Best tablets: Overview
What's the best tablet for 2012? Today's latest tablets compared and rated - constantly updated
Tablets are taking the world by storm. Just a few years ago they were an unknown for many people, but nowadays you've got more choice than you can shake a mildly agitated badger at.
And with choice comes decisions - difficult decisions. Do you eschew Apple's high prices, join the Android brigade and find the best iPad alternative? Or do you give in to near-perfection and the get the new iPad or iPad mini?
Luckily, we've made it easy for you and pulled together the top 10 tablets of the moment available in the U.S. We'll be constantly updating this list as new players enter the market and the older ones fizzle out.
For those of you who are still new to the whole tablet game, let us fill you in on what one is:
In general terms, today's tablet computers sport touchscreens ranging in size from 7- up to 13-inches. These dimensions are by no means static, and boundaries can be blurred as smartphones get larger displays, a la the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 2.
Physical keyboards are also a rarity, but there are the exceptions such as the Asus Transformer Prime and newer Asus Transformer Pad Infinity, which come with a keyboard dock for the tablets, but there's a new kid on the block in the form of the Microsoft Surface.
Apps
As with today's best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets once you've decided which of these tablets if right for you, check out our top app lists so you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.
- Top 200 best Android apps
- Top 200 best iPad apps
If none of the top 10 tablets here pique your interest then head on over to our tablet reviews pages, where you'll find in-depth reviews for many more models.
Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 (and whether you think we've got the order wrong) in the comments below.
Number 10: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
10. Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Release date: October 2011
Price today: $429 (16GB)
OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
Compare Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 prices
Before the onslaught of the tiny budget tabs, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 cut a lonely figure at the smaller end of the tablet market.
Based on its bigger brother the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Tab 8.9 provides another decent Android tablet experience, with a lighter body, but with a sacrifice in screen size, of course.
The smaller and lighter Galaxy Tab 8.9 is great for reading books, checking email and browsing the web, and since it trumps the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook and Acer Iconia Tab A100, it's able to deliver reasonable movie playback too.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is great for those who want an e-book reader with extra media functions, or for those who are more conscious of weight than screen size.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 review
Number 9: Apple iPad 2
9. Apple iPad 2
Release date: March 2011
Price at launch: from $499
Price today: $399 (16GB Wi-Fi) / $529 (16GB Wi-Fi & 3G)
OS: iOS 6
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
Compare Apple iPad 2 prices
Buy direct from Apple
For a whole year the iPad 2 reigned supreme, usurping the original iPad and setting the standard for all other tablets to aspire to.
However, as the Apple product cycle goes, one year later and there's already a new kid on the block, the cleverly named the new iPad. Only six months later the iPad 4 stole its thunder - crazy times, indeed.
It's not all bad news though. The iPad 2 still offers a top tablet experience with access to the huge app store and iTunes libraries, and while the screen is not the Retina Display of its successor, it's gosh darn good.
Quick verdict
No longer number one, the iPad 2 is still an excellent tablet, and at its reduced price, is perfect for anyone longing for a bit of iPad action, but unable to stretch their budget to the new iPad. Shame it's only officially available in 16GB now and doesn't pack Siri.
- iPad 2 review
Number 8: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
8. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Release date: September 2012
Price at launch: from £399
Price today: $449.99 (16GB), $499.00 (32GB)
OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
TechRadar review: 4/5
Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 prices
What's better than a tablet with a big screen? A tablet with a big screen, a quad core processor and the might of the S Pen... known as a stylus to me and you.
Well, not just a stylus - with many levels of pressure sensitivity and the ability easily sketch and annotate on a wide range of items, the Galaxy Note 10.1 offers so much more than your average tablet.
We're huge fans of this alternative choice here, and it even comes with a microSD slot to boot.
Quick verdict
Sure, it's a bit expensive, the screen quality is lower than we've seen from Samsung in the past and the build quality is somewhat lower than the competition. But this is still a fabulous tablet that many workers constantly forced to use a paper and pen will love to try out.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review
Number 7: Microsoft Surface
7. Microsoft Surface
Release date: November 2012
Price at launch: $499.00 (32GB tablet only) $599.00 (32GB with Touch Cover) $699.00 (64 GB with Touch Cover)
OS: Windows RT
TechRadar review: 4/5
Buy direct from Microsoft
What do you do when you think your manufacturers aren't making good enough hardware? Design and create your own, of course... and that's what Microsoft has done here.
The Surface has a great build and the built-in kickstand is a key part of the device. It provided us with plenty of pleasing moments when we momentarily searched for a place to prop up our tablet before remembering there was no need.
Two types of keyboard, support for SD cards and the ability to choose multiple versions of Windows make this a powerhouse tablet that will unleash the power of Windows 8 to many.
Quick verdict
Microsoft's hardware designers should be applauded for delivering a solid tablet which delivers a great experience, but now it's down to the fortunes of the Windows Store to decide whether Microsoft Surface is remembered in history.
- Microsoft Surface review
Number 6: Amazon Kindle Fire HD
6. Amazon Kindle Fire HD
What's better than a modern tablet with a quad core processor? One that costs just $199. That's right: the power of the Kindle brand has been mated with an HD screen and it won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Coming in at 16GB and 32GB flavors, the Kindle Fire HD is sure to be a big hit, bringing the simplicity of the e-book range to the tablet arena, with dedicated space to access your movies, games, apps and music too.
It's a little simplistic for some, but for others it's the perfect mix of curated content and easy to use interface - and despite the price, it's got a decent build quality, too.
Quick verdict
For casual tablet users or those already knee-deep in Amazon's digital media abyss, the Kindle Fire HD is a fantastic option, especially at the low entry price. It offers a simple and uncomplicated experience through and through, and is built to support the digital media it aims to sell you, with an excellent screen (for a 7-incher) and surprisingly able speakers.
- Amazon Kindle Fire HD review
- Buy Amazon Kindle Fire HD direct from Amazon
Number 5: Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
5. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
If it wasn't for the higher price, the Infinity would be a real contender for the top spot. It's got everything you could want in a tablet - and a keyboard dock that comes standard, too.
With the latest version of Android on the way, a simple interface and more ports than you can poke with a stick, the Infinity is the tablet that can handle anything you can throw at it.
Add in the Super IPS panel with a tremendous resolution, and you can see why this is a tablet to rate very highly - especially if you're fond of typing on the go but also crave the simplicity of a slate.
Quick verdict
Everything we'd look for in a high-end tablet is present and accounted for with the Transformer Pad Infinity.
While power is always welcomed, it was the improved screen that really caught our attention. Given that we use our tablet mostly for browsing the web and watching video, we couldn't help but marvel at the resolution, either. if you're looking for a top Android tablet (and have the cash to splash), then the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity should be at the top of your list.
- Asus Transformer Pad Infinity review
- Compare Asus Transformer Pad Infinity prices
Number 4: Google Nexus 10
4. Google Nexus 10
Release date: November 2012
Price at launch: $254.99
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
The 10.1 display is one of the biggest talking points on the Google Nexus 10. At 300 pixels per inch it's the highest resolution tablet display on the planet - take that Apple and your Retina screens.
It's a great performer too. Other than taking a while to process panoramic photos, we never felt like it was struggling to keep up. It's fast and smooth no matter what you throw at it.
Sure it may not be as stunning to look at, or as well built as an iPad, and the lack of expandable memory will irk some, but overall the Nexus 10 gives you a quality, big-screen Android experience not to be sniffed at.
Quick verdict
The Google Nexus 10 is easily one of the best Android tablets on the market. While it's not quite as fantastic a value as the Nexus 7, it certainly gives Apple's high-priced iPad 4 a run for its money. For the price you're paying, you won't be disappointed.
- Google Nexus 10 review
Number 3: Google Nexus 7
3. Google Nexus 7
Release date: July 2012
Price at launch: from $254.99
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
Compare Google Nexus 7 prices
With a quad-core processor, beefy 12-core GPU and the first device to run Android Jelly Bean, the Google Nexus 7 certainly packs a punch.
The 7-inch HD IPS display means you can easily hold the Nexus 7 in one hand, making it a perfect reading device, as well as a great portable entertainment machine.
Then consider the 16GB version is available for just $254.99 and you'll start to realise that this might well be the bargain of the century - the 32GB model is still a steal at $285.00.
OK, so there are a few shortcomings, such as the lack of 3G support for on-the-go data, no microSD card slot, meaning you're stuck with 16GB at most, and no rear camera - although we still think tablets shouldn't replace your cameraphone or point-and-shoot snapper.
For the ultimate tablet experience, the Google Nexus 7 gets close, but doesn't quite hit the mark of Apple's offerings. But as a cheap alternative you can't really go wrong.
Quick verdict
The Google Nexus 7 is the best budget Android tablet on the market. Nothing in its price range is able to touch it, although Apple has managed to have the last laugh with the iPad Mini.
If you're looking for a tablet that won't put you in the poor house, but provides enough power to keep your lights on, then look no further the Google Nexus 7 is the tablet for you.
- Google Nexus 7 review
Number 2: iPad 4
2. iPad 4
Release date: October 2012
Price at launch: from $499
OS: iOS 6
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
Compare Apple iPad 4 prices
We reckon the new iPad 4 is the best full sized tablet out there.
The stunning Retina Display is certainly the highlight of Apple's latest tablet. Only the Google Nexus 10 offers higher ppi.
It may be slightly bigger and heavier than the iPad 2, but with a bigger battery, beefed up processor and dat screen, you can hardly blame Apple for this plus it still keeps the famous iPad styling that has become something of a cult classic.
The price tag is eye-watering, however, and the lack of widgets and customisation will put some people off, but there are plenty of Android tablets that can satisfy your need for tweaking.
The Android experience cannot compete when it comes to dedicated apps, with the App Store rising head and shoulders above the competition, offering reams of quality applications made especially for the iPad.
Quick verdict
Dodgy name aside, the new iPad is the crème de la crème of the tablet market. The eye-popping Retina Display is something to behold, the vast array of tablet apps in the App Store is something Google Play can't touch, and the OS simply just works.
If your pockets are deep and your need is great, then the new iPad 4 is the tablet for you - and the tablet that all other 10-inch offerings are compared to.
- iPad 4 review
Number 1: iPad mini
1. iPad mini
UK release date: November 2012
Price at launch: from $329
OS: iOS 6
TechRadar review: 4.5/5
Compare Apple iPad mini prices
Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs famously slammed small tablets a few years back, leading many to believe the Cupertino-based firm would never dabble in the budget end of the market, but here we are.
In terms of consistency in the tablet market Apple cannot be matched, as it now lays claim to the first two places in our top 10, with the iPad mini the jewel in an already glistening crown.
The slight downsides to the iPad mini are that it misses out on a Retina display and it pushes the upper end of the budget price bracket, but you can justify that price with its slick operation and premium build quality, letting you know you have a top piece of kit in your hand.
Quick verdict
"The iPad mini is the best iPad Apple has ever created" - need we say more? That's the official verdict from our in-depth review. If you have the extra cash to spend on the iPad mini over the likes of the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD, you won't be disappointed.
- iPad mini review
New tablets 2012 - what's coming up?
New tablets 2012 - what's coming up?
This top 10 of tablets is by no means the be all and end all. There are plenty of new tablets to get excited about this year, which could challenge the iPad mini for top spot.
If none of the tablets in our top 10 take your fancy then maybe you will be enticed by the ones we could see later this year.
Windows 8 tablets
The Microsoft Surface is already in our top 10, but a number of manufactures are keen to get in on the Windows 8 tablet action, with the likes of Samsung, Asus, HP, Dell, Nokia and Lenovo all reported to be working on one. So expect a flurry of new devices to arrive towards the end of 2012 and the start of 2013.
Read more: Windows 8 tablets: what you need to know
Sony Xperia Tablet S
Thinner, lighter, faster and more powerful than the original Tablet S, the Sony Xperia Tablet S builds on the unique folded-book design which the Japanese firm is so fond of.
Stock is currently delayed due to a faulty part which lets in water, tarnishing the tablet's waterproof claims. There's no firm Sony Xperia Tablet S release date yet, but we expect to see it towards the end of 2012, or in early 2013.
Read more: hands on Sony Xperia Tablet S review
Asus Padfone 2
Is it a phone? Is it tablet? Is it a netbook? Asus is covering every base imaginable with the Padfone in the hope to gain a big win in three markets at the same time. Will it pay off? Who knows, but it's certainly an interesting concept.
Read more: hands on Asus Padfone 2 review
BlackBerry PlayBook 2
Not to be confused with the PlayBook 2.0 software upgrade for BlackBerry's initial tablet, the PlayBook 2 is set to run the new BB10 software RIM has spent a year and a half developing.
BB10 is expected to launch later this year and we hope RIM makes a marked improvement on the first PlayBook, which had several key flaws leading to poor sales.
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