Android tablets can likely offer you everything you need from a tablet at a significantly lower price point. Since there's a wide variety of Android Tablets on offer, the right choice for you depends on your priorities. Are you looking for an awesome deal? Or are you looking for a device that allows you to watch movies with awesome visuals and surround sound? We've rounded up a few of the best Android tablets of 2021, with our recommendations for which one you should buy this year!
Why Choose an Android Tablet?
Often, consumers are either a diehard iOS fan, or they are dedicated to Android. If you fall somewhere in the middle and aren't committed to one operating system over the other, Android can be a great choice. Here are a few advantages to choosing an Android tablet:
- There are thousands of options offered for ways to customize your device
- A wide range of products available from a variety of different companies, rather than the singular option of Apple.
- Android's Google Play app marketplace is expanding and growing, with more apps to choose from than in the past.
- Android's operating system allows multiple applications to run at once.
- Most Android tablets have the option to use SSD cards to expand storage capacity (something iPads don't offer).
- Android tablets tend to be significantly cheaper.
All these points make choosing an Android a great choice! There are a few drawbacks that you may want to consider as well. If you're used to Apple's iOS, Androids may not feel as simple or intuitive to use. Google Play apps are not necessarily optimized for your Android tablet, and the apps aren't as secure since anyone can release an app on the platform, with a more open approval process.
Best Android Tablets of 2021
Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
Our top pick for the best Android tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. That's because it's powerful enough to use for work, or for entertainment. It has a great four speaker set up, so you'll have great audio whether you're using it for work calls or streaming videos. The 11” LED screen has a fast refresh rate at 120 Hz, making it a good choice for games and media. It's also small and light, at only 6.3mm thick and 498 grams. You'll receive the S Pen Stylus tablet pen with purchase, so if drafting, drawing, or taking written notes is something you like to use your tablet for you'll be able to do just that. The tablet runs Samsung's DeX software, which helps the tablet function more like a laptop for work-related tasks.
Best for Work: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Our top pick for a work tablet is the Microsoft Surface Pro. It's a 12” tablet that runs the full version of Windows 10, so it functions similarly to a Microsoft laptop. It connects with an adjustable keyboard and comes with a kickstand so it's easy to use as a second screen when working on big projects at work. Its Core i5 CPU means it's up to any work-related task and will work quickly and easily when you're in the middle of a task.
Best Deal on a Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10
The Amazon Fire HD 10 version released in 2021 is an awesome deal. It boasts a larger screen than most mid-range or inexpensive tablets, and is great for streaming movies and television shows, playing games, online shopping, and more casual use cases. One thing to keep in mind is that this Amazon tablet runs on Amazon's Fire Operating System, which is based in Android. They don't offer the Google Play Store, however, many Android apps will still work on the Fire. It is designed specifically to run Amazon apps, and works best with these specific products.
Best Versatility: Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab
The Lenvovo Yoga Smart Tab has a fast processor with the Qualcomm Snapdragon. It has the versatile kickstand design the Yoga Tablets are known for, which allows the tablet to transform into a few different convenient configurations. The screen is a FHD IPS display and it offers a dual stereo speaker system, so it works well for streaming content, watching movies, and TV. Plus, when the tablet isn't in use you can also use the smart Google Assistant mode with voice activated commands.
Best for Children: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition
This tablet was designed especially for kids, with up to 12 hours of battery life and tons of kid-friendly content pre-loaded onto it. It's also durable enough to survive being dropped and comes with an extra protective case to help with that. Plus, Amazon offers a two-year damage plan, so if your child breaks it you can return it and receive a replacement for free. You might also consider choosing an older version of the Amazon Fire for kids, such as the 8, for a cheaper price tag and similar functionality.
Best for Android Artists: Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite
If you're looking for a tablet that will allow you to draw, the Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite offers a stylus pen along with your purchase. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 also offers a stylus pen and is great for artists. With the Huawei Media Pad, you'll get great clarity and accurate color with their ClariVu technology on a 10.1-inch 1080p display. It also offers a four speaker system, long battery life, plus access to the Google Play Story and all the Android apps.
When choosing the Android tablet for you, make sure that it will work for your specific needs. Depending on whether you plan to use it to watch shows, display recipes while you cook, read e-books, or entertain your kids, the best Android tablet might differ! No matter which tablet is right for you, a deal is always the right choice. Sell your used Android devices to Gizmogo, and use the cash to upgrade to one of our top picks for 2021!