Apple has done every bit of its best to please readers, students, and professionals and care for their needs. But, incompatibility with non-Apple devices, cost, and lack of memory expansion is enough for users to overlook its amazing features. Tablets are great for certain things, but there is often a better option. You can use a wide array of tablets for several reasons, but these are ideal for kids and students because they are small and easy to carry.
Problems of iPads
- Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room, iPads are costly.
- They are also big and bulky, and while those who like large screens might think it is a positive, it only makes them more prone to damage.
- Then, typing on an iPad can be vastly different from typing on a smartphone.
- Another issue is that some apps might not work on iOS, or might even not be available.
- iPads excel at basic tasks, but no matter how they are advertised, they are not equipped for resource-centric heavy lifting.
- And finally, multitasking can be a bit limited when compared to laptops.
List of the best iPad alternatives
It makes more sense to get a tablet instead of a laptop because they have a limited amount of time to get tasks done, and a tablet is easier to store and travel with. The iPad Pro highlight goes into detail about what you might need it for.
With more and more options out there nowadays, finding the best alternatives to the iPad could take some time. These top iPad alternatives have you covered.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
When people look for a possible alternative to iPads, most subconsciously think of an Android device, which is well justified as Android is the sole competitor for iOS in the smartphone scene. However, things do change when talking about tablets.
Yes, we are talking about the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, a Windows-powered device that stands out owing to its 2-in-1 form factor, enhanced performance, and feeling more like a laptop, which it clearly is.
Thus, the Surface Pro 9 can be the perfect alternative to iPads. It comes with features such as a 13-inch display and supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, allowing for a far better viewing experience. Then, there is also a wider range of accessories you can add to your device to enhance productivity.
The CPU is powered by Intel and can afford advanced levels of multitasking. While all of this makes it a much better option than an iPad, it wins solely because it is a tablet-laptop hybrid.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Now, this is something everyone was already expecting. Samsung has, in the past and even today, continued to compete with Apple on various fronts, including the tablet market. And while its initial offerings were nothing much to talk about, things have changed in the past few years.
Today, Samsung is not only capable of providing a device that can take on the famous iPads, but can also triumph over them, especially when it comes to a powerhouse such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
The tablet sports a vibrant 14.6-inch display that churns out crystal-clear images. It is also powered by the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 CPU, making it one of the fastest devices on the market.
It is equally appealing to both creative thinkers and rigid professionals. The build itself looks and feels premium and promises an exquisite experience.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is a high-end Android tablet with a great viewing experience thanks to its Super AMOLED display. The tablet runs Android 10.0 and can be upgraded to Android 12. It has a 13-megapixel camera that can record 4K video and take photos in RAW format.
Another reason for choosing this device is that it is perfect for reading because of its 12.4-inch screen and up to 512 GB of storage space.
A cheaper alternative to the Apple iPad Pro is Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ which is also available in different memory form factors. It runs on Snapdragon 865 5G+ with a crystal clear display with a resolution of 1752 by 2800 pixels. It also has a microSD card slot, 6 GB/8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB/256 GB of internal storage. Almost any iPad apps will be available on the Google Play Store which you can run on this tablet.
4. Lenovo Duet Chromebook
Lenovo Duet Chromebook is a two-in-one device that can be used as a laptop or tablet. It has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in different positions, and it has a touchscreen display. Lenovo Duet Chromebook has two different modes: one in which it can be used as a tablet and another that can run Chrome OS.
The device has a 10-hour battery life and a full HD screen. It has an excellent pen and a good keyboard. However, the display is not very bright, limiting its use to classrooms and boardrooms. Thankfully, the 10.1-inch screen and 8 MP camera do users justice. Before we depart, we should mention this tablet has 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory.
5. Surface Pro X
Surface Pro X is the newest addition to Microsoft’s Surface Pro line of tablets. It has a sleek design and a powerful A13 Bionic chip and now comes with a built-in Windows 11. It has a 12.3-inch display with a 3000×2000 resolution, and an impressive 8 GB of RAM accompanied by 128 GB internal storage.
The tablet also comes with a stylus pen, sold separately. Surface Pro X does not have a detachable keyboard, and it does not support a stylus pen. This device has all the power of a Surface Pro in a slimmer, lighter form factor that is more portable and convenient. It is highly recommended for professionals who often travel and need a very powerful, full-size tablet with up to 15 hours of battery backup.
6. HUAWEI MatePad Pro 5G
Huawei MatePad Pro is a powerful and versatile tablet perfect for business or personal use. MatePad Pro 5G also features a HUAWEI Kirin 990 5G Eight-core processor and 8 GB of RAM complemented by 256 ROM so that you can run multiple applications at once.
The tablet runs on Android 10.0, having a 13 MP autofocus rear camera with up to 4160×3120 pixels photo resolution and up to 3840×2160 pixels video one. The 10.8-inch display allows you to view large and crisp text, ideal for working on reports or writing documents. MatePad Pro 5G also boasts a USB Type-C connector, which is ideal for professionals looking to charge or connect peripherals with ease.
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Walk in style and let your Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite take notes for you. This is a great tablet for people looking for a budget-friendly option. It has many features that you would find on more expensive tablets, such as a high-resolution display and a fast processor. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite features a 10.4-inch display with a Quad HD resolution for stunning visuals.
The tablet also features 4 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM with MicroSD expandable up to 1 TB. It also features a fingerprint sensor, always useful for unlocking your tablet. A 7040 mAh battery powers the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite to keep up your work on schedule. The device also features a dark reader mode to reduce eye strain for avid readers.
8. Samsung Galaxy S8 Tab Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is the optimal alternative to an iPad. Offering body specifications of 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm, with a stunning 14.6-inch screen sporting a resolution of 1848 x 2960, the tab sits somewhat on the heavier side with a weight of 726g.
Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra runs Android 12 out of the box, with support for further versions. Furthermore, the device packs enough firepower with the latest Snapdragon SM8450 chipset. The tab is available in various models with different RAMs and storage.
The tab also houses a powerful battery of, 11200 mAh, guaranteeing a longer standby and upkeep. The stylish Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is a neck-to-neck competitor of the Apple iPad, but is no cheaper than its competition. It is a great option for gamers as well. You can play any good iPad games on this Samsung beast.
9. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro prides itself on being the thinnest Android Tablet with 2K color support. The tablet has a large 11.5-inch screen and a long battery life. It also has a Quad HD display and comes with Dolby Atmos technology to maximize the quality of your audio. You will also get a long-lasting battery life with the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro.
The tablet is powered by a Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon processor and is available in 128 GB ROM with 4 GB and 6 GB RAM. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has a 13MP rear autofocus 5 MP camera in front. The tablet also has a 1.2 GHz octa-core processor. You will also get 32 GB of internal storage on the tablet to store all your media, apps, and games.
10. Surface Go 2
The 10.5-inch Surface Go 2 is yet another remarkable tablet from Microsoft, bringing all the features in a smaller size. The tablet has a longer battery life than the original Surface Go. The device also has a USB-C, Surface Connect, and a microSD card slot.
The tablet works well with Surface Pen, Surface Signature type cover, Surface Arc Mouse, and Surface Dock. Surface Go 2 has a 5 MP camera on the front and an 8 MP camera on the rear with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The device has 6 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM. Surface Go 2 is powered by an Intel Core m3 processor and comes with Windows 10 S. You can expect up to 10 hours of battery life when using it.
11. HP Chromebook x2 11
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a cheaper yet suitable alternative to the Apple iPad. While technically it is not a tablet, it qualifies for the list as it sports a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet design.
Although its 11-inch display might seem insufficient on a laptop, it is quite sufficient for a tab. As a tab, the Chromebook offers touchscreen support and the latest Android variant suitable for desktop PCs. The screen is a drastic 1440p QHD display and ultra-fast.
Furthermore, Chrome OS is a lightweight yet more suitable platform for a tab, making it a priority choice for many first-time buyers. However, the presence of Chrome OS itself is a disadvantage. It is a fairly new iteration, hence is limited by the selection of apps that can run on the device. Moreover, Chrome OS can run surprisingly well on mediocre platforms, but not all Android Apps can handle such low specifications.
12. Amazon Fire HD 10
The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet boasts an impressive 10.1-inch screen, and it runs on Fire OS 7 based on Android 9. It has a 5 MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. It also features dual stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos audio. The tablet is available in Black, Yellow, and Blue variants.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 device has up to 10 hours of battery juice. It has 4 GB RAM, 32 GB built-in internal storage, and an external microSD card support of up to 64 GB. The tablet is 9.2 mm thick and weighs just 468 grams. This tablet supports USB Type-C 2.0 and fits well within your budget too. The Amazon Fire HD 10 targets consumers who would like to use it for productivity and entertainment purposes.
13. Onyx Boox Note Air 2
Onyx Boox Note Air 2 is a great device for taking notes and recording lectures. The battery life is excellent, and the sound quality is superb, placing it among the leading iPad alternatives in that regard. This is a tablet that can be folded in half. The smart device has a good form factor and is very smooth in operation.
The display size is 10.3 inches and runs on Android 11 OS. It has an exceptional display with a resolution of 1404 by 1872 pixels. Onyx Boox Note Air 2 has 4 GB RAM and an internal memory of 64 GB. The user-friendly tablet weighs just 420 grams and has a 3000 mAh battery, ensuring a solid period of usage.
14. Onn. 8-inch Tablet
This 8-inch tablet is a great device for enjoying your favorite media. It has a high-resolution display and a fast processor, so you can easily watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, and play games. The tablet’s weight is just 190 grams, and it has an excellent processor with four cores at 2.0 GHz.
This tablet is available on the market for only $69.99. The tablet has a front camera, and it is great for video calls, such as over Skype and FaceTime. With a resolution of 1280×800 and a 9-hour battery backup, you can enjoy your favorite activities in the comfort of your home.
Comparison of the iPad Alternatives
| Product | Display Size | Operating System | Processor | RAM | Storage | Battery Life | Weight | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | 13-inch | Windows | Intel CPU | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | 2-in-1 form factor, Laptop-like feel |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | 14.6-inch | Android | Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Premium build, Fast performance |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ | 12.4-inch | Android | Snapdragon 865 5G+ | 6GB/8GB | 128GB/256GB | Varies | Varies | Super AMOLED display, Upgradable OS |
| Lenovo Duet Chromebook | 10.1-inch | Chrome OS | MediaTek CPU | 4GB | 128GB | Up to 10 hours | Varies | 2-in-1 design, Touchscreen display |
| Surface Pro X | 12.3-inch | Windows 11 | A13 Bionic | 8GB | 128GB | Up to 15 hours | Varies | Sleek design, Windows 11, Stylus pen |
| HUAWEI MatePad Pro 5G | 10.8-inch | Android 10.0 | HUAWEI Kirin 990 5G | 8GB | 256GB | Varies | Varies | Powerful processor, 5G connectivity |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | 10.4-inch | Android 10.0 | Exynos CPU | 4GB | 64GB | Up to 13 hours | Varies | Budget-friendly, S Pen support |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 Tab Ultra | 14.6-inch | Android 12 | Snapdragon SM8450 | Varies | Varies | Varies | 726g | High-end specs, Large battery |
| Lenovo Tab P11 Pro | 11.5-inch | Android 11 | Qualcomm Snapdragon | 4GB/6GB | 128GB | Varies | Varies | 2K display, Dolby Atmos audio |
| Surface Go 2 | 10.5-inch | Windows 10 S | Intel Core m3 | 6GB | 128GB | Up to 10 hours | Varies | Compact size, Surface Pen support |
| HP Chromebook x2 11 | 11-inch | Chrome OS | Intel CPU | Varies | Varies | Up to 10 hours | Varies | 2-in-1 design, Touchscreen display |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | 10.1-inch | Fire OS (Android 9) | MediaTek CPU | 4GB | 32GB + MicroSD | Up to 10 hours | 468g | Affordable, Dolby Atmos audio |
| Onyx Boox Note Air 2 | 10.3-inch | Android 11 | Unspecified CPU | 4GB | 64GB | Varies | 420g | Excellent for note-taking, Long battery |
| Onn. 8-inch Tablet | 8-inch | Android | Quad-core CPU | Varies | Varies | Up to 9 hours | 190g | Affordable, Good for media consumption |