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MagyarThe Best Tablets
Apple’s first iPad literally jump-started the tablet market from scratch. However, in recent years the choices have become fewer and fewer. On the one side, tablets are getting attacked by ever growing smartphones. On the other side, convertibles have become increasingly popular in the notebook space. What is left are a few established OEMs with various tablets for sale. In addition, numerous Chinese manufacturers are trying to attract potential customers through low prices. In return, you should not expect too much in regard to warranty and potential software updates. Please also consider the following lists before making any decisions:
The Best Tablets
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Height | Weight | Size | Refresh Rate | Resolution | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 92.6 % | 06/2021 |  | Apple iPad Pro 11 2021 Apple M1 Apple M1 8-Core GPU 8 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 5.9 mm | 468 g | 11.00" | 120 Hz | 2388x1668 | Apple iPadOS 14 |
| 2 | 91.1 % | 06/2021 |  | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2021 A2378 Apple M1 Apple M1 8-Core GPU 8 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | 6.4 mm | 682 g | 12.90" | 120 Hz | 2732x2048 | Apple iPadOS 14 |
| 3 | 90.7 % | 10/2021 new! |  | Apple iPad Mini 6 Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 GPU 5-Core 4 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD | 6.3 mm | 297 g | 8.30" | 060 Hz | 2266x1488 | Apple iPadOS 15 |
| 4 | 90.7 % | 11/2020 |  | Apple iPad Air 4 2020 Apple A14 Bionic Apple A14 Bionic GPU 4 GB Memory, 256 GB NVMe | 6.1 mm | 458 g | 10.90" | 060 Hz | 2360x1640 | Apple iPadOS 14 |
| 5 | 88.7 % | 11/2021 new! |  | Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G Qualcomm Adreno 650 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 6.85 mm | 515 g | 11.00" | 120 Hz | 2560x1600 | Android 11 |
| 6 | 88.5 % | 10/2021 new! |  | Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 2021 HiSilicon Kirin 9000E ARM Mali-G78 MP22 8 GB Memory, 256 GB | 6.7 mm | 609 g | 12.60" | 060 Hz | 2560x1600 | Huawei HarmonyOS |
| 7 | 88.5 % | 10/2021 new! |  | Apple iPad 2021 Apple A13 Bionic Apple A13 Bionic GPU 3 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD | 7.5 mm | 487 g | 10.20" | 060 Hz | 2160x1620 | Apple iPadOS 15 |
| 8 | 88.4 % | 09/2021 |  | Huawei MatePad 11 2021 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Qualcomm Adreno 650 6 GB Memory, 128 GB | 7.25 mm | 485 g | 10.95" | 120 Hz | 2560x1600 | Huawei HarmonyOS |
| 9 | 86.2 % | 09/2021 |  | Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G Qualcomm Adreno 650 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | 6.2 mm | 830 g | 13.00" | 060 Hz | 2160x1350 | Android 11 |
| 10 | 85.8 % | 08/2021 |  | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G Qualcomm Adreno 619 4 GB Memory, 64 GB UFS 2.1 | 6.3 mm | 608 g | 12.40" | 060 Hz | 2560x1600 | Android 11 |
The table above contains an overview over the best tablets reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Editors' Comments
Last quarter we welcomed the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro. This time around, we say hello to the regular non-pro version. No other recently reviewed tablet managed to score well enough to make this list.
1st – Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)
The Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) is very similar to its own predecessor and housed in the exact same case and equipped with the exact same camera module featuring an additional ultra-wide angle and a LiDAR sensor as before. Instead of a Bionic SoC the new iPad Pro now features Apple’s M1 SoC resulting in a massive performance boost.
If you are looking for a high-end tablet, there is almost no way around the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021).
The new iPad does not only run applications incredibly smoothly, it also features a high-end quality display with a high-resolution high-contrast flicker-free panel running at a refresh rate of 120 Hz. At the bottom we find the new USB 4 port with Type-C connector, and as always there are a multitude of storage options with up to 2 TB of internal storage.
In addition to Apple’s own online store the iPad Pro 11 is also available through the usual retail channels such as Amazon with prices starting at $900.
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2nd – Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Apple’s iPad Pro 12.09 (2021) features their own brand-new in-house M1 SoC in its most powerful variant. It performs very well when paired with at least 8 GB of RAM, and its hardware feels almost limited by the admittedly excellent iPad OS. However, considering that a new version of iPad OS is just around the corner, this should no longer be a problem in the near future. It comes with a fast USB 4 USB-C port.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is almost flawless but was incapable of utilizing its full potential at the time of writing.
Its highlight is the brand-new MiniLED display with a more even and flat illumination and a very high display brightness. Unfortunately, we found the display to flicker slightly, which could cause issues for sensitive users. This issue aside the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is one of the most powerful and best tablets currently available.
In addition to Apple’s own online store the iPad Pro 12.9 is also available through the usual retail channels such as Amazon with prices starting at $1,200.
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3rd – Apple iPad Mini 6 (2021)
The Apple iPad Mini 6 is one of the most powerful tablets currently available, which allows for extensive multi-tasking as well as demanding applications such as games. It also offers a very long battery life and well-performing speakers. If you intend to use your tablet’s camera every now and then you will be glad to hear its camera manages to take decent photos overall.
Apple’s iPad Mini is powerful, small, and has been updated to feature a more modern design.
We liked its new modern design reminiscent of other Apple devices in particular. It offers an improved display-to-body ratio, which makes this small tablet even more portable. If required the iPad Mini 6 is optionally available with 5G modem as well as 256 GB instead of 64 GB of internal storage.
The iPad Mini 6 is available directly through Apple as well as through official Apple retail channels such as Amazon with prices starting at $579.
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4th – Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
The Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro is a tablet that in the visual department can easily keep up with Apple’s iPads. Thanks to its Snapdragon 870 and a total of 6 GB of RAM it also offers more than just adequate performance. Long battery life is the icing on the cake.
If you are looking for a portable and powerful Android tablet that won’t break the bank the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro might be the right candidate for you.
We like its 11-inch display in particular as it run at a smooth refresh rate of 120 Hz and supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Its internal speakers offer decent sound, and the battery charges in no time thanks to fast charging.
Xiaomi tablets are not sold in North America.
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5th – Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6
Despite its large display the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is a relatively small, well-made, and lightweight tablet. Its OLED display is fantastic and supports HDR10 for an increased color gamut. Combined with its good speakers this makes for a great media consumption device.
The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is a powerful multimedia and productivity tablet.
Other applications run just as fine though as the MatePad Pro 12.6 offers adequate power for everyday task including demanding applications and smooth gaming. Other benefits include fast Wi-Fi 6, long battery life, and fast charging. Unfortunately, it does not support Google services and apps have to be loaded and installed through Huawei’s own app store that offers many comparable alternatives.
Huawei devices are not available in North America.
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6th – Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
Apple’s traditional iPad continues to offer an excellent entry-level gateway into the world of tablets. It is well-made and feels the part, and it combines excellent performance with the potential for long-term use. This year, Apple upped the available storage and improved the SoC’s performance.
The iPad (2021) offers a powerful overall package that will keep you entertained and satisfied for a very long time.
The camera was improved, as was its already great battery life. If you prefer the traditional design with single home button you will feel right at home. However, this affordable Apple iPad still comes with a Lightning port while other more expensive Apple tablets have already made the switch to USB-C.
The iPad is available directly through Apple as well as through official Apple retail channels such as Amazon with prices starting at $329.
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7th – Huawei MatePad 11
Huawei’s MatePad 11 is a very good mid-range tablet with connectivity much more akin to other much more expensive devices. In addition to a 120 Hz display, USB 3.2, 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and stylus support it comes with a slightly aged yet still incredibly fast and consistent Snapdragon 865.
The Huawei MatePad 11 is very powerful, and the compromises required by its lack of Google services are minor at best.
The compromises required by its lack of Google services are minor at best. With some knowledge and experience apps that cannot be found in Huawei’s AppGallery can be installed by other means. Overall, the MatePad 11 offers a powerful package, be it as multimedia tablet, for school, or for the office.
Huawei devices are not available in North America.
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8th – Xiaomi Pad 5
Plenty of performance, a 120 Hz display, and a sleek design reminiscent of Apple’s iPad Air. The 11-inch Xiaomi Pad 5 offers all that for just 400 Euros, and it is thus an interesting alternative to Apple’s 2021 iPad.
Affordable, solid hardware, modern design. If you are in the market for a good mid-range tablet the Xiaomi Pad 5 may be worth a closer look.
Xiaomi tablets are not sold in North America.
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9th – Lenovo Yoga Tab 13
Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 13 is different. For example, its design includes a cylindrical grip at the bottom that is not only surprisingly comfortable to use but also very practical and even allows you to mount the tablet on a wall.
Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 13 is a flexible and large tablet geared for entertainment and high performance.
It is one of the fastest currently available Android tablets and can even keep up with older versions of Apple’s iPad Pro. At the same time, it is not really meant to be used outdoors as its display is too dim. In return, you get long battery life, good sound, decent gaming performance, modern connectivity, and fast Wi-Fi.
The Yoga Tab 13 can be purchased directly through Lenovo with prices starting at $630.
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10th – Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G offers a very large and bright IPS panel as well as good build quality. It comes with an S pen by default and lasted a good 17 hours in our Wi-Fi test.
If you’re looking for a very large tablet the Galaxy Tab S7 FE can be a very interesting alternative to other similarly powerful mid-range contenders.
Samsung’s SoC of choice is more than fast enough for everyday tasks, and most apps will run perfectly fine and smooth despite just 4 GB of RAM. Internal storage can be expanded via microSD card, and wired headphones can be connected via USB-C.
While the 5G SKU is currently not available in the US the Wi-Fi-only model can be purchased among others on Amazon with prices starting at $670.
