The continued evolution of Android for large screens makes it a capable modern tablet OS. Here's what to look for in an Android tablet, along with our top choices.
ByIyaz Akhtar
Iyaz Akhtar
Mobile Analyst
My Experience
I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
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UpdatedApril 1, 2024
Table of Contents
If you think the iPad has won the tablet wars, think again. High-end Apple andWindows tabletsmight dominate the top of the category as impressive tools for productivity, but Android slates are still popular across a wider range of prices. Moreover, Android tablets sometimes show up with interesting and unusual features, such as E Ink screens and included styli.
We've gathered the best Android tablets we've tested here to accommodate a larger cross section of needs and budgets. Read on for our top picks, followed by what you need to know before choosing one.
Our Experts Have Tested 20 Products in the Tablets Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Our Top Tested Picks
Best Amazon Tablet Overall Jump ToDetails Best Value Android Tablet Jump ToDetails Best Midrange Android Tablet Jump ToDetails Best Premium Amazon Tablet Jump ToDetails Best Flagship Android Tablet Jump ToDetails Best for Portability Jump ToDetails Best for Kids Jump ToDetails Best Low-Cost Tablet Jump ToDetails Best for Doubling as Smart Display Jump ToDetails 
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Amazon Fire Max 11
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2022 Release)
Amazon Fire 7 Tablet (2022 Release)
Google Pixel Tablet
The Best Android Tablet Deals This Week*
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet — $179.99(List Price $219.99)
- Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $94.99(List Price $139.99)
- Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $179.99(List Price $229.99)
- Google Pixel 128GB 11" Tablet With Charging Speaker Dock — $419.00(List Price $499.99)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet With 8GB RAM — $679.00(List Price $799.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best Tablets
- Best Cheap Tablets
- Best Kids' Tablets
- Best Windows Tablets
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Best Amazon Tablet Overall
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) is great for media playback thanks to its 10-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel screen and surprisingly loud speakers. It can also handle casual games and light productivity tasks. You get either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage but can add up to 1TB of additional space via a microSD card.
Who It's For
If you want the best balance of performance, screen size, and price within Amazon's Fire tablet lineup, the HD 10 is the model you should buy, though it won't provide access to as many apps as a full Android slate.
PROS
- Affordable
- Good build quality
- Decent display
- Alexa Echo Show mode
CONS
- Limited app selection
- Amazon-focused content
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches |
| Weight | 15.3 oz |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels |
| CPU | MediaTek |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | 10 hours, 18 minutes |
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Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Best Value Android Tablet
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
At a little over $200, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ provides a spacious, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel display and matches the performance of more expensive tablets thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip. It comes with just 64GB of storage to start, but a microSD card slot lets you add up to 1TB. Finally, the device features a streamlined design and will get OS and security updates until the fall of 2027.
Who It's For
If you want a low-cost Android tablet that's enjoyable to use, reasonably fast, and will last for several years, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is the one to get.
PROS
- Affordable
- Large screen
- Good performance
- Expandable storage
- Software aids productivity
CONS
- No fingerprint sensor
- Low base storage
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 lbs |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |
| Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Battery Life | 7 hours |
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Best Midrange Android Tablet
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The reasonably priced Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers an Exynos 1380 processor, a 12.4-inch screen with a 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution, excellent battery life, and a microSD slot that supports cards of up to 1TB. It also uses quality materials and sports an IP68 rating, meaning it's fully dustproof and waterproof. Artists should like the included S Pen stylus as well. Samsung's productivity and multitasking software is excellent too, and its promise of four Android OS updates and five years of security patches is top-notch.
Who It's For
If you want a capable Android tablet that doesn't cost too much and can handle a bit of rough handling, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is for you.
PROS
- Good performance
- Long battery life
- High-quality, waterproof build
- Includes S Pen stylus
CONS
- Occasional performance stutters
- Finicky fingerprint sensor
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 11.24 by 7.30 by 0.26 inches |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs |
| Screen Size | 12.4 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,560 by 1,600 pixels |
| CPU | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Battery Life | 7 hours, 23 minutes |
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Review
Amazon Fire Max 11
Best Premium Amazon Tablet
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Outside of portability issues, everyone loves a big screen, and Amazon's Fire Max 11 offers a much larger panel than other budget-friendly tablets. It performs better than most too, thanks to its 4GB of RAM and MediaTek MTK8188J octa-core chip. The device also supports split-screen multitasking, which is unusual for tablets in this price range. A premium aluminum build further elevates the experience.
Who It's For
With an 11-inch, 2,000-by-1,200-pixel display, this tablet is ideal for watching movies and playing games. And it's still an excellent value despite being Amazon's priciest model.
PROS
- Big, vibrant display
- Stepped-up design
- Respectable performance
- Amazon ecosystem access
CONS
- Limited app selection
- No clear path to future OS versions
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 10.20 by 6.44 by 0.30 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,000 by 1,200 pixels |
| CPU | Mediatek MTK8188J |
| Storage Capacity | 64 GB |
| Battery Life | 7 hours, 55 minutes |
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Amazon Fire Max 11 Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Best Flagship Android Tablet
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Android's answer to high-end iPads. Highlights include a vivid 14.6-inch display with a resolution of 2,960 by 1,848 pixels, a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, and a minimum of 256GB of storage. Excellent multitasking software and an IP68 durability rating round out the features.
Who It's For
If you don't want an iPad but still want a high-end slate, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is your top Android option. It should particularly appeal to artists because it ships with Samsung's smooth S Pen stylus and serves as a truly immersive canvas. If you plan to take your tablet on the go, however, the 12.4-inch, 5G-capable Galaxy Tab S9+ is a better bet.
PROS
- Gorgeous screen
- Fast performance
- Tight Samsung integration
- Good productivity software
- IP68 rating
- S Pen stylus included
CONS
- Pricey
- Size makes it awkward to handle
- Android on tablets is still limiting
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Screen Size | 14.6 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Battery Life | 9 hours, 30 minutes |
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)
Best for Portability
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
The Fire HD 8's screen is an inch larger than that of the Fire 7 and benefits from a resolution bump to 1,280 by 800 pixels (compared with 1,024 by 600 pixels). Therefore, it's a better choice for gaming and HD video playback. It also offers solid battery life, lasting just over 10 hours in our tests.
Who It's For
If the Fire HD 10 feels too big or costs too much for your liking and you don't want to go with a super-cheap slate like the Fire HD 7, the midrange Fire HD 8 splits the difference. You get decent performance at a price just south of $100.
PROS
- Vibrant screen
- Good battery life
- Lightweight
CONS
- Sluggish performance
- $10 more than the previous model
- Limited app selection
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 11.9 oz |
| Screen Size | 8 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,280 by 800 pixels |
| CPU | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (est.) |
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Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release) Review
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2022 Release)
Best for Kids
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
This tablet offers everything we like about the regular Fire HD 8, but is specifically great for kids because it comes with a durable kickstand case and a two-year warranty. You also get a free year of the Amazon Kids+ subscription, which unlocks access to an age-appropriate library of smaller-format picture books, videos, and games. That service ordinarily costs $48 per year for Prime members and $79 for everyone else.
Who It's For
The Fire HD 8 Kids is for kids, of course. Parents who don't want to worry about their child accessing dangerous content or breaking an expensive device are the target market.
PROS
- Rugged case
- Strong parental controls
- Good battery life
- Vibrant screen
CONS
- Sluggish performance
- $10 more than the previous model
- Limited app selection
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 8.7 by 7.1 by 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 18.3 oz |
| Screen Size | 8 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 by 800 pixels |
| CPU | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (est.) |
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Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2022 Release) Review
Amazon Fire 7 Tablet (2022 Release)
Best Low-Cost Tablet
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
$60 usually doesn't get you much in the tablet realm, but the Fire 7 is a perfectly serviceable slate. It won't compete with the latest iPad or high-end Samsung models, but it runs basic apps just fine and doubles as a decent ebook reader. That's about all you can expect from a device with an entry-level processor and 2GB of RAM.
Who It's For
If you just want a tablet for occasional entertainment and have no intention of running high-end games, the Fire 7 is a suitable choice. That said, you should upgrade to the Fire HD 10 or HD 8 if you watch a lot of movies because their larger, higher-resolution screens are more enjoyable for media consumption.
PROS
- More affordable than most tablets
- Better specs and battery life than predecessor
- Hands-free Alexa support
- Expandable storage
CONS
- Sluggish performance
- Limited app selection
- Low-resolution display
- Poor cameras
- Base models include ads on the lock screen
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Amazon Fire OS |
| Dimensions | 7.11 by 4.63 by 0.38 inches |
| Weight | 9.9 oz |
| Screen Size | 7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1,024 by 600 pixels |
| CPU | MediaTek MT8168 |
| Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| Battery Life | 9 hours, 30 minutes |
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Amazon Fire 7 Tablet (2022 Release) Review
Google Pixel Tablet
Best for Doubling as Smart Display
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
Not just a simple slate, Google's Pixel Tablet doubles as a smart display when you place it in the included speaker dock. It has a sharp screen, runs smoothly, and outputs quality audio. Of course, this tablet also runs a stock version of Android without any of the bloatware you'll find on most of the other models on this list.
Who It's For
Get the Pixel Tablet if you want the most Google-centric version of Android possible. The included speaker dock charger is a nice bonus, too.
PROS
- Solid Android tablet
- Flawless audio hand-off
- Good sound from Speaker Dock
CONS
- Expensive
- Speaker Dock has limited functionality
- Hub Mode could do more
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 10.16 by 6.65 by 0.32 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Screen Size | 10.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2,560 by 1,600 pixels |
| CPU | Google Tensor G2 |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Battery Life | 5 hours, 25 minutes |
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Google Pixel Tablet Review
Buying Guide: The Best Android Tablets for 2024
The State of Android Tablets
It's easy to find a budget-friendly Android tablet thanks to an endless array of no-name, plasticky sub-$100 slates at your local CVS, or through mysterious "Fulfilled by Amazon" drop shippers. Many of these off-label tabs are serviceable, but we recommend choosing a brand you can count on for hardware quality control and software support. For more details, see ourfavorite budget-friendly models.
Android tablet innovation was quite stagnant for a while, but even Google has reentered the space with the Pixel Tablet, while Lenovo and Samsung continue to try to blur the line between tablets and laptops. Amazon firmly own the affordable end of the market with its Fire tablets.
Is Android a Good Operating System for Tablets?
Although Android has improved as a tablet operating system over time, some of the best ideas still come from hardware manufacturers like Lenovo and Samsung. Both companies typically outfit their tablets with custom productivity software and other features that make them work more smoothly. As for third-party software, Android is home to manygreat apps, though there are fewer tablet-specific versions than on Apple's App Store.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Google, Lenovo, and Samsung now publicly state how long their tablets will receive OS and security updates. In the past, you could pick up an Android tablet and have almost no information on when or if it would ever get an update. Those days are generally behind us and this is something you should make sure you know before you buy.
Amazon is an entirely different animal. Its Fire tablets run Fire OS, which is built on Android, but exists primarily to highlight Amazon's services and limited Appstore. You can add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire tablet with a bit of work, but it's not a great (or officially sanctioned) workaround. Amazon devices also tend to target people who want to consume media rather than create content.
Should You Buy a Cellular or Wi-Fi Android Tablet?
All of the major carriers offer a selection of cellular-capable tablets. It's easy to find them at a discount when you upgrade your plan or buy a new smartphone.
Frequent travelers and commuters are likely to find cellular connectivity invaluable, but if you primarily use your tablet for streaming at home, a Wi-Fi-only model is perfectly fine. If you ever do need to take a non-cellular tablet on the go, most carriers allow you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
Of course, using your phone as a hotspot quickly depletes its battery, so you might also need to pick up a power bank.Just make sure to check out the details of your phone plan before making any decisions because some carriers limit the amount of data you can use with a mobile hotspot.
What Specs Do You Need in an Android Tablet?
At a minimum, you should look for an Android tablet with at least 4GB of RAM for smooth switching between media streaming and web surfing. A midrange MediaTek processor should be fine for most tasks, but a higher-end Qualcomm CPU like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 unlocks high-end mobile gaming potential. Note, however, that the Amazon models get away with less RAM and slower chips because of their performance optimizations.
We also recommend at least 128GB of storage for midrange and higher-end tablets, and ideally a microSD card slot for additional storage. Basic models are generally fine with just 32GB because they can't run the advanced games and applications that take up a lot of space anyway. Stay away from tablets with only 16GB of storage.
Google Pixel Tablet (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Low-cost tablets tend to have dull 720p (or even lower-resolution) screens that look grainy. If you want a better viewing experience, opt for at least a 1080p or 2K display.
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Rear cameras aren’t too important for tablets, but make sure your device has a respectable front-facing camera for video calls. Remember that 2MP is the minimum for 720p video, so use that as a cutoff in your searches.
Just as specs won't change over time, neither will the build quality. Think twice before buying a tablet with a flimsy plastic body and make sure whatever you choose feels comfortable to hold. Some tablet makers even go as far as to specify an IP rating for their devices, which can be important if you plan to use your slate on your porch, in your backyard, or near your pool.
Finally, if you want a top-notch phone to complement your tablet, head to our roundup of the best Android phones. Or, if you want to look beyond the realm of Android, check out our roundups of thebest tablets overall,which include our favorite Apple models.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
Compare SpecsThe Best Android Tablets for 2024
Our Picks | Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)See It$94.99 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+See It$229.99 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+See It$573.99 at Amazon | Amazon Fire Max 11See It$179.99 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 UltraSee It$1,169.99 at Best Buy | Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022 Release)See It$99.99 at Amazon | Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2022 Release)See It$109.99 at Amazon | Amazon Fire 7 Tablet (2022 Release)See It$59.99 at Amazon | Google Pixel TabletSee It$381.00 at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review |
Operating System | Amazon Fire OS | Android 13 | Android 13 | Amazon Fire OS | Android 13 | Amazon Fire OS | Amazon Fire OS | Amazon Fire OS | Android 13 |
Dimensions | 9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches | 10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches | 11.24 by 7.30 by 0.26 inches | 10.20 by 6.44 by 0.30 inches | 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches | 7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches | 8.7 by 7.1 by 1.1 inches | 7.11 by 4.63 by 0.38 inches | 10.16 by 6.65 by 0.32 inches |
Weight | 15.3 oz | 1.06 lbs | 1.4 lbs | 1.1 pounds | 1.6 lbs | 11.9 oz | 18.3 oz | 9.9 oz | 1.1 lbs |
Screen Size | 10.1 inches | 11 inches | 12.4 inches | 11 inches | 14.6 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 7 inches | 10.9 inches |
Screen Resolution | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels | 1,920 by 1,200 pixels | 2,560 by 1,600 pixels | 2,000 by 1,200 pixels | 2,960 by 1,848 pixels | 1,280 by 800 pixels | 1280 by 800 pixels | 1,024 by 600 pixels | 2,560 by 1,600 pixels |
CPU | MediaTek | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | Samsung Exynos 1380 | Mediatek MTK8188J | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz | Hexa-core 2.0 GHz | MediaTek MT8168 | Google Tensor G2 |
Storage Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB | 64 GB | 256 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB |
Battery Life | 10 hours, 18 minutes | 7 hours | 7 hours, 23 minutes | 7 hours, 55 minutes | 9 hours, 30 minutes | 10 hours (est.) | 10 hours (est.) | 9 hours, 30 minutes | 5 hours, 25 minutes |
Where to Buy | $94.99 at Amazon | $229.99 at Amazon $229.99 at Best Buy | $573.99 at Amazon $599.99 at Best Buy | $179.99 at Amazon | $1,169.99 at Best Buy $1,199.99 at Samsung | $99.99 at Amazon | $109.99 at Amazon | $59.99 at Amazon | $381.00 at Amazon $419.00 at Best Buy |
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I’m one of PCMag’s mobile analysts. That means I check out phones, hotspots, and mobile networks. Technology has been my passion and hobby since I was a child. I’ve covered tech professionally for over 15 years at outlets including The Apple Blog, This Week in Tech, and CNET.
Read Iyaz's full bio
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