Catalog of manufacturers of tablet computers. Catalog of manufacturers of tablet computers Ability to obtain information on manufacturers, models

A tablet computer, which has recently appeared on the electronic equipment market, confidently occupies the top sales. It is often purchased as an additional gadget for a stationary computer or as an independent device. Students and pensioners, housewives and businessmen enjoy using the tablet. The abundance of various models from many manufacturers does not allow us to name the most popular tablet in Russia, but allows us to single out the main market leaders this year. This review presents the most popular tablets in 2016-2017 in terms of sales and positive reviews from their owners. They differ in parameters, functionality and design, but, according to customer reviews, they occupy the top lines in the rating.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 128Gb Wi-Fi + Cellular

The famous tablet from the brand company can be called the most powerful, since the memory capacity of this device is 128 Gb, and it does not need a slot for installing an additional card. The device works with iOS and a dual-core processor of the latest generation Apple A9X, which is the company's own development. This model with a large screen has a resolution of 265 dpi with a diagonal TFT IPS matrix of almost 33 cm (12.9 inches). This size allows you to read e-books without stress and work with any text or video files, as well as tables, since the screen size is almost the same as the size of a standard A4 sheet. In addition to confident work in Wi-Fi, this gadget provides the possibility of cellular (Cellular) communication. Built-in speakers provide good sound quality, and the main camera with an 8 megapixel sensor is equipped with autofocus. This device is designed for serious work and starts at $ 62,000.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 SM-T815 LTE 32Gb

Samsung has been producing tablets for many years, which are in great demand among users. This popular tablet model is powered by Samsung's core Exynos 5433 chip and runs on Android 6.0. The characteristics of the model can satisfy the most demanding buyer. The screen is made on the development of Super AMOLED and the aspect ratio of 4: 3 gives an exceptionally rich picture with deep colors and excellent detail. The unique processor has 8 cores and allows you to solve the widest range of tasks without slowing down and freezing. Part of the memory with a total capacity of 32GB is occupied by the OS, so the device is equipped with a slot for additional microSD cards, which can expand the volume up to 128GB. The device provides all wireless modes of operation and can be used as a device for mobile communication.

Lenovo Phab Plus PB1-770M 32Gb LTE

A popular 7-inch tablet with excellent characteristics can be purchased for a reasonable price, which averages 17,600 rubles, which is much less than the cost of the leaders in the rating. The gadget is assembled on the latest generation Snapdragon 615 microprocessor chip, and operates under the Android 5.0 platform. The screen with a diagonal of 17 cm is made on a capacitive TFT IPS matrix, has a glossy finish and the highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which provides high image parameters. When working with video files, part of the processor load is taken over by the Adreno 405 video chip. The compact tablet, in addition to its good characteristics, has gained popularity thanks to its powerful cameras. The main one, with a unique 13 Mpix matrix, allows you to take pictures of an almost professional level, and the 5 Mpix front camera is perfect for selfies.

Huawei MediaPad M2 8.0 LTE 32Gb

Many popular tablet companies are located in Asia and have been working on the Russian market for a long time. The Chinese tablet from Huawei has good parameters and a reasonable price-quality ratio. The powerful HiSilicon Kirin 930 octa-core microprocessor, clocked at 2000 MHz, together with the Mali-T628 MP6 coprocessor, ensure work with any files. The display, which has a diagonal of 20 cm, is made on an IPS matrix and demonstrates a high-quality picture, and the graininess of the image is almost invisible. The device supports all standard wireless formats and operates in 3G, LTE and all GSM bands. The gadget can be used as a GPS navigator and, when performing important work, connect it to a personal computer via the USB port.

One of the cheapest tablets with a SIM card in our rating, which allows you to use all the possibilities of mobile communication, is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8916 chip. The work is carried out using Android 5.0, which has long been used in many tablets. User reviews note the small amount of internal memory, which is expandable up to 64GB using external memory cards. The screen with a diagonal of 20 cm is protected by high-quality glass, which protects it from scratches, and the protruding bezel around the working area protects the surface from contact with the table. The GPS module supports A-GPS and works with GLONASS satellites. The device has a compass, accelerometer and light sensor. The time of continuous operation from the battery is at least 10 hours.

The presented model, despite the decent price, can claim the title of the most popular tablet in 2016-2017. It uses the base Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994 chip with a high clock speed equal to 2.7 Ghz. Sony traditionally uses Android OS 5.0. The 10.1-inch tablet screen has a wide aspect ratio. The built-in memory of 32GB can be supplemented with an external card that can be expanded up to 128GB. To do this, a microSD card is installed in a special slot, one cannot fail to mention the 3 GB of RAM, thanks to which you can play even the most difficult games. In order to unload the main processor when working with multimedia files, the device uses an additional Adreno 430 chip. The highly functional device can be supplemented with a keyboard. A feature of the device is a waterproof case, which allows you to stay under water for up to 30 minutes. The battery with a capacity of 6000 mA / hour allows you to continuously operate the device for 17 hours.

Apple iPad mini 4 64Gb Wi-Fi + Cellular

A popular high-end tablet from Apple, users have appreciated and considered the most stylish tablet of 2016. It uses a proprietary chipset. It is Apple A8 main processor and Apple M8 sub-processor. The built-in 64GB memory is enough for work, for games and for downloading applications. The device weighs 340 grams, with a small thickness of 6 mm, so it is convenient for one-handed operation. The multi-point display, which diagonal is almost 20 cm, with 326 dots per inch, produces a picture of excellent quality with good contrast, even in direct sunlight. The tablet provides reliable communication in 3G, EDGE, HSPA + and GSM, supports wireless interfaces and the NFC function, which allows you to exchange data over a radio channel, provided that the devices are located close. The main camera, with a matrix of 8 megapixels, is equipped with an automatic focusing system. In addition to the standard set of sensors, the device has a barometer showing the value of atmospheric pressure.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T715 LTE 32Gb

A good, high-quality tablet from Samsung completes the rating of popular tablets of 2016-2017. The device uses an eight-core Samsung Exynos 5433 chip and an additional element Mali-T760 MP6. The available internal memory of 32GB can be expanded up to 128GB using an external card. The touchscreen display is made according to the progressive development of Super AMOLED Plus, which allows you to get a high-contrast image with deep and rich colors. Using the slot for installing a SIM card, the tablet computer can be used as a device for communication, and it provides operation in all networks, including LTE, 3G and GSM. The built-in speakers produce good stereo sound, but you can also listen to audio files on headphones. The battery provides operation in phone mode - 27 hours, when watching video files - 14 hours and with high network activity - up to 10 hours.

Conclusion

A review of popular tablets in 2016-2017 showed that the companies producing these gadgets predominantly use Android software products, and there is not a single model on Windows in the ranking. Only a few manufacturers use high-quality cameras in tablets with additional options to get high-quality photos. On the other hand, there are no problems with mobile communications and almost all formats and modes are included in the devices. Such devices are quite expensive, but branded models provide excellent quality of work and have a very developed functionality.

We figure out which tablet is better

Tablets never became PC killers. Statistics show that their sales have been declining for several years in a row. Although manufacturers are making various attempts to revive interest in this segment of portable devices, they do not fundamentally correct the situation. In the current crisis, the majority of domestic consumers are interested in affordable and practical solutions, which did not hesitate to affect the popularity of nameplate brands. But since the review deals with the best firms manufacturers tablets, the brands Digma, Irbis, bb-mobile Techno and the like, whose rating in Russia is quite high, are not presented in our review.

APPLE

Ranking first in terms of sales in the world market, the Cupertino-based company in Russia was only third in 2014, and in subsequent years it did not even rank among the leaders. Of course, it's not about the quality of Apple-branded products - there are just few claims to the trendsetter and the manufacturer of the first commercially successful tablet. Mainly, the claims are related to the stubborn reluctance of Californians to equip mobile devices with memory card slots and high prices for Apple tablets. This is the last factor that became the determining factor in the formation of the preferences of domestic buyers during the crisis. Apple has no budget proposals, and the iPad model (2017) belongs to the conditionally middle class. It is noteworthy that the company decided to simplify the nomenclature of its lines and instead of the serial number of the generation, the year of release is now added to the name of the model range.

Introducing the new iPad Pros at WWDC 2017

A feature of all the company's tablets is the classic 4: 3 form factor and the "Retina" criterion, which determines the pixel density, which is invisible to the human eye at a typical distance to the screen. Watching movies on any iPad is not very convenient, but Apple has never focused on the multimedia nature of using its devices, and for many other tasks, the aspect ratio of 16: 9 or 16: 10 is less practical.

In the photo, the Apple iPad Pro tablet

The top-tier segment is represented by the updated iPad Pro models. Unfortunately, Apple decided to surpass the economy demonstrated a little earlier by Microsoft, and the package of these tablets does not even include a stylus, let alone a keyboard case.

Conclusion: Apple is one of the best tablet manufacturers, but not everyone can afford such a tablet.

SAMSUNG

Recently, the South Korean industry giant has also simplified the assortment of its tablets to the limit. If two or three years ago, market experts noted incomprehensible internal competition among some Samsung lines, now the entire nomenclature is limited to the Tab S3 flagships and Tab A conditionally mid-level devices. In the process of such a reorganization of the tablet rows, interesting solutions with the Note stylus were lost somewhere. and Note Pro, the development of the protected Tab Active models has practically "withered", and an update to the budget line of the Tab E is unlikely. The company has once again revised the concept of positioning its devices and now the 4: 3 aspect ratio is relied on for the flagships, and the devices in the lower class are again focused on convenient playback of multimedia content.

Photo: vistanews.ru

Samsung promised to release such a tablet with a folding display back in 2016.

Among Samsung's offerings, the flagship tablets and the latest 8-inch Tab A model are of the greatest interest. The former are equipped with high-quality AMOLED screens, in which the manufacturer is the undisputed market leader. The second is interesting as an inexpensive solution for all family members, including children. Perhaps the update of the rest of the series will be announced at the upcoming MWC 2018, but so far it is only known about the company's plans to present the next Tab S. there.

Photo: protabletpc.ru

The photo shows a protected tablet for extreme and business people Samsung Tab Active, which never found its consumer.

Conclusion:Samsung tablets are quite popular in Russia. But, compared to smartphones from the same manufacturer, they look like a poor relative. Almost constantly, developing a new model, the company's specialists choose not the most modern hardware platform for it, which necessarily loses to the solution used in a smartphone of the corresponding class.

LENOVO

Despite the steady decline in consumer interest in tablets in general for many years, the popularity and sales of the products of this Chinese tech giant are constantly growing. Moreover, both in quantitative terms and in monetary terms. Actually, if you look at the variety of model lines of Lenovo tablets, there is nothing surprising in this fact. The range covers almost all possible "niches", and the company offers solutions not only on the Android operating system, but also on the Windows platform. Lenovo is now responsible for the classic form factor in the Tab 4 family, in which most of the 8- and 10-inch models compare favorably with their direct competitors in the capacity of the filling.

In the photo Lenovo Miix 510

Hybrid devices from the Miix line are able to easily adapt to any task, whose removable keyboard does not interfere with the use of such devices for entertainment purposes. Again, the "serious guys" do not have entry-level solutions (like the Miix 320), and the simpler "players" do not aim at the professional segment, where a large screen diagonal and really efficient processors, like the five hundredth series, rule the show.

Photo: pc-tablet.pl

In the photo there is a tablet with a projector Lenovo Yoga Tablet 3 PRO.

The Yoga Tablet has never disappeared, instantly attracting attention with its unique design. Finally, a couple of "yogis" got a keyboard, and not a simple one, but a touch keyboard. If you want - work with the text, there is a need - turn off the backlight and use it as a digitizer.

Conclusion: Lenovo is one of the best tablet manufacturers out there. Last but not least, this was made possible by an impressive range of budget devices, as well as tablets of the Lower Mid-End segment.

ASUS

A sad sight is the current assortment of Taiwanese classic tablets. If earlier the manufacturer lured potential buyers with an abundance of all kinds of modifications and affordable prices, now the company is strictly pragmatic - almost by the only position in the main segments (and even then not in all). In addition, some devices in the domestic retail network simply cannot be found. In particular, the really cool 8-inch ZenPad 3S (Z582KL). Nevertheless, when choosing a tablet from ASUS, you still have to literally read every letter of the model designation, because the difference between the versions can be oh-oh-oh-so. For example between Z301ML and Z301MFL.

In the photo ASUS ZenPad 3S 8 (Z582KL)

Apparently, the opinion of market analysts that the company has decided to focus on hybrid solutions is true. At least this category of tablets from ASUS is much more complete. The only pity is that some new items take so long to reach the windows of our stores. The relatively inexpensive high-performance Transformer Pro T304 was announced at the beginning of 2017, and it is very problematic to buy it in a year. At the same time, the "freshest" Mini T103HAF is already actively offered.

In the photo ASUS Transformer Pro T304

Conclusion: ASUS tablets are no longer pleasing to the eye with a wide variety, but they still force you to strain when choosing a suitable device, insofar as the characteristics of individual models may differ radically.

MICROSOFT

The company specializes in large format devices with a diagonal of 10 inches. Of course, they are all equipped with the Windows operating system.

Photo: www.howtablet.ru

There is also a tablet on the wall. It's an 84-inch Microsoft Surface Hub.

Such devices are not widely popular, but they occupy about 5 percent of the market. The main buyers of Windows tablets are OS fans or users who have a good idea of what they need and what price (in every sense) they will have to pay for it.

There are simply no devices in the budget and mid-price segments among the tablets of the Redmond corporation.

For all tablets, the aspect ratio of 3: 2 is preserved, which is also a "chip" of the company. Compared to the 4: 3 form factor, this aspect ratio is much better suited for watching movies. On the other hand, the products of Microsoft's Device division are equipped with sensitive displays focused on efficient use of stylus. The latest generation Surface Pen recognizes 4098 pressure levels and tilts. Actually, this is one of the main differences from the "four", apart from the updated hardware platform. The keyboard cover allows you to completely transform your tablet into a universal mini-PC.

Photo Microsoft Surface Studio

If you are a digital graphics professional, you need specialized tools. Among the offers of the corporation there is a corresponding solution "all-in-one" called Surface Studio. In a sense, this product can be seen as a giant interactive graphics tablet.

Conclusion. Costs aside, the main drawback of Microsoft tablets is still the poor range of Windows touchscreen software.

HUAWEI

Huawei released its first MediaPad back in 2012, and at that time it was one of the best solutions available. As a matter of fact, this model is still on sale.

Photo: baikal24.ru

Joint traveling exhibition of MegaFon and Huawei in Irkutsk.

Having brought to the market several lightweight modifications and decided to build on the success, the manufacturer divided the series into specialized lines: budget (T), multimedia (M) and premium (X). The first consists of devices with a maximum screen resolution of 1280 × 800, made without any bells and whistles, and for the complete happiness of the owners, it only lacks more memory. The rulers have grown to the third generation and, in the process of development, "lost" the flagship. Rather, the second first "caught up" with it in terms of characteristics, then ousted it, and in the end it again split into two families M3 and M3 Lite. Feature of Huawei multimedia tablets is an excellent acoustic subsystem, which the company helped to develop specialists from Harman / Kardon.

In the photo Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 10

Another noteworthy feature of Huawei's MediaPads is the presence of an up-to-date "child" mode. Moreover, the company even makes a special version of the 7-inch tablet, equipped with a thick silicone bumper with a comfortable grip. But hybrid devices from the manufacturer once ... and missed. Nevertheless, now it ranks 4-5 in Russia in terms of tablet sales.

Conclusion: Huawei makes excellent tablets, but there are practically no models with a keyboard and Windows operating system (MateBook is the one and only).

DELL

This company is one of the main IT manufacturers for the corporate sector, therefore, its tablet solutions are of the same level. DELL is currently producing two lines of tablets and a dedicated work surface for digital creativity. Unlike the Microsoft studio, which is similar in purpose, the DELL Canvas product is designed to be connected to a PC.

Graphic studio DELL Canvas at CES 2017

Serious people are very responsible about data protection and Latitude 5285 series tablets are ready to offer all the necessary tools for this. There may be several options for user authentication alone. The 7285 line is much simpler in this sense, and its "trick" is the wireless method of charging the battery. Such an opportunity appears with a special keyboard unit and a corresponding stand-station.

DELL Latitude 7285 on Wireless Charging Station

But that's not all. There are a couple of other compatible keyboards available for the Latitude 7285 tablet - with an extra battery or ultra slim.

Conclusion: DELL tablets are good enough, business-oriented and sometimes have unique capabilities.

Which tablet is better?

In the face of a decline in demand and a struggle for a buyer, the question "Which tablet is better - Lenovo, Samsung, Apple or other industry leaders?" It has no definite answer - all well-known manufacturers produce high-quality and interesting products. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the best tablet is up to you. Decide what you expect from the device - reliability, prestige, appearance, high-quality screen, good camera, the ability to work with documents, security, affordable price? And choose a tablet from a company that makes models that suit your needs.

We add that one of the modern vectors for the development of tablets is the hybridization of their design. Keyboard covers, multifunctional docking stations, styluses with a large number of registered pressure levels and positions in space are now being presented as a necessary component and a sign of correct evolution. But if we remember that the ideology of exclusively touch-based device control was laid in the first tablets, we get a break in the template.

Widget from SocialMart

We've found the best tablets of 2019 - so far.

The best tablet of 2019 can act as a full-time part-time laptop replacement to support your work processor while still being portable enough to carry around with you at all times.

The ranking of the best tablets is based on benchmarks, reviews and the previous top ten tablets available for purchase in 2019, based on a number of factors: how good is the screen, can the tablet offer a reliable keyboard, how long does the tablet last in battery life?

These are the right questions to ask when shopping for the best tablet. Good news, we've found the answers for you and will update this ranking when iOS 12 changes to make Apple tablets even more efficient.

You will notice that the top-rated tablets are iPads, but Windows tablets are also on the list. And just the fact that a new tablet has entered the market does not mean that we will evaluate it better than the old one.

Here is a ranking of the best tablets of 2019 that you will find in stores in Russia, according to our testing and review results. We also include a price comparison tool to help you find great deals in your area.

1 | IPAD PRO 11 (2018)

—
The best tablet you can buy now.

pros: Stylus clip | Insane performance;
Minuses: Software is still limited | The stylus and keyboard are expensive;

iPad Pro 11 is without a doubt the best tablet you can buy in 2019. It might be pricey, but it's Apple's most powerful tablet, in addition to its 2-in-1 hybrid design if you're willing to shell out for an expensive keyboard.

You get the laptop experience, along with design and performance, while the new Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the edge of the tablet. With superb speakers and a great screen-to-body ratio, it's hard not to fall in love with the tablet's subtly redesigned design and great hardware.

However, even the iPad Pro 11 has issues that you should be aware of. The software (iOS 12) suffers from some limitations in trying to multitask and perform tasks as if you were doing it on a laptop.

Another tough problem: the tablet has lost the headphone jack. If you want a standard 3.5mm jack on a new computer device, you'll have to buy a computer.

As for the iPad Pro 11, you get a better experience if you're looking for the best Apple tablet - you just have to swallow the high price tag, but it's not a MacBook replacement.

2 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2018)

—
The best large tablet on the market in 2019.

pros: Huge screen | Huge performance;
Minuses: Battery life | Face ID isn't perfect;

iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) isn't just the best tablet because it offers a 12.9-inch screen. It is also the most expensive tablet, so it is not the first in the ranking.

It looks like a giant digital whiteboard, capable of satisfying any user need, whether it be a personal workstation, easel, portable cinema, audiobook, mixing bullet, and many other uses.

However, the tablet is extremely expensive and not a big step up from the iPad Pro 11 (2018), which is supposed to be overpriced.

With unrivaled computing power, a giant screen, fast operating system and Apple Pencil support with Smart Keyboard, this is the right tablet for you if you have the budget - but you can find the best tablet if you are on a tight budget.

3 | IPad (2018)

—

pros: Affordable | Supports Apple Pencil;
Minuses: Educational ambitions | Incompatible with the keyboard;

This is the best tablet for the average consumer and student, even if it's not the most powerful on the market. Its price-to-quality ratio leaves no room for competition.

The new iPad (2018) replaces a very similar model from 2017, and before that, the iPad Air 2 was introduced, which ranked below the Pro range.

The tablet supports Apple Pencil, giving you the cheapest way to draw on the 9.7-inch panel, although you won't be able to connect the Smart Keyboard to the tablet as it doesn't share the Pro with flagship models. It also sports the same luxurious metal casing as Apple's entire iPad range, albeit slightly thicker than the iPad Air 2 or iPad Pro (7.5mm).

With a touch-based fingerprint reader, iOS 12 under the hood, and up to 10 hours of battery life while browsing the web or watching videos, this is a great media player and a great tablet until you’re going to use it to improve your own productivity (at work).

4 | IPAD AIR (2019)

—
The best tablet for the average consumer.

pros:

Shiny laminated screen;
The cheapest tablet with Smart Keyboard support;

Minuses:

Limited to support for 1st generation Apple Pencil;
The traditional design is not admirable;

If you're looking for a good compromise between the new Apple Pro tablets and the standard iPad 9.7, this is it. It is compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard cover, therefore it is suitable for taking notes like on a powerful laptop.

The tablet offers Apple Pencil compatibility like all new Apple tablets, but it's not the best tablet for artists. Pro models support Apple Pencil Gen 2 with additional gesture features and magnetic charging. This iPad Air (2018) supports the older Pencil Gen 1 and also only offers two speakers instead of four. But performance will be ok with the A12 chipset.

5 | IPAD MINI (2019)

—
The best (and only) small tablet in our ranking.

pros: Perfect size | Powerful characteristics;
Minuses: Thick screen panels | Old Pencil;

Apple doesn't have a foldable smartphone, but if it does appear it will look like the new iPad Mini (2019) when unfolded. It hasn't changed much since the last version, and it's been four years, but it's not necessary: we like the compact size.

You can flip open the case, jot down a few notes, and toss your tablet in your bag without the hassle. Yes, the design is outdated, the screen has thick bezels, but the price is in line with a high power portable tablet. You really shouldn't consider any other small tablet on the market (note: this is the only compact tablet on our list).

6 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2017)

—
Great tablet with a large screen.

pros: Huge screen | Monstrous performance
Minuses: Too expensive to replace a laptop;

We really like the iPad Pro 12.9 for its large size, as well as the immediate functional affinity of a MacBook with only a touchscreen. It just runs on iOS 12 instead of macOS.

It's the best tablet for work and play with a 12.9-inch screen bezel, four speakers, and the new iOS 12 interface with multitasking support. Apple has redesigned its Control Center interface to make it easier to navigate between apps, and the new tablet is compatible with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

What is your biggest weakness? The iPad Pro 12.9 is priced at a size that may not be suitable for everyone. But if you can afford to buy it and want the largest iPad, you will love this device - it can replace a laptop for many users.

7 | SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S4

—
Best 2-in-1 tablet, but not perfect.

pros: Stylus in a box | Gorgeous 10.5-inch screen
Minuses: DeX Interface Requires Work | Keyboard design;

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is an update to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 with an increase in screen size to 10.5 inches, longer battery life, but an added price tag, and promises to do much more in the future. The Galaxy Tab S series tablets are the best in the ratings from year to year, but the latest model came out quite controversial.

We love the idea of the Samsung DeX desktop interface, but it's a touchless user interface that's plagued with performance issues, and a controversial keyboard case (which will have to be purchased separately) prevents the tablet from being a full desktop replacement.

If you're looking for a premium Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S4 should be on the list, but it promises more than it actually offers. Don't get us wrong, the Tab S4 is indeed a better tablet of 2019 than the Tab S3, it just doesn't live up to the price.

8 | IPAD MINI 4

—
Best Small Screen Tablet .

pros: Shiny screen | Sleek design
Minuses: Old chipset | No 3D Touch;

The best 7-inch tablet on the market is without a doubt the iPad Mini 4. If you like the looks of Apple's iPad 9.7 (2018) and iPad Pro tablets but find them a) too big, b) too expensive, and c) both you're in luck, because the iPad Mini 4 offers the best of Apple's tablets in a form factor that's both beautiful and portable.

It lacks the features of the Pro series, including keyboard and stylus support (the latter would be nice to have on a smaller screen), but overall it received a decent screen refresh and more than enough performance to keep you enjoying your tablet day in and day out.

9 | IpadPRO 10.5

—
Apple's former flagship tablet remains one of our favorites.

pros: Great speakers | 512 GB model;
Minuses: Screen raises costs | iOS won't replace a laptop;

The iPad Pro 10.5 is the best tablet for anyone looking for a major upgrade, although the much cheaper iPad 9.7 remains a viable alternative for most users.

Apple iPad Pro 10.5 is packed with great features to help you be more productive, including through support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. With iOS 11 on board, you get a versatile laptop replacement for a specific category of users. Don't pass by the best tablet on the market.

The new ProMotion screen offers impressive levels of fluidity even for daily use, and the smaller bezels mean you get much more screen real estate in just a little more than last year's 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

This is the iPad for professionals and is also suitable for consumers of multimedia content.

10 | MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO

—
The best tablet on Windows 10 capable of replacing a laptop.

pros: Improved Surface Pen | Built-in stand;
Minuses: No Surface Pen Included | Not the most powerful, up to Core i7;

Can a tablet, even the best one, really replace your laptop or desktop PC? The topic is still open for discussion, but we present you the best tablet of 2019 in this direction - Microsoft Surface Pro (2017). We're surprised Microsoft didn't name the Surface Pro 5 tablet, as it's a significant upgrade from version 4, albeit a fairly expensive tablet, like many others in our TOP 10 list.

It plays with full Windows 10 and comes with an integrated stand and optional keyboard.

Great for creative professionals, students, and traditional users, it's also one of the best Windows laptops we've reviewed.

10 - ASUS ZenPad 3S 10
9 - Xiaomi MiPad 3
8 - Huawei MediaPad M2 10
7 - iPad mini 4
6 - Lenovo Yoga Tablet 3 PRO LTE
5 - Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
4 - Apple iPad Pro 10.5
3 - Microsoft Surface Pro 4
2 - iPad Pro 12.9 (2015)
1 - Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)

It's no secret that the form factor of tablets, once conceived as a replacement for laptops, is losing its position in the market of portable gadgets more and more every year. The performance of modern laptops has become even more unattainable, and top-end smartphones today have a comparable screen diagonal, so the consumer is less likely to realize his need for a portable device by purchasing a tablet.

Nevertheless, all the models that made it into our today's rating of the best tablets of 2017-2018 are worthy of the closest attention, because this list contains not only models that are already established on the market, but also the latest ones, and after a more detailed acquaintance with these gadgets you are quite probably give preference to them, rather than phablets or ultrabooks.

8.2 Evaluation

Good, albeit not perfectly calibrated IPS display with stylus support
The ability to install a memory card of any size
Very clear, detailed sound from speakers with Hi-Res Audio support
4 GB of RAM will not be superfluous
A nimble shell with no surprises
Useful stand included
High level of autonomy (but only the Z500KL version)

Completely flat and indistinct design without a hint of individuality
Lack of a fingerprint scanner
A complete mess with LTE support and 2 versions with completely different platforms
Mediocre main camera
Poor speaker placement
For some reason, the control is oriented towards portrait orientation with a 10 "diagonal

The 2019 rating of tablets is opened by a model from a world famous manufacturer of electronics and computer components. The Taiwanese have made great strides in creating transformers that sell like hotcakes. But with tablets on Android, things are much worse. They entered the market late, the devices are indistinct, some kind of leapfrog with processors. The ZenPad 3S isn't bad, but the aftertaste isn't great.

It is very sad that the "Chinese" lacks an LTE module, which only the "American" has. Probably, the SIM card slot will not be useful to someone, but the fact is unpleasant.

There are no complaints about the FullHD display with proprietary Tru2Life technology and the SonicMaster 3.0 Hi-Res Audio speaker system. For its price range, the multimedia stuffing came out first-class. The battery is also good.

The main disadvantages, perhaps, include the lack of a fingerprint sensor, which would greatly simplify life. The location of the speakers is also unfortunate, because covering something with your hand will not be difficult at all. The ergonomics are generally not well thought out. Feels like the ZenPad 3S was whipped up.

8.6 Evaluation

One of the best IPS-displays in its class, comparable in quality to iPad mini
Capacious 6600 mAh battery with support for fast charging and high autonomy
4 GB of RAM for a fast interface
Powerful 6-core processor comparable to Snapdragon 820
Loud, rich stereo sound
Convenient black and white mode for reading books

Lack of slots for memory cards and phone numbers
No GPS support
Mediocre design with no hint of personality

Another device based on MT 8176 with 4 GB of RAM, but already performed by a Chinese brand. And it is good for everyone, but it cannot be called a full-fledged novelty. Rather, it is a reworking of the infamous Mi Pad 2, which ran not only on Android but also on Windows. At the same time, it slowed down on both OSs.

If you do not take into account the complete borrowing of the design from Apple iPad, then the tablet is really good, at least because it used an IPS-display with 2K-resolution and an excellent 6000 mAh battery with support for proprietary charging of its own design.

There are also no complaints about performance. The 6-core chipset from MediaTek in synthetic tests has results similar to the Snapdragon 820, although it loses in heavy games due to overheating. The Chinese have such a sore, they still cannot overcome it.

The sound is beyond praise. There are 2 loud speakers installed here, and their location is very good - you can't cover it with your hand. A separate NXP Smart PA DAC was installed for them, which adds detail and significantly expands the scene. There is even some bass, and this is already an indicator.

Of the frank disadvantages, it is worth noting only the absence of LTE and microSD, i.e. you will not be able to use the device as a car navigator unless you have a mobile Wi-Fi modem at hand.

8.0 Evaluation

Convenient and cute design with good ergonomics
Dedicated LTE and microSD SIM card slots
Very bright and rich FullHD display with stylus support
Decent sounding 4 external Harman Kardon speakers
Touch key interface control with built-in fingerprint scanner
High autonomy thanks to 6600 mAh battery with smart power distribution
Powerful 8-core Huawei platform

The main camera is made exclusively for show and is not optimized
The basic version has only 16 GB of internal memory
The stylus is not attached to the tablet in any way
The operating system is outdated and cannot be restored
Inflated price tag

For several years now, Huawei has been seriously determined to lead in the segment of low-cost smartphones, but it also does not forget about tablets. This model can be called one of the most successful in the manufacturer's piggy bank, if only because it is stable and works as fast as possible even when loaded. And we are not talking about the Premium Edition with 64 GB storage and 3 GB of RAM, but about the standard configuration, which is much closer to the people.

The device surprises with its design and excellent ergonomics, as well as the presence of separate ports for a SIM card and microSD. For several years now, the public has been waiting for the same from Apple, but to no avail. Like most of the featured devices, the MediaPad M2 supports a stylus. And here it is even included in the kit, though only in the Premium version.

You can find fault with the performance of the HiSilicon Kirin 930 and the 6600 mAh battery, but this is pointless. But what really does not suit you is the mediocre basic optics, which the company has clearly "hammered" with. Also upset is the far from the most recent version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and only 16 GB of memory in the standard version of the device.

The tablet is good, we do not deny, but not in terms of the software part. If you are not interested in the latest version of the OS, then the model is really interesting.

9.1 Assessment

Body materials and tactile metal texture
Comfortable dimensions and low weight of the structure
Vibrant Retina display with high pixel density
High performance Apple A8
Full-fledged multitasking mode
Great sounding center speaker

Gloomy design and inappropriate plastic insert (subjectively and only on LTE models)
Cutting the battery to suit the thickness of the case
The minimum version is only 16 GB

And here is the original, from which Xiaomi selflessly copied. The characteristics of the device are very similar to the iPad Air 2, but the dimensions are significantly smaller, and the screen is only 7.9 ". Americans from year to year are steadily updating, improving and polishing their devices, for which I would like to say special thanks to them.

The design is painfully familiar and familiar, as are the materials, build quality, ergonomics and low weight. They know how to do well and without unnecessary bells and whistles. Yes, visually boring, but you will still be looking strictly at the display, not the back.

Speaking of the screen. Once again, Apple is not changing the tradition by using an IPS-matrix with Retina technology, which provides a pixel density of strictly 264 ppi. In this case, the diagonal is 7.9 ”at a resolution of 2048x1536.

It's pointless to talk about the Apple A8 platform - it is stable, fast and energy efficient, even in spite of 2 cores. And 2 GB of RAM will definitely not be superfluous. The latest version of iOS 11.4, which is the freshest at the moment, runs the parade. And you, in any case, update the device to the current version.

Of the frank minuses, it is worth noting only the battery, which was cut from 6470 to 5124 mAh. Autonomy has remained at the level of its predecessor, but why not make it more at the expense of the notorious slim body. Well, 16 GB of permanent memory in 2019 is clearly not enough, and the tablet never supported microSD.

Whatever haters say, iPad mini 4 is still one of the most popular tablets in the world, not only because it's Apple. In front of you is just a convenient, practical, reliable and quite powerful device at its cost. It can be called the top among the tablets in 2019 according to the price / quality version.

8.9 Evaluation

Arch-comfortable thickening on the left side + retractable adjustable leg-stand
Built-in digital projector for image output up to 70 ”
Stunning QHD IPS display with stylus support
4 front speakers with Dolby Atmos technology
10200 mAh battery with fast charging support and the highest autonomy
Metal body with leatherette back (for an amateur)

Not the best processor from Intel
Only 2 GB of RAM, of which only 1 GB is actually available
The proprietary shell is oversaturated with unnecessary applications that take up memory
During operation, the interface may slow down for no apparent reason

If you're a fan of ergonomics, convenience and, all of a sudden, projection films, then take a look at this handsome Lenovo. Let's say right away that the guy is wayward, but his advantages overlap the handful of disadvantages that the company has endowed the tablet with.

In terms of ergonomics, this is almost the best tablet of 2019. Thickening on the left side with a folding stand is the most convenient feature invented by designers and engineers. The projector only evokes enthusiastic emotions, because, in fact, this is the second display on which the same film can be displayed. In this case, the main screen remains fully functional.

How do you like the 10200 mAh battery? This is one of the highest in our ranking, if you do not take into account the iPad Pro 12.9.

But Lenovo is Lenovo ... Not the best Intel Atom x5-Z8500 processor, 1 GB of RAM (only 2, but exactly half is available), poor optimization and outdated Android 5.1.

So much for a game of contrasts. A cool chip with a projector crashes into a harsh reality, the name of which is Intel Atom. This is not to say that the device is completely hopeless, but the processor here is clearly unsuccessful, although not a failure. And therefore only 6th place.

8.7 Evaluation

Small dimensions and light weight of the structure
Stunning SuperAMOLED display with S Pen touch support
4 external speakers from AKG with crystal clear sound
Capacious 6000 mAh battery with support for proprietary fast charging
Supports an additional SIM card and the ability to work with LTE
Highest performance with Snapdragon 820

The main camera leaves much to be desired, although the front camera is good
Only the 32 GB version is on sale
When working in landscape orientation, the speakers are now and then covered with a hand

And here is the first flagship among the most popular tablets of the top. Samsung was one of the first to occupy the niche of smartphones, so they could afford any experiment with functionality, design or diagonal. Instead, they focused on the production of powerful devices, one of which was the Galaxy Tab S3, built on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge platform, i.e. Snapdragon 820 with 4GB RAM.

Traditionally for the company, the dimensions of the device are very modest despite the 9.7 ”screen diagonal. Also worth noting is the perfectly calibrated SuperAMOLED matrix with support for the S Pen stylus, a stereo system from AKG with 4 speakers and a wonderful 6000 battery. Not enough compared to the previous participant, but the optimization makes its own adjustments. And here a fresh version of Android 8.0 is installed, so there is no need to talk about the lack of autonomy.

The impression of the device is spoiled by not the best camera (the iPad mini 4 has it much better), only 32 GB of internal memory and a very slippery body. And glass is not the most durable material for the back panel.

Samsung made a great, powerful tablet for graphic designers, but for some reason skimped on storage.

8.5 Assessment

The best tablet display on the market
Professional sensor calibration and full support for DCI-P3 color gamut
Extremely powerful 6-core A10X Fusion processor
Storage capacity reaches 512GB
Amazing sound from external speakers and a decent headroom
High-capacity battery that lasts for a whole day of intensive work
A very decent mobile camera, albeit borrowed

Mediocre faceless design
Protruding lens of the main sensor
Extremely meager basic equipment

Now let's imagine the main competitor in the performance from Apple. The device appeared as a transitional option between the standard 9.7 diagonal and the huge 12.9. According to the characteristics, it completely copies the older iPad Pro 2017, only it plays a little quieter.

The display, no kidding, is one of the best on the market today: it is calibrated to the DCI-P3 standard, support for dynamic color temperature change True Tone and refresh rates up to 120 Hz. The cocktail is phenomenal, but it hits the head well when you look at the cost of this pleasure.

On the other hand, the device is based on a 6-core Apple A10X Fusion with 4 GB of RAM and an 8134 mAh battery, and the storage capacity here reaches 512 GB of space, which cannot be cheap.

The Apple Pencil is squeezed, as is the fast charging. Although they cost only a few thousand rubles, which is not so much against the background of the carcass itself.

Yes, we know that the minuses seem far-fetched, but it is for the attention to detail that many people fall in love with Apple, and therefore the reaction is so violent. The model is really awesome if you are a professional graphics artist.

8.3 Evaluation

Strict and practical design of the whole structure
High rigidity magnesium alloy body
Stunning color display
High performance regardless of version
An impressive amount of built-in memory even in the basic configuration
Full Windows 10

Accessories have to be bought separately, but they cost a lot
Not the highest autonomy
You have to take care of the proprietary charging connector

The only representative of the top on Windows 10 and immediately in third place. Moreover, the model comes with full Intel Core processors. In the maximum configuration, you can purchase a device based on the Core i7-6650U with 16 GB of RAM and storage per terabyte. True, this pleasure will be expensive.

Design without a hint of excess. At the same time, the tablet looks expensive and pretentious. Maybe it's the magic of chopped edges, or maybe Microsoft hasn't shown something really worthwhile for a long time.

The 12.3 ”PixelSence display is calibrated just as well as the iPad Pro. Maybe a little worse, but only a hard-nosed designer who ate a dog on a combination of colors and shades in Photoshop will notice it. But the resolution of 2735x1824 is ideal for work.

It's a shame that the stylus, keyboard, mouse and an additional hub with connectors are not included in the kit, and the proprietary magnetic connector for charging will have to be taken care of as the apple of an eye, because a new one is expensive.

For professional tasks, this device is 100% suitable, but watching movies on such a device will be problematic due to the aspect ratio of 3: 2. For home use, we recommend other models from the list that run on Android.

9.1 Assessment

The usual perfect build quality without a hint of backlash and creaking
Relatively low weight of the structure of 720 grams with not the most modest dimensions
Stunning display with perfect color calibration
High performance despite 2 cores
Loud, juicy detailed stereo sound
High level of autonomy thanks to 10307 mAh battery

Charging unit too weak and charging time too long
Haste design
Clearly outdated optics front and back
Apple Pencil has to be purchased separately
High cost of the basic version

The first appearance of a huge tablet from Apple both on the world stage and in our top. The gadget is highly specialized and is quite expensive even in 2019, and therefore think carefully whether you need such a toy for household needs, or whether it is easier to take a not the weakest laptop with a similar diagonal. Fortunately, the best tablets of 2019 are widely represented in this ranking.

The company once again managed to jump over its head, presenting to the public a chic and powerful device with a 12.9-inch display and a very modest weight of 720 grams. And this is given the not the lightest aluminum case and the 10307 mAh battery.

In fact, this is the company's fastest 2-core device, since the system is based on the overclocked Apple A9X with a frequency of up to 2160 MHz. Well, the picture here is practically reference. The engineers are very confused with the DCI-P3 tone calibration, so you will notice even the smallest color changes.

We continue our series of guides to choosing mobile devices. After articles about fitness bracelets and smartwatches, we decided to summarize our experience in testing tablets in one article. We will periodically update the article and re-publish it, so that you can always find the latest information here, a description of the best models at the moment and the current prices for them.

The fashion for tablets turned the IT industry upside down in 2010 thanks to the appearance of the Apple iPad (everything that was earlier 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 turn the trend.

However, fashion is fashion, and nobody canceled everyday needs and tasks. Over the years, during which almost all families have acquired tablets, users have become accustomed to the fact that such devices are convenient for reading books, surfing the Internet, flipping through social networks and mail (especially lying on the couch or in bed), watching videos and films, playing some types of games ... It is worth noting that tablets turned out to be an ideal device for children: it is with them that most of those born in the late 2000s begin to get acquainted with technology.

In general, whatever one may say, a tablet is a useful and pleasant thing. Maybe it is not as necessary as a smartphone and not as versatile as a laptop, but if there is an opportunity to acquire at least one tablet for a family, it is worth doing it. Therefore, the question of choice arises. Yes, and already existing tablet users sooner or later face the need to update the device - either because of the breakdown of the old one, or because of its obsolescence (which, however, happens more slowly than in the case of smartphones).

So, if you decide to buy a tablet, you need to answer the main question: for what and where in the first place will you use it (or are these two questions already? ..). The answer depends on the answer to two other fundamental questions: on what operating system the tablet will be and with what screen size.

Separate large articles can be written about the nuances of choosing between different operating systems and screen diagonals, but we will not go into details 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 travel with him on business trips, open and edit MS Office documents, run some professional programs such as Adobe Photoshop or 1C Accounting (at least occasionally), then it makes sense to purchase a Windows tablet.

But if the tablet is supposed to be used for entertainment (games, especially for children, videos, reading books and magazines, social networks ...), then in this case it is worth looking 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 the elderly, a diagonal of about 10 inches is optimal. For constant carrying with you, it is more convenient to use a smaller device (for example, if you get to work by train or take the subway for a long time, then reading is most convenient 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 a tablet for professional tasks, but they need a tablet, not a laptop. These can be artists, lecturers, etc. Finally, if you buy a tablet on the principle of “let it be, but there is a use” 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 versatile option.

Now, having decided on the diagonal and the operating system, we can go directly to the choice. We decided to make the rubrication on the diagonal, while bringing Windows tablets into a separate category, since there are specific features that are even more significant than the diagonal itself.

We warn you right away 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 peril and risk, focusing on the characteristics and reviews.

Tablets 8 '' or smaller

The most famous compact tablet is by far the iPad mini. Although Apple did not recognize a diagonal of less than 9.7 inches for a long time (it was exactly what Jobs considered ideal), Tim Cook did not want to give the market of 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 in the second generation iPad mini acquired a Retina display and a very powerful hardware filling.

Since then, there have been two more updates: one is cosmetic (iPad mini 3), and the other (that is, iPad mini 4) is more serious. But all the same, iPad mini 2 remains quite relevant option, optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. 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 a tablet for taking photos / videos, then 16 GB is not enough, but as a portable reader and compact game console, this is enough (again, if the games are not several gigabytes or ten, but smaller). The best option is perhaps 64 GB. But in the case of the iPad mini 2, the 32GB version can be a good compromise (newer generations no longer have such an option).

Among Apple's competitors, Samsung has the widest range of compact tablets. There are models here for every taste and wallet, although most of them, of course, occupy the lower segment. In this article, we will not recommend tablets with a screen resolution lower than Full HD, because, in our opinion, in 2016 it is possible to abandon normal image clarity only if there is simply no opportunity to buy more expensive models. And if, in principle, there is 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: 1280 × 800 or 1024 × 768 clearly indicate that you have saved on the screen.

So, going back to the Samsung models, we would recommend the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0. The option is not the cheapest, but interesting, first of all, the Super AMOLED screen (which means that there will be bright juicy colors and high energy efficiency when reading on a black background), which competitors cannot boast, as well as a fingerprint scanner and the current version of Android ( 6.0 Marshmallow).

Another great iPad mini alternative is the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Water resistance draws attention here (of course, we do not recommend using it under water, but lying on the beach with it without fear of getting sand and splashing the sea is quite possible. Add to this the minimum weight (270 grams) and quite powerful filling (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 3GB RAM) - and we have a great 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. And the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - 16: 9. The first is more convenient for the Internet, the second - for watching movies.

An interesting solution (primarily in the area of design) - Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2. This tablet has a stand along the long side of the case, and the center of gravity of the device is shifted towards it. Therefore, without additional accessories, you can set 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 specifications 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 also low.

As you have already noticed, all the models that we talked about in this section have a screen diagonal of about 8 inches. But 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 5.5-5.7-inch tablet phones, but using them as a smartphone is already inconvenient. That is, neither there nor here.

9 '' to 10 '' tablets

Of course, we start with the iPad - over the past six years since the release of the first iPad, Apple has never lost 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 card is support for a keyboard cover and a stylus (but they need to be purchased additionally, and they are expensive), a more productive SoC, stereo speakers and a better camera.

But iPad Air 2, and without all this, remains an excellent choice, while the price for it is significantly lower. In general, we recommend the iPad Air 2, and only if you are firmly convinced that you need the above features, then grab the iPad Pro. In our opinion, the price / performance 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 him. Like the iPad Pro, the Huawei tablet allows you to use a pressure-sensitive stylus (there are versions of the tablet with and without a stylus). In addition, the tablet has a fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers. In general, the design is very decent.

We cannot say that Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 amazed us with something, it does not 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. Basically, 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.

Sony, however, has a higher resolution (2560x1600) and a more comfortable aspect ratio for watching movies (16: 9). And both tablets are very thin and light.

Lenovo offers a very interesting model. The Yoga Tablet 3 Pro has not only the 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 screen of the tablet 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 of Samsung and Sony, and the advisability of having a projector (of course, rather weak) is questionable.

Windows and / or tablets larger than 11 inches

An interesting fact: there are practically no tablets with a diagonal of 11 inches or larger on Android. Previously, there was a Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 on sale, but now it is not available either. In fact, the only player in the large-format tablet niche with a mobile operating system is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

What can I say? Highest performance on a mobile ARM platform, superb display, stereo speakers, support for an Apple Pencil that is perfect for professional artists, an attachable cover keyboard for touch-typing ... The price constraint will naturally be the price - right let's say biting. But there is one more problem: with all its advantages, the iPad Pro cannot be called a universal device - just because of the mobile OS (and therefore - the lack of traditional ports and access to the file system). Therefore, the iPad Pro cannot replace the laptop.

Realizing this, Apple's competitors have relied on Windows 10, which, in general, is quite logical. After all, such devices, approaching in size to laptops, already imply 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). Take the Dell XPS 12, for example.

12.5-inch display with 4K resolution (3840 × 2160), 6th generation Intel Core m processors (like in MacBook 12 ″), up to 8 GB of RAM, 64-bit Windows 10 Pro, Thunderbolt interface ... Impressive! As, however, and 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 will not particularly work with Adobe Photoshop or Premier, and, moreover, you will not play. But for demonstrating presentations, working with documents and other professional tasks that do not require high performance, 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 already based on a full-fledged laptop configuration - Intel Core-i generation Skylake, SSD-drive from 128 GB, from 4 GB random access memory. Plus to this - an impressive screen resolution: 2736 × 1824 with a diagonal of 12.3 ″.

True, in the case of Windows, it's not always worth chasing an ultra-high screen resolution, because the interface of far from all Windows programs is optimized to use scaling of 150-200%. And without scaling, all icons and icons will be tiny on a 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 buying such devices, you should pay attention to whether there is a keyboard in the kit or not, because if there is none, then the cost of the keyboard must be added to the price. To use a Windows tablet without a keyboard seems strange to us to say the least.

We have only listed products from the most famous brands here. If you wish, you can pick up something similar from less titled companies. Of course, it will be cheaper. And you can also wait for the appearance of two new players 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 alignment on the market.

conclusions

Having studied the modern tablet market, we can draw several conclusions, which at the same time turn out to be tips for buyers.

First of all, keep in mind that the Android tablet market is in deep decline. First, there hasn't been a single really big announcement over the past year. That is, the manufacturers themselves do not really believe in the prospects of this direction. Secondly, many very good models of 2013-2014 are already problematic 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 from two or three years ago, including at online flea markets and sales. But if you want to keep up with the times and expect to get a really up-to-date device, then look at either iOS or Windows models.

The second point: there is practically no point in purchasing tablets less than 8 inches - only something completely cheap for some specific task (for example, taxi workers). But among the 8-inch models there are already good options, including those on Android (although this does not negate the above about Android tablets in general). But Windows tablets less than 10 inches are not worth taking, since there will not be much sense in this.

But among the models over 11 inches, just Windows tablets seem to us the most interesting solution. The choice here is quite large, and the price range is huge (although top brands do not have very cheap options). True, here you need to think carefully: do you really need a tablet, and is it not 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 are having fun? Still, no matter how Microsoft promotes its tiled interface and Windows Store, for entertainment and purely 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 it generally suits you, that is, it does not slow down, does not bother with external defects, etc., then there is no point in buying a new tablet. You will not get anything qualitatively new.