By Katrina Caruso
Does your tablet need an upgrade? With Black Friday coming up on November 24, here’s a handy guide so that you’re ready to jump on the sales.
Photo: iStock/DragonImages.
#1 – iPad (2017)
Apple iPads are still beating out the competition in the tablet market. The new iPad is powerful and affordable (with a lower price point than the iPad mini). Though it’s less impressive than the iPad Pro, its significantly lower price makes it our No. 1 choice.
Specs
- Price: $449.00-$489.99 + taxes
- Screen Size: 24.63 cm (9.7 in.)
- Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
- Storage: 32 GB or 128 GB
- Weight: 469 grams (16.5 oz)
- Cameras: Rear: 8 MP / Front: 1.2 MP
- RAM: 2 GB
Low points
- No keyboard connector (but you can use a Bluetooth keyboard)
- Only 2 speakers
- Not compatible with Apple pencil
#2 – Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
If you’re looking to go Android, the leading tablet right now is still the Samsung Galaxy. Introduced in 2017, the Tab S3 tablet is lightweight and comes with the S Pen stylus. Android tablets are the way to go if you want flexibility with internal memory storage options.
Specs
- Price: $699.99, original $799.99 + taxes
- Screen Size: 24.63 cm (9.7 in.)
- Resolution: 2048 x 1536 resolution
- Storage: 32 GB, expandable to 256 GB via microSD card (sold separately)
- Weight: 429 grams (15.1 oz)
- Cameras: Rear: 13 MP / Front: 5 MP
- RAM: 4 GB
Low points
- Android not great on tablets
- Though the cameras have more megapixels than the iPad, they’re reportedly not very good.
#3 – Asus ZenPad 3S 10
The UK-based technology news site TechRadar calls this the “Bestselling Tablet of the Year” in the UK and the US. The ZenPad has gained popularity for its stylish design (it looks very similar to the iPad) and boasts a 2K display and high resolution audio support. It’s thinner than the iPad, at 5.8 mm (just under a quarter of an inch).
Specs
- $456.03 +taxes
- Screen Size: 24.63 cm (9.7 in.)
- Resolution: 2048 x 1536 resolution
- Storage: 64 GB, expandable to 128 GB via SDXC memory card (sold separately)
- Weight: 431 grams (15.2 in.)
- Cameras: Rear: 8 MP / Front: 5 MP
- RAM: 4 GB
Low points
- Battery life not great
- The speakers’ locations aren’t ideal—it’s easy to cover them with your hands while using the tablet.
