Dual Delight: Tablets That Excel at Work and Play 

With a market seemingly dominated by Apple, it is easy to forget that plenty of rival companies and manufacturers produce quality tablet devices comprising a range of alternative apps, features and operating systems that may just be the perfect fit you are looking for. 

And considering holiday deals and the ever-popular Black Friday sales creeping closer, there is no better time than now to reassess your tablet needs and find the make, model, and features that best suit your requirements list. Whether you are loyal to Apple iPads or hope to venture into something new, there is a tablet device made for any preference. 

Best Overall

The 2024 Apple iPad Air is the perfect option for anyone looking to purchase the thinnest, lightest, and best version of the original iPad. For the first time, the iPad Air is available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models, with an Apple M2 chip keeping every application snappy and responsive. The device also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, turning it into a convenient art tool or note-making device. 

The top-tier LED display delivers a sharp, vivid image brighter than any of its predecessors. In addition, the iPad Air has an all-day battery, with nearly 12 hours of battery life before needing a top-up. Like every other tablet that Apple has released so far, the iPad Air does not have Face ID capabilities; it only supports Touch ID. 

Biggest Screen

If a large screen size is an important feature on your must-have list, you won’t find it better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This large-and-in-charge display is thanks to the perfect combination of a stunning 14.6-inch AMOLED display and a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, all housed in an ultra-thin design that guarantees ease of travel. 

The gorgeous display is more colorful and color-accurate than the iPad Air or the Pro mini-LED display. Its adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz makes scrolling, working, and gameplay much smoother. Additionally, the S9 Ultra includes a stylus for free, something its largest competitors don’t match. 

Android is Best

The OnePlus Pad is a premium Android tablet option for anyone who refuses to fork out the price of an Apple iPad but still wants a lovely design and fantastic performance. This beautifully curved device offers over 13 hours of battery life and plenty of power to keep every app running like a well-oiled machine. 

The massive 13MP camera is a dream for anyone wanting to take photos with their device. The bright, sharp display and superior operating system are ideal for creating an accurate presentation for work or playing your favorite mobile game. The device's four-speaker sound system makes it even better. 

Windows Friendly

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is the best option for anyone wanting the familiarity and versatility of Windows with the convenience and accessibility of a tablet. Thanks to the inclusion of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chips, it is the best model yet. 

While previous Windows tablets have been lacking in the past, the Pro 11 shakes things up with a brand new OLED display option and a Snapdragon X chip to keep things running smoothly. This new chip ensures the device is running at maximum capacity, reaching new heights of speed and power efficiency over 12 hours of battery life. Be aware, however, that additional accessories don’t come cheap, and the AI features are somewhat lacking. 

Most Powerful

The 2024 Apple iPad Pro is the first device to be fitted with the cutting-edge Apple M4 chip, and this pocket rocket addition has turned the Pro into the most powerful tablet currently on the market. Aside from raw power that can easily run any app you could possibly want, this top-tier premium offering has a stunning OLED display, 13 hours of battery life, and a slim, elegant design that makes using it on the go an absolute breeze. 

The vivid display is on par with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 ultra in terms of color accuracy but trumps its opponent in display brightness, which is luminous enough to strain your eyes in a dimly lit room. It should come as no psurpirse, however, that Apple’s latest device does not come cheap. It may be the best option for those wanting the most power and the best screen of any Apple device, but the hefty price is not worth it if you don’t specifically need the speed and screen quality it offers. 

Budget Friendly

Amazon’s Fire tablets are easily some of the cheapest options on the market. While the performance will not blow you away, for its $60 starting price, there is no better budget tablet on offer. Despite its low price tag, it does contain a number of appealing features that make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone on a budget.

It is incredibly light and easy to carry, with a battery life that can last up to 11 hours. It houses a microSD port that allows for additional memory via SD cards, something not even the most expensive Apple iPad can match. Unfortunately, the low cost does mean you have to compromise on certain features that modern technology has become accustomed to, like the lack of HD resolution and low-quality built-in cameras and speakers.