Android tablets have grown from unwieldy, oversized phones to exceptional tools for productivity and entertainment as the operating system has matured and app makers have embraced larger screens. PCMag has been reviewing Android slates since the Nexus 7 over a decade ago, so we know the full scope of progress and the aspects most important to the experience. Our current Editors’ Choice selections are the low-cost Amazon Fire HD 10, the value-minded Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, and the midrange Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. All these slates are more than capable of browsing the web, playing games, and streaming movies. But you should still click through to our full reviews of each model below since one might suit your particular needs better. Keep scrolling past the list for some useful advice to have in mind while you shop.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 3, 2025: With this update, we added the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra as our top flagship tablet, replacing the Galaxy Tab S10+. We also swapped in the RedMagic Astra in place of the Lenovo Legion Tab 3 as our favorite tablet for gaming. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Good build quality
Decent display
Alexa Echo Show mode
Limited app selection
Amazon-focused content
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) is great for media playback thanks to its 10-inch, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel screen and surprisingly loud speakers. It can also handle casual games and light productivity tasks. You get either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage but can add up to 1TB of additional space via a microSD card.
Who It’s For
If you want the best balance of performance, screen size, and price within Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup, the HD 10 is the model you should buy, though it won’t provide access to as many apps as a full Android slate.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
9.69 by 6.49 by 0.34 inches
Weight
15.3 oz
Screen Size
10.1 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
MediaTek
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
10 hours, 18 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 10 Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Large screen
Good performance
Expandable storage
Software aids productivity
No fingerprint sensor
Low base storage
Why We Picked It
At a little over $200, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ provides a spacious, 1,920-by-1,200-pixel display and matches the performance of more expensive tablets thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip. It comes with just 64GB of storage to start, but a microSD card slot lets you add up to 1TB. Finally, the device features a streamlined design and will get OS and security updates until the fall of 2027.
Who It’s For
If you want a low-cost Android tablet that’s enjoyable to use, reasonably fast, and will last for several years, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is the one to get.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 13
Dimensions
10.1 by 6.6 by 0.3 inches
Weight
1.06 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
1,920 by 1,200 pixels
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Storage Capacity
64 GB
Battery Life
7 hours
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, sharp display
Thin and light design
Impressive performance
Includes S Pen stylus
Powerful productivity software
No Galaxy AI
5G limited to smaller model
Why We Picked It
The reasonably priced Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ offers an Exynos 1580 processor, a 13.1-inch screen with a 2,880-by-1,800 pixels-pixel resolution, excellent battery life, and a microSD slot that supports cards of up to 2TB. It also uses quality materials and sports an IP68 rating, meaning it’s fully dustproof and waterproof. Artists should like the included S Pen stylus as well. Samsung’s productivity and multitasking software is excellent too, and its promise of seven Android OS updates and security patches is top-notch.
Who It’s For
If you want a capable Android tablet that doesn’t cost too much and can handle a bit of rough handling, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is for you.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
Dimensions
7.66 by 11.83 by 0.24 inches
Weight
1.46 lbs
Screen Size
13.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2,880 by 1,800 pixels
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1580
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 45 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, gorgeous display
Fantastic performance
Long battery life
Productivity-focused software
Included S Pen stylus
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is Android’s answer to the iPad Pro. Highlights include a massive 14.6-inch display with a resolution of 2,960 by 1,848 pixels and 1,600 nits of brightness, a speedy MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, 12GB of RAM, and a minimum of 512GB of storage. Excellent multitasking software and an IP68 durability rating round out the features, and it outperforms most other Android tablets in battery life.
Who It’s For
If you don’t want an iPad but still want a high-end slate, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is your top Android option. It should particularly appeal to artists because it ships with Samsung’s smooth S Pen stylus and serves as a truly immersive canvas for creativity.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 16
Dimensions
8.21 by 12.85 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.53 lbs
Screen Size
14.6 inches
Screen Resolution
2,960 by 1,848 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
11 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Large, sharp screen
Useful multitasking modes
Stylus and fast charger included
Supports microSD cards
Display could be brighter
No IP rating
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro comes equipped with a stylus for drawing and note taking, along with strong multimedia support with productivity-tuned software, making it well suited for students and artists alike. Its large screen, smooth performance, expandable storage and solid battery life only add to its appeal.
Who It’s For
The Lenovo Idea Pad Pro is a good option for students, artists, or anyone who wants a stylus with their tablet to help with their productivity without breaking the bank.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
Dimensions
7.44 by 11.49 by 0.27 inches
Weight
1.37 pounds
Screen Size
12.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,944 by 1,840 pixels
CPU
MediaTek Dimensity 8300
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 21 minutes
Learn More
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Excellent performance
Gorgeous screen
High-quality build
RGB lighting
Splashproof
Only three years of updates in US
Average cameras
Limited AI features
Why We Picked It
The RedMagic Astra is a compact tablet with top-tier performance. It packs a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor into an appealing 9.1-inch design, with good battery life and pass-through charging, making it an excellent portable gaming machine. On top of its impressive performance, the tablet also features fast radios, customized gaming tools, and decent cameras.
Who It’s For
While anyone can enjoy this small tablet, it should be particularly appealing to gamers looking for a small, dedicated gaming slate.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
Dimensions
5.28 by 8.15 by 0.27 inches
Weight
0.82 lbs
Screen Size
9.06 inches
Screen Resolution
2,400 by 1,504 pixels
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
9 hours, 30 minutes
Learn More
RedMagic Astra Review
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Good battery life
Lightweight
So-so display
Limited app support
Poor cameras
Why We Picked It
The Fire HD 8’s screen is an inch larger than that of the Fire 7 and benefits from a resolution bump to 1,280 by 800 pixels (compared with 1,024 by 600 pixels). Therefore, it’s a better choice for gaming and HD video playback. It also offers solid battery life, lasting 9 hours and 41 minutes in our tests.
Who It’s For
If the Fire HD 10 feels too big or costs too much for your liking and you don’t want to go with a super-cheap slate like the Fire HD 7, the midrange Fire HD 8 splits the difference.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
7.94 by 5.40 by 0.37 inches
Weight
11.88 oz
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
1,280 by 800 pixels
CPU
Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
9 hours, 41 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) Review
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Strong parental controls
Protective case included
Two-year replacement guarantee
Unimpressive display
Average performance
Works best with Amazon Kids+ subscription
Why We Picked It
This tablet offers everything we like about the regular Fire HD 8 but is specifically great for kids because it comes with a durable kickstand case and a two-year warranty. You also get a six-month trial subscription to Amazon Kids+, which unlocks access to an age-appropriate library of smaller-format picture books, videos, and games. That service ordinarily costs $48 per year for Prime members and $79 for everyone else.
Who It’s For
Of course, the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet from Amazon is for kids. The real target market is the parents who don’t want to worry about their child accessing inappropriate content or breaking an expensive device.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Amazon Fire OS
Dimensions
8.7 by 7.1 by 1.1 inches
Weight
18.3 oz
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
1,280 by 800 pixels
CPU
Hexa-core 2.0 GHz
Storage Capacity
32 GB
Battery Life
9 hours, 41 minutes
Learn More
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (2024 Release) Review
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The Best Android Tablets for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Android Tablets for 2025
The State of Android Tablets
It’s easy to find a budget-friendly Android tablet thanks to an endless supply of no-name, plasticky sub-$100 slates through mysterious “Fulfilled by Amazon” drop shippers. Many of these off-label tabs are serviceable, but we recommend choosing a brand you can count on for hardware quality control and software support. For more details, see our favorite budget-friendly models.
Android tablet innovation was quite stagnant for a while, but Lenovo and Samsung continue to try to blur the line between tablets and laptops. Amazon firmly owns the affordable end of the market with its Fire tablets.
Is Android a Good Operating System for Tablets?
Although Android has improved as a tablet operating system over time, some of the best ideas still come from hardware manufacturers like Lenovo and Samsung. Both companies typically outfit their tablets with custom productivity software and other features that make them work more smoothly. As for third-party software, Android is home to many excellent apps, though some are still not designed for the big screen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Google, Lenovo, and Samsung now publicly state how long their tablets will receive OS and security updates. In the past, you could pick up an Android tablet and have almost no information about when or if it would ever get an update. Those days are generally behind us, and this is something you should make sure you know before you buy.
Amazon is an entirely different animal. Its Fire tablets run Fire OS, which is built on Android but exists primarily to highlight Amazon’s services and limited Appstore. You can add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire tablet with a bit of work, but it’s not a great (or officially sanctioned) workaround. Amazon devices also tend to target people who want to consume media rather than create content.
Should You Buy a Cellular or Wi-Fi Android Tablet?
All the major carriers provide a selection of cellular-capable tablets. You can easily find them at a discount when you upgrade your plan or buy a new smartphone.
Frequent travelers and commuters are likely to find cellular connectivity invaluable, but if you primarily use your tablet for streaming at home, a Wi-Fi-only model is perfectly fine. If you ever do need to take a non-cellular tablet on the go, most carriers allow you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
Using your phone as a hotspot quickly depletes its battery, so you might also need to pick up a power bank. Just make sure to check out the details of your phone plan before making any decisions, because some carriers limit the amount of data you can use as a mobile hotspot.
What Specs Do You Need in an Android Tablet?
At a minimum, you should look for an Android tablet with at least 4GB of RAM for smooth switching between media streaming and web surfing. A midrange MediaTek processor should be fine for most tasks, but a higher-end Qualcomm CPU like the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ in Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra unlocks high-end mobile gaming potential. Note, however, that the Amazon models get away with less RAM and slower chips because of their performance optimizations.
We also recommend at least 128GB of storage for midrange and higher-end tablets and, ideally, a microSD card slot for additional storage. Basic models are generally fine with just 64GB because they can’t run the advanced games and applications that take up a lot of space anyway. Stay away from tablets with only 32GB of storage.
Recommended by Our Editors
Low-cost tablets tend to have dull 720p (or even lower-resolution) screens that look grainy. If you want a better viewing experience, opt for at least a 1080p or 2K display.
Rear cameras aren’t too important for tablets, but make sure your device has a respectable front-facing camera for video calls. Remember that 2MP is the minimum for 720p video, so use that as a cutoff in your searches.
Just as specs won’t change over time, neither will the build quality. Think twice before buying a tablet with a flimsy plastic body, and make sure whatever you choose feels comfortable to hold. Some tablet makers even specify an IP rating for their devices, which can be important if you plan to use your slate on your porch, in your backyard, or near your pool.
Finally, if you want a top-notch phone to complement your tablet, head to our roundup of the best Android phones. Or, if you want to look beyond the realm of Android, check out our roundups of the best tablets overall, which include our favorite iPads.
