Saturday 18 November 2017

Android, Apple or Windows, the best tablets of 2017



The best tablets of 2017 and Buying guide


In this article, we've rounded up all our favourite tablets, no matter the budget. Whether you're after Android, Apple or Windows, there's a tablet here for you.

There has been a steady decline in tablets entering the market, with companies such as Microsoft now labelling their tablets or 2-in-1 devices as laptops. Still, tablets are incredibly versatile devices that are great to have around the home, on the go or for the kids to play around with. Surf the internet, tap out a quick email, watch TV via iPlayer or Netflix, play games – tablets are the go-to devices for when you want to sit back and enjoy everything the internet has to offer. However, with hundreds of different models all in different shapes and sizes, not to mention different operating systems and prices, it can be hard to know where to start.

Find your perfect tablet from our list of all the latest Apple, Android and Windows tablets.

Best tablet 2017: Best tablets to buy

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Price when reviewed: £1,189 - Buy now from Amazon
The Surface Pro 4 is a fantastic laptop replacement – it's in a true class of its own. It has one of the best styluses out there and has a lot of processing power for intensive tasks. When used with its keyboard, the Surface Pro 4 becomes a powerhouse multitasking machine, where its integration with Windows 10 really shines through. If you're looking for the ultimate Windows 10 portable experience, the Surface Pro 4 is an excellent choice.
Read Microsoft Surface Pro 4 review for details
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-6300U; Screen size: 12.3in; Screen resolution: 2,736 x 1,824; Storage: 256GB; Size: 201 x 8 x 292mm, Weight: 1.37kg (inc keyboard & power brick); Operating system: Windows 10

2. Apple iPad Pro 10.5in

Price when reviewed: £619 - Buy now from John Lewis
The iPad Pro 10.5in replaces the 9.7in (below), as one of the best tablets Apple has ever made. The tablet is so powerful, that when used alongside its keyboard should be considered as a full-blown computer. This powerhouse runs Apple's latest A10X Fusion chip which will power through anything you throw at it. With an improved resolution, the latest iOS version and increased storage, the 10.5 variant is better in every single way over the 9.7in version. If you have the budget, you won't regret the investment.
Read Apple iPad Pro 10.5in review for details
Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs - Processor: Apple A10X Fusion; Screen size: 10.5in; Screen resolution: 2,224 x 1,668; Storage: 64/256/512GB; Size: 174.1 x 6.1 x 250.6mm; Weight: 469g; Operating system: iOS 10
Microsoft Beats Apple In Tablet Satisfaction

3. Apple iPad Pro 9.7in

Price when reviewed: £499 - Buy now from Currys
The iPad Pro 9.7in was once one of the best tablets Apple had ever made, it has now been surpassed by its predecessors, and has officially been discontinued by Apple. You can still find it through various retailers, but its price might be inflated. Yet, its powerful processor, high-quality screen, speakers and even camera, there's very little competition for the iPad Pro 9.7in. It's smaller than the 12.9in variant, making it much less awkward. It doesn't quite replace a laptop, but its capabilities are vast, making it one of the best tablets on the market today.
Read Apple iPad Pro 9.7in review for details
Key specs - Processor: Dual-core 2.16GHz Apple A9X; Screen size: 9.7in; Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 32/128/256GB; Size: 170 x 6.1 x 240mm; Weight: 437g; Operating system: iOS 10

4. Samsung Galaxy Book

Price when reviewed: £650 - Buy now from John Lewis
The Samsung Galaxy Book is powerful enough to be considered a laptop. There are two models in the product line, the 10.6in that features an Intel Core m3, and the more expensive 12in variant with an Intel Core i5 inside. Depending on your needs and your ideal size, the two tablets provide exceptional value for money. Both come bundled with a fantastic keyboard and stylus, which is a huge plus over Microsoft and Apple's equivalent.
Its beauty doesn't stop there, its display is absolutely flawless. A wide colour gamut results in a vibrant, colour accurate display, which means movies, games and browsing will be an extremely pleasant experience. There's not much to dislike from the Samsung Galaxy Book - if you're looking for the complete package, both the 10.6in and 12in tablets provide a fantastic alternative to the Surface Pro and iPad tablets.
Read Samsung Galaxy Book review for details
Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core Intel Core m3; Screen size: 10.6in; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,280; Storage: 64GB; Size: 179.1 x 8.9 x 261.2mm, Weight: 0.65kg; Operating system: Windows 10

5. Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (2017)

Price when reviewed: £769 - Buy now from John Lewis
The iPad Pro 12.9in is an extremely large tablet with a very high-resolution screen, amazing speakers and an excellent battery life. The 2017 version comes with a new 120Hz ProMotion panel, which is excellent for navigating and sketching on the tablet. If you're an artist or seeking a big tablet, the iPad Pro 12.9in is a fantastic pick.
Read Apple iPad Pro 12.9in review for details
Key specs – Processor: Apple A10X Fusion; Screen size: 12.9in; Screen resolution: 2,732 x 2,048; Storage: 64/256/512GB; Size (WDH): 220.6 x 6.9 x 305.7mm; Weight: 677g; Operating system: iOS 10

6. New Microsoft Surface Pro 5

Price when reviewed: £2,149 - Buy now from Microsoft
The new Surface Pro (a.k.a. Surface Pro 5) is a top-class laptop/tablet hybrid that offers everything you'd ever need. Despite being the best tablet we've ever come across, its price alone will put many off it. Unlike some of its rivals, the new Surface Pro doesn't even include a Type Cover, which will need to be purchased separately for £125.
The new Surface Pro offers a luxurious experience, with a fantastic build and design that oozes quality. Its display is stunning and the blisteringly fast 7th generation Intel Core processor provides plenty of power. We reviewed the model with an i7-7660U inside, but you can save yourself a substantial amount if you were to downgrade to the i5 or m3 models.
If you're looking for the best tablet around that can convert into a fully functional Windows laptop, and have the budget, nothing truly beats the new Microsoft Surface Pro.
Read Microsoft Surface Pro 5 review for details
Buy now from Microsoft
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core Intel Core i7-7660U; Screen size: 12.3in; Screen resolution: 2,736 x 1,824; Storage: 256/512GB, 1TB; Size: 201.42 x 8.5 x 201.42mm, Weight: 0.784kg; Operating system: Windows 10 Pro

7. Apple iPad Air 2

Price when reviewed: £400 - Buy now from Amazon
The iPad Air 2 is a thin and yet powerful tablet for its price. The Air 2 comes with Touch ID and has a relatively fast processor, useful for multitasking and browsing, while its integration with iOS works flawlessly and provides a smooth experience. A worthy tablet, and still a fantastic iPad to purchase. It should be noted that it has since been discontinued, but can still be found through third-party sellers.
Read Apple iPad Air 2 review for details
Key specs - Processor: Tri-core 1.5GHz Apple A8X; Screen size: 9.7in, Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 16/32/64/128GB; Size (WDH): 169.5 x 6.1 x 240mm; Weight: 437g; Operating system: iOS 10

8. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7

Price when reviewed: £400 - Buy now from Laptopsdirect
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 binned its 16:9 display for a 4:3 ratio, making it compete directly with the Apple iPad Air 2. Its resolution and colour accuracy are impressive for a tablet of its size. It runs on Android fluidly and has a premium build quality, making it a great iOS alternative.
Read Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 review for details
Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 1.9GHz + 1.3GHz Samsung Exynos Octa 5433; Screen size: 9.7in; Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 32GB; Size (WDH): 169 x 5.6 x 237mm, Weight: 389g, Operating system: Android 6.0.1

9. Apple iPad mini 4

Price when reviewed: £319 - Buy now from Amazon
The iPad mini 4 is one of the best compact tablets Apple has ever produced. It has a fantastic display, a decent processor and is ultra portable at only 299g. This makes it a great tablet to take on the go. In comparison to other Apple products, the mini 4 is aimed at those who value portability over speed.
Read Apple iPad mini 4 review for details
Key specs – Processor: Dual-core 1.5GHz Apple A8; Screen size: 7.9in; Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 16/64/128GB; Size: 134 x 6.1 x 203mm; Weight: 299g; Operating system: iOS 10

10. Asus ZenPad 3S 10

Price when reviewed: £300 - Buy now from Currys
The Asus ZenPad 3S 10 has a gorgeous design and an impressive IPS display. It's a good iPad alternative, and if found for less than £300, it's a better buy than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7in, which is also highly regarded for its performance.
Read Asus ZenPad 3S 10 review for details
Key specs – Processor: Hexa-core 2.1GHz MediaTek MT8176; Screen size: 9.7in; Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 32GB; Size (WDH): 163.7 x 7.15 x 240.5mm; Weight: 430g; Operating system: Android 6 ZenUI

11. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Price when reviewed: £599 - Buy now from Amazon
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 takes on from the Tab S2. With a Snapdragon 820 processor, the tablet flies through intensive tasks and with its 4GB of RAM multitasking is a breeze. Samsung also includes an S-Pen stylus in the box, which makes it ideal for browsing and sketching.
You might be wondering, though, why does it end up lower down the list over the Tab S2. It's simple, the price. At around £600, it's not a cheap tablet - but if you can afford it and you're in the market for the best Android tablet on the market, get the Tab S3.
Read Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 review for details
Key specs – Processor: Quad-core Snapdragon 820; Screen size: 9.7in; Screen resolution: 2,048 x 1,536; Storage: 32GB; Size (WDH): 169 x 6 x 237.3mm, Weight: 429g, Operating system: Android 7.0

12. Google Pixel C

Price when reviewed: £399 - Buy now from the Google Store
The portable and elegant Google Pixel C is a great tablet for single task working and multimedia playback. It has an impressive battery life and coupled with its keyboard (sold separately), it's great for long commutes. As a Google device, it receives Android updates extremely quickly, and you'll be able to experience true vanilla Android. Unfortunately, its OS does limit its use, meaning it isn't quite a laptop replacement.
Read Google Pixel C review for details
Key specs – Processor: Octa-core 1.9GHz Tegra X1; Screen size: 10.2in; Screen resolution: 2,560 x 1,800; Storage: 32/64GB; Size (WDH): 179 x 7 x 242mm; Weight: 520g, Operating system: Android 6.0.1



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