What operating system do you prefer for your tablet?
When considering which tablet to purchase, your first question should be about the operating system. While there are many excellent iPads and Windows tablets available, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve decided on Android.
And it’s a logical choice, especially if you already own an Android smartphone. Whether you need a device for productivity or entertainment purposes, there’s an Android tablet that will meet your needs.
One notable absence from this list is Amazon. While Fire tablets run a modified version of Android, they lack access to the Google services that most users expect.
If affordability is your main concern, check out our separate list of the best budget tablets.
Why trust us: At Tech Advisor, we have been providing reviews and buying advice for Android tablets since the introduction of the original Samsung Galaxy Tab in 2010.
We have witnessed the evolution of Android tablets, from advancements in display technology to improvements in performance and software. Our team conducts thorough, real-world testing on every new Android tablet worth considering, integrating it into daily use to provide the most authentic experience and offer the best buying advice.
Best Android tablet 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus – Best Android tablet overall
Pros
- Fastest Android tablet
- Excellent screen and sound quality
- Versatile interface and controls
- Sleek and waterproof design
Cons
- Apps and performance lag behind iPad Pro
- High price tag
Price When Reviewed:
Starting from $999
For those seeking a high-end Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a top choice. With a 12.4-inch display, it offers a balance between size and portability when compared to the 14.6-inch Tab S9 Ultra.
Despite its size, the Tab S9 Plus is impressively thin at 5.7mm and features full IP68 dust and waterproof protection – a rare feature in the tablet market.
The tablet boasts premium specifications, including an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 12GB of RAM. Additionally, it features a high-quality OLED screen with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, making it more powerful than some laptops.
Other highlights include the included S Pen stylus, AKG audio, long software support, and more. The only drawback is its high price.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus review
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Best budget Android tablet
Pros
- Sleek, compact design
- Solid performance
- Attractive display
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Slow charging
- Poor cameras
- Blurry scrolling
- Not available in the US
For those on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a fantastic choice. Starting at just £169 in the UK (currently unavailable in the US), this tablet offers everything most users need in an affordable package.
Key features include solid performance, an 8.7-inch display, and impressive battery life. The tablet also runs Samsung’s intuitive One UI software and sports a compact yet premium design.
While the tablet has some drawbacks such as slow charging and basic cameras, these are minor issues considering the value it offers. The Tab A9 is a great option for those in need of a budget-friendly tablet for everyday use.
If you prefer a larger and slightly more expensive option, consider the 11-inch Galaxy Tab A9+.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 review
3. OnePlus Pad 2 – Best mid-range Android tablet
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Elegant design
- Good display and sound quality
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Could be faster
- Mediocre cameras
- Poor desktop mode
Price When Reviewed:
$549.99
The original OnePlus Pad was a stellar tablet, but its successor, the Pad 2, is even better.
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Pad 2 offers improved performance that rivals the best Android phones on the market. It features a high-quality 144Hz display and a premium design similar to flagship tablets, making it a top choice for consumers.
Other highlights include long battery life, impressive audio from six speakers, and optimized software for the large screen. OnePlus also provides four years of support for the device.
While the tablet has some drawbacks such as underwhelming cameras, these are minor issues for most users.
Overall, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent value for money and provides everything most users need in an Android tablet.
Read our full
OnePlus Pad 2 review
4. Xiaomi Pad 6 – Impressive and affordable
Pros
- Excellent 144Hz screen
- Impressive performance
- Premium build with IP53
- Good speakers
Cons
- Middling battery life
- No fingerprint sensor
- No software update commitment
Price When Reviewed:
Starting from $349.99
If you have a slightly higher budget but still want a cost-effective option, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is a great choice.
Priced at £369, the tablet offers impressive performance and features a Snapdragon 870 chipset, providing excellent performance for tasks including gaming.
The tablet’s 11-inch LCD display with a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate delivers a premium viewing experience. The quad speakers offer immersive audio, and the tablet’s build quality is solid. Xiaomi’s MIUI for tablets is user-friendly and intuitive.
However, the tablet has drawbacks such as middling battery life, the absence of a fingerprint sensor, and uncertainty regarding software updates. Despite these drawbacks, the Pad 6 is an outstanding tablet overall.
Read our full
Xiaomi Pad 6 review
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best for productivity
Pros
- Stunning 120Hz display
- Impressive performance
- Excellent included S Pen
- IP68 rating
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited optimized apps
- No 5G support in the US
Price When Reviewed:
Starting from $1199.99
The Tab S9 Ultra is the pinnacle of Android tablets, offering top-tier performance and features. With a massive 14.6-inch display and a starting price of £1,199/$1,199, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially as a laptop replacement.
However, for those who can afford it, the tablet is exceptional. The OLED screen with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate is a joy to use, and the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers impressive performance. The tablet also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust protection.
Included with the tablet is a high-quality S Pen, though it does not dock into the tablet like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Despite its high price, the Tab S9 Ultra offers a premium experience for those who demand the best.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review
6. Google Pixel Tablet – Most versatile
Pros
- Sleek & stylish design
- Solid performance
- Good battery life
- Hybrid use
Cons
- Mediocre audio from dock
- Lacks Nest Hub features
- Slow charging
Price When Reviewed:
$399 (128GB) | $499 (256GB)
Google’s latest Android tablet, the Google Pixel Tablet, offers a unique experience that may appeal to some users.
The tablet itself is well-designed and offers solid performance, although not exceptional in any particular area. It can be purchased with the Charging Speaker Dock for an additional £100/$100, transforming it into a smart display similar to the Nest Hub Max.
Featuring full Android functionality and Chromecast built-in, the tablet offers flexibility and convenience. While the smart home software may not be as advanced as the Nest Hubs, the tablet provides a hybrid option for users seeking versatility.
Read our full
Google Pixel Tablet review