The Best Tablets

Q4/2022 update. When it comes to couch usage, gaming while out and about, taking notes, or even conducting research for school or work tablets have become increasingly popular and attractive devices. Even if Apple managed to establish itself as a dominant force in the tablet market they are not the only ones, and various exciting alternatives by numerous OEMs are available alternatively. Below, you will find the highest-ranking tablets we have had in review.

Daniel Schmidt (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy), Published 12/10/2022 🇩🇪 🇹🇷 ...

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	Model	Height	Weight	Size	Refresh Rate	Resolution	OS
1	92.5 %	11/2022	Apple iPad Pro 11 2022 Apple M2 Apple M2 10-Core GPU 8 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe	5.9 mm	466 g	11.00"	120 Hz	2388x1668	Apple iPadOS 16
2	91.7 %	03/2022	Apple iPad Air 5 2022 Apple M1 Apple M1 8-Core GPU 8 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD	6.1 mm	461 g	10.90"	060 Hz	2360x1640	Apple iPadOS 14
3	90.2 %	06/2022	Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 128 GB	6.3 mm	507 g	11.00"	120 Hz	2560x1600	Android 12
4	89.2 %	11/2022	Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 MediaTek Kompanio 1300T ARM Mali-G77 MP9 8 GB Memory, 256 GB	6.8 mm	480 g	11.20"	120 Hz	2560x1536	Android 12
5	89.1 %	03/2022	Lenovo Tab P12 Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G Qualcomm Adreno 650 8 GB Memory, 256 GB	5.6 mm	565 g	12.60"	120 Hz	2560x1600	Android 11
6	88.8 %	05/2022	Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 12 GB Memory, 256 GB	5.5 mm	726 g	14.60"	120 Hz	2960x1848	Android 12
7	88.6 %	11/2022	Apple iPad 10 Apple A14 Bionic Apple A14 Bionic GPU 4 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD	7 mm	477 g	10.90"	060 Hz	2360x1640	Apple iPadOS 16
8	88.3 %	04/2022	Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Qualcomm Adreno 730 8 GB Memory, 256 GB	5.7 mm	572 g	12.40"	120 Hz	2800x1752	Android 12
9	87.6 %	12/2021	Xiaomi Pad 5 Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 Qualcomm Adreno 640 6 GB Memory, 128 GB	6.85 mm	511 g	11.00"	120 Hz	2560x1600	Android 11
10	82.5 %	07/2022	Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Gen 3 Mediatek Helio G80 ARM Mali-G52 MP2 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC	7.45 mm	465 g	10.61"	060 Hz	2000x1200	Android 12

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

There is a lot going on in the last quarter, if only because four devices have slipped out of our list since their test was more than 12 months ago. These include the Apple iPad Mini 6, the Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 2021, and the Apple iPad 2021. All of the mentioned devices are still worth a look today.

Fortunately, we reviewed three new devices in November that meet our scoring requirements, including the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022), the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2, and the Apple iPad 10. We have to fill the vacant fourth spot with a slightly older device that did not quite make it into the list before due to the strong competition. The choice falls on the Tab M10 Plus Gen 3.

1st – Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)

The Apple iPad Pro has been the benchmark for professional tablets for years. Compared to the predecessor, the 2022 model has another power upgrade with the Apple M2. With the iPad Pro, Apple has once again succeeded in creating a new device category: A relatively handy, passively cooled device for on the go with extreme power, touchscreen and pen input, which even offers enough performance for elaborate professional activities.

With its flexibility, high performance, great accessories and multimedia qualities, the iPad Pro 11 is once again the expensive benchmark in tablets in 2022.

Interested buyers can order the new iPad Pro 2022 from Apple's online store. Keep in mind that these are entry-level models and only offer Wi-Fi connectivity.

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2nd – Apple iPad Air 5 (2022)

The new iPad Air 5 surprisingly got the fast M1 chip from the MacBook Air and iPad Pro. Thus, the performance is beyond reproach and should still offer enough reserves for a few years.

The rest of the hardware is still very good. Case, display, speakers leave hardly anything to be desired.

The iPad Air 5 (Wi-Fi, 64 GB) as in the review is currently available from Amazon US for $559.00.

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3rd – Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G

With its new premium tablet Galaxy Tab S8 5G, Samsung wants to sweep the competition off their feet. An Armor aluminum casing, the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, a 120 Hz screen, and the Samsung S Pen are just some of the hardware ingredients that the manufacturer brings to the table.

Its strong performance and features make the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G one of the best Android tablets at the moment.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 5G is available directly from the manufacturer for $999.99.

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4th – Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2

A bright OLED display with an 11.2-inch diagonal and 120 Hz, four Dolby Atmos speakers, a metal chassis and updates up to Android 14: The family-friendly Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 starts with a strong multimedia equipment and can also be used as a laptop replacement with accessories like the 2-in-1 keyboard and the stylus.

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is a very good and versatile Android tablet, but it scores worse than its predecessor in terms of battery life.

At the time of writing, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is available on Lenovo's official website in the USA at $354.99.

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5th – Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is a premium tablet with a focus on productivity. Using the keyboard dock with kickstand, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus alternative turns into a 12.6-inch notebook replacement that can also be operated via pen input and used with a second display.

The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro offers a strong overall package for Android tablet lovers.

The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is available for $579 on Amazon US.

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6th – Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

The massive Samsung tablet has a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display and is powered by a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Despite the large battery, however, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is only 5.5 millimeters tall.

Those looking for a high-end tablet with a large display will definitely find what they are looking for in the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 4G (LTE) is available on Amazon US for $1,057.99.

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7th – Apple iPad 10

The new 10th generation iPad gets a revised design, which is identical to the current iPad Air. It also shares many other features with its sister model, but also has to accept technical compromises. The Apple iPad of 2022 is now in its 10th generation and celebrates its anniversary. To mark the occasion, Apple has given the cheapest iPad a more modern design and has also increased the price. Technically, it is a mix of the iPad 9 and the iPad Air 4.

The Apple iPad of 2022 has to pay a hefty price premium, but it is technically all of a piece.

All the storage and color versions of the iPad 10 are available from Apple directly starting from $449, but they might be more affordable at Amazon, for example.

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8th – Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ (Plus)

Samsung's latest attack on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is called Galaxy Tab S8 Plus. The premium tablet wants to entice iPad prospective buyers to buy an Android tablet with its new Armor aluminum casing, large Super AMOLED screen and a Snapdragon 8 Gen1.

Even with the unnecessary weaknesses of the Tab S8+, the overall package of the Galaxy tablet is hard to top.

At the time of writing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus 5G is available from 1,099.99 on Amazon US.

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9th – 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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10th – Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 2022

With the Tab M10 Plus Gen 3, Lenovo expands its Android division with another affordable multimedia tablet - prices start at an MSRP of 249 Euros. The third-generation M10 Plus has four speakers and a relatively high-resolution 2K IPS panel, but only with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. In return, the screen supports input with Lenovo's own Stylus, which is hardly found in this price range.