The estimated reading time for this post is 9 minutes
If choosing a tablet leaves you befuddled, you’re not alone. Tablets are no longer one-size-fits-all, you have lots of options when you’re deciding which tablet is right for you. You need to know what you’re going to be using the tablet for, what each tablet has to offer and what your price range is.
Choosing a tablet is more complicated this year than ever, with the entrance of new tablets on the market. Three years ago, tablets weren’t a hot seller, two years ago the iPad was the only serious contender. Now a variety of tablets are worthy of careful consideration.
Choosing which tablet is best for you involves knowing how you’ll use the tablet, how much you want to spend, and which tablet most closely matches your criteria. This guide will help you sort through the iPad, Nexus, Kindle Fire and Surface tablets so you can see which one is the best fit for you.
You can read my full reviews of the Kindle Fire HD and the iPad Mini for more information on these tablets.
Price
The least amount of money you should budget for a tablet is $199, the price of both the Kindle Fire HD and the Nexus 7. Less expensive tablets exist, but won’t give you the quality you want. The exception to this rule may be the Kindle Fire for $159, but for $40 more, the investment in an HD screen seems like a bargain.
As tablets increase in screen size, storage ability and features, the price of the tablets increases correspondingly. Some features can’t be added later so make sure you get the features you want when you purchase your tablet so you don’t have buyer’s remorse long after you’ve forgotten the price of your tablet.
Lowest List Price for Tablets:
- $329 – iPad Mini – 16 GB
- $199 – Nexus 7 – 16 GB
- $199 – Kindle Fire HD- 16 GB with ads
- $499 – Surface – 16 GB
Screen Size
Tablets come in two basic sizes: small (7-8″) and large (8.9-10.6″). The size you choose will depend on how much you value portability over readability. If your tablet is going to be a workhorse, a smaller screen may not be practical. If you need to take your tablet with you everywhere, you may value being able to slip it in your pocket or purse without a second thought.
Before you decide whether you want a large or small screen, check out tablets at a store. A 7″ screen gives you much less viewing space than a 10″ one.
The iPad, Nexus and Kindle Fire HD all come in small and large sizes. The Surface only comes in one size, 10.6″.
Screen Resolution
You may be able to get away with a smaller tablet if the screen resolution is especially sharp. The Kindle Fire HD and Nexus have exceptionally sharp screen resolution.
Wi-Fi Only vs. Wi-Fi + Cellular Data
If you’ll be away from Wi-Fi networks when you need to connect to the Internet, or find hotel and public Wi-Fi networks unbearably slow, you may want a tablet that has a cellular data plan available.
The iPad (large and Mini) and Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ have models with either Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + cellular data. Figure on $130 extra for getting cellular data capabilities on the iPad and Kindle Fire HD 8.9″. This is a feature that you can’t add after you have made your purchase.
Compare data plans as well. The price of the data plans for the iPad vary based upon the carrier you choose.
Check coverage in the areas where you will be using your iPad, as well as any charges carriers impose for canceling your data plan.
The price of a Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ data plan is:
– 250MB month for 12 months for $49.99/year (no monthly payments). 3GB and 5GB monthly plans are also available.
– $49.99 package also includes: 20GB of additional Cloud Drive, plus a $10 Amazon Appstore promotional credit.
You don’t have to buy a cellular data connection until you need it.
Another consideration is whether your smartphone has tethering capabilities. If you can use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, you may not need cellular data capabilities for your tablet. Check with your mobile phone carrier to find out whether you can add tethering to your smartphone.
Storage
If you like to load your tablet with apps, photos, video or other space-hogging files, you’re going to want to get as much storage on your tablet as you can afford.
The smallest size of most of these tablets is 16 GB. If you store most of your files in the cloud, you may be able to get away with 16 GB but apps are getting larger. A recent study by ABI Research showed that the average file size for gaming apps increased by 42% for iOS apps and quadrupled for Android apps, from March to September of this year.
The Surface tablet starts at a minimum 32 GB size, but the Windows RT operating system and Office take up about half of that space, leaving you with 16 GB available for your files. The good news is that the Surface has an SD slot so you can expand your storage beyond what comes on the tablet.
Apps
While you might use your tablet to browse the Internet and read emails, chances are you will be using apps on your tablet as well. Unlike computers where you can download software programs from many vendors, tablets are mostly dependent on apps from dedicated app stores.
Each tablet has its own app store, although you can load third-party apps onto the Nexus. The most populated app store is the iTunes App Store with over 275,00 apps for the iPad and 600,000 apps for the iPhone, which will also work on the iPad.
The Android App Store, which provides apps for the Nexus, has 500,000 apps but very few of them are dedicated to tablets. The Kindle Fire HD uses the Amazon Appstore for its apps, but those apps also work with most Android phones.
The Surface gets its apps from the Windows store which is brand new and sparsely populated with apps for the tablet. While the selection is expected to grow, check to make sure your essential apps are available before you purchase a Surface.
Camera
A camera adds expense to a tablet for something you may never use. If you have a smartphone, you may already be carrying a camera that is better than the camera you would be getting on a tablet. That being said, you may want a front-facing camera for video chats.
The Nexus, iPad and Surface all have front and rear-facing cameras. The Kindle Fire HD has only a front-facing camera for video chats, it does not take still pictures.
Battery Life
Battery Life on these tablets is fairly comparable. Using cellular data, graphics-intensive apps and watching video can be a strain on battery life but you should be able to have your battery last during a cross-country flight.
Specifications
These charts show you a side-by-side comparison of the specifications of the large and small tablets.
Compare larger tablets:
Compare smaller tablets:
Miscellaneous Features
Each of these four tablets has its benefits beyond what the specifications will tell you. Your lifestyle may determine which feature is the most desirable, your “killer” feature.
For example, the iPad has iMessage, FaceTime, Find My Friends, Airplay, and Siri, plus integrates well with Mac computers. The iPad also has the most apps, which may mean the greatest functionality for you. iPads come with the new Lightning dock connector so older accessories may need a converter or may not work with the new iPads.
The Nexus tablet gives you a lot of tablet for the price and integration with Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive and Google Now.
The Kindle Fire has features for content consumption, such as Immersion Reading, FreeTime, and X-Ray. Amazon Prime members get free videos and books to keep your tablet well supplied with content.
The Surface has hardware that is closer to a computer, with a USB port for connecting peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. You can also use the USB port to charge your other devices and use the tablet as a remote for your Xbox 360 gaming console. Microsoft is scheduled to launch another version of the Surface with the Windows Pro 8 operating system in early 2013.
Which Tablet Is Right For You?
iPad – This tablet has the most versatility of use due to the large number of apps in the iTunes App Store. The iPad may be best for you if use a lot of apps or who want your tablet to be compatible your Mac computer. If you already have a lot of iPhone apps, your iPad will be off to a head start.
Nexus – This tablet may best for you if want a powerful tablet at a low price and if you’re a heavy user of Google products. If you have an Android phone, you may already be well supplied with apps you can use on a Nexus.
Kindle Fire – This tablet is best for you if you want an inexpensive tablet with parental controls and innovative reading features. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get thousands of free videos and Kindle books for your Fire.
Surface – The addition of a keyboard in the cover may make this tablet the best for you if you will do a lot of typing on your tablet. This tablet is best for those who want their tablet to substitute for a laptop, though those with a larger budget may want to wait for the Surface Pro arriving in January.
Also note that if you’re buying a tablet for your children, make sure to ask for their wish list before you make your purchase. According to a recent Nielsen survey, kids ages 6-12 in the US want an iPad more than any other electronic device. Consider advice from Rob Walsh of Today in iOS, “Don’t be the parent who buys their kid an Action Jackson when what they really want is a GI Joe with a Kung Fu grip. Get the iPad.”
Bottom Line
While competition is a good thing, the number of new tablets on the market can make your buying decision challenging. Consider how you will use your tablet and the features and specifications of each tablet. If you can see them in person and try them out you will be better able to decide which tablet is best for you.
Are you in the market for a tablet? Do you or your child have a tablet on your wish list? Which tablet is best for you? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Carolyn,
I was going to ask you about tablets. I need one to take pictures and video, as well as Skype. The problem is always price! The elderly, I think, need a larger screen to have a video chat with their family. The iPad is the best choice because it also scans pictures, I was told, but it’s way out of my budget! So I went to Craigslist and found a few, but my friend advised me not to go there because it wouldn’t have a warranty…
I really appreciate this post! I learned a lot. The answer for me is to go for the best which means start saving!!
Hi Betsy, You’re right, choosing a tablet is a difficult decision. One option you could consider is getting an older model iPad 3 (older meaning earlier this year). Target and Best Buy might have some available. I didn’t discuss the iPad 3 in the article because availability is limited, but that certainly would be an option for you if you can find one.
Hi Carolyn,
I want a Tefal Actifry! There ia one in the Black Friday stuff at a local store, this weekend. I thought about having a Kindle too, then Amazon sent me an email saying the Kindle Fire was on offer for Black Friday! You know I don’t like spending money without an anaesthetic! If they didn’t keep putting up my energy prices it wouldn’t be so bad! I think I’ll go and take a look at the Actifry over the weekend, at least that’s half price.
I used your photograph in my blog on Tuesday. I’ve been using Photoscape to edit with for something different. It’s quite good, at least for landscape and artistic photography.
Hi Mike, Yes, that deep fryer looks pretty cool. Too bad it can’t act as a tablet while it deep fries your food!
Thanks for using my pictures at A Zillion Ideas, Mike!
Hi Carolyn,
I am wanting to get my daughter her own tablet. She is 4 years old and has confiscated my ipad on me! I am worried she is going to break my ipad, and would prefer to get a less expensive gadget for her.
I found the nabi tablet and was wondering if you have done any research on this device or could offer up a suggestion?
Thanks..
Tina
Hi Tina, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I can understand why you’re nervous letting your 4 year old use your iPad. You could get her another tablet or get a protective case for your iPad. Here is an article reviewing protective iPad cases for kids: KEEP YOUR IPAD SAFE AND PROTECTED.
You can also enable Guided Access in the Accessibility section of your iPad (Settings => Accessibility => Guided Access => On) to limit your daughter’s use of the iPad so she doesn’t delete important apps, etc.
Those options will save you money over buying a new tablet for your daughter. If you want to get her a new tablet, you should check out Consumer Reports’ guide to children’s tablets: Review of tablets for kids.
That was a really well written post. I’m not in the market as I have the iPad and iPad II and still use them both. In fact, I purchased a blue tooth keyboard and do a lot of my writing on my iPads, because I love the feel of the keyboard.
If people are planning on doing a lot of typing, then the extra keyboard is great.
Thank you for your kind words, Brian. I can understand how you would enjoy your original iPad and your iPad 2. If your tech is still working well for you, no need to update!
That’s great to know you’re so pleased with the Bluetooth keyboard. It’s on sale today online at the Apple Store.
I don’t type that much on my iPad but if I did, I would definitely get that keyboard. I am horrible at typing on glass!
I am getting the iPad! Though I like the iPad mini, I wanted something larger and I finally decided to go for the iPad. Though I still considered the Galaxy Note and Tab, a lot of people recommended the iPad so I went for my first Apple product! 🙂
I can understand the confusion one goes through while choosing what pertains to your need sand what works for you! I am planning to buy a phone now and am bombarded with options! 😉
Hi Hajra, Very exciting! I am glad you’re getting your first tablet. I think you’ll find it quite useful, especially with your blog.
Yes, while the Mini is enticing with its size and design, I find I use my iPad so much that I need a large screen. My daughter has the Mini and loves it. She uses it all the time but doesn’t mind the smaller screen a bit.
Enjoy your new iPad, Hajra! 🙂
Great comparison Carolyn.
Last weekend I had my hands over a Nexus7. It seems to be a great hardware. And some cool features. Like the widgets can bring most relevant info to you, right when you are in the homepage, so if you’re in a hurry, and need to quickly check, whats the weather like today, latest NFL scores, your number of Facebook notifications, your stock portfolio, then you can customize the homepage like that.
Also, there is Google Now, which keeps track of where you are, and gives the relevant local information.
Sometimes, its little overwhelming, but for the data-freaks, its the choice of tablet.
iPad still wins in the best of the apps, and a matured app ecosystem. A device thats most pleasing to look at, whether you’re watching a movie, skyping, or browsing Facebook, or reading Flipboard or Zite.
Bottomline (and selfishly): No matter what you pick, You can find iRewardChart on all four appstores, including Amazon and Windows Store 🙂
Hi iRewardChart, Yes, it’s very important to make sure your favorite app is available on the tablet you choose. Luckily for parents, they don’t have to worry about iRewardChart (the Best App Ever!) being unavailable on any of these tablets, as it can be found in the iTunes App Store, the Amazon Appstore, Google Play and the Windows Store.
I’m very pleased that the iPad has some competition this year. It’s still a great tablet but it will become even better due to its having competition.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, iRewardChart!
I sure am glad I’m not shopping for one of these or this would be a hard decision to make. But, you definitely have given people a lot to think about and I love your comparisons. You are partial to one or the other when it comes to giving your reviews. I’m sure others appreciate that as well Carolyn.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, the choice of tablets used to be fairly simple. If you wanted a tablet, chances were pretty high that you would go for an iPad. But now the choice is much more complex. I really believe features matter more than specs do so only you will know which one is the best fit for you and how you are going to use it.
Thank you for your kind words, Adrienne, but did you mean “impartial” instead of “partial”? I’m hoping you did because I really do try to be impartial in my reviews. 🙂
Yep Carolyn, I definitely did mean impartial. Guess I got to quick with my typing. 🙂
Thanks for clearing that up, Adrienne! 🙂
Hi Carolyn
Thank you for the review of all these tablets. I have been looking at the Nexus 10 for a while now and I think it looks like you get a lot for your money with that one. The new Surface from Microsoft might also be interesting, but it is a bit expensive compared to the Nexus 10.
Hi Thomas, You’re right, the Nexus and Fire are priced lower than they should be for the quality they offer. The price of the Nexus 10 is only slightly more expensive than the iPad Mini. You get a bigger screen with the Nexus 10 for about $70 more.
Hey Carolyn
A really helpful review of some great looking tablets.
I really like the look of the iPad. I’m not so keen on the larger black borders around the screen on the others, although that is splitting hairs!
I would be torn between the iPad and the Surface. I don’t think I will ever be tempted to get an iMac but I have an iPhone so maybe the iPad and I use a PC, so maybe the Surface. Oh dear!
I think if I bought one anyway, I’d never see it anyway as my wife and kids would use it!
Thanks for a great review Carolyn.
Tim
Hi Tim, Yes, some border is necessary so you can hold the tablet. The iPad Mini has a very narrow frame, but it detects when you’re just holding the tablet as opposed to pressing the screen.
When trying to decide between compatibility with your phone versus your computer, I would vote for the phone. Your phone apps will be compatible with your tablet apps which will save you money, time and aggravation.
Yes, spouses and kids tend to take over tablets. That’s why password protection was invented! 😉
Happy Holidays, my dear friend!
Ok… Now! I need to buy the RIGHT one for Isabella!! 5.5 years old. She absolutely LOVES my Nook, the books that read to her. She LOVES to take pictures and of course, play the simple games. Umm… Would like it to be easy to learn (for me!!) and to use learning games on. If she could watch movies or tv shows, that would be grand, as well…. Whaddya think? Christmas is coming on FAST!! I just finished my book, Carolyn! My Identity Crisis is FINISHED! (Well, the book anyhow! LOL)
Hi Amber-Lee, That’s very exciting that you are almost finished your book. I’m sure you will be delighted when you’re completely finished with it.
So, do you want a tablet for you and Isabella or one just for Isabella? If it’s just for Isabella, you may want to check out the Consumer Reports article: Review of tablets for kids. If it’s for you and Isabella, you may want to consider an iPad with a protective case. Here is an article with reviews of protective cases for the iPad: KEEP YOUR IPAD SAFE AND PROTECTED.
Oh My Goodness Carolyn,
What a great post!!! I was flip-flopping if I should get a tablet or not, but shied away from the situation because once I stepped into a store, I got so confused, I just gave up. It seemed so complicated for me.
Here you have not only shown the different kinds of tablets, but researched the amounts charged for service too! This is the best yet, especially for holiday shopping!
Thanks so much.
Donna
Hi Donna, I’m so glad you found this helpful. You’re right, it can be overwhelming trying to decide between tablets. The most important consideration is trying to find the one that’s right for you.
Please let me know if you have any questions as you’re trying to decide on your tablet, Donna. I think you’ll really enjoy having a tablet, no matter which one you choose!
Hi Carolyn,
Nice comparison and wonderful data consolidation for tablets.
I would like to add Azus Transformer in the list. Past few years Azus performing exceedingly well in display media segment. That’s why Google opt their Nexus tablet hardware from Azus and Google just brand it. (Similar like Motorola mobile)
Technically I love Azus transformer concept and like the docking style. I believe they are the fore runners for this pattern and Windows surface concept just reflects this as well. Hope Azus will dominate the tablet and desktop media hardwares on coming years.
Thanks for sharing the useful info Carolyn.
Hi Manickam, You’re right, the Asus Transformer is a great tablet. I’ve been thinking of reviewing one. Perhaps I will do so shortly. The docking keyboard is very handy and the build quality is great as well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Manickam!
I love my iPad but I could never see myself getting an iPad mini. Guess because I also have an iPhone and Mini is a mid ground between the two so I don’t see any point. I also have Kindle Fire but it really can not come close to the iPad, it is definitely slower. Then again they weren’t made to be direct competitors were they 🙂
I guess I am very bias cause I looooove my iPad (yes, I know I said, but I just do, lol)
Hi Brankica, Yes, if you have an iPad, a Kindle Fire and an iPhone, then there isn’t much need for an iPad Mini. I agree with you, I like the design of the Mini, but I can’t see a need for one in between my iPhone and my iPad.
The Kindle Fire HD is much faster than the Fire from last year. But it still is a very different tablet from the iPad.
The Kindle Fire HD is great! I’m absolutely in LOVE with this thing! It is very user friendly so I didn’t have to go searching the internet for tutorials. If you’re looking to get a tablet I’d recommend the Kindle Fire HD over the other tablets, it really blows them away. 🙂
Hi Jenny, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m glad you like your Kindle Fire so much. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
I currently have an iPad, but I think if kindle fire had been out when I got it I would have gone for that, it seems like great value for money.
Hi Ben, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! The Kindle Fire is a great value for the money, but if you’re pleased with your iPad then there isn’t a need to switch. If the iPad retains its value more in the long run, then you may get the extra money back if you resell it.
Carolyn:
Thank you for this informative post. It seems that the more features and technology companies put into tablets, the more difficult it becomes to buy one.
Have you had a chance to play with the Surface Tablet yet? I’m a heavy PC user, so that’s where I lean, but I would love to hear your thoughts.
Trent
Hi Trent, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, companies are loading more and more features on to tablets, making the decision of which to buy increasingly difficult. But that’s a good problem to have. You just need to figure out which one is the best fit for your lifestyle.
I was just using the Surface earlier today, as a matter of fact. I really like the Surface, I find it very easy to type on with the cover that is more like a keyboard. I have difficulty typing on the cover that’s more like a Smart Cover.
You may want to wait until the Surface Pro comes out to see which of the two if the best fit for you. There are also other tablets that use Windows RT you may wish to consider.
I think the Nexus is a little bit better then the Kindle Fire even though the second one is the first on my list since I really want and need a tablet.
The Ipad and ipad mini are way to expensive and I also don’t really have much love for Apple so I’ll pass.
The real dream is the Microsoft Surface, but I want the improved version, the one with windows 8 installed.
Hi Cristian, You’re right, the Nexus and the Kindle Fire are much less expensive than the iPad or the iPad Mini. Both of those give you a lot of tablet for the money.
Yes, it will be very interesting to see what the Surface Pro has to offer when it arrives. I hope it is priced competitively because then it will be an excellent choice as a laptop replacement.
This Christmas I was planning to gift myself one fully-featured Tablet so that I can keep my blogs updated even when I am at workplace. I searched almost most of the sites for getting the real insights about the features, but the information you’ve provided is considerable. Thanks for providing a perfect distinguish between 3 main tablets I have been thinking about. I guess Nexus 7 is perfect for me. Thanks Carolyn!
Hi David, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I am glad this article was helpful to you. The choice of tablets can be confusing, but the Nexus 7 is a great option at a very reasonable price.
Enjoy your tablet, David!
I’m thinking that the iPad mini is probably the right tablet for me. And that’s because the “regular” iPad is kind of big when I’m carrying it with me. I need a bag. And, the reason I prefer the iPad over all the other iPads is not just that it’s better specifications, but I’m so familiar with iOS and it’s going to be really hard to start using a different system 🙂
Hi Jens, That makes a lot of sense. You have all Apple products so sticking with the iPad is a good idea.
The iPad Mini is very tempting with its design. As you have the 13″ RMBP, I imagine that the larger iPad is probably too close in size to your laptop to make much of a difference.
I will take your advice and wait for the Surface Pro. I wonder what additional features it may have. But I’d really like to wait a couple years until there’s a tablet that has a screen which can fold out to 14″ or something similar. I heard there’s a new bendable phone coming, so these screens should be here sooner than later.
Hi Brian, Yes, it can’t hurt to wait for the Surface Pro. That tablet may have more features than Microsoft has announced as of yet and may be a pleasant surprise. If not, you can still get the Surface RT, but at least you will be making an informed decision.
Yes, a tablet you could fold or roll up would be really cool! :-bd
Nexus is great if you compare with rest of the tablets available in the market today like iPad Mini and Kindle Fire HD. I’m absolutely in love with this thing! It is very user friendly and the interface is outstanding. I didn’t have to go searching the internet for tutorials. If you’re looking to get a Tablet I’d recommend the Nexus over other tablets, it really blows them away.
Hi Martin, I’m so glad that you’re happy with your Nexus. I’m sure you’re making good use of your tablet and I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Hi Carolyn
Thanks for the great comparision between the products, I need to make my choice between Surface and Nexus. Being a Microsoft technologies programmer, I am biased towards that. Rest waiting for setting my budget for the same.
Thanks
Sapna
Hi Sapna, Since you are a Microsoft programmer, you may want to wait for the Surface Pro that’s due out in January. That tablet will run Windows 8 instead of Windows RT so may be more useful to you.
This is a really a helpful post now i am able to select right tablet for me. i am not regular visitor of your website, but after reading this post i will visit your site daily..!!!
thanks for sharing…!!!
Hi Bhavesh, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m so glad you were helped by this article. It’s always great to have new readers at The Wonder of Tech. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us today. 🙂
Honestly they all provide much of the same functionality. It’s all about the ecosystem and your commitment to the brand. That will truly determine the best device for you. Me personally I like the flexibility and the customizability of android while others may like the more fine-tuned polished appeal of iOS
Hi Mario, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Excellent point, it’s all about how you use the tablet. It doesn’t matter how great the screen is if the tablet can’t run the apps you want or if the operating system drives you nuts. Each of these tablets offers value to the user, it’s up to each person to figure out which is best for them!