How to choose the right computer tablet. We choose a good tablet based on its parameters. Display type and resolution
The era of bulky home computers has passed, they were replaced first by laptops, and now by an even more compact unit -.
Purchasing such a convenient device makes you think about many things at once: what is the best way to choose a tablet, and how not to overpay a lot of money for unnecessary functions? Or save money and regret it later? What should you pay attention to and what criteria should you use to choose?
First you need to understand the types of tablets.
What are Tablet PCs and Slate PCs?
Tablet PC– is located in the middle between an Internet tablet and a laptop. Among its undeniable advantages are the presence of a keyboard and fairly high power. It can use not only ordinary office programs, but also engage in resource-intensive operations, for example: working in graphic editors. And among their main disadvantages are the high price and heavy weight.
Slate PC not so powerful, but have fairly compact dimensions and a price that is less intimidating to the average person.
Tablet selection criteria
Display
1. Diagonal. The size of the tablet and the ease of perceiving information on it directly depend on the length of the diagonal. Therefore, it is important to decide how and where you plan to use it. For daily carrying with you, a five to seven inch model will suit you, but for home use it is best to opt for nine to ten inches.
2. Touch technology. All major manufacturers use two sensor technologies: resistive and capacitive. There is also a matrix one, but it is almost never found on the market today.
2.1 Resistive technology is convenient because it allows you to control the display using almost any object: finger, stylus, etc. Due to the low light transmission, the picture on such a device may differ slightly in color from the original, but this did not prevent it from becoming the most common.
2.2 Capacitive technology is much more expensive and more sensitive to control. It works only with the touch of your fingers, and even having gloves on your hands will be a huge problem.
Its undeniable advantage is the presence of a multi-touch function, i.e. recognition of touches on several points on the display at once. Thanks to this, using gestures on such a display, you can perform various operations: rotate the image, reduce it, or vice versa, increase it.
3. Screen resolution is quite easy to choose: the larger it is, the better.
operating system
1. Android from Google. The most popular OS for tablets. In addition to its flexibility, it boasts a huge number of diverse applications that can be downloaded absolutely free from the Android Market or on the Internet.
After purchasing the tablet and connecting it to the Internet, it took me quite a long time to install updates. First, I needed to install all the suggested Windows updates.
Then updates from Samsung came into play. The most unexpected thing for me was that updates from Samsung were installed separately in and in metro mode. For updates, I “burned” almost all the traffic that Megafon offered me for a month (2GB). But I don’t regret it, because it’s much calmer to work with updated programs.
At first, I treated the tablet like a laptop - I connected it to a 220V network while it was working, and then disconnected it from the network accordingly. This does not allow you to enjoy the fact that the tablet is still a portable computer.
Kind people advised me that the tablet should be used like a mobile phone. That is, you work until the battery is discharged, for example, to 20-30%, and then you put it on recharge. By the way, the tablet charges quite quickly, much faster than a laptop. And it takes a long time to discharge, much slower than a laptop. You can work for several hours in a row without thinking about battery charge.
At one time, I mastered (not without difficulties, of course) how to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop. That is, a laptop can be turned into a router - a device for distributing the Internet. Then, in stationary conditions, you can distribute the Internet (Wi-Fi) from a laptop, and thus the tablet will access the Internet (via Wi-Fi) for free.
More precisely, my wired Internet is paid for for my laptop. And the laptop already distributes Wi-Fi to the tablet, and this service costs nothing. It’s a pity that I only mastered this after installing software updates on the tablet I had just purchased. I could save money by not paying additionally for traffic from Megafon.
As a result, I began to like the tablet with a large, convenient screen, because it allows me not to be tied to one workplace (as the song says: “I’m free!”). And at the same time be connected to the Internet in various ways.
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We continue our series of guides on choosing mobile devices. After articles about fitness bracelets and smart watches, we decided to summarize our experience in testing tablets in one material. We will periodically update the article and re-publish it, so you can always find here up-to-date information, a description of the best models at the moment and current prices for them.
The fashion for tablets revolutionized the IT industry in 2010 thanks to the appearance of the Apple iPad (everything that was before cannot be called a mass phenomenon), reached its peak in 2012-2013 and has since begun to fade away. Already in 2015, there was a clear feeling that everyone was tired of tablets - both manufacturers and the public. And even the release of the iPad Pro could not reverse the trend.
However, fashion is fashion, and no one has canceled everyday needs and tasks. Over the few years during which almost all families acquired tablets, users have become accustomed to the fact that such devices are convenient for reading books, surfing the Internet, scrolling through social networks and email (especially while lying on the sofa or in bed), watching videos and films, playing games. some types of games... It is worth noting that tablets turned out to be an ideal device for children: it is with them that the majority of those born at the end of the 2000s begin their acquaintance with technology.
In general, whatever one may say, the tablet is a useful and pleasant thing. It may not be as necessary as a smartphone, and not as versatile as a laptop, but if you can get at least one tablet for your family, it’s worth doing. And therefore, the question of choice arises. Yes, and existing tablet users sooner or later find themselves faced with the need to update the device - either due to the breakdown of the old one, or due to its obsolescence (which, however, occurs more slowly than in the case of smartphones).
So, if you decide to buy a tablet, you need to answer the main question: what and where will you use it first (or are these two questions?..). The answer depends on the answer to two other fundamental questions: what operating system will the tablet be on and with what screen diagonal.
Separate large articles could be written about the nuances of choosing between different operating systems and screen diagonals, but we will not go into detail here and will try to highlight the main thing. With operating systems, it all comes down to whether you plan to use the tablet as a full-featured laptop replacement or not. That is, if you are going to go on business trips with it, open and edit MS Office documents, run some professional programs like Adobe Photoshop or 1C Accounting (at least occasionally), then it makes sense to purchase a Windows tablet.
But if the tablet is intended to be used for entertainment (games, especially for children, videos, reading books and magazines, social networks...), then in this case you should look towards iOS/Android devices.
As for the diagonal, the key point here is the place of use. For home use, especially if the tablet is purchased for children or elderly people, a diagonal of about 10 inches is optimal. For constantly carrying with you, smaller devices are more convenient (for example, if you get to work by train or travel for a long time by subway, then it is most convenient to read from a tablet with a screen diagonal of about 8 inches). Well, diagonals of more than 11 inches are designed for that rather narrow category of users who use the tablet for professional tasks, but need a tablet rather than a laptop. These could be artists, lecturers, etc. Finally, if you buy a tablet on the principle of “let it be, but a use will be found” and cannot decide in advance on the format of use, then take a device with a diagonal of about 10 inches, this is the most universal option.
Now, having decided on the diagonal and the operating system, we can proceed directly to the choice. We decided to categorize it precisely along the diagonal, while placing Windows tablets in a separate category, since it has its own specifics, which are even more significant than the diagonal itself.
Let us immediately warn you that we did not include in the article the products of little-known Chinese brands and their Russian “avatars”, because we cannot vouch for their reliability and durability, and, besides, there are a huge number of them, and they replace each other rapidly, so if you really want to save money, choose at your own risk, based on the characteristics and reviews.
Tablets 8 inches or smaller
The most famous compact tablet is, of course, the iPad mini. Although Apple for quite a long time did not recognize diagonals smaller than 9.7 inches (it was what Jobs considered ideal), Tim Cook did not want to hand over the market for compact tablets to competitors. This is how the iPad mini appeared, and if the first model turned out to be inferior in all respects to the large iPad, then already in the second generation the iPad mini acquired a Retina screen and very powerful hardware.
Since then, two more updates have been released: one is cosmetic (iPad mini 3), and the second (that is, iPad mini 4) is more serious. But still, the iPad mini 2 remains a completely relevant option, optimal in terms of price and quality. So, the cheapest version (with 16 GB of internal memory and without LTE) can be found for less than 20 thousand rubles.
Of course, if you plan to actively use the tablet for taking photos/videos, then 16 GB is not enough, but as a portable e-reader and a compact gaming console, this is enough (again, if the games are not several gigabytes or tens, but smaller). The best option is perhaps 64 GB. But in the case of the iPad mini 2, a 32-gigabyte version could be a good compromise (newer generations no longer have this option).
Among Apple's competitors, Samsung has the widest range of compact tablets. There are models for every taste and budget, although most of them, of course, occupy the lower segment. In this article, we will not recommend tablets with screen resolutions lower than Full HD, since, in our opinion, in 2016 you can only give up normal image clarity if you simply cannot afford to buy more expensive models. And if, in principle, you have money and you want to choose some reasonable option, then you can save on everything except the quality of the screen. And although a high resolution does not always mean that the screen is really good, the inverse relationship is undeniable: 1280x800 or 1024x768 clearly indicate that they saved money on the screen.
So, coming back to Samsung models, we would recommend the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0. The option is not the cheapest, but interesting, first of all, with a Super AMOLED screen (which means that there will be bright rich colors and high energy efficiency when reading on a black background), which competitors cannot boast of, as well as a fingerprint scanner and the current version of Android ( 6.0 Marshmallow).
Another interesting alternative to the iPad mini is the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. What attracts attention here is its water resistance (of course, we don’t recommend using it underwater, but lying on the beach with it without fear of sand and sea spray is quite possible. Let’s add to this the minimum weight (270 grams) and a fairly powerful filling (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 3 GB of RAM) - and we’ll get an excellent option, especially for fans of the Sony brand.
By the way, an important nuance: the iPad mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 have a 4:3 aspect ratio screen. And the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has 16:9. The first is more convenient for the Internet, the second for watching movies.
An interesting solution (primarily in the field of design) is the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2. This tablet has a stand along the long side of the body, and the center of gravity of the device is shifted towards it. Therefore, without additional accessories, you can install the tablet in a comfortable position for watching movies or reading, or place it on the table so that its side farthest from you rises slightly above the table. This is a convenient option for typing on the virtual keyboard.
The technical characteristics of the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2 are not bad, but the Android version is old (4.4), and this, of course, is a minus. But the price is low.
As you have already noticed, all the models that we talked about in this section have a screen diagonal of about 8 inches. What about the seven-inch models? Of course, they are also on the market, especially in the budget segment. But today it seems to us inappropriate to purchase them, since their display is not much larger than that of tablet phones with a 5.5-5.7-inch screen, but using them as a smartphone is no longer convenient. That is, neither here nor there.
Tablets with a diagonal of 9 to 10 inches
Of course, we start with the iPad - over the six years since the release of the first iPad, Apple has never relinquished its leadership in the tablet market (as opposed to the smartphone market). And the 9.7″ iPad remains the de facto standard.
True, among the current models, Apple has two options: iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7″. The Pro's trump cards include support for a keyboard cover and a stylus (but they must be purchased additionally, and they are expensive), a more powerful SoC, stereo speakers and a better camera.
But the iPad Air 2 remains an excellent choice even without all this, while its price is significantly lower. Overall, we recommend the iPad Air 2, and only if you firmly believe that you need the above features, then go for the iPad Pro. In our opinion, the price/feature ratio of the iPad Air 2 is significantly better.
The competitors are the same: Sony, Samsung, Lenovo, as well as Huawei, whose MediaPad M2 10.0 seemed to us a good alternative to the iPad Pro 9.7″. Let's start with it. Like the iPad Pro, the Huawei tablet allows you to use a pressure-sensitive stylus (there are versions of the tablet available with and without a stylus). In addition, the tablet has a fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers. And in general the design is very decent.
We can’t say that the Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 surprised us with anything; it doesn’t have any unique or outstanding features, but the balance of features and price is quite good.
The flagship solutions from Sony and Samsung are somewhat more expensive, but they are also more interesting. In principle, their key features are identical to the eight-inch models described above: Samsung has a Super AMOLED Plus display, and Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet has water resistance.
The Sony, however, has a higher resolution (2560x1600) and a better aspect ratio for watching movies (16:9). And both tablets are very thin and light.
Lenovo offers a very interesting model. Yoga Tablet 3 Pro has not only an original design, similar in concept to the Yoga Tablet 8 2 described above, but also a built-in projector, four JBL speakers and a very capacious battery (10200 mAh).
The tablet's screen has a resolution of 2560×1600, and an Intel Atom x5 Z8500 processor is installed inside. True, the dimensions and weight of the Yoga Tablet 3 Pro are significantly less attractive than those of the flagships Samsung and Sony, and the feasibility of having a projector (naturally, a rather weak one) is questionable.
Windows tablets and/or tablets larger than 11 inches
Interesting fact: there are practically no Android tablets with a diagonal of 11 inches or larger. Previously, Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 was on sale, but now it is also unavailable. In fact, the only player in the niche of large-format tablets with a mobile operating system is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
What can I say? The highest performance among mobile ARM platforms, an excellent screen, stereo speakers, support for the Apple Pencil stylus, which is quite suitable for the work of professional artists, an attached keyboard cover on which you can touch-type... Naturally, the limiting factor when purchasing will be the price - right let's say biting. But there is one more problem: for all its advantages, the iPad Pro cannot be called a universal device - precisely because of the mobile OS (and therefore the lack of traditional ports and access to the file system). Therefore, the iPad Pro cannot replace a laptop.
Realizing this, Apple's competitors placed their bets on Windows 10, which, in general, is quite logical. After all, such devices, which are close in size to laptops, already require not only entertainment, but also professional use, and for professional tasks, a full-fledged operating system is, of course, better.
The range of Windows tablet brands is different from what we've seen with Android. Here Dell, Lenovo, HP, that is, manufacturers of business laptops, come to the fore. This is understandable: such tablets are, in fact, laptops without a keyboard (more precisely, with a detachable keyboard). Here, for example, is the Dell XPS 12.
12.5-inch screen with 4K resolution (3840×2160), sixth generation Intel Core m processors (as in the MacBook 12″), up to 8 GB of RAM, 64-bit Windows 10 Pro, Thunderbolt interface... Impressive! As, indeed, the price.
A simpler and cheaper option: Lenovo ThinkPad 10 2. 10.1″ Full HD screen, Intel Atom x7 Z8700 processor, 4 GB of RAM, stylus support, USB 3.0 and Micro-HDMI ports.
An important nuance: such tablets can be connected, using hubs and adapters, to an external monitor and peripherals, using them as a full-fledged Windows computer. It is clear that on such a computer you cannot particularly work with Adobe Photoshop or Premier, much less play. But for demonstrating presentations, working with documents and other professional tasks that do not require high productivity, they are perfect.
One of the top options (alas, not officially sold in Russia, but available from many resellers) is Microsoft Surface Pro 4. It is based on a full-fledged laptop configuration - Intel Core-i generation Skylake, SSD drive from 128 GB, from 4 GB random access memory. Plus, there is an impressive screen resolution: 2736×1824 with a diagonal of 12.3″.
True, in the case of Windows, it’s not always worth pursuing an ultra-high screen resolution, because the interface of not all Windows programs is optimized to use 150-200% scaling. And without scaling, all the icons and icons will be tiny on the small tablet screen. So here you can save on resolution by taking, for example, the HP Elite X2 (with an 11.6″ display and a resolution of 1366×768) or something similar.
Note that when purchasing such devices, you should pay attention to whether a keyboard is included or not, because if it is not, then the cost of the keyboard must be added to the price. Using a Windows tablet without a keyboard seems strange to us, to say the least.
We have listed here only products from the most famous brands. If you wish, you can pick up something similar from less titled companies. Of course, it will be cheaper. You can also wait for two new players to appear on the market: Huawei with the MateBook model (it will be released the other day) and Asus with the new Transformer line. Judging by our acquaintance with them at presentations, these are very powerful devices that can correct the situation in the market.
conclusions
Having studied the modern tablet market, we can draw several conclusions, which will also be advice for buyers.
First of all, it's worth keeping in mind that the Android tablet market is in severe decline. Firstly, over the past year there has not been a single really major announcement. That is, the manufacturers themselves do not really believe in the prospects of this direction. Secondly, many very good models from 2013-2014 are already difficult to find on sale. For example, Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet and Z3 Tablet or Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 / 8.4. There is no significant progress here, so you can safely buy tablets that are two or three years old, including at online flea markets and sales. But if you want to keep up with the times and expect to get a truly up-to-date device, then look at either iOS or Windows models.
The second point: there is practically no point in purchasing tablets smaller than 8 inches - only something very cheap for a specific task (for example, for employees of taxi services). But among the 8-inch models there are already good options, including those on Android (although this does not change what was said above about Android tablets in general). But you shouldn’t take Windows tablets smaller than 10 inches, since there won’t be much point in it.
But among models larger than 11 inches, Windows tablets seem to us the most interesting solution. The choice here is quite large, and the price range is huge (although the top brands do not have very cheap options). True, here you need to think carefully: do you really need a tablet, and isn’t it worth spending the same money on a compact laptop if you plan to use the device for work, or on a 10-inch iOS/Android tablet if you have fun? Still, no matter how Microsoft promotes its tiled interface and Windows Store, for entertainment and pure tablet use, iOS and Android with their huge selection of applications are more convenient.
And the third point. If you bought a tablet two or three years ago, and you are generally satisfied with it, that is, it does not slow down, does not bother you with external defects, etc., then there is no point in buying a new tablet. You won't get anything qualitatively new.
How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet? It has long been known that price does not always equal quality. Sometimes technology is expensive, but in practice it does not offer the best capabilities. Therefore, users do not want to overpay. What tips and tricks can you follow to find a tablet with a reasonable price and quality? What features and characteristics should you pay attention to? What do experts and buyers themselves think about this? Is it even possible to choose an inexpensive but good tablet? Understanding all this is not as difficult as it seems. Especially if you carefully approach the choice.
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How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet? Customer reviews will help judge the quality of most devices. After all, manufacturers usually praise even low-quality equipment.
In order not to overpay for this or that tablet, you can make your choice during the period of promotions and discounts. It is noted that sometimes it is possible to purchase even an expensive device at low prices. Don't neglect discounts and promotions. This advice will not answer how to choose an inexpensive but good tablet. Rather, he will help you find something you like and at reasonable prices.
Matrix type
Now you can pay attention to some tips on choosing specific devices. For a tablet, the type of matrix plays a huge role. The most common models are with IPS or TN matrices.
The first type of components differs in quality, color rendering and viewing angle. But on inexpensive tablets, as a rule, the second type is installed. TN matrices are practically in no way inferior to IPS, but significantly reduce the cost of the device.
Some tablets come with their own types. For example, Samsung has Super Amoled. It is somewhat reminiscent of IPS. Retina is a branded product from Apple. Therefore, devices with such matrices will not be so cheap.
If a person is thinking about how to choose an inexpensive but good tablet, then you should pay attention to reviews of specific device models. And pay special attention to the matrix. Otherwise, you may be disappointed in the quality of the screen.
Method of use
How to choose the right tablet that is inexpensive but good? Modern devices have a huge number of different characteristics. Therefore, the first stage, even before studying the matrix installed on the equipment, will be to determine the purposes for using the gadget.
For example, for reading books, you can pay attention to outdated models. Working with e-books does not require any special power from the devices. It is enough for the tablet to have a good matrix with a wide viewing angle.
The same goes for watching movies, videos, and listening to music. In fact, if you plan to use your tablet as a player or player, you should also pay attention to older device models. Even those that were released about 5 years ago will do. The cost of such tablets is almost always low.
But if you plan to work with applications and programs, as well as graphic files and the Internet, you will have to give preference to models with large screens. It is advisable to choose not the newest devices, but also not outdated ones.
Gaming tablets tend to be expensive. Therefore, if a person is thinking about how to choose an inexpensive tablet with good characteristics, you can exclude most gaming models. In this case, it is advisable to give preference to devices with a large screen and a good amount of memory.
operating system
How to choose the right tablet that is inexpensive but good? The operating system installed on a particular device plays an important role. Sometimes it increases or decreases the price of the tablet.
There are several operating systems used in the mentioned devices. Namely:
- Android. The most common scenario. This operating system is installed on both expensive and cheap tablets. Easy to use, especially because of the Google Play service. With its help you can acquire many programs, games and applications.
- Windows. Recently, this operating system has also been found on phones and tablets. Its main advantage is its compatibility with a large number of programs and games. Windows tablets sync easily with your computer. The cost of devices is not too noticeable, but it increases if Windows is installed on them.
- Apple iOS. The latest operating system that can only be found on phones and tablets. It is a branded Apple product. Typically, devices with such an operating system are distinguished by their high cost. You won't be able to save money with this OS - most programs need to be purchased. Therefore, models with Apple iOS can be excluded if you want to figure out how to choose an inexpensive but good tablet.
Depending on the user’s needs and preferences, you can choose one or another tablet model. Most often, budget models are found with the Android operating system. They should be given preference.
Tablet dimensions
What else should you pay attention to? How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet (2016 or any other - it’s not so important)? The next important nuance is the selection of the device according to the screen size, as well as the tablet itself.
There are only 2 size standards in the world - the aspect ratio is 16:10 and 3:4. The second model is almost square. The first aspect ratio of the device is ideal for widescreen videos and movies, and at 3:4 it is convenient to surf the Internet and play games.
Office applications are more convenient to use on square tablets than on rectangular ones. Every buyer should take this fact into account before choosing one model or another.
Diagonal
How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet? Reviews indicate that the screen diagonal of the device plays a huge role. It doesn't matter how much it will be. The main thing is that tablets with a diagonal of 7 inches are considered universal models. This size is enough to perform most tasks.
As a rule, the cost does not depend too much on the diagonal of the device. You can even find budget models with a 10-inch screen. It is perfect for Internet surfing, reading, and working with games and applications. How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet (2016 or any other year)? You should pay attention to other components of the devices.
Camera
For example, to peripheral devices. The cost of tablets and phones is significantly influenced by the camera. It has high quality parameters on most modern devices. And therefore, even tablets that are not the most powerful, but have a good camera, will be expensive.
On average, the camera can offer shooting quality of 3.2-5 megapixels. But this is not at all necessary. For budget tablets, 2 megapixels is enough. If the device was not initially planned to be used as a camera, then a not very powerful parameter is sufficient.
CPU
An important point is the device processor. It is responsible for the speed of the tablet, as well as its power. How to choose the right tablet that is inexpensive but good? To do this, it is important to pay attention to the device’s processor.
Typically, preference is given to models with 2-4 cores. A couple of cores don't provide much power. Typically, such processors are used on tablets with low performance. You shouldn't expect anything special from them.
But processors with 4 cores are the most common products in 2016. Devices with such components are ideal both in terms of user requests and in terms of cost. It is processors with 4 cores that are used in inexpensive but high-quality tablet models.
Recently, devices with 6-8 cores are becoming more and more common. These are extremely powerful tablets and phones. Such processors are enough even for new games. But the cost of devices increases significantly because of this.
Relatively recently, tablets with a 10-core processor appeared on the technology market. We can say that these are the most powerful and fastest devices. They are, accordingly, quite expensive. Therefore, if you want to choose the right inexpensive tablet with good parameters, it is better to give preference to models with a 4-core processor.
Memory
Of course, every characteristic of a tablet is important. And it affects the cost of the device. The next parameter you should pay attention to is memory. Need a tablet? Today you can choose an inexpensive and high-quality (2016 or any other year of manufacture - it’s important) gadget, but you still shouldn’t neglect the device’s memory.
It comes in two types. The first is operational. Acts as a link between the processor and the operating system. Stores all the files and documents necessary for the tablet to operate.
Cheap devices now most often have 1 GB of RAM installed. You can even find tablets with 512 MB. In the first case, you can still pay attention to this or that device. But in the second case it is better to refrain from buying. Tablets with 512 MB of RAM are suitable for children who have just begun to get acquainted with technology.
It is ideal to use models with 2-4 GB of RAM. Today you can find many budget tablets that have 2 gigabytes of RAM. If you plan to play games, it is better to give preference to models with 4 GB. All other tablets are more expensive due to the fact that they have more capacious RAM. But that is not all.
It is also worth paying attention to the memory allocated for storing user data. Not the most important component, but it significantly affects the cost of tablets and phones. What should every buyer know? How to choose a good tablet that does not have the highest price?
To do this, remember that today the minimum space available on the tablet for user data is 8 GB. You can pay attention to models with 4 GB, but in this case you should remember that you won’t be able to download a lot of data to the device. Many people recommend giving preference to tablets with 16 GB of memory. If you want to play games, you will have to take a closer look at models with 32 GB, but in this case you cannot count on the low cost of the device.
Availability of memory card
How to choose an inexpensive but good tablet? Before purchasing, each buyer must pay attention to the presence or absence of the ability to connect a memory card to the device. It allows you to increase the amount of space allocated for user data for little money.
Typically, a micro-SD port is found on most modern tablets. It does not increase their cost, which is a significant plus for the user. You can give preference to tablets with small built-in memory and the ability to connect an additional card to expand the space on the device.
An important point is also the limit on the amount of connected memory. For tablets, it is best to choose models with 32-64 GB. However, it all depends on the buyer’s requests.
Battery
Choosing an inexpensive tablet for a child or adult is not as difficult as it seems. Modern devices have many characteristics, pros and cons. Buyers are willing to put up with some shortcomings, but one point requires special attention. We are talking about the battery that is installed in the tablet.
The device must work for a long time and stably. This is what a good battery does. Unfortunately, most tablets in this area are the same.
It is worth considering that the battery power of a budget device should be approximately 4,000 mAh. These are the tablets that are suitable for normal work. Some models offer batteries with 10,000 mAh. We will have to take into account that manufacturers often embellish this indicator. After all, the cost of the tablet often depends on the battery power.
You can notice a simple pattern: the more actively the device is used, the faster the battery will run out. And this is regardless of how good the battery it is equipped with. Therefore, if you want to figure out how to choose an inexpensive but good tablet, it is recommended to simply give preference to models whose battery “endurance” is around 3000-4000 mAh. It's enough. And if we are talking about a children's tablet, then you can take a closer look at devices with less performance. Children often use tablets to play games at home. You can simply connect the device to the network, and it will not discharge.
Manufacturer
Which brand of tablet should I choose? An inexpensive and high-quality gadget will often be made in China. This is not at all a reason to refuse the purchase. However, often the price depends on the manufacturer. Therefore, this feature is worth paying attention to.
How to choose the right tablet that is inexpensive but good? Among the main manufacturers of such devices are:
- Acer. A company that has long been famous for its devices. It produces tablets, phones and computers. The ideal combination of quality and price.
- Apple. The most famous brand in America and Russia. It offers high-quality devices, but such tablets stand out for their cost. Only some models from this manufacturer can be called budget, and even then very conditionally.
- Asus. Manufacturer specializing in computer components. More recently, it began producing tablets. They are not yet on the leaderboard, but they stand out for their quality. Tablets from Asus have different prices.
- Lenovo. A company that was founded in China. It has been producing affordable equipment for a long time. Often budget smartphones can be found from this manufacturer.
- Samsung. It is the most popular manufacturer of tablets and phones. It stands out for the quality of its devices and offers a variety of prices. Among budget tablets you can find many models from Samsung.
- Microsoft. Almost every resident of developed countries is familiar with this organization. It produces high quality tablets, but they are not affordable. Finding a budget device from Microsoft is almost impossible.
- Xiaomi. Chinese tablet manufacturer. In Russia, it became widespread thanks to inexpensive smartphones. It also offers many budget tablets, but buyers do not trust the manufacturer too much.
- Chuwi. It is far from the most popular manufacturer operating in China. It produces good budget smartphones and tablets. Among the shortcomings, one can highlight the fact that Chuwi is difficult to find in Russia. Therefore, tablets have to be ordered through online stores.
How to choose an inexpensive tablet for the Internet in this case? Elementary. Almost all manufacturers have some kind of budget tablets that are suitable for many.
For 7 inches
Now a little specifics. It’s already clear how to choose an inexpensive tablet with good characteristics. To do this, you will have to take into account many features and parameters. What budget device models are recommended to pay attention to first? Which company should I choose an inexpensive but good tablet with a screen diagonal of 7 inches? There is a huge selection, but it is recommended to take a closer look at specific options.
Among the most common models are:
- Asus ZenPad. It is worth paying attention to the model with 8 GB of memory. The cost of the device is about 6,000 rubles. The tablet allows you to run 3D games and watch videos in FullHD. You can expand the amount of space for user data using a microSD card. The Asus ZenPad is very comfortable to hold.
- Lenovo Idea Tab 2. Costs about 7-7.5 thousand rubles. The capabilities of the device, according to reviews, are impressive. The buyer gets 16 GB of data space as well as 1 GB of RAM. Additional memory expansion is not provided, but it is noted that it will not be required. There are 2 cameras. The front shoots with a quality of 0.3 megapixels, the rear - with 2 megapixels. Standard performance for most budget tablets.
- Acer Icon Tab. Don't know which tablet brand to choose? An inexpensive but good option is the Icona Tab from Acer. The cost of the tablet is about 5,000 rubles. The model is equipped with a 2-core processor that works great with 3D graphics and an Internet browser. The downside is the lack of 3G.
In fact, there are still a lot of models. But these devices are most often recommended if you want to buy a universal budget tablet with a 7-inch screen. Which option should I choose? It depends on the buyer's preferences.
At 10 inches
Need to choose an inexpensive 10-inch tablet? This is not as big a problem as it might seem. It is recommended to pay attention to:
- Prology Evolution Tab-970. Its cost is about 6.5-7 thousand rubles. A relatively inexpensive device with a 2-core processor with a frequency of 1.5 GHz. There is no 3G, but there are 2 cameras with 2 MP shooting quality.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. This model cannot be called completely budget, but it offers good opportunities. The tablet has 2 cameras - the front one shoots with 2 megapixel quality, the rear one with 8 megapixel quality. 16 GB for user data, as well as 3 GB of RAM allow many to choose this model.
- Sony Experia Tablet Z. An excellent tablet from Sony. It offers its owners excellent cameras, as well as excellent screen resolution (1,920 by 1,200 pixels). Equipped with a 4-core processor. A distinctive feature of the device is its water resistance.
It is very difficult to answer unequivocally which tablet to choose that is inexpensive but good. After all, all buyers have their own concept of low prices. And the requests are also different. From now on, it is clear what features and characteristics you should pay attention to first. We also managed to get acquainted with some budget device models. The rest depends only on the buyer.
Consumer electronics stores are filled with a variety of tablets. At first it seems that they all differ only in size and price tag. Even externally the devices are very similar! How to choose the right model for yourself? The answer is simple - read this article. We promise that after reading the material you will easily choose the most suitable tablet for yourself.
Sometimes, when choosing a tablet, a consumer focuses on secondary parameters. We wish you to avoid these mistakes. This article does not mention some characteristics precisely because they are not worth paying attention to. In a word, we will be glad if this guide helps you!
Choosing an operating system
An operating system is a collection of utility programs found on any fairly complex electronic device. It is its presence that allows “regular” applications to use the hardware capabilities of the gadget, ensures interaction with the user, etc. Modern tablets are equipped with one of three popular operating systems: iOS, Android or Windows. There are also “tablets” on store shelves that have a couple of operating systems installed at once. But this is more of an exception to the rule and concerns the Android/Windows combination.
iOS
The most stable operating system is iOS. It is maximally optimized, due to which it does not require a large amount of RAM. When choosing an iOS tablet, you get a user interface thought out in detail and a huge number of diverse applications. But be prepared for the fact that many of them will be paid. This OS is the property of Apple, so it is installed only on its iPad tablets, the cost of which is higher than devices with Android or Windows on board. But Cupertino products have the longest technical support, and the performance of even outdated generations of Apple gadgets is not inferior to competing offerings built on modern hardware platforms. A huge advantage of the entire family of iOS devices is the presence of a convenient ecosystem. Of course, to take full advantage of it, you need to be the owner of more than one device with an apple on the lid. The downside of the closed nature of iOS is the difficulty of directly exchanging user files and the limited ability to customize the interface. Well, the inability to expand the available memory capacity scares off many potential buyers.
Pros: easy to use, easy to learn, has a developed and convenient ecosystem.
Minuses: closed platform, memory cards are not supported, problems with exchanging third-party files, impossibility of customization (installing themes and other utilities that change the interface).
Android
The Android operating system is open and free, which is why most tablet manufacturers choose it. The software is developed by Google. The system is regularly updated, but owners of budget devices may not feel this. Some manufacturers are simply too lazy to update the firmware for those tablet computers that have been replaced by new models. The openness of Android means for users the ease of replacing “standard” applications: player, browser, keyboard, dialer, etc. Another thing is that changing really fundamental things requires the presence of “direct” hands and often entails a loss of warranty. The most unpleasant feature of this operating system is the growing appetite for system resources and the tendency to become overgrown with digital “garbage”. If a couple of generations of Android ago a sufficient amount of RAM was considered whole gigabytes, then in 2018 they are already talking about 2 Gb Total. As for “garbage,” the built-in OS tools have not yet learned how to successfully deal with it. In particularly advanced cases, only a complete reset with the loss of ALL user data allows the device to return to a comfortable operating speed. Fortunately, such a radical method is required extremely rarely.
Pros: rich functionality, the ability to change the interface at your discretion, a large number of free applications.
Minuses: rare system updates on budget tablets, increased resource requirements for stable operation.
Windows
Tablet computers with Windows on board have existed for a long time. But it was only a few years ago that they started getting rid of fans and processors that drain battery power. And with the release of the tenth version of this operating system, the interface of such devices has become much more user-friendly. On the one hand, Microsoft programmers creatively adapted many necessary things, for example, quick display of active applications, implemented a back button and a notification center. On the other hand, Windows 10 has learned to automatically switch to a more convenient mode when working with the keyboard, and the corresponding algorithm is configured. Compared to Android, this system is better optimized for low-power hardware platforms. But this same feature has become an indirect reason that current Windows tablets are either high-performance solutions or downright weak, but with a keyboard. Well, the main advantage of the Microsoft operating system is the ability to use almost any “adult” applications. Some of them don’t even have a keyboard, as long as the hardware capacity allows it.
Pros: the most convenient environment for full-fledged work with a variety of content, support for third-party peripherals.
Minuses: extremely limited number of offerings with average performance levels.
Let's figure out what size tablet to choose
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7-8 inches
Portable tablets are well suited for use at home, work or school. This is facilitated by their minimal dimensions and weight. It is with the help of such “tablets” that people read books, listen to music, watch movies or play games on the go. Compact tablets are convenient as car navigators, as well as tools for mobile surfing. Finally, it is the optimal size for children's hands.
Pros: compact dimensions, minimal weight, low cost.
Minuses: The resolution most often turns out to be low, and the filling is not powerful enough.
10 inches
The best choice of tablet for home use. At the same time, modern tablet models have become so thin and light that no difficulties arise when transporting them. Large dimensions allow you to place a better acoustic system and a higher-capacity battery in the body of such a device. At the same time, many manufacturers believe that such a large tablet does not need a conversational GSM module, even if the circuit design provides support for 3G technology.
Pros: The display size is suitable for solving a large number of tasks. Both in mobile and stationary use cases.
Minuses: in budget models, graininess is noticeable due to insufficient screen resolution, many tablets lack a telephone module, and Windows devices do not have high-performance hardware.
More than 10 inches
Larger tablet computers are now available. They are equipped with a screen with a diagonal of 11 to 13 inches. Usually these are “tablets” with iOS or Windows installed; equally large devices with Android are produced much less frequently. It is clear that such devices are not very mobile and, as a rule, they are aimed at professional use.
Pros: the best size for comfortable work with both the keyboard and the stylus. Good for watching movies.
Minuses: too large dimensions and considerable weight.
Choosing the best processor for a tablet
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Strictly speaking, the “motor” of most tablets consists of several specialized nodes, technologically combined on a single substrate, and it is called a single-chip system (System-on-a-Chip or SoC). The only exceptions here are high-performance professional-level solutions built on Intel Core M or ULV processors, but we will not consider the features of the latter.
Number of cores
So, a typical SoC contains a number of computing units (cores) that have an ARM architecture. Again, the exception is single-chip systems of the Intel Atom family that work with x86/x64 instructions. Cores can be combined into so-called clusters and this is done to optimize energy consumption. Let's say, half of them operate at high frequencies and are turned on when necessary to service requests for greater computing power. The second “works” the rest of the time, and since the nuclei in it are relatively low-frequency, significantly less energy is consumed. It is impossible to give unambiguous advice on what number of cores is optimal in a particular case. For example, the 6-core A11 Bionic chip (from Apple) will tear the latest 8-core Helio P40 (from Mediatek), as they say, to shreds. The most we can recommend here is to pay attention to the “freshness” of the kernels. When choosing a processor for a tablet, it is best to focus on the Cortex A55/A75 generation, or at least on the A53/A73 combination (energy efficient/fast, respectively), as well as their custom versions.
Video subsystem
The second component of the mobile processor is the accelerator - a kind of built-in video card. If the tablet is not intended to be used for gaming or working with complex graphics, you don’t need to pay much attention to the performance of this unit. Otherwise, you have to take into account the speed at which the video accelerator is capable of performing floating point operations (Flops). In addition, screen resolution also matters here. Everyone has their own idea of a comfortable refresh rate, as well as requirements for graphics quality settings. However, we would venture to say that tablets with SoCs delivering about 100 GFlops have sufficient gaming performance.
SoCs and their manufacturers
The development of the ARM architecture itself was carried out by a company of the same name, which licensed its solutions to everyone. Currently, the rights to this intellectual property have been acquired by the Japanese corporation SoftBank. There are about one and a half thousand licensees in total, but we are interested in the following products:
APPLE Ax
Based on the licensed ones, the Cupertino team is developing its own version of the kernels. PowerVR accelerators from Imagination Technologies are used as the graphics subsystem. The A11 Bionic single-chip system already has its own GPU, but tablets based on this SoC are not yet available. Very powerful chips in every sense, even the outdated A9. There are fewer cores, lower frequencies, and they beat all competitors.
Pros: Apple tablets have truly high gaming and general performance, and also support all the most advanced features.
Minuses: overpriced.
Samsung also prefers to modify stock cores. Its SoC series 7870, 7880, 7885 and all eight-thousand series are currently relevant. To process graphics, they use older versions of Mali accelerators (T830, T880, G71). What can I say - the power of such a system is enough for all the needs of the tablet and its owner. If necessary, South Koreans install third-party SoCs in their devices.
Pros: Samsung tablets are characterized by excellent performance and the presence of all modern bells and whistles.
Minuses: price, sometimes unoptimized firmware.
INTEL ATOM
The feature of this single-chip system is its extremely low power consumption. The company managed to “shrink” its thermal package to a couple of watts, and Intel now does not want to change this situation. Accordingly, we are not even talking about any performance records. Unfortunately, low-budget Windows tablets are based on the Atom platform.
Pros: Tablets based on Intel Atom chips are affordable and have decent battery life.
Minuses: The power of a single-chip system is only enough to perform simple tasks.
This SoC family is produced by a subsidiary of Huawei for some mobile devices of the parent brand. The Chinese do not bother with upgrading stock ARM cores, so their single-chip systems usually work a little slower than their classmates. Just like Exynos, Kirin chips have Mali graphics accelerators. The trouble is that HiSilicon engineers (or management) like to save money. Where Samsung's SoC uses a 12-core version of Mali, Huawei mobile processors often make do with 4-core ones. With all the ensuing consequences.
Pros: a brand with very decent flagship-level chips.
Minuses: Mid-budget single-chip systems have good overall performance and mediocre gaming performance.
MEDIATEK
The brand of the same name is more fully represented than all its competitors in the segment of low-cost solutions. The company uses ready-made cores and graphics (PowerVR and Mali). It does not engage in optimization, does not have its own production, and its financial capabilities do not allow it to invest in partners. As a result, MediaTek single-chip systems lag behind alternative offerings because they are manufactured according to outdated technological standards. On paper, such SoCs may look great, but in real life, not so much. But the company’s chips simply work perfectly with GPS.
Pros: a huge range of entry-level and mid-level single-chip systems.
Minuses: noticeably inferior to industry leaders in technological terms.
SNAPDRAGON
The most popular and most widespread single-chip systems. They are developed by Qualcomm based on deeply redesigned licensed cores and its own Adreno accelerators. Such SoCs are characterized by excellent general and gaming performance, good energy efficiency, and other goodies. The main disadvantage is the increased cost.
Pros: Snapdragon chips make excellent tablets of various levels.
Minuses: They are relatively expensive, and the most affordable solutions are inferior to their direct competitors on other platforms.
RockChip, Spreadtrum and the like
They specialize in ultra-budget solutions. Stock cores and accelerators, the most “rough” technological standards possible at the time of production - you can’t expect any miracles from such single-chip systems.
Pros: the corresponding tablets have tempting price tags.
Minuses: suitable for the most undemanding users. As a rule, they have an outdated set of wireless interfaces and are not at all impressive in terms of autonomy.
Technological process
We have already mentioned this term several times, it remains to explain what the standards used to create the SoC influence. Everything is very simple, the smaller the chip topology, the higher its operating frequencies (performance) and the lower the power consumption. The most technologically advanced mobile crystals are now manufactured at 10 nm standards. The 14-16 nm process technology is also still quite modern.
RAM
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It is a storage device with quick access to content that requires constant “maintenance” of the stored information. When the power is turned off, the latter simply disappears. While the tablet is operating, the RAM contains the operating system kernel, various services, running applications, as well as most of the data they use. If there is not enough space for a priority task, some user programs running in the background may stop and move to the so-called cache. With a more rigid option, only important data remains there, and the applications themselves are completely “unloaded”. The bad thing is that a significant lack of “RAM” leads not only to slowdown of the device, but also to active use of the built-in memory, i.e. its accelerated wear. The more applications you plan to use simultaneously (for example, a social network client, instant messenger, music player, game), the more impressive your tablet should be in terms of this characteristic. For hardcore gamers, we generally recommend focusing on the amount of memory with an “extra” gigabyte. At the same time, a clear excess of this resource entails increased battery consumption.
1 GB
A critical minimum, sufficient for the system to operate and one or two simple user applications. In principle, such a volume is provided by low-power devices that are not suitable for anything else. It is best if the operating system of a tablet of this class has a lightweight user shell. Ideally, “naked” Android.
Pros: affordable price.
Minuses: serious restrictions on the number of programs running in the background.
2 GB
Normal amount of memory for most applications with a moderate appetite for system resources. It is enough for several background applications, five or two open tabs in the browser and displaying images on the screen with a resolution no higher than Full HD. “Heavy” games will work, but almost all other tasks will have to be stopped. This applies to Android and Windows. The iOS operating system will not experience any problems with 2 GB memory.
Pros: The lack of RAM is almost never felt.
Minuses: insufficient volume for particularly demanding games and resolutions above Full HD.
3 GB
Comfortable amount of RAM for the vast majority of situations and scenarios for using the tablet. Guarantees stable system operation with a 2K resolution screen. Noticeable delays can only be observed when running two resource-intensive applications in parallel.
Pros: There will always be enough memory, with the exception of specific cases.
Minuses: Hardly ever.
4 GB or more
More than three gigabytes of RAM is still relatively rare in tablets. This volume does not limit the user in any way; it is enough for any number of applications and all three-dimensional games.
Pros: absence of any restrictions.
Minuses: high price.
Additional functionality
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Memory card slot
Any tablet computer has some amount of non-volatile memory. It is also called constant. It stores the operating system and user data (applications, music, videos, documents and other files). A microSD card slot helps expand the available space. Unfortunately, Apple products do not have it, so you will have to decide right away which iPad with how much built-in memory to buy.
Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G
Before buying a tablet, be sure to familiarize yourself with what modules are used to connect to the Internet. Budget devices offer data transfer only via Wi-Fi. Slightly more expensive devices have a SIM card slot. In this case, you can connect to 3G networks. Modern models are capable of working with fourth generation mobile networks. It would be a good idea for you to clarify which LTE bands the tablet supports. Domestic operators can exchange data on the bands B3, B7, B20, B38 and B40. But there is no particular variety in terms of high-speed Internet connection capabilities among 4G tablets yet. Returning to Wi-Fi, let us recall that this wireless interface can operate at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. If you frequently use your tablet in an apartment building or a large business center, you should opt for a dual-band model.
GPS navigation
Most tablets can successfully perform the functions of a navigator, but there are some models built using a universal radio module. Those. The device supports cellular networks - there is GPS. An example would be the “simply” Wi-Fi and Cellular versions of the iPad.
Cameras
The last thing you should pay attention to when choosing a tablet is the camera. Nowadays, it’s a rare manufacturer that integrates decent optics and a sensor into a tablet. The resolution of the main module matrix is most often five or eight megapixels. The photo quality does not exceed that obtained when using a mid-priced smartphone. There is nothing to say about budget tablets - they produce blurry or too noisy pictures.
Keyboard support
In general, there are no fundamental restrictions for using a Bluetooth keyboard in any tablet. And many models with the Windows operating system have full-size USB ports, which makes it possible to connect a manipulator or input device via a radio channel through an appropriate adapter. The peculiarity of the listed options is that such methods do not guarantee the stability of the pairing, and they are also accompanied by increased energy consumption. If you plan to use the tablet for active work with text, choose a tablet with a supplied or optional keyboard connected via a mechanical connector.
Photo: cdn.funkyspacemonkey.com
When choosing a drawing tablet, first of all we pay attention to:
- stylus- it must be included in the kit.
- display— resolution and diagonal should be as high as possible.
Additionally, look at the operating system. A huge number of graphic editors have been created for Windows, but not every tablet will run Photoshop. Therefore, in some cases it is worth looking towards Android, which is much better optimized for use on a portable device. Professional models on iOS are ideal for digital creativity, but they also have a corresponding price.
Tablet computer for the Internet
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If you buy a tablet primarily for surfing the Internet, when choosing, pay attention to:
- display— its diagonal should be large enough so that small print can be easily read.
- 3G or 4G support- thanks to it you can access the Internet via mobile networks.
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the amount of RAM. The larger it is, the more stable the browser will work, the more tabs you can open. The operating system is of least interest. Surfing the Internet is the same for both iOS and Android or Windows.
Tablet computer for games
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If you are choosing a tablet for gaming, then pay attention to:
- CPU— you need to focus on a model with a powerful graphics subsystem.
- RAM- many modern games are demanding on its volume; they require at least 3 GB.
Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the battery capacity. Even a tablet with a fairly solid battery will not allow you to play for more than four hours at a time. What can we say about Chinese devices with tiny batteries...
Tablet computer for a child
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If you are going to give a tablet to a child, then pay attention to:
- availability of children's mode— there is absolutely no need for a child to go to “adult” sites, and the user interface of the device should be colorful and extremely simple.
- accessories— the device will have to withstand increased loads, so a thick protective bumper will be very useful.
Pay attention to the possibility of the tablet “growing” along with the child’s development. Specialized models are good in terms of ease of access to children's content, but they do not have much potential.
When purchasing any equipment, you want it to perform its intended functions for as long as possible, meet all requirements, and at the same time be affordable. Let's figure out together how to choose an inexpensive but good tablet, so that the model purchased in 2018 - 2019 is of high quality, attractive in terms of design and functionality.
Before purchasing a device, you need to decide which tablet is best to buy, and for this you should objectively assess your needs and capabilities. It is also important to carefully study the technical component of the device, because a beautiful shell is not everything.
Budget
The first step in choosing a new and good tablet begins with drawing up a budget for this purchase. Naturally, the lower the cost of the device, the fewer high-end parameters and technologies can be found in it. However, this does not mean that a budget tablet cannot be reliable. If you are not going to make an expensive purchase, pay attention to mid-price segment devices from well-known manufacturers. They are inexpensive and do the basic tasks perfectly.
For what purposes will the tablet be used?
In many ways, the choice also depends on the purpose of the gadget, because it is unlikely that a child should buy the flagship of the most current model, and a device with a minimum of functions and capabilities will not be suitable for an adult.
An inexpensive tablet is suitable for a schoolchild - at the low price of a budget device, the child will have access to all the functions he needs: reading books, watching videos, the Internet, undemanding applications and games.
If you are looking for a tablet for reading and watching movies in good quality, then it should have a display of at least 8 inches with high resolution, a good video accelerator and spacious storage.
When choosing a tablet model for games and the Internet, you must understand that the gaming device must have a powerful processor, a powerful video accelerator, a large amount of RAM, and devices for Internet surfing must have a good Wi-Fi module, a high-quality display, and a capacious battery. 3G and 4G modules are also welcome.
If you plan to use the tablet for work - typing, using graphics programs, etc. It is worth choosing a device on the appropriate OS, preferably Windows, since it has more optimized programs for operation. Accordingly, there is no point in saving on the cost of the device.
From all this we can draw the main conclusion: do not overpay for functions that you will never use - determine in advance the purpose of purchasing the gadget and its estimated cost!
What to look for when choosing a tablet
The main criterion for choosing a device will, of course, be its technical performance. They determine whether the device can meet your needs. There are usually no tricks with branded devices. If you still decide to choose a Chinese tablet, then in this case take a particularly close look at the following parameters:
operating system
If earlier Android actively competed with iOS, now Windows OS has risen almost to the same level with them. Each platform has strengths and weaknesses. But first of all, keep in mind that they are aimed at different user audiences.
Windows
Windows 10 and older versions are designed primarily for work use. The same office suite as in the PC version is now available on your mobile device. The controls are designed very simply and clearly, the menu is beautifully designed in the form of tiles. The system is always well protected thanks to antivirus programs. However, if you are used to the Android interface, adapting to this OS on a tablet will not be easy, since it is not very similar to the computer version and has little in common with mobile platforms.
- free access to standard work programs
- interesting tile design
- simple controls
- customizable security system
- developers create few gaming applications
- hard to get used to the proprietary interface
- requires good device performance
When buying a device with this OS, you must understand that the device should not be budget-friendly, since when used, the system requires decent performance of both internal and RAM.
iOS
Apple tablets (and smartphones) use the iOS mobile operating system. This is the second most popular platform after Android. Its distinctive feature is that the user's capabilities are limited. For example, the device does not have a file manager, there are problems with data exchange between devices, and it is also impossible to install third-party programs. However, there is an extensive content store with many free applications. If the features offered by the platform are enough for you and the device is purchased mainly for gaming, then this is a suitable option.
- simple and pleasant interface
- own content store
- increased level of data protection
- high quality gadgets
- difficult to install programs from other sources
- it is impossible to personalize the interface
- difficulties in data exchange
- high cost of gadgets
Android
There are many more tablets on Android than on other operating systems. They are equally suitable for entertainment and work. There is also an application store with a large selection. You can customize the appearance of the platform at your discretion. It is acceptable to install applications from other sources. It is worth noting that Android content in the store is not very meticulously checked for quality, so you can often find applications that do not work or produce errors (even among paid ones). If you buy a tablet for entertainment, the Android platform is the best option.
- open interface
- a wide range of applications and games in the store
- Applications from unofficial sources can be installed without problems
- low cost of devices
- content quality is lower (for example, than in iOS)
- insufficient level of protection
- annoying advertising
Display
The screen is what we pay attention to when we first look at a gadget. To choose a good tablet based on screen size and other indicators, you need to know the main characteristics that you should focus on:
Diagonal
The smallest displays are those with a diagonal of 7-8 inches. As a rule, they are present in the cheapest and not very productive devices, although there are exceptions. They are distinguished by mobility, convenience and light weight.
The most common tablets are 8 and 10 inches. Such models can be both budget and flagship. They are universal in scope of use and, of course, more expensive.
If you want to buy a tablet larger than 10 inches, be prepared for a high price, since, in fact, it is practically a laptop. Manufacturers often provide such models with additional devices (keyboard, docking station, etc.). A large device is also comfortable to perform various tasks, but transportation is difficult.
To understand which screen size is best for your tablet, think about how you will use it. The best option is a diagonal of 8-10 inches. On such a screen, small details are clearly visible, and it takes up little space.
Matrix types
The matrix occupies a very important place in the main characteristics of a tablet computer, because image formation and its quality depend on it. Nowadays, there are 4 main technologies for manufacturing a display matrix, which we will now analyze:
- IPS is not flawless, but a good matrix, the most common among gadgets. Perfectly conveys the saturation, brightness, and clarity of the image. Provides reliable color reproduction in perfect white and has good viewing angles.
- TFT is the simplest and cheapest matrix, characterized by poor viewing angles and insufficiently accurate color rendition. One thing can be said about it, this is the technology of the “last century”.
- Retina is a type of matrix used only in Apple gadgets. One of the best in quality and color rendition.
- Super Amoled - most often found on Samsung tablets. It has good color rendering, clarity, and saturation. This technology does not require a general backlight; individual pixels light up, which does not always convey colors well; this applies to budget models on flagship devices; generally, there are no such lags.
When choosing the best tablet for yourself, be sure to check the viewing angle, as some manufacturers put a modified version of TFT IPS in their devices, passing it off as an IPS matrix.
Display resolution is the size of the resulting image, measured in pixels. This is a very important indicator that affects the comfortable operation of the device, its battery life and cost. The higher this indicator, the better. It is best to give preference to the 1920 by 1200 pixel format (Full HD), although high-quality, expensive models have such characteristics. In less expensive devices, there are indicators of 1280 by 800 or 1024 by 600. For everyday use of the tablet, a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels will be sufficient, taking into account a diagonal not exceeding 10 inches.
Sensor
All modern devices are equipped with touch screens. The sensor can be capacitive or resistive. The second type is very rare, as it has long been outdated. Although many older models can still be found, purchasing them is not recommended. The sensor does not always respond correctly to touches; its actions depend on the force of pressing the screen.
Good quality capacitive devices respond instantly to pressure, regardless of the force applied. They are equipped with a multi-touch function, that is, they recognize several presses at the same time. To surf the Internet and use the tablet as a multimedia player, two simultaneous presses are enough. The optimal number of simultaneous touches is 5-10 if you want to play games.
CPU
If you want your tablet to not slow down, then a powerful processor is a must. The chipset affects whether the device can handle the launch and normal operation of demanding programs, games, etc. When choosing a good tablet for gaming, look at the number of cores and processor frequency. To play average and good games, choose models with at least 4-core processors and a frequency of 1.6 GHz or higher. You'll definitely avoid disappointment if you check your processor's performance using a dedicated benchmark like Antutu and compare it with other chipsets. You can find the test results online. The most popular and productive processors:
- Intel Atom x7 1600 MHz
- Samsung Exynos 1600 MHz
- Apple A9X
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 1800 MHz
- HiSilicon Kirin 930 2000 MHz
- MediaTek MT8165 1700 MHz
Video accelerator
When choosing a tablet based on price and quality, be sure to check what graphics adapter is installed in the device. While the main processor is responsible for the performance of the device as a whole, the video accelerator is responsible for processing graphics data. This is especially important for those who buy a tablet for gaming purposes. Video accelerators have proven themselves to be excellent: Tegra 3, Mali (T760 MP8, T860 MP2), Adreno (405, 330).
Memory
The device memory is divided into internal and operational. Internal memory is designed to store various data, both user and system. Even if you purchase a micro-SD card, you still need free space in the storage to install applications, etc. Reviews of tablets on forums indicate that the built-in memory should be at least 8 GB. In this case, part of this volume will be occupied by the operating system. It is best to take a closer look at models with 16 GB or more.
As for RAM, it is necessary for the speed of programs and the system as a whole. On the cheapest tablets you can see RAM of 512 MB or 1 GB. It is worth noting that this indicator is unacceptable if you want to play games, watch widescreen videos, etc. The tablet will simply slow down, not cope with tasks, produce errors, not to mention the lack of multitasking mode. The RAM should be at least 2 GB to perform normal tasks and 3-4 GB to run very powerful modern games.
Camera
The camera is one of the weakest points of almost every tablet model. Only in the products of some manufacturers can you find high-quality camera modules that provide good photo and video shooting. In other cases, you will have to be content with an 8 megapixel main camera and a 2-5 megapixel front camera. Such indicators of the main camera provide the opportunity to take acceptable photos and videos. The presence of a front module allows you to communicate via video communication. The low performance of the device’s camera is due to inconvenience during video and photo shooting. Despite this, manufacturers will improve their gadgets and today you can buy a better tablet with a good camera for a higher price.
Battery
A weak battery is a serious drawback of the gadget, because in this case it will have to be kept on the charger all the time. If in medium activity mode the devices hold the charge at least a little longer, then during gaming or video playback it lasts for a couple of hours. Which tablet is best to choose based on battery capacity depends on the size and performance of the model.
In budget devices with a small diagonal you can find parameters of 3000-4000 mAh. For higher quality devices, the normal capacity is considered to be 7000 mAh or more. The tablet quickly discharges mainly due to the display - it consumes the most energy. Then comes the hardware component. To work comfortably with the device, choose models with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh or more.
In general, it is worth noting that even flagship models have problems with autonomy. Ideally, you need to optimize the operation of the gadget in active mode and during standby. To save battery power yourself, it is recommended to disable unnecessary functions, reduce screen brightness, etc.
Connection
Without the presence of wireless network modules, the tablet ceases to be useful and functional. Every device is now equipped with Wi-Fi technology, but since the coverage area is not available everywhere, it has become simply impossible to imagine a modern, high-quality tablet without a 4G or 3G module. This criterion is important for those who constantly like to be on the Internet without any boundaries because the coverage area of modern GSM networks is almost limitless.
If you have a GPS, the device can be converted into a navigation system: plot routes, monitor the location of various objects, etc. According to expert advice, a tablet with GPS function is best suited for working in a taxi as it allows you to easily use the tablet as a navigator. If you plan to use the device only at home, then this option is not so important.
Which company is better to choose a tablet?
There are a lot of tablet companies, including Chinese ones. For an inexperienced user, this makes the choice much more difficult. Which company is better to choose a tablet depends on your preferred price segment and the performance indicators you need. Manufacturers Prestigio, Huawei, Acer, Lenovo, Chuwi have proven themselves well in the budget and mid-range categories. Among the expensive models, it is worth highlighting Apple, Samsung, Asus, HP. Many companies manufacture models of different prices.
Rating of the best tablets of 2017
If you have already decided on the functions you need and still don’t know which tablet to choose in terms of price and quality, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best tablets costing 10,000 – 20,000 rubles, which was compiled by our experts based on positive reviews from thematic forums. This list includes the most purchased devices of 2017.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T713 Wi-Fi 32Gb
- Lenovo Tab 3 Plus 8703X 16Gb
- ASUS Transformer Book T101HA 4Gb 64Gb dock
- Huawei MediaPad M3 8.4 32Gb LTE
- Acer Aspire Switch 10 E z8300 4Gb 64Gb
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T580 16Gb
- Huawei Mediapad T2 7.0 Pro LTE 16Gb
- Xiaomi MiPad 2 64Gb
- Xiaomi MiPad 16GB
- Prestigio MultiPad PMT3118
Conclusion
