resource-intensive games and applications, at least 128 GB of internal storage is required - the Genshin Impact alone has 30 GB - and it is advantageous if the tablet can be expanded with microSD. Today, a more serious title is eating up the space, plus thanks to the many updates - Asphalt 9 is at the forefront of this - the applications can get fat.
  • Fast screen response time: a low touch response time is essential for fast and accurate control.
  • Powerful speakers and 3D audio support: many people forget what an added experience good sound is. Today there are tablets that have a quad speaker system. This is good because it is more difficult to cover 4 noise sources with your hands. Of course, there is always a good Bluetooth speaker as a sound output if the factory solution is not suitable, but nowadays you can easily find tablets with Dolby Atmos support on the market.
  • Support for additional devices: if you remember the Black Shark phone, they were the first to use external controllers that could be attached to the phone. Bluetooth-based game controllers can also be connected to tablets, which enhance the gaming experience or improve controllability.

All in all, gamer stuff is always pocketable, but if you only have money for a medium tablet, you don't need to be afraid either, they also offer an acceptable alternative due to the software rescaling.

Tough tablet

hard-wearing tablet a tablet specially designed for use in extreme conditions. It is suitable for industrial, construction, military or outdoor use, where it is exposed to greater physical stress. We haven't seen much good from this yet, it's just an unnecessary price-increasing factor, but you never know when the implementation will reach a level where we already say it's worth buying. In general, rugged tablets must have the following capabilities to fulfill their role:

  • IP rating: the IP classification determines how resistant a device is to microparticles - dust - and liquids. At least IP67 or IP68 rating, which protects the tablet against dust and water penetration, even when fully submerged. In this case, a pressure value and a duration are also given, for example immersion to a depth of 1 meter, for a maximum of 30 minutes.
  • Impact resistance: rugged tablets must be able to survive drops and impacts. This is usually verified by testing according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G or MIL-STD-810H.
  • Reinforced casing: slightly different from the above standard, these are physically visible reinforcements at the corners and at parts that are particularly vulnerable, such as the camera island. The tablet case must be made of impact-resistant and durable material, such as rubberized plastic or with a metal-reinforced frame to withstand extreme physical impacts.
  • Temperature tolerance: the tablet must also work in extreme temperature conditions, so it must be able to operate between -20°C and +60°C.
  • Reinforced display: the display must be equipped with tempered glass or Corning Gorilla Glass protection to resist scratches and breaks.
  • Hands-free or gloved use (gloves mode): the rugged tablets support touch screen use with gloves, so they can be used effectively even during outdoor use and in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
  • Engineering applications: pendulum, measuring tape, spirit level, and distance measuring applications are usually placed on such tablets, which help the user in his work.
  • Special sensor set: the above engineering work is usually supported with a magnetometer, gyroscope, temperature sensor - thermometer, thermal camera, accelerometer and barometer.
  • Programmable button: such devices often have a special, programmable physical button that either functions as a quick call to an application or sends an SOS alarm.
  • Long battery life: since it is often used in places where there is no continuous charging option, it must have a high-capacity battery that can provide several days of use.
  • External connectors and expansion options: it should support various accessories such as docking stations, USB-C, HDMI or serial ports for easy integration with other devices.
  • High brightness for outdoor use: the display must be bright enough to be readable even in sunlight, usually a brightness of around 1000 nits is enough for this.

However, most devices called "strap tablets" only have a fraction of the points in the list above, so you can tell that the manufacturer really just wants to get extra money out of your pocket, almost always with inferior hardware.


On what basis should you choose a tablet?

Tablets have countless uses. You can use them to surf the Internet, watch movies, write emails, edit text, manage spreadsheets, and consume courses and other educational materials. In fact, you can even do graphic work, although the most typical limitation of this is the underlying hardware performance. That is why we give you some clues that can be a filter condition for selection.

  • Pricing: needless to say, this is the number one selection criterion at home. You can get pretty good tablets for around 150-200 USD. What is worth paying attention to is that in 2025, it is not worth choosing models with less than 4 GB of memory and slow storage - at least UFS 2.2.
  • Size: a very strong differentiating factor for tablets, due to portability. Users tend to choose 7-8 inch devices for travel tablets, 10-12 inch devices for home use and watching movies from bed.
  • Hardware: determines how fast and smooth the software will run and how the user experience will be. Chinese manufacturers have done quite well in this regard in the last couple of years, and not only Qualcomm's and Apple's own hardware are good.
  • Data connection: in the case of a "tablet with internet", the expectation is that there should be internet everywhere. This requires a 4G/5G modem and a SIM – or eSIM – card, so you can use a tablet even in the middle of nowhere via the mobile network. Assuming, of course, that your service provider has adequate field strength in the given location.
  • Last a long time: large battery, fast charging, these are the most important for such tablets.
  • Have a good display: this is a completely realistic expectation, since this is what you will be looking at and pushing 100% of the time. What is important is the relatively high brightness and the matte surface if you want to use it outdoors, and the best possible color reproduction indoors. The AMOLED panel is better, but also more expensive.
  • Tough tablet: a relatively new category, with a much more robust design and longer operating time. We haven't seen any good from this yet.
  • For streaming: having the Widevine certificate is critical, for such use only L1 standard path should be taken (can be checked with DRM Info app)

You can declare countless other selection criteria for yourself if you have special needs.


Tips and tricks for choosing tablets in 2025

One of the most clichéd, yet effective rules of thumb: we take a target tool for a target task. This also means that almost everyone has a phone, notebook, and even a tablet today. It's also not a bad idea to have two tablets, one for traveling and one for watching movies. We outline a couple of scenarios taken from real life, with which we also had personal experience, in case you find them thought-provoking.

  • Starting school, studying, taking notes: when we finished our studies, we realized relatively quickly that taking notes on paper is quite a drag, because it is difficult to find the data. There are countless applications for this, in addition, you can fill the text with highlights, as if you were drawing them out with a colored highlighter, and it is much easier to organize what you have written. Those who do not like to type can also work in journal writing with the help of a stylus.
  • Travel: it's always a pain when you travel to know how to communicate with the outside world, especially when it comes to work. At first, we lugged around our expensive laptops, even though a tablet can fit in a space a third of the size, and emails can be answered on it as well.
  • Digitization: For the older relatives, we digitized countless older photos, which can best be shown on a tablet. Especially since several people can sit around it, its mass is small, so even the elderly can handle it and you can video chat with the family.
  • "Instead of a telephone": video chat is also good for keeping in touch with relatives, especially if the grandmothers/grandfathers live in the countryside and therefore you rarely see each other.
  •  "Instead of glasses": what not everyone can see on a phone screen, can be seen on a 12-inch tablet. In addition, glasses are so expensive today that a cheaper tablet can easily come out of them, or sometimes even two.
  • For playing games or watching movies while driving: we are not big fans of playing on a tablet, but it is not bad for children, for example, when traveling in a car. It can be mounted on the headrest, so you can also watch a fairy tale from it.
  • Writing e-mails, surfing the net: we don't think we need to elaborate on this section because it's self-explanatory.
  • Watching series, entertainment (from bed): tablets have two big advantages over notebooks when watching movies: it's much easier to hold with your feet and since they don't have external cooling, they don't want to burn your feet with hot air. It is much more convenient to watch movies this way than from a laptop.
  • E-book reader: basically, there are better solutions for reading e-books - for example, e-ink-based e-book readers that are less tiring on the eyes - but these are purpose devices, you can't do anything else with them, unlike a tablet. Today, almost every tablet has an eye-friendly mode, handles e-book formats, PDF, and, of course, Amazon's services.
  • For satellite navigation: there are car mounts for smaller notebooks, so you can use them to navigate perfectly. If you think about it, car manufacturers also integrate tablets into the dashboard in newer models, and Tesla is the standard bearer of this style. In addition, today there are user interfaces developed for direct driving, such as that Android Auto, which is great for navigation, runs Google Maps or Waze, you can also use it with a voice assistant, and I could go on and on.
  • Smart home control: also lends itself to tablet smart home control. On the one hand, it is easy to walk around the apartment/house with it, it has a WiFi connection, and it is very easy to do pre-programmed things with it.
  • For watching videos while cooking: we recently realized that a small tablet fits perfectly on top of our microwave. This way, you can read recipes or watch demonstration videos while cooking, and if you are a master of cooking, you can just watch a movie or listen to music as a distraction.

Advantages and disadvantages of using tablets

Let's quickly run through the advantages and disadvantages of using tablets. As we mentioned before, we go down to the phones and up to the notebooks. Tablets are located at the cross-section of the functionality of the two devices, so you have to make a number of compromises when using them:

The use of tablets advantages:

  • easy portability, and you can choose their size between 7-12 inches
  • tablets are best for certain tasks, such as watching movies while traveling or writing e-mails
  • with the help of countless accessories, they can be developed into a mini notebook, for this you need nothing more than a case that can be used as a support, a keyboard and a stylus
  • usually long operating time
  • some of them can be docked, so they can be supplemented with extra functionality
  • they are cheaper than a notebook
  • Chinese tablets are very "undervalued", so this is perhaps the biggest difference in price compared to Western products
  • most of them run basic Android, which everyone knows and which can be perfectly customized with applications
  • you can change the user interface on it, depending on what special use you need

The use of tablets disadvantages:

  • models with good hardware are also expensive here
  • generally weak cameras, poor video capabilities
  • not all of them are equipped with a 4G/5G modem, so you need a WiFi connection to access the Internet
  • in some places, manufacturers like to camouflage themselves, for example in relation to the size of the RAM (but this can be filtered out relatively easily)
  • sometimes manufacturers operate with strange display resolutions, their extra pixels cannot always be used, for example when watching movies
  • fast charging is not the strength of the tablets, they run a little behind the market
  • you should pay attention to the Widevine certificate if you want to consume streaming content

Frequently Asked Questions

What tablet should I take? 

When average people ask this question, they usually want an all-in-one tablet, and all of the Chinese-branded tablets on our list are good choices. If we had to say just one thing, we'd probably choose the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, but actually any cheaper device from any Western brand is fine.

For creative work and graphic design, there is the Apple iPad Pro 13" or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, they have sufficiently muscular hardware. This is also true for games, but for those whose needs are smaller, it fits well with a mid-range N-One Npad Ultra, and a secret tip is the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro. On the durable tablet front, the needs are often quite special, we would adapt this to work, but the Panasonic ToughPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series can also be good choices.

Which is the best tablet under HUF 100?

It would be better to say that it is below 250 USD, because this is actually how the sellers think in international terms, and they eventually change the dollar to HUF, since this is the currency at home. Actually, you need to look for a tablet that gives you the most, these are typically more muscular versions of the discounted Xiaomi Pads or the Redmi Pad, we would look at that.

Which is the best cheap tablet? 

Cheap at home is quite different from abroad, but you can't get a meaningful tablet for less than 150 USD. Depending on the size, we would take one of the Alldocube iPlay 50 series products home Alldocube iPlay 50 Pro Mini NFE e.g. a great choice for a travel, cheap tablet.

Which is the best Xiaomi tablet?

There are basically 2 series of Xiaomi tablets: the current Xiaomi Pad (currently the 6, but the 7 variant is coming soon) and the Redmi Pad, equipped with weaker hardware and showing simple functionality. Many times when the new series comes out, the price of the previous one is discounted, so the weaker pieces can be picked up cheaper in this case. RendeljKínait almost always reports on such promotions, just follow our page on Facebook, but we also share coupons in our FB group.

Which brands do you recommend?

Devices from Western brands - Apple, Samsung, etc. – they are fine, their support is very good, but they are expensive. Roughly the same is already true for the more serious Chinese names - Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei, Lenovo - but their prices are getting closer to Western products. In general, there is less hassle with tablets than with phones, their functionality is simply narrower, so you should also check out the brands Alldocube, Teclast, and N-One.

In contrast to the Fossibot, Oukitel, and Cubot brands, our experience with these brands is more negative than positive, but even here you can sometimes find great value for money purchases.

Why is the edge of the display dark when watching a movie?

Because the aspect ratio of the display is different from the aspect ratio of the content. For example, playing a 3:2 movie on a 16:10 panel will result in a dark bar at the bottom and top. This is normal, they all work this way, but you can drag the picture apart if you want.

Should the tablet have an AMOLED or IPS panel?

Definitely AMOLED, better color reproduction, much better blacks, but in return it is a much more expensive technology, so you will only find it in more expensive, premium devices - and very rarely in the mid-range.

What is the operating time of the tablet?

Manufacturers typically give a fairly wide interval, simply because it depends a lot on the scope of use. The three most power-hungry things are high brightness and refresh rate, and keeping wireless connections alive, at least in general use. The game always requires extra energy, as it exhausts the hardware. Operating time is usually given in terms of screen time, which is measured either by benchmarks created for this purpose or by watching movies. This is nothing more than how much the battery drains during 1 hour of watching a movie, and this is usually counted back to the total battery capacity. Of course, these are not very precise measurements, but I found countless "10 hours" videos on YouTube, which gives a pretty good approximation of real use.

Does fast charging matter?

In one sense yes, in another sense no. More serious tablets always have it, for example the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro can be charged in up to 35 minutes. Apple is traditionally not very strong in this "competition", but since you use such devices at home, this is not as much of a problem as with phones. The tablets remain functional even while charging, if you test a 10 mAh power bank next to them, their operating time can be roughly doubled.

I want to use a tablet, what do I need?

Basically, a WiFi connection is enough if there is a WiFi router nearby. If you want to use the Internet in a place where this is not available, you need a SIM card, an LTE modem - usually 4G or 5G is built into tablets - and a suitable mobile subscription.

What size should the tablet be? Which one is good for what?

The smaller 7-9 inch tablets are good for travel, the 10-12 inch tablets are more suitable for home use, watching movies, and playing games, while the larger ones are also good for graphic work if they have the right hardware.

What is the best tablet for children?

In fact, its most important feature is its size, it is much more difficult for a child to rotate a large tablet designed for adults, so it should be small. You can also find good-looking tabs in the 7-8 inch category.

What accessories should you buy for your tablet? (e.g. keyboard, case)

Basically, a glass screen protector always comes in handy, as does a case. There are cases that are also keyboards, while we recommend a touch pen for taking notes. There are devices specifically designed for work that can also be docked, by definition those who want to attach additional peripherals to the tablet should look for them.

How durable are the different tablet materials (plastic vs. metal)?

It is not particularly difficult to guess that metals are more resistant to impacts than plastics and are also more rigid. They are less scratched or worn, and have better heat dissipation properties, so manufacturers typically use aluminum. There is usually a plastic surface on the upper part, this is where the antennas go, so the data transfer can be smooth. Premium tablets are almost always made of some quality metal.

What tablet do you recommend for drawing?

Basically, the question is whether you want to use it for hobby or work. Good drawing requires a relatively large tablet, which can theoretically replace digitizing tablets, and a good stylus support is also important. Be sure to ask a professional what they recommend for such cases.

What is Widevine certification and why is it important?

Widevine Certification the technology developed by Google, which is the contents digital rights management (DRM) provides. It is primarily used in online video streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and other platforms, where it provides different levels of protection for content providers to protect video rights from copying or illegal distribution.

Widevine DRM technology provides different levels based on the content you want to protect. These levels (L1, L2, L3) provide different hardware and software protection:

Widevine L1:

Hardware protection: the highest level of protection that uses hardware encryption and decryption. For a device to support the L1 level, an appropriate hardware security chip is required.

HD streaming: this certificate is required for users HD, Full HD or 4K quality to watch content on services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Widevine L2: (hardware-software protection): an intermediate level that uses partly hardware and partly software encryption. In general, it can also be used for higher resolution content, but it does not provide the full security that L1.

Widevine L3 (software protection): the device only uses software decoding. HD quality content cannot be played on such devices, up to SD (480p) resolution available.

The bottom line is that if you want to play high-definition streaming content, you need to buy a tablet that supports Widevine L1.

Is it possible to change the display on a tablet?

In principle, it can be done in service, but in the case of a cheaper device, the labor cost and the price of the new panel are comparable to the price of the tablet.

Which Android is considered outdated?

Many tablets are released with older operating systems. The latest Android version is currently Android 15, which is coming soon to Google Pixel devices, so for now we can say that Android 13 and 14 are not considered outdated. Another issue is that not only this must be taken into account, but also the software support of the individual devices. The extent to which a manufacturer provides this is quite unique, and it is worth looking into this separately for each device.

Can you make phone calls with a tablet?

If it can accept a SIM card and has an LTE modem, then yes. However, it is quite uncomfortable with larger tablets.

Can you take notes on a tablet?

Yes, you can, there are really good apps for that. It is also worth using a touch pen for this.

Will a tablet replace the laptop?

Not really, it's better to use the tools in parallel. A tablet can also be supplemented with a keyboard, a Bluetooth mouse can be connected to it, and some models can even be docked, so a lot of other peripherals can be connected to it. Of course, the situation is more complicated than this, a notebook is bigger, so more powerful hardware can be put into it, additional monitors - even more - can be connected to it, and of course there is also the question of the operating system. Do you need to run Windows or Android programs, or do you need iOS? So the answer is not clear, I did best when I had both a tablet and a notebook.

How long will Chinese tablets receive software support?

Let's start with what software support is. In order to keep the devices safe, the manufacturers release repair packages at certain intervals, which include new software functions and optimizations, but also solve the software compatibility of the devices. Every company likes to develop its own user interface in order to stay competitive with its competitors. There are also major version changes – for example, from Android 13 to 14 – which can even change the appearance, introduce new menus and functions.

Google and Samsung provide the longest such warranty for their devices, they update some of their devices for 5 years from the date of release. In contrast, Xiaomi, Oppo and OnePlus typically do for two or three years they provide major Android version updates and similarly lengthy security updates. In the case of premium models, longer support may be possible. Lesser-known manufacturers usually do not exaggerate this, which is also why these products are cheaper.

If you couldn't find one of your questions in the FAQ, or if we didn't have a clear answer, then contact us at one of our contact numbers listed on the page or on Facebook. To the best of our knowledge, we try to answer all questions about tablets!



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