Tablets are the middle point between mobile phones and computers. Larger than smartphones and smaller than laptops, tablets offer a blend of phone and laptop functions. In this article, we discuss 8 crucial tips to keep in mind when buying a tablet.
Consider the Operating System
The best tablets generally serve an identical range of functions. However, one factor that could make or mar your tablet experience is the tablet’s operating system. The two major operating systems for tablets are Apple’s iOS, found only on iPads, and Google’s Android found on non-Apple tablets.
Apple’s iOS offers a smooth experience for non-technical users. However, it does not afford users the same freedom that Android tablet users enjoy in terms of applications and customization.
Battery Capacity is Important
Whether you are buying a tablet or a mobile phone, you should always consider the device’s battery capacity. Like other portable devices, tablets run on rechargeable batteries. Hence, the level of productivity you will get from your tablet is largely dependent on how long the battery can last after a full charge. Depending on the nature of use and how often you will find yourself away from charging outlets, you should get a tablet that lasts at least 8 hours after a full charge.
Size and Weight Matters
Yes, size does matter when it comes to tablets. It is a given that tablets are bigger than phones. Yet, you do not want a tablet that rivals a laptop in size. A tablet is meant to be an abridged laptop with the full range of a phone’s functionalities. We used to have only 7-inch and 10-inch tablets, but now there are tablets within and above the 7-inch and 10-inch range.
The size of a tablet also matters because you will usually hold the tablet when using it. If it is too weighty, using the tablet becomes a laborious endeavor.
RAM
A tablet’s RAM determines how efficiently the tablet handles multiple tasks simultaneously. 2 GB RAM tablets used to be the fad in the past. But now, such tablets are not quite capable of efficiently handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The minimum RAM capacity you should aim for when buying a tablet should be 3 GB. However, there are 4 GB, 6 GB, and 8 GB RAM tablets in the market too, and they could cost slightly more.
Display
An erroneous assumption among tablet users is that the larger the screen, the better its display. A large screen is a good feature in a tablet, but the resolution is even more important. The resolution determines the quality of images displayed on the screen. Thus, tablets with high screen resolutions have better displays.
Connectivity
To get the best out of a tablet, a good internet connection is crucial. A tablet can connect to the internet via cellular networks or WiFi. For cellular networks, the connection could be 3G, 4G, or 5G. A 3G connection should be the barest minimum. Anything less than this will result in slow internet speed. A good tablet should ideally support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands for a WiFi connection.
Storage Capacity
You will likely be storing a ton of files on your tablet, and you need a commensurate storage capacity to hold it all. Gone are the days where tablets with 8 GB of storage capacity were considered ideal. With new technologies, the quality and size of media files have shot up. Thus, a good tablet should have a storage capacity of at least 64 GB for optimal performance.
Budget
Finally, your budget determines the tablet you eventually buy. Having digested all the tips mentioned so far, you have to check your budget. If your budget falls short of your desired tablet, you may want to prioritize some features over others and buy a tablet within your budget range.