Best Tablets in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 20, 2022
A tablet is a small computer. Lighter and more portable than a laptop yet almost as high performing. Quite a few tasks can be performed with a tablet today. And if you decided you need one, we are here to help you choose the best. So, tablet computers. Here we go! ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2022
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
CPU
RAM
HARD DRIVE
DISPLAY
EQUIPMENT
INTERFACES
SENSORS
OS
WORKING TIME
WEIGHT
WARRANTY
 
PROS
Microsoft Surface 3 is the best tablet computer when it comes to storage, with its 64GB space you can keep all your documents and quite some media content at hand. To work with documents, you get pre-installed office apps.
CONS
You'll need to buy a stylus separately.
OUR VERDICT
Whatever task you set before this tablet PC, MS Surface 3 will handle it. Documents and entertainment alike operate perfectly here.
detailed parameters
CPU
Quad-core 2.4GHz Intel Atom x7-Z8700
RAM
2GB
HARD DRIVE
64GB
DISPLAY
10.8" IPS LCD; 1920 x 1280
EQUIPMENT
Main Camera - 8 MP, Front Camera - 3.5 MP, DOLBY AUDIO Stereo speakers, Microphone
INTERFACES
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth v4.0, MicroSD card reader, Full-size USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Headset jack, Micro USB, Cover port
SENSORS
Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Gyroscope
OS
Windows 10
WORKING TIME
Up to 10 hours of video playback
WEIGHT
621 g
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
HOME button of this tablet computer incorporates a TouchID sensor to simplify user identification. This way, the tablet wakes up faster, same goes for some apps. Pre-installed apps are perfectly optimised for this device.
CONS
No option to increase the storage.
OUR VERDICT
Elegant and highly capable ultra-thin Apple tablet with a wondrously clear display. Get the most comfort and highlight your style.
detailed parameters
CPU
Triple-core 1.5GHz Apple A8X, M8 Motion Coprocessor
RAM
2GB
HARD DRIVE
16GB
DISPLAY
9.7" IPS LCD; 2048 x 1536
EQUIPMENT
Main Camera - 8 MP, Front Camera - 1.2 MP, Stereo speakers, Dual microphones
INTERFACES
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth v4.2, Headset jack, Lighting connector
SENSORS
GPS, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Digital compass, Touch ID
OS
iOS 8
WORKING TIME
Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music
WEIGHT
437 g
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
4:3 aspect ratio is optimal for reading, be it books or Internet pages. Additionally, this Samsung tablet has a special mode for kids development and entertainment.
CONS
Seamless Connection TV sync is only possible with 2015 Tizen TV products or newer.
OUR VERDICT
Everyone in your family will find the app to their liking. Entertainment or studying, saving all important moments of your life — everything is possible with this Samsung Galaxy Tab.
detailed parameters
CPU
Quad-Core 1.2GHz Qualcomm
RAM
1.5GB
HARD DRIVE
16GB
DISPLAY
9.7" TFT; 1024 x 768
EQUIPMENT
Main Camera - 5 MP, Front Camera - 2 MP, Stereo Speakers, Microphone
INTERFACES
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth v4.1, Headset jack, MicroSD card reader, MicroUSB port, ANT+
SENSORS
GPS, Glonass, Beidou; Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor
OS
Android 5.0 Lollipop
WORKING TIME
Up to 15 hours of Internet usage time (Wi-Fi), Up to 14 hours of video playback, Up to 178 hours of audio playback time
WEIGHT
450 g
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
Built-in DOLBY ATMOS soundbar makes this Lenovo the best tablet computer for enjoying any multimedia content.
CONS
Pre-installed Android version is a bit outdated and needs updating.
OUR VERDICT
One of the best tablet computers if you enjoy playing games or watching movies and listening to music with friends.
detailed parameters
CPU
Quad Core 1.7 GHz MediaTek MT8165
RAM
2GB
HARD DRIVE
16GB
DISPLAY
10.1" IPS; 1920 x 1200
EQUIPMENT
Main Camera - 8 MP, Front Camera - 5 MP, DOLBY ATMOS Stereo speakers, Microphone
INTERFACES
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth v4.0, Headset jack, MicroUSB port, MicroSD card reader
SENSORS
GPS: Glonass, Satellite, Beidou; Accelerometer, Vibration, Hall sensor
OS
Android 4.4 KitKat
WORKING TIME
Up to 10 hours
WEIGHT
509 g
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
Fire OS provides maximum comfort when interacting with Amazon content. You will find a tonne of useful apps for any multimedia purposes.
CONS
Limited hard drive space.
OUR VERDICT
You'll fit this tablet into your bag's pocket and it is also really lightweight, so carrying it around will be the easiest task ever.
detailed parameters
CPU
Quad-core 1.3 GHz
RAM
1GB
HARD DRIVE
8GB
DISPLAY
7" IPS LCD; 1024 x 600
EQUIPMENT
Main Camera - 2 MP, Front Camera - 0.3 MP, Mono speaker, Microphone
INTERFACES
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth, Headset jack, MicroUSB, MicroSD card reader
SENSORS
Accelerometer
OS
Fire OS 5
WORKING TIME
Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching video and listening to music
WEIGHT
313 g
WARRANTY
1 year
X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Microsoft Surface 3

It's All-Purpose!

Microsoft is renowned for their achievements in both hardware and software development, and the Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet is a perfect example of those achievements. It is an all-purpose device capable of dealing with virtually any task from multimedia playback to gaming to working. There is a 10.8" IPS LCD display that will allow you to watch Full HD video, a built-in Dolby Audio stereo speaker for your favourite melodies, a variety of apps to enjoy multimedia content and to study. The tablet PC comes with the pre-installed Office 365 Personal of which you get a year of free use. For extra convenience, the manufacturer additionally offers a special Surface Pen stylus, however, you can also choose another stylus if you find it more suitable for your needs. All-in-all, we dare say this tablet can even pull off the same tasks as an average netbook or even some laptops. Yet it is much more convenient to carry around and use wherever you are.

Review of Microsoft Surface 3 10.8" Tablet

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £299.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B017VXHLKK

VIDEO
See the new Microsoft Surface 3 in action
 

Apple MH0W2FD/A iPad Air 2

Flawless Style

The iPad Air 2 retains the stylish look of its predecessor but when it comes to functionality and performance it wins hands down. As for design changes, there are none but two: this model is 1.4 mm thinner than the previous one and you can buy it in one of three colours (silver, space grey, gold) as compared to two in the original model. The most changes are related to performance. The 9.7" display with 2048x1536 resolution is the same, good enough to watch your favourite video in the highest quality without a hint of grains. Then, what we were all waiting for, the TouchID sensor is finally implemented now. Safety has increased, as has the simplicity of use. New A8X processor loads your apps and operates 40% faster than the A7 of iPad Air, and M8 Motion Coprocessor enhances the graphics 2.5 times. These two parameters provide excellent gaming experience and overall comfort of use. Additionally, if you use iPad to type a lot, you can purchase the special keyboard instead of the one on the display.

Review of Apple MH0W2FD/A iPad Air 2

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00OQIESD2

 

Samsung Galaxy TAB A SM-T550

Family Friend

Samsung creates devices for family use, it is a well-known fact. And the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is no exception. Children will find here a fascinating variety of games to make education and development fun. For socially active individuals there is a 5MP main camera with auto-focusing in photo and video and a continuous shot feature to share your life with family and friends. The display here has 4:3 aspect ratio making this Samsung tablet model the best choice for scrolling web pages and reading. And if you own a Samsung TV (Tizen released in 2015 or later), there is an option for seamless connection and media playback from the tablet to your TV.

Review of Samsung Galaxy TAB A SM-T550

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £103.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VFIWIPQ

VIDEO
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7" Review: Best Cheap Budget Tablet of 2015?
 

Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70F

Have Fun!

If you can't live without movies, follow a number of YouTube bloggers, or you are simply a picture person, come closer. The Lenovo Tab 2 offers you a 10.1" IPS screen with 1920x1200 resolution to get all the possible satisfaction from video content. The Dolby ATMOS soundbar will make music videos from your favourite bands a treat for your ears. Gaming is mind-blowing too. It is so good it is distracting to those around you, you might want to buy earbuds to keep it all to yourself. As for the software, the tablet can be easily upgraded to the newest Android version so that all the latest apps were within reach. Built-in 700 mAh battery allows 10 hours of continuous operation, be it Internet surfing or video playback. And let's not forget that Lenovo has premium offers to expand the tablet possibilities even more. You'll love it!

Review of Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70F 10.1-Inch Tablet

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £149.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00Y6LZM8O

 

Amazon Fire Tablet

Small and Adorable

Despite its price, which may seem suspiciously low, the Amazon's own 7" Fire Tablet has a range of functional advantages. First, the size. You can fit it in your bag pocket without problems and carry around at any time. Amazon video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more are within your immediate reach. When you activate this tablet, you receive 30 days of Amazon Prime for free, meaning you can download some movies and enjoy them later without having to connect to the Internet. The Amazon Prime also offers access to the Prime Music library. Add a variety of gaming apps and you'll never get bored with this tablet. If the 8GB storage space is not enough for you, there is also a possibility to buy a microSD card for expanding.

Review of Amazon Fire Tablet
Last updated price £49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00Y3TM6CO

 

What is a Tablet?

Tablets today are almost PCs when you look at the features. Short of playing some games or working in specialised apps with really hardcore system requirements, everything you can do on a PC you can also do on an up-to-date tablet. And tablets are so much more mobile and portable, even compared to a laptop. Internet surfing, working with office documents, social networking, audio- and video-calls, making high-quality photos and videos, etc. — all this and much more in a device the size of a book (and thinner than that). No surprise that more and more users prefer tablets with every passing day. Here in this review, we would like to offer you some tips on how to choose the best tablet for you, and the description of 5 best tablet computers in our opinion to narrow down the list of options a bit.

If you are looking for a tablet specifically for drawing, we suggest you visit our drawing tablets review. And in case you are an avid supporter of particular operating systems, we have reviews on Windows tablets and Android tablets.

What Features to Compare

Performance

The brain of any computer-like device is its processor. It is responsible for data processing, apps launch speed, video and games playback, etc. How fast the processor works largely depends on the number of cores it has. We recommend you to look at quad-core 1.5GHz processors and more if you wish to have a cutting-edge high-performing device. Then there is also RAM, an extremely important parameter as well. With the world constantly requiring multitasking, the RAM can be considered enough often starts at 2GB. With this, your tablet will be able to process massive loads of data and work several apps at a time. As for the storage, it depends on what you are buying a tablet for. If you would like to store your data inside permanently, it will be better to look for greater storage space and/or the option to either expand the internal storage or use memory cards.

Display

Today you can encounter 7" to 12.2" tablets most often, though there are 5" and 20" ones too. The plus of the 7"–8" tablets is that they are lighter, more compact, and, therefore, more portable. Good enough for Internet surfing, playing, taking a device with you wherever you go. At the same time, it is probably more convenient to work with documents, read for a prolonged time, and use multi-window mode with a tablet of 10" or bigger. And then there is also the panel type. Panels affect viewing angles, clarity of picture, and response time. At the top of the list is the IPS panel type, but TN and TFT are still very popular, too. And, finally, you will need to look at the resolution. For a realistic and highly detailed picture, to start from the Full HD 1920x1080 pixels is a perfect choice.

Interfaces and Extra

There is hardly any user who'd buy a tablet without an option to connect either earphones or speakers, so there is that, the standard 3.5mm input is apparently a must. Also, it would be convenient to have a microUSB port to both charge your tablet and connect it to the PC. If you are going to use the device with an external monitor or TV, you will need an MHL, miniHDMI, or Mini DisplayPort. Wi-Fi is also fiercely important, the latest version being the 802.11ac. Bluetooth can be a really nice extra. We think you will be also happy to have a tablet that adjusts the brightness according to the lighting around, rotates the displayed image when you rotate the device and recognises when something other than a finger or stylus is closing up (like going to sleep mode or shutting up when you close the cover). There are tablets that can be used as a metal detector if you are interested. A good camera will allow making high-quality photos and video, and if you have a front one it means you can video call your friends and relatives. Built-in speakers let you listen to anything without earphones, and a microphone is necessary for calls.

Other Features

There are three most used operating systems for tablets and they differ quite a bit. So, what do you get?

  • Android — a vast selection of apps and games, easy to use and quick to get used to.
  • iOS from Apple — stability, high level of personal data security and protection against viruses.
  • OS Windows — well-known, full Office support, interface and services we are all accustomed to.

Lastly, if you are clumsy or have kids or pets at home, surely you'd want a device that is not so easy to break. The choice between metal and plastic is a no-brainer in this situation. Plastic is often cheaper, though. And it would be awesome to have a tablet that works for 10 hours on a single charge, right?

That's it, roughly. We hope it helped. Now let's proceed to some really remarkable representatives.

Sources:

1. Jeffrey Van Camp Tablet buying guide: everything to know before you buy a tablet, Digital Trends. June 24, 2015.

2. Nick Mediati Tablet Buying Guide: 8 Essential Tips, Laptop Part of Tom’s Guide. February 24, 2016.

3. How to Choose a Tablet Computer, wikiHow.

4. Beth Brindle 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Tablet, HowStuffWorks.

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later