Finding the right Android tablet shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle, but most buying guides out there aren’t much help. They recycle the same handful of popular models and call it a day. We wanted to do better than that, so we built what we think is the most thorough, actually useful tablet guide you’ll find this year—one that goes way beyond the usual suspects.
Our tablet rankings aren’t just guesswork — they’re built on real testing, real data, and a lot of hours behind the screen. We get hands-on with every major tablet, benchmarking performance, testing battery life, and pushing each one through real-world use. Then we back that up with deep research from trusted publications, independent labs, and verified user feedback to make sure the results actually line up.
Each tablet earns its place through our in-house 9-category scoring system: Performance (23%), Display (20%), Battery Life (15%), Software & Ecosystem (15%), Build & Design (12%), Value (10%), Storage (8%), Audio (5%), and Camera (2%). These weights reflect what truly matters when buying a tablet — not just what sounds flashy in the spec sheet.
Best Android Tablet
The best overall Android tablet should come as no surprise; it’s the OnePlus Pad 3. And it’s not hard to see why. It’s an absolute banger of a tablet, with flagship specs, features, and a pretty good price as well.
The OnePlus Pad 3 easily takes the crown as the Best Overall Android Tablet — and for good reason. It delivers flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it keeps up with tablets that cost twice as much, while that 13.2-inch 144Hz display makes every swipe and scroll feel unbelievably smooth.
And then there’s 80W SuperVOOC charging, which gets you from 0 to 100% in just 81 minutes — something most tablets can’t even dream of (we’re looking at you, 3-hour chargers).
If you’re a student, gamer, or just someone who wants top-tier performance and gorgeous visuals without spending a grand, the OnePlus Pad 3 is the easy pick.
Pros
- Priced very competitively
- Best performance on an Android tablet (so far)
- Big, beautiful, and bright LCD display
- Plenty of accessories available
- Open Canvas remains one of the best multi-tasking experiences on the market
Cons
- LCD instead of OLED
- No fingerprint sensor, Facial Recognition is poor in low-light
- O+ Connect is only for Mac, no option for Windows (yet)
Where the OnePlus Pad 3 really shines is value. You’re getting premium specs and build quality without paying iPad Pro prices. It’s not perfect – the app ecosystem still can’t quite match what Apple offers – but for Android users who want a powerful, versatile tablet that won’t demolish their budget, the OnePlus Pad 3 hits a sweet spot that few competitors manage.
- Display: 13.2″ IPS LCD 144Hz
- Brightness: 900nits HBM
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM and Storage: 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera, 8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 12,140mAh
- Charging: 80W wired
- Colors: Storm Blue
- Android Version: Android 15 (OxygenOS 15)
- Software Support: 3 years of Android OS updates, 6 years of Security updates
- AI Software: OnePlus AI, Mind Space, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Premium Tablet
Not quite the best overall, since we do factor in price into our rankings here, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is definitely the Best Premium Tablet on the market today.
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra isn’t just another Android tablet — it’s the Android tablet to beat in 2025. With its massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, S Pen included (complete with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity), and Samsung’s 7-year update promise, this is the definition of premium.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and up to 16GB of RAM make multitasking effortless, whether you’re editing 4K video, sketching in Clip Studio, or running multiple apps side by side. Add in IP68 water resistance and DeX Mode, and you’ve got a tablet that’s built to replace your laptop — not just complement it.
For professionals, creators, and power users who want the best Android tablet money can buy, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is in a class of its own.
Pros
- Display Excellence
- Thin and Light Design
- Strong Performance
- Productivity Features like Samsung DeX make multi-tasking a breeze
- Impressive Battery Life
- 7 years of Updates
Cons
- Unwieldy size not great for portability
- Samsung removed Bluetooth from the included S Pen
- High starting Price
- No charger included in the box
It’s the included S Pen. It’s the only Android tablet (well, most Samsung tablets include one) with a S Pen included, which is great for artists and designers. It sports near-zero latency and pressure sensitivity to rival dedicated drawing tablets from Wacom. When you combine that with Samsung DeX, this does become an impressive premium tablet built for those that really want to get work done on the go.
- Display: 14.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
- Brightness: 1,000nits typ, 1,600nits peak
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
- RAM and Storage: 12GB, 16GB; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera, 12MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 11,600mAh
- Charging: 45W wired
- Colors: Moonstone Gray, Platinum Silver
- Android Version: Android 16 (OneUI 8)
- Software Support: 7 years of updates
- AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Honorable Mention
As an honorable mention to the best Premium Tablet, we have the Galaxy Tab S11. It has a lot of the same features and specs as the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, except it is smaller at 11 inches and it is also much cheaper.
The smaller Galaxy Tab S11 does offer a lot of the same features as the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, but at a lower price tag and a more manageable size. This has an 11-inch screen, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor. It does still offer 7 years of updates as well as the S Pen included in the box.
It is the ideal choice for Samsung users that are already invested in the ecosystem, as it does work really well with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Watch 8 series and other Samsung devices.
Pros
- Premium Display
- Strong Durability
- Premium Build and Audio Setup
Cons
- High price
- Incremental upgrade from Galaxy Tab S10
- Charging speed
The included S Pen. It’s the only Android tablet (well, most Samsung tablets include one) with a S Pen included, which is great for artists and designers. It sports near-zero latency and pressure sensitivity to rival dedicated drawing tablets from Wacom. When you combine that with Samsung DeX, this does become an impressive premium tablet built for those that really want to get work done on the go.
- Display: 11″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
- Brightness: 1,000nits typ, 1,600nits peak
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
- RAM and Storage: 12GB; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera, 12MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 8,400mAh
- Charging: 45W wired
- Colors: Moonstone Gray, Platinum Silver
- Android Version: Android 16 (OneUI 8)
- Software Support: 7 years of updates
- AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Gaming Tablet
When it comes to gaming, virtually any flagship tablet should work just fine. But there are some great tablets on the market that are specifically made for gaming. Like the Legion Tab Gen 3 from Lenovo.
The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 isn’t just another Android tablet — it’s a full-blown gaming machine built for players who take mobile gaming seriously. This thing packs physical shoulder trigger buttons, a blistering 165Hz display (the fastest you’ll find on any tablet), and a vapor chamber cooling system that keeps performance rock solid, even during marathon gaming sessions.
Lenovo’s gaming DNA is on full display here. The compact 8.8-inch design fits perfectly in your hands for long play sessions, while Legion Space software lets you tweak performance settings on a per-game basis — just like a proper gaming rig. Simply put, the Legion Tab Gen 3 brings console-level control and speed to Android gaming.
Pros
- The 8.8-inch display is the perfect size for mobile gaming
- High performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Charges up rapidly
- High refresh rate
- Stays cool where your hands touch the tablet
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
- Using last year’s chipset
- Limited retailer availability
What really sets this tablet apart is the thoughtful gaming-focused design. Lenovo placed the hottest components in the middle of the device, away from where your hands sit, so even when the tablet warms up during intense gaming, you’re less likely to feel the heat. Combined with a vapor chamber cooling system, you get sustained performance without the device turning into a hand warmer.
- Display: 8.8″ 2560×1600 IPS LCD, 165Hz, HDR10
- Brightness: 500nits typ, 900nits peak
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM and Storage: 12GB/256GB; 16GB/512GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera, 2MP macro camera; 8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 6,550mAh
- Charging: 68W wired
- Colors: Eclipse Black
- Android Version: Android 14
- Software Support: Up to 3 major Android upgrades
- AI Software: Lenovo AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Samsung Value Tablet
When it comes to Samsung tablets, they have something at quite literally every price point. So finding a “cheap” tablet from Samsung isn’t hard. And we believe that the Galaxy Tab S10 FE is the best Samsung Value Tablet on the market today.
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+is Samsung’s Fan Edition formula firing on all cylinders – giving you about 80% of the flagship experience for roughly 60% of the cost. And unlike most tablets in this price range, it actually feels premium. You’re getting an included S Pen and IP68 water resistance — two features Samsung usually keeps locked behind its higher-end models. Toss in a gorgeous 12.4-inch display, Samsung DeX support, and four years of OS updates, and it’s hard not to call this the smartest Samsung tablet for most people.
Sure, Samsung cut a few corners to keep the price down — there’s no OLED panel or flagship chipset here — but it nailed what actually matters day to day. You still get the S Pen for notes and sketches, IP68 for peace of mind, DeX for productivity, and tight integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. The massive 8,000mAh battery can easily stretch 12–14 hours, and the microSD slot adds up to 1TB of extra space for files and media.
Whether you’re a student, casual creator, or just someone who wants a big-screen Galaxy experience without spending $800 or more, the Tab S10 FE hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable, capable, and unapologetically Samsung.
Pros
- Bluetooth S Pen still included
- 7 years of updates
- Incredible multi-tasking experience
Cons
- LCD instead of an AMOLED display
- Higher price
- More RAM in more expensive storage variant
What makes the Galaxy Tab S10 FE special is how effortlessly it blends premium features with an affordable price. You’re getting Samsung’s signature design, full S Pen support, and even IP68 water and dust resistance — all things you’d usually find on the flagship Tab S10+. The 12.4-inch display is big and bright, perfect for streaming or productivity with Samsung DeX. Battery life easily stretches past 12 hours, and the inclusion of microSD expansion up to 1TB adds real flexibility. For students, creators, and everyday users, the Tab S10 FE delivers the true Samsung tablet experience without the flagship price tag.
- Display: 10.9″ 1440×2304, IPS LCD, 90Hz
- Brightness: Not advertised
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1580
- RAM and Storage: 8GB/128GB; 12GB/256GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera; 12MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 8,000mAh
- Charging: 45W wired
- Colors: Silver, Gray, Blue
- Android Version: Android 16
- Software Support: 7 years of Updates
- AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Tablet for Smart Home
When it comes to smart homes, there’s really only one tablet that is worth buying, and it’s one that doubles as a smart display. That’s none other than the Google Pixel Tablet.
The Pixel Tablet stands out as the most versatile Android tablet on the market — designed not just for entertainment and productivity, but as the ultimate smart home hub. When docked, it transforms into a Nest Hub Max replacement, complete with hands-free Google Assistant, rich audio, and smart home controls for your lights, cameras, and thermostat. Undock it, and you’ve got a portable 11-inch tablet ready for streaming, gaming, and browsing anywhere in your home.
Built for Google ecosystem users, the Pixel Tablet delivers a clean Android 16 experience with three more years of guaranteed updates — no bloat, no delays. The included Charging Speaker Dock (a $130 value) magnetically powers the tablet while delivering impressive sound for video calls, music, or recipes in the kitchen. At $399–$499, it’s a true two-in-one device that saves you from buying both a tablet and a smart display.
Finished with a nano-ceramic coating for that premium Google hardware feel, the Pixel Tablet is the perfect centerpiece for anyone living the Google Home lifestyle — simple, smart, and beautifully designed for everyday use.
Pros
- Included speaker dock sounds incredible
- The smoothest Android software on any tablet
- Pulls double duty as a smart display with Chromecast
- Great performance
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- No keyboard accessory available
- Lack of Tablet-optimized apps
What makes the Pixel Tablet special is how seamlessly it blends Google’s hardware, software, and smart home ecosystem into one device. It’s not just another Android tablet — it’s the only one that transforms into a smart display the moment you drop it onto its magnetic Charging Speaker Dock. That dock alone changes everything, turning the tablet into a full-blown Nest Hub Max replacement with rich audio, hands-free Google Assistant, and full control over your smart home.
Then, undock it and you’ve got a clean, fast, and perfectly optimized Android 14 experience that only Google can deliver. With five years of guaranteed updates, premium build quality with a nano-ceramic finish, and deep integration with Google Photos, YouTube, and Home, the Pixel Tablet nails both form and function.
It’s the rare tablet that feels truly Google — smart, simple, and built to make your home more connected without ever feeling complicated.
- Display: 10.95″ 1660×2560, IPS LCD
- Brightness: Not advertised
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM and Storage: 8GB/128GB; 8GB/256GB
- Cameras: 8MP rear camera; 8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 7,020mAh
- Charging: 15W wired
- Colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Rose
- Android Version: Android 16 (launched with Android 14)
- Software Support: 5 years of Updates
- AI Software: Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Value Tablet
When it comes to value tablets, we’re looking at price, specs and feaures. And the Xiaomi Pad 7 is the best Value Tablet you can buy today. While yes, Xiaomi isn’t really sold in the US, they do sell a number of products here through their official Amazon and Walmart stores – which includes the Pad 7. It’s mostly their phones that aren’t available here.
The Xiaomi Pad 7 is a fantastic value. At just $299 to $399, you’re getting features that are typically reserved for tablets that cost $600 or more. That includes a 144Hz display and quad Dolby Atmos speakers.
Inside, there’s a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, which is last year’s near-flagship processor. It still delivers about 85-90% of flagship performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and productivity. Xiaomi made some smart choices here – using an LCD panel instead of OLED keeps costs down, but you still get that buttery smooth 144Hz refresh rate.
Battery life is excellent thanks to the 8840mAh cell, and you’re getting 33W fast charging with the charger included in the box. The build quality is impressive too – it’s just 6.18mm thin and weighs 500g, with an all-metal design that feels much more premium than the price would suggest.
If you don’t need an S Pen or Samsung’s ecosystem features, the Xiaomi Pad 7 is easily the best value Android tablet you can buy right now.
Pros
- Exceptional Value
- Brilliant 144Hz Display
- Solid Performance
- Premium Build Quality
- Clean Software Experience
- Excellent Battery Life & Charging
Cons
- Limited Software Support (only 4 Android Upgrades max)
- 8GB of RAM can really struggle
- LCD instead of OLED
- No fingerprint sensor
What makes the Xiaomi Pad 7 special is how it punches way above its weight class. This isn’t just a budget tablet that makes compromises – it’s a device that strategically picks its battles and wins where it matters most.
The 144Hz display is the star of the show. Most tablets in this price range are stuck at 60Hz, maybe 90Hz if you’re lucky. Xiaomi went all-in on smoothness, and it transforms everything from scrolling through apps to gaming. Pair that with quad Dolby Atmos speakers, and you’ve got a genuine multimedia powerhouse.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is the smart choice here. It’s essentially last year’s flagship-tier silicon, which means it’s still incredibly capable. You’re getting performance that rivals tablets costing twice as much, without the premium price tag of the latest and greatest chipset.
- Display: 11.2″ 2136×3200, IPS LCD
- Brightness: 800nits
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- RAM and Storage: 8GB/128GB; 8GB/256GB; 12GB/256GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera; 8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 8,850mAh
- Charging: 45W wired
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green
- Android Version: Android 15
- Software Support: Up to 4 Major Android Upgrades
- AI Software: Hyper AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best Rugged Tablet
Rugged tablets aren’t for everyone, but for those doing work out in the field, or those who need to give their kids a tablet, rugged tablets are a great idea. Though there aren’t many available, Samsung does have a great option in the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro.
The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is Samsung’s rugged tablet built specifically for enterprise use. This thing is seriously tough – it’s got MIL-STD-810H military certification and an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle pretty much whatever you throw at it.
What makes this tablet special is the removable, hot-swappable battery. Field technicians and warehouse workers can swap in a fresh battery without powering down the device, which is huge for 24-hour operations. You don’t see that feature anymore in consumer devices, but it’s critical for enterprise environments.
The MIL-STD-810H certification isn’t just marketing fluff. Samsung tested this tablet against extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, 1.5-meter drops onto steel, shock, vibration, and various environmental factors. The included S Pen works in the rain and with gloves on, which is exactly what outdoor professionals need.
Pros
- Dual hot-swappable batteries
- No Battery Mode
- Enterprise Features
- S Pen included
Cons
- Heavy and Bulky
- Basic Cameras
- High-price for mid-range specs
The MIL-STD-810H certification isn’t just a fancy badge Samsung slapped on the box – it’s a rigorous testing standard developed by the US military to ensure equipment can survive in the field. We’re talking about devices that need to work whether you’re in the Arizona desert at 60°C or a frozen warehouse at -20°C.
Samsung puts the Tab Active5 Pro through 29 different tests including drop tests from 1.5 meters onto steel, sustained vibration, thermal shock, humidity, salt fog, and even altitude changes. This isn’t your typical “drop it once and call it tough” marketing – this is legitimate military-grade durability testing.
- Display: 10.1″ 1920×1200, TFT LCD
- Brightness: Not advertised
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
- RAM and Storage: 6GB/128GB; 8GB/256GB; 12GB/256GB
- Cameras: 12MP rear camera; 8MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 10,100mAh
- Charging: Not advertised
- Colors: Green
- Android Version: Android 15
- Software Support: 5 years of updates
- AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Best for Entertainment
Tablets are great for entertainment, but not all tablets are built equally. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is a great option for watching entertainment, because of the large battery as well as the quad speakers built in.
The Yoga Tab Plus has one of the most practical designs I’ve seen in a tablet. That cylindrical kickstand isn’t just a gimmick – it’s genuinely useful. You can prop this thing up at any angle on pretty much any surface without needing a case or stand. Kitchen counter, bed, desk, even outdoors – it just works. There’s even a hanging loop if you want to mount it on the wall for recipes or video calls.
The audio is where this tablet really shines. Lenovo partnered with JBL for quad speakers plus a dedicated subwoofer, and the result is easily the best sound you’ll get from any tablet in 2025. We’re talking bass that rivals portable Bluetooth speakers, with enough volume to fill a room. If you’re watching movies or listening to music, this is the tablet to beat.
The 12.2-inch display runs at 90Hz, which isn’t class-leading but it’s smooth enough for media consumption. Battery life is excellent too – the massive 10,200mAh cell delivers 14 to 16 hours of video playback, so you can binge an entire series without reaching for a charger.
There are trade-offs, of course. At 705g, it’s heavier than your typical tablet, and that cylindrical design makes it less portable. But if you’re primarily using this for Netflix binges, YouTube marathons, or video calls at home, the hands-free convenience and cinema-quality audio make those compromises worthwhile. This isn’t a tablet for everyone, but for the right use case, it’s perfect.
Pros
- Exceptional Audio System
- Incredible Value
- Flagship Performance
- Excellent Keyboard and Pen
- PC Mode Functionality
Cons
- LCD instead of OLED
- Limited Software Support
- No IP Rating
- Kickstand issues
What makes the Yoga Tab Plus special is that it’s unapologetically built for one thing: entertainment. While other tablets try to be productivity machines or creative workstations, Lenovo said “let’s make the best device possible for watching stuff,” and they nailed it.
The integrated kickstand is the star feature. That cylindrical design means you can prop this tablet up anywhere – kitchen counter while cooking, nightstand for bedtime viewing, desk for video calls – without fumbling with cases or stands. The hanging loop even lets you mount it on the wall. It’s the kind of thoughtful design that makes you wonder why more tablets don’t do this.
- Display: 12.7″ 1844×2944, IPS LCD
- Brightness: 650nits (typ); 900nits (peak)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM and Storage: 16GB/256GB; 16GB/512GB
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera, 2MP macro; 13MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 10,200mAh
- Charging: 45W Wired, reverse wired
- Colors: Seashell, Tidal Teal
- Android Version: Android 14
- Software Support: 3 Major Android Updates
- AI Software: Gemini, and Circle to Search
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