Popular tablets of the year

Since the appearance of the first Apple iPad on the computer market, the whole world has gone crazy for tablet PCs. However, at that time there were only a few models in the range, so there wasn’t much to choose from. In 2013, the production of mini-computers was so established that these devices are produced by almost all manufacturers of flash memory, mp-3 players and computers. Fashion or budget, for work, study or entertainment - tablets are becoming a fixture in our lives. How not to get confused among the variety of models, which tablet is better to buy, and choose the most optimal model?

If you are planning to purchase a small tablet computer, then first pay attention to the following criteria:

• operating system
• Performance
• Number of cores and processor power
• Screen resolution and size
• Additional options

Best tablets 2013

operating system

This is perhaps the most important characteristic of any gadget; once you decide on it, you can choose a tablet. The possible set of games and applications available for the tablet, appearance (interface), and functionality completely depend on the platform on which the device runs. Some operating systems have features that others do not, and vice versa. For many users, this point turns out to be critical.

Today, there are three main operating systems for mobile devices; the vast majority of tablets and smartphones are produced on them.

1. Apple iOS is an OS developed by the famous Apple company, designed exclusively for devices: iPOd, iPhone, iPad. With its convenience and ease of use, it is sure to please beginners. The platform is well designed and optimized. This allows iPad tablets to be considered one of the most productive, high-quality and fast devices.
2. Google Android is the platform installed on the vast majority of modern mobile devices. It differs from the previous one favorably due to expanded personalization options, customization, and greater openness, which periodically contributes to the appearance of disadvantages (there are many viruses designed for this OS). Users receive almost all applications and features for Android for free.
3. Windows 8/RT – OS from Microsoft. Devices based on this system allow you to work with applications that you are used to working with on desktop PCs and laptops (if they run on this OS). Well suited for work, but, as a rule, tablets with such a system are produced less mobile, heavier and thicker, quickly discharged, since they are more like a compact laptop than a tablet in the traditional sense of the word. Therefore, Windows tablets are practically unpopular. Windows RT is even less popular, mainly due to the late release date (2013) and the insufficient amount of supported software.

iOS vs Android

For many, choosing a tablet means first solving the following dilemma: choosing an iPad or purchasing some other model from the rest of the gadgets operating on the Android operating system. It is almost impossible to argue about which system is better, since both have a high-quality graphical interface, ease of use, as well as multitasking and speed - the main characteristics of both iOS and Android.

But what kind of feedback do experts give when asked: “Help me figure out which mini-tablet is better”? First, you need to understand all the disadvantages that tablets running on Android and iOS have.

It should be noted that iOS is characterized by overly strong security, the impossibility of connecting with other devices and incompatibility with them, as well as being tied to iTunes. In addition, personal settings are limited.

As for Android, the huge abundance of various applications does not at all indicate a high level of their quality, nor the absence of serious viruses. System failures often occur due to its imperfection.

Screen

To choose the best tablet, it is important to know everything about the compliance of its dimensions, determined by the size and resolution of the screen. Mini-tablets with a 5-6 inch screen are many times superior to modern smartphones. Portability is the most important advantage of devices with a small diagonal.

The most common today are tablets with a diagonal of 9-10 inches. This option is optimal for watching movies, working and surfing the Internet, but it is too expensive and heavy, which makes it not comfortable to use.

As for the screen resolution, this is an equally important parameter, since the better it is, the more comfortable the image perception is for human eyes, the less noticeable the pixels.

For models with a diagonal of 9-10 inches, a resolution of 1280 x 800 is best, but manufacturers are not standing still; today there are already models equipped with 2048 x 1536 screens.

The most comfortable are mini-tablets of 7-8 inches. These models are ideal for mobile use on the go, for reading e-books, as well as web surfing and watching videos. It is worth noting that a 7-inch screen must have a resolution of at least 800 x 400, an 8-inch - 1024 x 600, 1280 x 800.

We help you choose a mini-tablet

Which tablet is the best according to statistics for 2013? The wider the range, the more difficult it is to choose. Is it worth giving up Apple products due to high pricing and joining the group of Android users, thus finding a worthy alternative to the iPad?

Let's look at the most popular mini-tablets of 2013, according to the ranking of the top 7 7-8-inch tablets:

• 7th place

TOSHIBA REGZA AT270 7.7

This device has everything you need: a stylish 7-inch screen, a powerful 4-core processor. There is only one minor drawback - the cost. For such a small format it is considered overpriced.

1. NVIDIA tegra 1.2 GHz quad-core processor
2. 1 GB RAM
3. 7.7-inch AMOLED screen with 800 x 1280 resolution
4. 5-pixel still camera, plus separate 2-pixel camera for video chat
5. Wi-Fi support
6. Bluetooth

The cost of a mini-tablet starts from four hundred dollars

• 6th place

Amazon Kindle Fire 7 HD

The tablet of this model is an excellent choice for those who have access to the Amazon store. This device can run applications, games and movies smoothly and freely. Light weight and stylish design make the Amazon Kindle Fire mini tablet super mobile. Its technical parameters:

1. Dual-core Cortex A9 1.2 GHz processor
2. 1 GB RAM
3. 7-inch IPS TFT screen with 800 x 1280 pixel matrix
4. built-in memory 16-32 GB
5. 1.3 MP front camera
6. WiFi
7. Bluetooth

Minimum cost – $199

• 5th place

Galaxy Tab 7.7

This tablet is capable of running on the Android platform with Samsung's own interface. Model 7.7 is a harmonious union of high-quality software and hardware. Customer reviews about the Super AMOLED screen are extremely positive, as it perfectly conveys clear images and deep colors. Among the properties of the mini-tablet it is worth highlighting:

1. Dual-core Cortex A9 1.4 GHz processor
2. 1 GB RAM
3. 7.7-inch AMOLED PLUS screen 1280 x 800 pixels
4. built-in memory 16-64 GB (can be expanded via microSD)
5. 2 cameras: 3.15 MP rear and 2 MP front
6. WiFi
7. Bluetooth

Minimum price – $500

• 4th place

ASUS FonePad

The mini-tablet from ASUS has several trump cards at the same time, namely: reasonable price, the presence of a 3G module, and a slot for MicroSD. Why is the model of this brand not in first place? It's all about the Jelly Bean interface, which doesn't work as smoothly as we would like. In addition, the telephone function has an attractive appearance, but, alas, does not have a high level of practicality. Despite this, the mini-tablet can even be used as a smartphone, because it performs all the tasks that a smartphone can do.

Overall, the 8-inch FonePad offers quite a lot of features and apps considering its low price

• 3rd place

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The 8-inch Galaxy Note is a worthy competitor to Apple in the mini-tablet market, but despite the fact that it feels like a powerful Android device and comes with a modern S Pen stylus, the tablet fails to achieve a better position.

In general, the 8-inch Samsung is very light and compact, its display quality is not inferior to that of the iPad mini, in addition, one cannot fail to note the high-quality build and the ability to expand the built-in memory. The stylus technology has also been improved, there is an IR transmitter, and multimedia capabilities are excellent.

The only drawbacks are the high price, not the most successful design

• 2nd place

Apple iPad mini

Surprisingly, this product did not receive first place. Although Apple still dominates the tablet PC market and is considered one of the best tablets in recent years, its price is still not ideal, and the 7.85-inch iPad mini does not have a Retina display.

Of course, the smooth operation as well as the premium build quality justify the price of the gadget. Reviews about this model are extremely positive; everything works perfectly for a long time. Perhaps by 2014 Apple will be more pleased

• 1 place

Google Nexus 7

A mini-tablet model with a 4-core processor, a 12-core graphics chip, as well as the final version of Android and a more than reasonable price certainly deserves the title of winner.

The 7-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 makes it easy to hold the Google Nexus 7 with one hand. This is an ideal device for surfing the Internet, reading, and watching movies. In addition, it is a real entertainment center.

The version with built-in memory of 16 GB costs only $199, as for the second generation models that support 3G networks, their cost is $229. For 2013 and, most likely, 2014, the Nexus 7 will be the most interesting offering on the tablet market, considering its ideal price-quality ratio.

In terms of ease of use, the device falls just a little short of Apple's level, but this can be forgiven, because there really is no better alternative.

New tablets of 2014 appear on the mobile electronics market every day, surprising buyers with new technologies. Therefore, choosing a good device with specific requirements can turn into a lengthy search. Descriptions of some popular models may be useful when choosing a tablet.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z2

This is a beautiful and durable tablet, made by a Japanese company from high-quality materials with the introduction of advanced technical technologies. Meticulously designed and incredibly thin (6.4mm), the new Sony 2014 tablet features stunning display clarity thanks to Mobile Bravia Engine 2 technology.

Despite its fragile appearance, the Tablet Z2 is equipped with a waterproof case and a very hard glass screen that is protected from scratches. When traveling or on vacation, you don’t have to worry about damage to the device due to the excellent quality of the materials.

Take stunning, professional photos and videos in any light with the 8MP mobile camera. The Xperia Z2's operating system is Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The device is equipped with a quad-core platform from Qualcomm.

Apple iPad Air

The new tablets of 2014 also included the Apple iPad. It works much faster than its predecessors due to the new architecture: 64-bit Apple A7 processor, quad-core VRG 6430 GPU for graphics performance and 1 GB RAM.

The tablet with a 9.7-inch screen and a resolution of 2048 1536 provides clear text, rich color and excellent detail.

Clear photographs and videos of excellent format are obtained thanks to cameras: front for broadcasting HD video and rear (5 MP) with autofocus.

The maximum resolution of pictures is 1936×2592 pixels, and video is 1080p at 30 frames per second.

The tablet's operating system is iOS 7.0 with 64-bit architecture and an integrated battery that can provide up to 10 hours of operation.

Microsoft Surface Pro 2

Tablets 2014 are new computer equipment with incredibly high performance that can replace laptops. The Pro 2 is a tablet PC that combines the best of Microsoft into one incredible device.

A ten-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920x1080, maximum viewing angles and excellent image quality is indispensable for both work and entertainment.

The Intel processor is designed with the latest technologies that include HD Graphics with high levels of speed and amazing performance. All Windows 8.1 Pro programs and a full office suite are included in the device.

The tablet is equipped with communications: Bluetooth 4.0 communication module, Wi-Fi data transfer, USB 3.0 port, MicroSD flash memory card, microHDMI connector. The device is produced in several modifications, which differ in the amount of RAM, flash memory and processor models.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

This is the best Android tablet with amazing performance, nice design and light weight (374 grams). Unique IPS screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 at a density of 339 ppi.

These settings ensure perfect color accuracy and excellent quality for viewing images and playing videos. Even the bright sun will not interfere with using the tablet.

The device is equipped with a powerful quad-core processor (2.2 GHz frequency), 2 GB RAM and new Adreno 330 GPU graphics.

8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash and electronic image stabilization for stunning photos and 1080p high-resolution videos.

Excellent front camera to support high definition video calls (HD 720p). Connections: Bluetooth 4.0, dual-band Wi-Fi (MIMO + HT40) for video streaming, USB 2.0 port. The Mojito OS tablet is equipped with a highly modified version of Android, and a charger for continuous operation of the tablet for 12 hours.

Tablets are entering our world at a rapid pace. Just a few years ago they were a curiosity for many people, but now you have such a variety of choices that even the most daring electronics market analyst could not have dreamed of in 2010, when “tablets” were just beginning their climb to the top. "

And with choices come decisions—hard decisions. Are you shying away from Apple's high prices, joining the Android team, and looking for a better iPad alternative? Or are you an Apple fan and use one of the most popular tablets in the world?

In the process of creating our in-depth review, we did not ignore the new iPad mini 2 with retina display and. And below you can see what places they occupy in the ranking.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HDX is coming to the market, and we'll talk about that too - we have high hopes for affordable yet high-powered tablets.

We have made your choice easier and collected information about the 10 best tablets available in Russia today.

And for those of you who are still new to this whole tablet fever, we will bring you up to date and tell you what a tablet is.

In general terms, modern tablet computers boast touchscreens ranging from 7 to 13 inches. These parameters are by no means static, and the lines may blur as smartphones get larger displays - examples include the 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the huge 6.44-inch Sony Xperia Z Ultra.

Physical keyboards are also rare, but there are exceptions such as the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity and Mircosoft Surface Pro 2, which feature a tablet keyboard dock.

Applications

10. Tesco Hudl

What is it – Tesco supermarket has decided to start producing tablets? What next - Argos will also make their own? Wait a minute... that aside, the Hudl tablet is super cheap, a $192 Android model that puts other tablets under $200 to shame.

For its price, the Hudl is very well equipped, sporting a solid design and a very decent 7-inch display. The Android OS it ships with will satisfy those who aren't fans of the various interface overlays that exist, and the addition of a microSD card slot is also something to look forward to.

Of course, Hudl won't blow you away with super-fast performance, although the quad-core processor means powerful hardware. The quality of the built-in camera leaves much to be desired, but this is not surprising considering the price of the tablet.

Brief conclusion

If you can afford to spend $300, we'd still recommend the Google Nexus 7 as the best tablet on the market for its price. If you intend to spend about half that amount, then we don't see any other alternative to a compact Hudl.

9. iPad mini

Former Apple boss Steve Jobs heavily criticized small tablets a few years ago, leading many to believe that the Cupertino company would never flutter in the budget segment of the market, but here we are.

In terms of continuity in the tablet market, Apple has no equal, since these products now claim the first two places in our top ten, although the iPad mini is no longer the diamond in the sparkling crown - it has already been trampled by the updated Google Nexus 7 and the next model from Google.

Now, on the new Mini, we have all the retina display magic we were hoping for. The old Mini isn't bad either - we'd just recommend paying close attention to the newer model first.

Brief conclusion

When it launched, we dubbed the iPad mini "the best iPad Apple has ever made," and while that title is now claimed by , this compact tablet is still a good choice for the budget-conscious buyer.

If the screen gives you a repulsive impression, don't worry, because the iPad mini 2 came out with a retina display - but even despite this fact, the first Mini is quite good and competitive.

8.Microsoft Surface Pro 2

"Ding-ding", round two. Here's Microsoft's second-generation Windows 8 tablet, which improves on its predecessor and delivers a seamless tablet-laptop hybrid experience.

When it comes to portability, the Surface Pro 2 won't win any awards - it's big and heavy, but if you're looking for a powerful business tablet, the Pro 2 is one of the best (if not the best) available.

Microsoft has improved the Pro 2 in many ways over the original Surface Pro, bringing an updated Windows 8.1 OS, a stronger Intel processor, improved battery life and a two-position flip-up foot.

Brief conclusion

The Surface Pro 2 doesn't offer the best native user experience, but if you're looking for a device that blurs the lines between laptop and tablet, then it's definitely worth a look.

With a comfortable QWERTY keyboard, a large screen and Microsoft Office, it's undeniably a business machine, but it also offers something quite different from the iPad and Android devices.

Still, it's expensive, which means get ready to shell out at least $1,000 for the basic version - plus all this you'll need keyboard.

7. Google Nexus 10

The 10.1-inch display is one of the most common talking points about the Google Nexus 10. At 299 pixels per inch, it's the highest resolution in the world found on a 10-inch tablet - so much for Apple and your retina screens.

If you're looking for something that packs even more pixels, you'll need to trade down on screen size for the 7-inch Nexus 7, which has a resolution of 323 pixels per inch.

Also, this tablet performs excellently. Aside from the fact that he takes a while to process panoramic photos, we never felt like he was struggling to keep up with his duties. It is always fast and trouble-free, no matter what tasks we throw at it.

Sure, the Nexus 10 may not look as stunning or have as good a design as the iPad, and the lack of storage expansion won't please some, but overall the Nexus 10 gives you quality functionality with a larger screen and Android OS than should not be neglected.

Brief conclusion

Google Nexus 10 is definitely one of the best Android tablets available in the market. And while it's not nearly as excellent value for money as the Nexus 7, this tablet is almost as good as Apple's pricey iPad Air. You won't be disappointed if you pay your dues for your purchase. amount.

6. Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7

More meager and simpler, but more powerful than its predecessor. Amazon continued its fun with the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7, and it looks like it's keeping up with the new Nexus 7.

On paper, Amazon's latest 7-inch tablet more than fits the bill, boasting a 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, a full HD display, up to 64GB of hard drive storage, and prices starting at $300. .

However, in reality it is not a product completely similar to the Nexus 7 - Amazon's heavily modified Fire 3.0 operating system lacks many of the functions of "pure" Android, plus the tablet's interface is "tailored" for shopping on the services of the world's largest online store.

Brief conclusion

For the trade-off in shopping services, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 gets simplicity and ease of use. We'd like to call it the type of tablet you'd hand to someone less technically savvy, but those devices typically don't have as good hardware as this one.

If you're a heavy user or heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 is a good buy. And for those who want a little more functionality, we can advise taking the Nexus 7; if you have a thicker wallet, then pay attention to iPad mini 2.

5. LG G Pad 8.3

What is this? LG entered the TOP 8 Best Smartphones of 2014, and is now in the top five best tablets? Is this brand making a comeback?

Well, when you make an Android tablet with the same design as this tablet, maybe it's time to start quietly worrying about Samsung. Instead of plastic, this model has a nice aluminum body, and the ability to connect to other Android phones makes it a viable solution for a wider range of users.

One might wonder if the Snapdragon 600 processor is too underpowered for a tablet that costs almost $450. However, as LG says, this approach allowed them to create a more elegant design that is consistent with the traditions of the Korean brand.

Brief conclusion

We really liked the G Pad 8.3, and the fact that it didn't place very high on our list was due to its slightly faster battery drain than we expected - but it has a lot more positives.

It's the closest competitor to the iPad Mini in terms of design, and it's a sleek, sleek tablet that's not a shame to take out. cover.

4. Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Elegant, powerful, iconic - all these words can describe the impressive tablet from Sony.

The brand has been hard at work in the mobile tech space for a few years now, but now the combination of SonyXperia and Tablet Z shows that the Japanese brand is bringing us devices that people can finally truly aspire to own.

And here is one of the qualities that we liked about the Tablet Z: it is light, really light, and its entire design emphasizes with its entire appearance that this is an elite model. Sony has exceeded expectations in this regard and released a tablet that would not look out of place in a business class lounge or at the center of a home entertainment complex.

It's also waterproof, a quality you might not experience often, but it makes the tablet durable. And this frees your thoughts from worries when you handle such an expensive thing.

Brief conclusion

With a super-slim body, an impressive screen and a plethora of Sony apps installed, the Xperia Tablet Z is one of the best gadgets available in early 2014.

The quality of the Tablet Z is evident from the moment you take it out of your bag, and the fast guts and impressive weight are enough to warrant a hearty recommendation.

It's no iPad Air, but we're still excited to see what Sony has in store for 2014 in terms of its next models.

3. Google Nexus 7

The new Nexus 7 takes the place of Google's original 7-inch version from 2012. It's powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and comes with 16GB or 32GB of hard drive space.

Available at just 260g, it's the perfect tablet to toss into your bag and rush to your local supermarket. Or, it might as well help you out on a long road trip, with tons of apps, decent battery life, and that latest 7-inch IPS display with a high resolution of 1920 x 1200 and 323 pixels per inch.

It's slightly more expensive than the previous model when it launched, with prices starting at $320 for the 16GB version, up to $390 for the 32GB version. And it’s worth remembering that the operating system also takes some of this memory to ensure the new Android 4.4 KitKat works successfully.

Plus, initially there is a 4G option... no, wait, this is not yet available in Russia either, but at least it is appearing.

But the tablet has some high-tech features, a low-risk upgrade policy, and it's built in a way that feels both premium quality and durable enough to carry around the house. In our opinion, this is a good combination.

Brief conclusion

If you're looking to buy a tablet now and are already a little immersed in the Android ecosystem, we see no reason not to go for the Nexus 7.

If you haven't paid any attention to Android at all, then you're in a good position to start. You might consider the iPad mini 2, which is appropriate for those who have amassed a lot of App Store purchases, but it's not as affordable as the new Nexus 7.

The new iPad Mini jumped into second place, beating out everything the new Nexus 7 has to offer, but it's the tablet battle many were expecting. For the more sensible among you, if you're in the market for a decent tablet, the new Nexus 7 is out competition.

2. iPad Mini 2 with retina display

Look at this - Apple took the top two spots in our tablet roundup. You'll either love it or hate it, but we can't deny that Apple makes the best tablets on the market today.

The iPad Air sits just ahead of the Mini 2 because it's more competitively priced and has a larger screen for iPad apps.

But this device is far from limited. It's got a ton of stylish features, from the aluminum lid, the super-fast A7 processor, and that screen... it's something we should have had last year, but even twelve months later the iPad Mini 2 is still impressive.

Brief conclusion

The iPad Mini 2 is actually slightly swallowed up by changes to the Air's design - the larger tablet is now increasingly encroaching on "portable tablet" territory.

However, the Mini 2 has the same number of pixels in a smaller area, resulting in better text and image clarity - and without affecting the device's performance or battery life, which is a miracle in itself.

If only it were a little cheaper, we'd have two five-star tablets available on the market right now - but even so, if you're looking for an excellent tablet in the small-size category (and you're not too worried about the price, the moneybag you are), then Mini 2 doesn't even come with anything compare.

1. iPad Air

We have a new player number 1! If you've already read our review of the iPad Air, you'll be in for no surprises as Apple's latest tablet is first in line for a five-star rating on .

People scoffed when Apple launched the first iPad, but the sector has grown exponentially since the first-generation model was released, and with the Air tablet, the Cupertino firm has finally put the finishing touches on its overall formula for tablet success.

The impressive design coupled with a thinner, lighter body makes for a high-end and truly beautiful tablet, and having Apple's powerful A7 and M7 processors under the hood means it handles even the toughest tasks in no time.

Of course, the price tag is still quite a big number, but it's comparable to that of the Sony Xperia Tablet Z and the like, finally making the iPad Air a contender in the huge gaming market... and with that in mind, it's unbeatable.

Brief conclusion

"Not only is it Apple's best tablet, it's the only tablet you should consider if you like a bigger screen." Here's our verdict when we put together our in-depth review of the iPad Air. While the Xperia Tablet Z is good, the Air is simply great and rightfully takes first place in our rating.

If you want the best tablet on the market, stop searching. iPad Air is your choice. Apple's tablet has once again won the top spot for the company from Cupertino, but the fight for the palm does not stop for a second, and in 2014 it promises to be hotter than ever.

Let us remind you that not so long ago we chose, where the first place also went to an Apple device.

Alas, the past year did not bring a rich harvest of tablets. In terms of interesting releases, Good Corporation has distinguished itself and its, which recently went on sale for free at a symbolic price of $1,024. Other manufacturers rarely pleased their fans with interesting new products. That is why it was not difficult for iGuides to almost unanimously choose the best “tablets” of 2014. But it would be dishonest not to ask the readers’ opinions - anyone can vote for their favorites in each category.

Tablet of the year was almost unanimously named stylish and productive iPad Air second generation, a review of which you can read.

Apple has finally equipped its flagship device with a fingerprint scanner, but, of course, this was not the main feature of the Air 2. The device began to live up to its name even more, becoming lighter and thinner. For this, you can forgive the remaining frames around the display and a slight decrease in battery capacity. Moreover, the craftsmen from the Apple corporation tried to optimize resources so that the owners of this elegant miracle of technology would not complain about the missing milliamp-hours.

Over the past month, Apple's main tablet has gone up in price several times, but this does not prevent it from remaining the ultimate dream for hundreds of thousands of gadget lovers. Including in the Russian Federation and the iGuides office, in particular. The notorious magic of Apple or the technical perfection of the device?

Contenders: Microsoft Surface Pro 3 [

So, iPad Air 2 is the top tablet of 2014. But another gadget created by Apple's avid opponent, Microsoft, was close to winning this category. The idea of ​​combining an ultrabook and a tablet in one device is no longer perceived with the same skepticism with which the first representatives of the Surface family were met. Pro 2 was subjected to a serious revision, deciding to revise the body dimensions upward and increase the display diagonal to twelve inches, placing the model with “3” in the name in the same weight category as laptops - primarily the Macbook Air. For the will to win, the hybrid and its creators are awarded an honorary “silver” in our rating.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10.5 was also among the top three winners according to the editors. The ultra-thin gadget was loved for the bright and rich colors of its proprietary screen, made using SuperAMOLED technology. The tablet can be considered the best on the Android platform.

Compact: Galaxy Tab S8.4 [ ]

The middle tablet in the Galaxy Tab S line, with an 8.4-inch screen and no less attractive characteristics than the full-size model, managed to take the lead in the “compact” category. It turns out that all the compact tablet segment needed in 2014 was powerful hardware and a high-quality screen.

Contenders: Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact and iPad Mini 3 [ ].

In second place is Sony with its first foray into the world of small tablets - the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The device is protected from moisture and dust, like most of the author’s flagships.

The iPad Mini 3 also made it into the top three. Its predecessor was so good that even a year later it would easily compete with compact tablets on competing platforms, if Cupertino had decided not to update the popular line of devices this year. But the new mini-tablet was presented along with its older “air comrade” with a fingerprint scanner built into the “Home” button and a golden color. This is where the list of “innovations” in the gadget can end, but the fact remains: the Mini presented in the fall is head and shoulders above most of its rivals.

Inexpensive:

This year, Xiaomi proved that the first pancake does not always turn out to be a lump. The MiPad, although it looks like a giant iPhone 5C, was still recognized as the most remarkable in the “inexpensive” category. The bright tablet's victory was helped by its design, albeit somewhat secondary, and an impressive set of technical characteristics - the vendor equipped the product with one of the most powerful chips for mobile devices, Nvidia Tegra K1. The democratic pricing policy of the electronics giant from the Middle Kingdom, justified by the refusal of retail sales, played into the hands of the device - the first batch of 50 thousand devices was sold out in 4 minutes.

Contenders: Huawei MediaPad X1 and Acer Iconia Tab 8 [ ]

Tablets with screens smaller than 8 inches are gradually leaving the electronics market, giving in to the friendly onslaught of flagship phablets. But Huawei is not one of those who blindly follows trends: the tablet with a seven-inch screen, the MediaPad X1, pleased us with its speed, battery life, and appearance.

One of the most worthy and affordable tablets at the same time turned out to be the Iconia Tab 8 created by Acer in the specification with a FullHD display. Despite belonging to the budget class, the device received a thin metal body, a quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 as a hardware component and a well-deserved place in the list of the best tablets of 2014.

What is the best tablet of 2014? Modern fashionable tablet PCs in comparison with the most rated models of the past.

Tablets are taking the world by storm. Just a few years ago they were unknown to most people, but nowadays we have a wide choice before us that can confuse even the most sophisticated buyer.

The need for choice gives rise to decisions—difficult decisions. Will you ditch Apple's high price tag, join the Android brigade, and find a better iPad alternative? Or will you choose the best products from Cupertino and become a user of one of the most popular tablets on the planet?

Remember, the new iPad Mini 3 (or iPad Mini Retina 2, to be precise) is about to go on sale, so it's probably worth holding off on buying Apple's new tablet for the next few weeks to take a look at the manufacturer's new offering. Perhaps Apple's new tablets will cause the price tags of Android devices to fall.

Well, for the most economical, of course: Tesco.

We decided to make things easier for you and have compiled the ten best tablets of 2014 available in Russia today.

It's a complex process, some might even say prophetic, to carve out space for each of these beautiful tablets, so we take several elements into account, including performance, battery life, screen quality, and more.

Price plays an insignificant role, as does age: a tablet that has been replaced with a new model will go down the rankings, since the new device opens up new opportunities for you.

If none of these ten Tablet PCs strike your fancy, head over to the "" section of our site where you'll find in-depth analysis of many more models.

10. iPad Mini

Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously dismissed small tablets a few years ago, leading many to believe the Cupertino firm would never enter the budget tablet market, but this model has proven that wrong.

In terms of consistency in the Apple tablet market, the Mini's position is not consistent, since the device still claims the first position on the list, although the iPad Mini is no longer the crown jewel of the collection. The throne is captured by Google Nexus 7 and its successor.

However, the new iPad Mini 3 is about to hit the market. Don't buy a Mini now, it will be out of production soon. If this is the tablet you want, waiting a short time will help you save money as prices are about to drop.

Brief verdict

When it first launched, we dubbed the iPad Mini the best iPad Apple had ever made. And while Apple has proven it can do better, this small tablet remains a good budget proposition, but don't buy it just yet.

9. Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7

Smaller, meaner, and more powerful than its predecessor, Amazon has beefed up its Kindle Fire HDX 7 to keep up with the new Nexus 7.

On paper, one of Amazon's latest 7-inch tablets looks good with a 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, a Full HD panel, up to 64 GB of internal memory and a price tag of no more than 14,000 rubles.

In reality, of course, the tablet doesn't live up to the Nexus 7's offering, as it runs on a heavily revamped Fire OS 3.0 that strips away much of the Android functionality to bring the manufacturer's services to the forefront.

Brief verdict

If you take the time to set it up properly, you'll end up with a simple and easy-to-use Kindle Fire HDX 7. We'd like to call this tablet the device you give to less tech-savvy users, but devices like these come with simpler hardware.

If you have a premium account or significant funds in the Amazon ecosystem, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 is a smart buy. For those who need full functionality, the Nexus 7 is worth a look, and if you have deep pockets, take a look at the iPad Mini 2.

8. LGGPad 8.3

Well, when an Android tablet with a design like this hits the market, it seems like it's time for Samsung to get nervous. Instead of plastic, the tablet gets a beautiful aluminum body, and the ability to pair with other Android smartphones makes it a viable option for a wider range of users.

Some may wonder if the Snapdragon 600 chip is not too simple for a tablet costing about 15,000 rubles, but it is enough for the smooth operation of the device from the Korean brand.

Brief verdict

Looking for the best tablet of 2014 in an inexpensive but attractive form factor? Well, maybe. We love the G Pad 8.3, even though it ranks weak in our rankings. The tablet's battery life could be better, and the design might take some getting used to.

The tablet remains one of the iPad Mini's closest competitors in terms of design. We're not embarrassed to take the tablet out of its thin case.

7. Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

A manufacturer that doesn't leave affordable market niches unexplored, Samsung has pushed tablets to new heights with the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2.

Luckily, that's not all that's changed for the tablet, as the Note Pro 12.2 comes with 3GB of RAM and a quad-core processor that promises strong performance, while the S Pen becomes a really useful addition to the big, bright screen.

It's an obvious choice for digital artists and anyone who wants a productive device, but the large screen promises a great web and video viewing experience.

On the other hand, the increase in size makes the tablet bulky, and the build quality is poor due to the large body, which is partly offset by the sheer playing area of ​​the screen.

Brief verdict

Its large screen and S Pen support make the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 an extremely useful productivity tool - if you're a fan of the Note series, there are few better products on the market and Samsung seems to have convinced the world that its S Pen is still relevant solution for fans of modern equipment.

6. Tesco Hudl 2

The first Hudl was good - but the new tablet is much better.

With a quad-core Intel Atom processor running on fast four cores, a Full HD screen and a common interface, there's plenty to offer.

The price tag is the most interesting offer of Tesco Hudl 2, which will cost no more than 9,000 rubles, and if you are the owner of a Tesco Clubcard it can cost you even less.

Okay, the tablet is slow to wake up and the battery isn't as good as flagships on the market, but for the money you get a great tablet to give to your loved one for Christmas.

Brief verdict

An excellent tablet, even if you increase its price tag. It offers more premium features, great sound and all at a great price tag - if you're not looking for the best tablet, but the best value for money, you should check out the Tesco Hudl 2.

5. Google Nexus 7

The new Nexus 7 takes on the positive aspects of Google's original 7-inch tablet, which came out in 2012. The device is equipped with a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and comes with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory.

Weighing in at 260g, the tablet is the perfect mobile device for your bag and shopping trip, as well as the ideal travel companion for long journeys, as it includes a huge selection of applications, decent battery life and all this with a new 7-inch IPS panel with resolution 1920 x 1200 and 323 pixels per inch.

The Asus tablet has become slightly more expensive than the previous model, with a price tag starting from 11,000 rubles for the 16 GB version and 13,000 rubles for the 32 GB version. It is also worth remembering that the operating system takes up part of the existing memory. There is also a model with 4G.

On the other hand, the Nexus 7 (2013) holds the title of "Best Tablet of 2014" in a variety of IT publications, because despite its budget price range, it offers some high-end specs, along with a low-risk upgrade policy and a design similar to premium devices. This is a great combination of positives in our opinion.

Brief verdict

If you're looking to buy a tablet right now and are familiar with the Android ecosystem, we see no reason why you should avoid buying a Nexus 7 tablet.

If you haven't had anything to do with Android before, this is still a good starting point. You can also look at the iPad Mini 2, which is recommended for users in the Apple ecosystem, but Apple's tablet is not as affordable as the latest Nexus 7.

The new iPad Mini has moved ahead, marking a gap from the Nexus 7, despite the fact that many were waiting for this battle. If you're looking for a reasonable compromise on a decent tablet, the new Nexus 7 remains an unbeatable option.

4. iPad Mini Retina (Mini 2)

Note that Apple has two spots in the top five tablets of 2014. You may be happy or sad about this choice, but we can't deny that Apple offers the best tablets on the market right now.

The iPad Air beats the Mini 2 with significantly more competitive pricing and a larger screen for all iPad-friendly apps.

But the Mini is far from a simple device. The tablet has a great design with an aluminum back panel, a super fast A7 chip and that screen... And even though we saw the screen last year, it still looks great.

Don't forget that this model is about to be replaced by the new iPad Mini 3, so it's better to wait than to rush into purchases.

Brief verdict

The iPad Mini Retina is actually a hasty change in Apple's designs, and is a prime example of how a large tablet has encroached on the portable market.

However, the Mini 2 packs a huge pixel density into a small footprint, offering us sharp text and eye-popping photos, and you won't find any loss in battery life, which is a miracle.

If only Apple's tablet were a little cheaper, we'd give it a spot in the top three. So, if you're looking for the best tablet in a smaller category (and aren't too worried about the cost of the device), nothing beats the Mini 2.

3. Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Sony has done it again. It entered the tablet market by offering an amazingly high-quality device, right away. And while the Z2 doesn't take first place, it's still an amazingly well-made tablet that deserves to be called the best.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet - the name carefully separates the tablet from the manufacturer's flagship series of smartphones - offers a souped-up Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB of RAM and a new Live Color LED screen that provides dynamics and contrast that are difficult for others to compete with.

Videos are enhanced by dual front-facing speakers, allowing you to ditch the headphones while watching in your hotel room while maintaining a good movie experience.

Like its predecessor, Sony's tablet is water and dust resistant, so things like reading an e-book in the bathroom remain forgivable.

Brief verdict

If you grew up within the Sony ecosystem, you shouldn't miss the Xperia Z2 Tablet, as the tablet is fully integrated into the Sony system, including access to music, movies and the PlayStation platform. You'll need to download the app to transfer your games properly, but it's not difficult.

You'll find an IR blaster on top of the device, making the tablet ideal for controlling your TV, and its speed and weight (or lack thereof) make it a very handy addition to your sofa.

The screen could be sharper, and you'll also have to shell out a pretty penny for this 10.1-inch tablet, but what you get for the money remains an excellent, well-packaged device.

Samsung has put enough effort into making a tablet truly worthy of the iPad, although that strategy has gone through some foolhardy steps (like launching the Tab Pro in January and then replacing it a few months later with the current Tab S).

But aside from the annoying setbacks that plagued Pro owners, this strategy has finally given the world arguably the best Android tablet of 2014. Available in two sizes: 8.4 and 10.5 inches, Samsung tablets offer the best of the current OS, along with hardware technologies, advanced displays and software. The result is very special devices.

Along with the huge battery life, the display has to be seen to be believed (the picture is absolutely stunning, and the screen is perfect for online video, which is a tablet's signature point), and the price tag on the device remains in line with the rest of the pack. Well done Samsung.

Brief verdict

Why didn't the Tab S take first place? A perennial problem with Samsung returns as a flaw in the new tablets: the design is still too simple, although having two sizes does cut corners.

Android continues to fight to become a full-fledged OS for tablets, which means that the applications are not yet as diverse and good as in the Apple ecosystem, but the release promises a significant step forward for the system.

The differences between the Tab S and the Xperia Z2 Tablet are minimal - it all comes down to design and extra features, but if you're not committed to owning an Apple tablet, these two make excellent choices worth considering.

1. iPad Air 2

Users were skeptical when Apple released the first iPad, but the range of offerings has grown significantly since the first-generation tablet landed on store shelves, with the Cupertino firm finally cracking the formula.

The impressive design coupled with a thin, lightweight body promises a premium look, while the powerful Apple A7 and M7 processors hidden under the hood mean the tablet won't falter even in the most challenging tasks.

Of course, the price tag is still high, but it's quite comparable to the likes of the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, which puts the competition on an equal footing... although all things considered, there's no competition here.

Thus, the best tablet of 2014, in our opinion, is again for Apple, the iPad Air 2 becomes the most prudent choice today, if we are not talking about budget tablets.

Brief verdict

It's not just Apple's best tablet, it's the only tablet you should consider if you're interested in a big screen. This is exactly how we see the new Apple tablet. While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S remains a brilliant tablet, the Air 2 is simply next level.

If you're looking for the best tablet on the market, then look no further. The iPad Air 2 reclaims the top spot from Apple, and it will take time to dethrone it.