Tablets have found new life in our homes like the coronavirus The pandemic has increased the need for a device that can handle entertainment, education and even some work. In 2020, Apple updated almost its entire line: The high-end iPad Pro models were renovated in the spring, while a new Basic 10.2 inch iPad and mainly Revised iPad Air arrived this fall. The Pro and Air models have really powerful processors, which allow functionality previously exclusive to computers and laptops, such as photo editing. And while we’re not retiring our laptops yet, the new features are more promising for the future of the iPad as a productivity device than anything that Apple has added in years.
In the tablet market, Microsoft launched new Surface models in May, including the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 3 and the Microsoft Surface Go 2, an update to your smallest tablet. Android tablet the options, however, remain constrained by their phone-centric mobile device operating system – but that hasn’t stopped Samsung from trying Apple’s iPad Pro when it comes to productivity with the new Tab S7 Plus. And in the value segment, Amazon remains the best option for cheap, child-friendly and inexpensive tablet models with your Fire tablet. All of these options offer app stores, but you should make sure your indispensable apps are available on potential devices before you buy (don’t look Fortnite on iPad now, for example).
Here are our picks for the best tablet available right now. We include economy tablet and premium tablet options, as well as laptop replacement devices at intermediate prices, including Android tablet and Apple iPad options. We even included a tablet PC as a bonus. All of these products (or their previous versions) have been completely revised or tested anecdotally by CNET editors. We take several factors into account, including pressure sensitivity, screen size, inclusion of a front camera, internal storage, the option to add a microSD card and whether or not the tablet offers a headset connector. This story was previously published and we will continue to update it as new products become available.
note: O 2020 iPad Air was released in October. You can read our review of iPad Air here.
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Apple recently updated its entry-level iPad in 2020, adding a faster chip – the iPhone XS-era A12 – but keeping the base price of $ 329 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi version. The important thing to know is that this 10.2-inch model will provide a smooth experience and access to the iPad’s rich library of application options. This powerful tablet maintains support for a smart keyboard connected to a connector and the first generation Apple Pencil, making it a solid option for distance learning as well. Watch out for price drops: the Apple iPad model earlier than this used to be discounted to $ 250 – that’s the price you should expect. Read our review of iPad 2020.
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Updated in 2020, the latest version of the Apple iPad Pro adds a set of more sophisticated rear cameras and even a LIDAR sensor for cutting-edge AR features. But the biggest update to Apple’s Ipad Pro comes through the software, which now supports laptop-style trackpads. To use this, though, you’ll need something like Apple’s Magic Keyboard case for Apple iPad Pro, an expensive addition.
Still, this great tablet finally makes us more excited about this next-generation Apple iPad, which is otherwise a performance monster, with Face ID, USB Type-C, great battery, a killer retina display and the best and best processor Line design from Apple. This Apple tablet can also be counted among the best drawing tablet options, especially when paired with the 2018 Apple Pencil. (If you already have the previous iPad Pro, there is little reason to upgrade to this 2020 model.) Please note the iPad O Pro is available on 11 and 12.9 inch models.
That said, anyone looking at the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro should give the 2020 iPad Air – which has a similar design and a newer processor – a serious consideration. Read our review of the iPad Pro 2020.
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Activate DeX on the Tab S7, with the keyboard connected, and you will have an extraordinarily similar experience to a laptop. Open multiple applications, resize them in different windows, minimize everything to the taskbar. This Samsung tablet offers a much more familiar experience for laptops than even the latest iPad with keyboard and touchpad support. A new trick in DeX is very clever – the ability to wirelessly send your DeX desktop to another monitor or even a TV screen. Read our Samsung Tab S7 Plus manual.
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Apple updated the iPad Mini in spring 2019 with support for Apple Pencil and an A12 processor. Now that the 10.2-inch model has caught up with it in terms of specs, it’s hard to swallow the fact that this smaller 7.9-inch model is priced higher – although you should know that it often sells for $ 350. Still, some people love this model as a smaller and lighter mobile device option, which is appropriately sized as a luxury e-book reader. Read our review of the iPad Mini.
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The minimum prices for Amazon tablets are always shocking, and this year’s Fire 7 is a solid budget tablet choice for basic video / game / children’s app needs. This inexpensive tablet has a relatively small screen, but, as always, Amazon Prime allows you to enjoy much more in terms of content, although Amazon’s Fire ecosystem is more limited than Android. But if you are buying for a child, definitely invest in the Kids Edition. In addition to parental controls, the children’s tablet version of the device includes a rubberized case, a free year of FreeTime Unlimited content for children – and a two-year, question-free replacement warranty for damaged units. Stop living in fear of a broken screen! This Amazon Fire tablet also has a very important headphone connector, so you don’t have to worry about whether your wireless headphones are charged. Read our Amazon Fire 7 (2019) review.
Amazon
The 10-inch Amazon Fire HD tablet is faster and better than the 7 or 8-inch Fire tablet, and still costs $ 150 (or less). For Amazon Fire HD 10, there are two storage options, 32 GB and 64 GB. The Amazon Fire HD tablet also charges its battery via USB Type-C now. Read our first Fire HD 10 take.
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For the right price, the Chromebook X2 may be the best tablet in the group in terms of business. It is a functional Chromebook laptop screen that is also a detachable tablet and can also be used for modest photo editing and playing Android tablet apps. This Chrome OS tablet comes with 4 GB of RAM. Read our review of the HP Chromebook x2.