We choose the tablet correctly and with pleasure. Which tablet company is better to choose and buy? Which tablet computer is better to buy

Tablets have taken a significant place in the global electronics market. Along with smartphones, they are in huge demand. Among the large assortment of devices it is difficult to decide which one to buy. To understand how to choose a tablet, you need to study its technical characteristics, cost and capabilities.

How to choose a tablet in 2019

It is difficult to surprise the modern consumer with the functionality of mobile electronics. Recent developments make it possible to use technology not only as an apparatus for telephone conversations or gameplay, but also as a camera, video player, player, WiFi router. When buying a tablet, you should pay attention to the complex properties, as well as the cost and the manufacturing company:

• display;
• battery;
• chipset;
• assembly;
• camera;
• Memory;
• wireless interfaces.

To simplify the choice, we offer detailed overview characteristics of a quality device.

Classification

All buyers purchase a tablet for specific purposes. Someone for work, someone for games, and someone needs it for entertainment. There are several classifications of the device:

• budget. These are inexpensive, but good tablets with a minimum set of functions - Internet, multimedia, camera, calls, SMS. Such devices are produced by most manufacturers. Their cost does not exceed 5 thousand rubles;
• for a child. Modern children skillfully use any electronics - they play, watch cartoons, listen to audio fairy tales. For them, it is recommended to buy a device with good screen, sound and the ability to block web surfing;
• working. On the tablet it is convenient to work with documents, check mail, conduct business correspondence or video conferences. That is why you need a large display, a camera, excellent communication and a capacious battery;
• game. Gamers have long chosen the tablet as a gaming gadget due to big size screen. For comfortable gameplay, when buying, you need to clarify the presence of a powerful processor, a video accelerator and an energy-intensive battery;
• image. This includes top devices from leading companies. They have a recognizable design and high cost, but the quality is an order of magnitude higher than other devices.

operating system

An important criterion for choosing a tablet is the built-in operating system. There are 3 platforms in total: Android, iOS, Windows. Each of them has its own characteristics and principle of operation.

Android is owned by Google and occupies more than 60% of all devices. The system is easy to use, supports all modern features and is absolutely free. Android tablets have preinstalled services Google:

• Chrome;
• YouTube;
• Gmail
• Google Play;
• hangouts;
• Translator;
• Cards.

IOS was created by the developers of the Apple brand and is installed only on branded products. Required Programs, applications, multimedia can be downloaded from the online store App Store. The platform does not require high technical performance, but often you will have to pay for licensed versions of downloads.
Windows - adapted for mobile version Microsoft operating system. It differs by the presence of programs installed by default, and also lags behind Android and iOS in terms of functionality.

Screen

When deciding which tablet to choose, you should pay attention to the screen and its properties. The most important points to learn about the display:

• diagonal;
• permission;
• matrix type;
• color range;
• coating.

Now it is difficult to surprise users with the size of the display. Tablets come in all sizes:

• small - diagonal from 6 to 7.9 inches;
• medium - 8 to 9 inches;
• large - from 10 inches.

In order for the picture to look clear and not blurry, the screen resolution must correspond to its diagonal. The higher the pixel density and the number of dots, the better the image quality.
For small screens, WSVGA 1024×600 resolution is optimal. Medium displays reproduce a comfortable image at HD 1280 × 720. Larger devices require fullHD 1920x1080 or QuadHD 2560x1440.
The matrix should be chosen based on financial capabilities. The most expensive one is AMOLED, which allows the picture to look colorful and saturated, and in bright sunlight not to be covered with glare. IPS and LPS matrices are also acceptable, which are responsible for detailing.

Internal stuffing

The interaction of the processor and graphics accelerator is responsible for the performance, speed and gaming potential of the device. To choose the right tablet, you need to know the capabilities of the chipset.

Processor power depends on the number of cores and is measured in GHz. There are tablets 1-core, 2-core and 4-core. For a child, one or two cores will be enough. For work, study or gameplay, you need two, and preferably 4 cores. The recommended minimum power is 1.2 GHz per core.
A 3D graphics editor or video accelerator affects the quality and smoothness of graphics in games, heavy applications. Often, manufacturers do not indicate the accelerator in the instructions. It can be found in the "GPU Renderer" settings.
The fastest and most powerful 3D accelerators for tablets:

• Adreno;
• Power VR;
• ARM Mali-T;
• Tegra K1.

Memory

The RAM of the tablet allows you to install programs and use them without freezing. Inexpensive models have 512MB or 1GB of memory. To use the device more productively, you need at least 2GB.
It is also worth considering the amount of free space. Usually pre-installed software takes up 30-60% of the RAM. Overflowing memory can cause the gadget to freeze or stop the entire operation.
The second memory, built-in, has a larger size - in modern devices it ranges from 8GB to 256GB. The optimal volume is 32-64GB, which is enough for smooth operation of the menu, fast loading, storage of heavy media files.
Any tablet supports memory cards that increase the internal space of the device. Usually the manufacturing company specifies the maximum available volume. OTG technology is supported by top versions and allows you to connect HDD, flash drives without connecting to a PC.

Battery

Duration battery life depends on the installed battery. Its power is measured in mAh - the higher the figure, the longer the battery lasts. It is necessary to select a suitable energy intensity depending on the dimensions and functionality.

A gaming gadget requires a large supply of energy, so a battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh or more will be ideal. If you do not intend to constantly wear the device outside the home, you can choose an inexpensive tablet with modest characteristics. But it is impossible to move away from the outlet for longer than 5 hours.
Having picked up a suitable screen diagonal, you can focus on the following numbers:

• 6-7 inches - 3200-4000 mAh;
• 8-9 inches - 4600-6500 mAh;
• from 10 inches - from 7500 mAh.

Now many mobile devices support Quick Charge options - fast charging, or power bank - wireless charger. They allow the tablet to keep a charge for a long time, as well as share it with other gadgets.

Camera

Tablets are rarely used as cameras. Developers install the simplest lenses with minimal functions and modes. Photos can be taken amateur. The average resolution of the rear camera is 5-8 megapixels.

The front camera plays an important role in video calls or conferences. Must be selected from 5 MP for accurate image transmission without noise or pixels.
Video shooting is preferred in full HD format. Do not forget about the number of frames per second - it should be as high as possible.

We continue the cycle of our materials-guides for choosing mobile devices. After articles about fitness bracelets and smart watches, we decided to summarize our experience in testing tablets in one article. We will periodically update the article and re-publish it, so you can always find it here. up-to-date information, description best models on this moment and current prices.

The fashion for tablets turned the IT industry upside down in 2010 thanks to the appearance of the Apple iPad (everything that was earlier cannot be called a mass phenomenon), reached its peak in 2012-2013 and has since begun to fade. Already in 2015, there was a clear feeling that everyone was tired of tablets - both manufacturers and the public. And even the release of the iPad Pro could not reverse the trend.

However, fashion is fashion, and no one has canceled everyday needs and tasks. Over the few years during which almost all families have acquired tablets, users have become accustomed to the fact that it is convenient to read books, surf the Internet, scroll through social networks and mail (especially when lying on the couch or in bed), watch videos and movies, play games on such devices. some types of games... It is worth noting that tablets turned out to be an ideal device for children: it is with them that most of those born at the end of the 2000s begin their acquaintance with technology.

In general, whatever one may say, the tablet is a useful and pleasant thing. Maybe it's not as necessary as a smartphone, and not as versatile as a laptop, but if it's possible to get at least one tablet per family, it's worth it. And therefore, the question of choice arises. Yes, and existing tablet users sooner or later face the need to update the device - either because of the breakdown of the old one, or because of its obsolescence (which, however, is slower than in the case of smartphones).

So, if you decide to buy a tablet, you need to answer the main question: why and where will you use it in the first place (or are these already two questions? ..). The answer to two other fundamental questions depends on the answer: on what operating system the tablet will be and with what screen size.

You can write separate large articles about the nuances of choosing between different operating systems and screen sizes, but we will not go into details here and will try to highlight the main thing. With operating systems, it all comes down to whether you plan to use a tablet as a full-featured replacement for a laptop or not. That is, if you are going to travel with him on business trips, open and edit MS Office documents, run some professional programs type Adobe Photoshop or 1C Accounting (at least occasionally), then it makes sense to purchase a tablet on Windows.

But if the tablet is supposed to be used for entertainment (games, especially for children, videos, reading books and magazines, social networks ...), then in this case you should look towards iOS / Android devices.

As for the diagonal, the key point here is the place of use. For home use, especially if the tablet is purchased for children or the elderly, a diagonal of about 10 inches is optimal. For constant carrying with you, it is more convenient to use smaller devices (for example, if you get to work by train or take the subway for a long time, then it is most convenient to read on a tablet with a screen diagonal of about 8 inches). Well, diagonals over 11 inches are already designed for that rather narrow category of users who use a tablet for professional tasks, but need a tablet, not a laptop. These can be artists, lecturers, etc. Finally, if you buy a tablet on the principle of “let it be, but there will be a use” and cannot decide in advance on the format of use, then take a device with a diagonal of about 10 inches, this is the most versatile option.

Now, having decided on the diagonal and operating system, we can go directly to the selection. We decided to categorize exactly diagonally, while placing Windows tablets in a separate category, since they have their own specifics, which are even more significant than, in fact, the diagonal.

We will immediately warn you that we did not include in the article the products of little-known Chinese brands and their Russian "avatars", because we cannot vouch for their reliability and durability, and, besides, there are a huge number of them, and they replace each other rapidly, so if you really want to save money, choose at your own peril and risk, focusing on the characteristics and reviews.

Tablets 8 inches or smaller

The most famous compact tablet is, of course, the iPad mini. Although Apple for a long time did not recognize a diagonal smaller than 9.7 inches (it was Jobs who considered it ideal), Tim Cook did not want to give the compact tablet market to competitors. So appeared iPad mini, and if the first model turned out to be inferior to the large iPad in all respects, then already in the second generation iPad mini acquired a Retina screen and a very powerful hardware stuffing.

Since then, two more updates have been released: one is cosmetic (iPad mini 3), and the second (i.e. iPad mini 4) is more serious. But still, the iPad mini 2 remains a very relevant option, optimal in terms of price and quality. So, the cheapest version (with 16 GB of internal memory and without LTE) can be found cheaper than 20 thousand rubles.

Of course, if you plan to actively use the tablet for taking photos / videos, then 16 GB is not enough, but this is enough as a portable reader and a compact game console (again, if the games are not several gigabytes and not a dozen, but smaller). The best option is perhaps 64 GB. But a good compromise in the case of the iPad mini 2 can be a 32-gigabyte version (in newer generations this option is no longer available).

Among Apple's competitors, Samsung has the widest range of compact tablets. There are models for every taste and budget, although most of them, of course, occupy the lower segment. In this article, we will not recommend tablets with a screen resolution lower than Full HD, because, in our opinion, in 2016 you can refuse normal image clarity only if there is simply no opportunity to buy more expensive models. And if, in principle, there is money and you want to choose some reasonable option, then you can save on everything except the quality of the screen. And although a high resolution does not always mean that the screen is really good, but the inverse relationship is undeniable: 1280 × 800 or 1024 × 768 clearly indicate that they saved money on the screen.

So, returning to Samsung models we would recommend Galaxy Tab S2 8.0. The option is not the cheapest, but interesting, first of all, the Super AMOLED screen (which means that there will be bright juicy colors and high energy efficiency when reading on a black background), which competitors cannot boast of, as well as a fingerprint scanner and current version Android (6.0 Marshmallow).

Another interesting iPad mini alternative is the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Water resistance attracts attention here (of course, we do not recommend using it under water, but lying with it on the beach without fear of sand and sea spray is quite possible. Add to this the minimum weight (270 grams) and quite powerful stuffing(Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 3 GB random access memory) - and get a great option, especially for fans of the Sony brand.

By the way, an important nuance: the iPad mini and samsung galaxy The Tab S2 8.0 screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio. And at Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact- 16:9. The first is more convenient for the Internet, the second - for watching movies.

An interesting decision (primarily in the field of design) - Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2. This tablet has a stand along the long side of the case, and the center of gravity of the device is shifted to it. Therefore, without additional accessories, you can set the tablet in a comfortable position for watching movies or reading, or place it on a table so that its side farthest from you rises slightly above the table. This convenient option to print on the virtual keyboard.

Specifications Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2 are not bad, but android version- old (4.4), and this, of course, is a minus. But the price is also low.

As you have already noticed, all the models that we talked about in this section have a screen diagonal of about 8 inches. But what about the seven-inch models? Of course, they are also on the market, especially in the budget segment. But today it seems inappropriate for us to purchase them, since their display is not much larger than that of tablet phones with a screen of 5.5-5.7 inches, but using them as a smartphone is already inconvenient. That is, neither here nor there.

Tablets with a diagonal of 9 to 10 inches

Of course, we start with the iPad - for past release first iPad For six years, Apple has never lost its leadership in the tablet market (as opposed to the smartphone market). And the 9.7″ iPad remains the de facto standard.

True, among the current models, Apple has two options: iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7″. The Pro's trumps are support for a keyboard cover and a stylus (but they need to be purchased separately, and they are expensive), a more productive SoC, stereo speakers, and a better camera.

But iPad Air 2 without all this remains an excellent choice, while the price for it is significantly lower. In general, we recommend the iPad Air 2, and only if you are sure that you need the above features, then take iPad Pro. In our opinion, the price/performance ratio of the iPad Air 2 is much better.

The competitors are the same: Sony, Samsung, Lenovo, as well as Huawei, whose MediaPad M2 10.0 seemed like a good alternative to the iPad Pro 9.7″. Let's start with him. Like the iPad Pro, the Huawei tablet allows you to use a pressure-sensitive stylus (there are versions of the tablet with and without a stylus on sale). In addition, the tablet has a fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers. And in general, the design is very worthy.

This is not to say that Huawei MediaPad M2 10.0 impressed us with something, it does not have unique or some outstanding features, but the balance of features and price is quite good.

Flagship Sony Solutions and Samsung are somewhat more expensive, but they are also more interesting. Basically, their key features identical to the eight-inch models described above: Samsung has a Super AMOLED Plus display, while Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet has water resistance.

Sony, however, has a higher resolution (2560×1600) and a more comfortable aspect ratio for watching movies (16:9). And both tablets are very thin and light.

Lenovo offers a very interesting model. Yoga Tablet 3 Pro not only has an original design, similar in concept to the Yoga Tablet 8 2 described above, but also a built-in projector, four JBL speakers and a very capacious battery (10200 mAh).

The screen of the tablet has a resolution of 2560 × 1600, and an Intel Atom x5 Z8500 processor is installed inside. True, the dimensions and weight of the Yoga Tablet 3 Pro are significantly less attractive than those of Samsung flagships and Sony, and the expediency of having a projector (of course, rather weak) is questionable.

Windows tablets and/or tablets larger than 11 inches

An interesting fact: there are practically no tablets with a diagonal of 11 inches or more on Android. Previously, Samsung Galaxy NotePro 12.2 was on sale, but now it is not available either. In fact, the only player in the niche of large-format tablets with a mobile operating system is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

What can I say? Highest performance among mobile ARM platforms, superb screen, stereo speakers, stylus support Apple Pencil, quite suitable for the work of professional artists, attachable keyboard-cover, on which you can type blindly ... Naturally, the price will be a deterrent when buying - frankly, biting. But there is another problem: for all its merits, the iPad Pro cannot be called universal device- just because of the mobile OS (and therefore the lack of traditional ports and access to file system). Therefore, the iPad Pro cannot replace the laptop.

Understanding this, Apple's competitors have relied on Windows 10, which, in general, is quite logical. After all, such devices, approaching in size to laptops, already imply not only entertainment, but also professional use, and for professional tasks, a full-fledged operating system is, of course, better.

The set of Windows tablet brands is different from what we've seen with Android. Here, Dell, Lenovo, HP come to the fore, that is, manufacturers of business laptops. It is understandable: such tablets are, in fact, laptops without a keyboard (more precisely, with a detachable keyboard). Take the Dell XPS 12 for example.

12.5-inch 4K (3840×2160) screen, 6th generation processor Intel Core m (like in MacBook 12″), up to 8 GB of RAM, 64-bit Windows 10 Pro, Thunderbolt interface... Impressive! As, however, and the price.

A simpler and cheaper option: Lenovo ThinkPad 10 2. 10.1″ Full HD screen, Intel Atom x7 Z8700 processor, 4 GB of RAM, stylus support, USB ports 3.0 and Micro-HDMI.

An important caveat: such tablets can be connected using hubs and adapters to an external monitor and peripherals, using them as a full-fledged Windows computer. It is clear that on such a computer you will not particularly work with Adobe Photoshop or Premier, and, moreover, you will not play. But for demonstrating presentations, working with documents and other professional tasks that do not require high performance, they are perfect.

One of the top options (alas, not officially sold in Russia, but available from many resellers) - Microsoft Surface Pro 4. It is based on a full-fledged laptop configuration - an Intel Core-i of the Skylake generation, an SSD drive from 128 GB, from 4 GB of RAM. Plus, an impressive screen resolution: 2736 × 1824 with a diagonal of 12.3″.

True, in the case of Windows for ultra high resolution It’s not always worth chasing the screen, because the interface of not all Windows programs is optimized to use 150-200% scaling. And without scaling, all icons and icons will be tiny on a small tablet screen. So here you can save on resolution by taking, for example, the HP Elite X2 (with an 11.6″ display and a resolution of 1366 × 768) or something similar.

Note that when buying such devices, you should pay attention to whether there is a keyboard in the kit or not, because if it is not, then the cost of the keyboard must be added to the price. Using a Windows tablet without a keyboard seems at least strange to us.

We have listed here only the products of the most famous brands. If you wish, you can pick up something similar from less titled companies. Of course it will be cheaper. And you can also wait for the appearance of two new players on the market: Huawei with the MateBook model (it will be released in a few days) and Asus with the new Transformer line. Judging by our acquaintance with them at presentations, these are very strong devices that can correct the situation on the market.

conclusions

Having studied the modern tablet market, we can draw several conclusions, which at the same time turn out to be tips for buyers.

First of all, it is worth bearing in mind that the Android tablet market is in deep decline. First, over the past year there has not been a single really major announcement. That is, the manufacturers themselves do not really believe in the prospects of this direction. Secondly, many very good models of 2013-2014 are already problematic to find on sale. For example, Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet and Z3 Tablet or Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5/8.4. There is no significant progress here, so you can safely buy tablets two or three years ago, including at online flea markets and sales. But if you want to keep up with the times and expect to get a really relevant device, then look at either iOS or Windows models.

The second point: there is practically no point in buying tablets smaller than 8 inches - only something very cheap for some specific task (for example, taxi service workers). But among the 8-inch models there are already good options, including on Android (although this does not negate the above about Android tablets in general). But Windows tablets less than 10 inches should not be taken, since this will not make much sense.

But among models larger than 11 inches, it is Windows tablets that seem to us the most interesting solution. The choice here is quite large, and the price range is huge (although top brands do not have very cheap options). True, here you need to think carefully: do you really need a tablet, and is it not worth spending the same money on a compact laptop if you plan to use the device for work, or on a 10-inch iOS / Android tablet if you have fun? Still, no matter how Microsoft promotes its tiled interface and windows store Store, for entertainment and purely tablet use of iOS and Android with their huge selection of applications is more convenient.

And the third point. If you bought a tablet two or three years ago, and it generally suits you, that is, it does not slow down, does not bother with external defects, etc., then there is no point in buying new tablet No. You won't get anything qualitatively new.

Tablets are well suited for the following tasks: online communication, mobile games and content consumption (reading books, viewing websites, videos, series and films). Some devices are also quite handy for office work.

The best tablet is the one that best suits your needs. From them and you need to build on, so as not to miscalculate. Think about what exactly you are going to do on your tablet. This will help you choose the right characteristics for your future gadget.

Select operating system

Android

Among Android devices, it is easiest to find an inexpensive, but at the same time productive and high-quality tablet. In addition, users have access to a huge number of services, games and programs for a variety of tasks. And enthusiasts have a lot of opportunities to customize the system for themselves.

However, most gadgets on this platform do not receive timely updates. As a result latest features and fixes software errors appear on devices with a delay or do not reach at all.

iOS

All new iOS devices are in the upper price segment. But these are always premium-class devices with actual characteristics and trend-setting design. Owners of iOS tablets, to put it mildly, are not deprived of programs, games and services. Devices on this system receive regular updates for several years after they hit the market.

Windows 10

Windows hasn't taken root on smartphones, but it does much better on tablets. The tenth version of this system turns the tablet into a complete laptop replacement. Especially if you connect a keyboard and mouse to it.

Windows 10 tablet owners have fewer apps available than users of other platforms. But they can install full-fledged desktop games and programs, including the package Microsoft office. And this is a huge plus for those who need a tablet for work.

If you use, then you will quickly deal with a tablet on the same OS.

Windows 10 + Android

There are also such tablets on which two operating systems are installed at once. By purchasing, you can switch between Windows 10 and Android at any convenient time.

Decide on display size

Based on the length of the screen diagonal, tablets can be divided into three categories: compact (7-8 inches), medium (9-10 inches) and large (11-12 inches).

1. Compact tablets great for socializing, most games, reading books and web surfing outside the home. For these tasks, they are more convenient than smartphones when you are not on the go. But still, a display diagonal of 7-8 inches is not always enough to view PDF documents or enjoy TV shows and movies.
2. Medium tablets- the optimal combination between mobility and available opportunities. Such devices can not be put in your pocket, but they are often more powerful than their smaller counterparts and more convenient for viewing multimedia content and games. They also really work when the laptop is not at hand.
3. Large tablets so far not so much. They are the most productive, and also best suited for business tasks due to the size of the screen and accessories. But at the same time, it is already difficult to call them portable. In addition, these devices are the most expensive.

Choose your form factor

Classic tablets are monolithic devices with no moving parts. Many of them can be connected to accessories like keyboards and mice. An illustrative example is on iOS, to which they sell a keyboard case with a stand. Having bought such a device, you can use it for most business tasks.

In addition, there are hybrids of tablets and laptops. They are also called transformers. An example is the Lenovo Yoga Book on Windows 10 or Android. The device looks like an ultrabook. But it is worth taking the panel with the keys to the back of the screen - and the gadget will become a tablet.

Hybrid owners can easily switch between work and play functions, but classic tablets usually cost less.

Get to grips with the features

Resolution and screen matrix

Screen resolution is measured by the number of pixels that make up the screen. The higher this setting, the sharper the image. Therefore, it is very important for a tablet.

You should definitely not take a device with a resolution of less than 1,920 × 1,080 (or Full HD) pixels. And if you are interested in tablets with a display diagonal of 9 inches or more, then it is highly desirable to choose an even higher resolution. But remember that the cost of the gadget greatly depends on this indicator.

The matrix is ​​called the technology on which the screen is based. The overall image quality depends on it, so it is better not to neglect this parameter. Take a closer look at tablets with IPS (PLS) or OLED (AMOLED, Super AMOLED) matrices. They provide the best picture. Other options are cheaper, but lose a lot in quality.

The pixels of a working OLED display can turn off completely. Thus, they transmit an image with true black color. In this regard, the OLED matrix has no equal, and in addition, it consumes less power than IPS. On the other hand, OLED displays are more expensive.

The best way to choose between IPS and OLED is to put two tablets side by side and view the same images on them. If you notice a difference, choose the type of matrix that you think will do the job better.

Performance

The speed of the tablet largely depends on the architecture and frequency of the processor, as well as the amount of RAM. But if you are not going to use the gadget for 3D games or professional graphics work, then do not dwell on these components.

Even an average hardware stuffing by modern standards is enough for most user tasks. In addition, if the manufacturer poorly optimized the software, then the tablet can slow down even with a top-end processor and a large amount of RAM on board. This is especially true for Android devices.

To determine if the device has enough power for your needs, it is best to take it in hand and test it before buying it: touch the interface, open several sites, start a video or game.

IN last resort You can see how the tablet reacts to these actions in the video reviews.

Wireless Technology Support

The more wireless technologies supports the gadget, the more it has the ability to transmit and receive data.

If you plan to use the device mainly in the office and at home, then, most likely, the Wi-Fi module, which is present in all tablets, will be enough for you. If you are going to use network functions on the road, then buy a device that supports LTE (4G) networks.

Perhaps you will connect headphones, keyboards, mice and other wireless devices. In this case, choose a device that supports wireless Bluetooth standard not lower than version 4.0. This will ensure fast data exchange with accessories while minimizing the load on the battery.

Storage size

The amount of storage determines the amount of data that the tablet can hold. If you buy a device for web surfing, communication, and then 16 GB of internal memory is enough for you.

But to store music and movies on your gadget, install games and many programs, you will need much more free space. The required size depends only on your appetite.

The size of the storage significantly affects the cost of the tablet. To save money, you can choose a device with a small amount of internal memory, but with a capacious SD card slot. It is convenient to store music and video files, as well as data from some programs. But keep in mind that iOS gadgets do not support memory cards.

Battery capacity

The battery life of the tablet depends on the capacity of the battery. But by the value of this parameter it is difficult to judge how often you have to charge the device.

At the same time, on the websites of manufacturers, you can often read how many hours the device can withstand in a particular mode of operation. Take this indicator as a guideline. For example, Apple traditionally indicates in the characteristics of its iPads that they are designed for 10 hours of web surfing, watching videos or listening to music. Very good indicator for a tablet.

Do not forget to check the manufacturer's statements with, which are often present in gadget reviews from independent publications.

Camera Options

Manufacturers and sellers focus on the number of megapixels of the camera, as if this indicator entirely determines the quality of video and pictures. It's not, so don't be fooled by big numbers.

Also, cameras on tablets are not as important as those on smartphones. Due to the size of the tablet, it is simply inconvenient to use it as a camcorder or camera.

What you need to pay attention to is the presence front camera. Without it, you won't be able to video chat. And in order to at least roughly evaluate the quality of the camera on the selected tablet, look for samples of photos and videos taken by it on the Web. If the device is popular, it will not be difficult to find such information.

Hello friends and readers of my blog!

Tell me, have you heard stories about how a person bought a brand new tablet, and a month later he took it to a service for repairs? And of course you don't want to be in that situation.

In this article, I will try to help you decide on the difficult choice of which company to buy a tablet, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of products from popular brands, and give a lot of useful tips.

Manufacturer

A lot depends on the manufacturer, but not all. IN model range Everyone can meet both excellent models, and frankly not successful.

Remember the buzz around battery fires Galaxy Note 7 Samsung?

But this company is one of the market leaders and its products are usually famous for the highest quality. But this does not mean at all that the smaller companies have always had everything in order with their devices, just that no one paid such attention to them. Yes, and problems may not be so categorical, but they can be found in almost every model.

Chinese manufacturers of the so-called “third tier” are famous for a large percentage of defects, or they are also renamed and manufactured specifically for our electronics stores.

So, the manufacturer is very important! Although a well-known device manufacturer is not in itself a guarantee of quality, their defective rate is much lower. As a rule, even if a device of a well-known brand breaks down, they have very good after-sales service, hotlines for buyers, and a wide network of warranty workshops.

With the repair of such equipment in an automated service center there will be no difficulties, it is quite easy to find details for it.

The most famous and popular tablet manufacturers today, which have been producing them for more than one year and have proven themselves well during all this time:

• Samsung
• Lenovo
• Huawei
• Microsoft

Screen-Diagonal

The screen is of great importance for the usability of the tablet. First of all, you should pay attention to the size of its diagonal. It is indicated in inches and the most popular are 7″, 8″ and 10″.

For right choice it is worth deciding what you will use the tablet for, whether you are going to carry it with you everywhere or watch it mainly at home. Reading on the go the best choice will be 7″-8″. Reading from it is much more convenient than from a smartphone, but at the same time it is still quite a compact device.

A tablet with a diagonal of 10″ is worth choosing more for the home.

It’s certainly more convenient to read and watch movies from it, but its weight and dimensions can force you to think carefully before leaving the house whether you need it today or it’s better if the already not easy bag is smaller today. But at home, watching movies in the kitchen, reading a book or websites before going to bed will be very convenient.

IPS, TFT or AMOLED

Second important point will be the quality of the screen.

It is determined by the technology of its production: IPS or TFT.

• IPS gives a bright juicy picture at any viewing angle
• TFT, on the other hand, tends to produce a more faded image that distorts colors when viewed from the side.

Today, the second type is installed only in the most budgetary and inexpensive models.

Samsung has slightly different display types and they come in PLS or AMOLED.

The first type is about the same as IPS. But the second one is different from all the others and is considered one of the most advanced and energy efficient.

AMOLED screens are able to provide very high image contrast, due to which the black color in the dark seems really completely black.

The colors of such displays are very saturated, bright, sometimes it even seems to be overly unnatural. For other manufacturers, this type of screen is still practically not found, since Samsung is the main manufacturer of such displays and they are quite expensive (you will not find them in tablets under $350).

Permission

The screen resolution indicates how many dots in width and height the screen can display.

The most popular is 1920x1080 called FullHD.

The higher these numbers, the finer details of the image on the screen or text you can see. It all depends on your vision and whether you really need to high definition images comparable in quality to photographs. Naturally, this is directly proportional to the price.

Processor, RAM

The processor plays an important role in how comfortable and easy it will be for you to navigate sites, the speed of response of programs, opening large books, and so on.

The more cores and the higher their frequency, the better. How newer processor the faster its cores, which means that four new ones can be faster than 8 old ones ... Well, this affects power consumption, newer and weaker ones drain the battery more weakly. Snapdragon processors As a rule, it is better and more efficient than from MTK.

RAM affects the maximum amount at the same time open applications, tabs when browsing the Internet. If you plan to read books, watch movies and read websites on a tablet, then even 1 GB will be enough.

The amount of free memory shows how many applications you can install or photos and videos to save in the device's memory. The minimum comfortable for today is 16 GB, 32 GB is better. Less is possible only if you do not plan to store photos, videos on the tablet and install a lot of programs.

Tablet battery

Higher capacity means longer battery life. However, not everything is so clear.

All of the above characteristics and the quality of the battery itself, optimization software manufacturer.

This is where the manufacturer plays a very important role, because in unnamed Chinese tablets this is the first thing that fails in a year, regardless of any numbers.

Rating TOP 5 best tablet manufacturers

1 place. Samsung

This South Korean company is by far the leader in the tablet market. Its devices are characterized by high durability, build quality, long battery life, software optimization. When buying equipment of this brand, you pay primarily for reliability.

2nd place. Lenovo

A very wide range of this tablet company is presented on our market. They are characterized by the widest range for any tasks, requirements and the size of the buyer's wallet.

3rd place. ASUS

A fairly well-known manufacturer, ardent modern design. However, a slightly higher price with comparable quality with the same Lenovo allows you to take only third place.

4th place. Huawei

This Chinese manufacturer is gaining more and more momentum every year, improving the quality of goods. it has long won first place in its homeland and has now entered the world market. Sufficiently balanced in terms of price and quality models.

5th place. Microsoft

Famous brand, high quality. However, the very high price of devices made it possible to take only 5th place in the rating.

When buying any equipment, you want it to perform the functions assigned to it for as long as possible, meet all the requirements and at the same time be affordable. Let's figure it out together how to choose an inexpensive, but good tablet, so that the purchased model in 2019-2020 is of high quality, attractive in terms of design and functionality.

Before purchasing a device, you need to decide which better tablet buy, and for this it is worth objectively assessing your needs and capabilities. It is also important to carefully study the technical component of the device, because beautiful shell- that's not all.

Budget

First of all, the choice of a new and good tablet starts with budgeting for that purchase. Naturally, the lower the cost of the device, the less high-end parameters and technologies can be found in it. However, this does not mean at all that a budget tablet cannot be reliable. If you are not going to make an expensive purchase, pay attention to the devices of the middle price segment from well-known manufacturers. They are inexpensive and do the job just fine.

What will the tablet be used for?

In many ways, the choice also depends on the purpose of the gadget, because it is hardly necessary for a child to buy a flagship of the most current model, and a device with a minimum of functions and capabilities will not suit an adult.

An inexpensive tablet is suitable for a student - at a low price of a budget device, the child will have access to all the functions he needs: reading books, watching videos, the Internet, undemanding applications and games.
If you are looking for a tablet for reading and watching movies in good quality, then it must have a display of at least 8 inches with a high resolution, nice video accelerator and capacious storage.

When choosing a tablet model for games and the Internet, you should understand that the gaming device must have a powerful processor, a powerful video accelerator, a large amount of RAM, and devices for Internet surfing must have a good Wi-Fi module, a high-quality display, and a capacious battery. 3G, 4G modules are also welcome.

If you plan to use the tablet for work - typing, using graphics programs, etc. It is worth choosing a device on the appropriate OS, preferably Windows, as it has more optimized programs for work. Accordingly, it is not worth saving on the cost of the device.

From all this, we can draw the main conclusion: do not overpay for functions that you will never use - determine in advance the purpose of buying a gadget and its estimated cost!

What to look for when choosing a tablet

The main criterion for choosing a device, of course, will be its technical indicators. It depends on them whether the device can meet your needs. There are usually no tricks with branded devices. If you still decide to choose a Chinese tablet, then in this case, especially carefully look at the following parameters:

operating system

If earlier Android actively competed with iOS, now Windows has risen almost to the same level with them. Each platform has strengths and weaknesses. But first of all, keep in mind that they are aimed at different user audiences.

Windows

Windows system Versions 10 and older are designed primarily for work activities. The same office suite as the PC version is now available on mobile device. Management is designed very simply and clearly, the menu is beautifully designed in the form of tiles. The system is always well protected thanks to antivirus programs. However, if you are used to the Android interface, it will not be easy to adapt to this OS on a tablet, since it is not very similar to the computer version, and has little in common with mobile platforms.

• free access to standard programs for work
• interesting tile design
• simple control
• customizable security system

• developers create few gaming applications
• hard to get used to the proprietary interface
• requires good device performance

When buying a device with this OS, you should understand that the device should not be budgetary, since when using the system, it requires decent indicators of both internal and RAM.

iOS

For Apple tablets(and smartphones) operates a mobile operating system iOS system. It is the second most popular platform after Android. Its distinctive feature is that the user's capabilities are limited. For example, the device does not have a file manager, there are problems with data exchange between devices, and it is also impossible to install third party programs. However, there is an extensive content store with many free apps. If you are satisfied with the features offered by the platform, and the device is purchased mainly for gaming, then this is the right option.

• simple and nice interface
• own content store
• increased level of data protection
• high quality gadgets

• difficult to install programs from other sources
• it is impossible to personalize the interface
• difficulties in data exchange
• high cost of gadgets

Android

There are a lot more tablets on Android than on other operating systems. They are equally well suited for entertainment and for work. There is also an app store with a large assortment. You can customize the appearance of the platform at your discretion. You can install applications from other sources. It is worth noting that the Android content in the store is not checked for quality too meticulously, so it is not uncommon to find applications that do not work or give errors (even among paid ones). If the tablet is bought for entertainment, the Android platform is the best option.

• open interface
• a wide range of applications and games in the store
• Apps from unofficial sources install without problems
• low cost devices

• content quality is lower (for example, than in iOS)
• low level of protection
• annoying ads

Display

The screen is what we pay attention to when we first look at the gadget. To choose a good tablet in terms of screen size and other indicators, you need to know the main characteristics that you should be guided by:

Diagonal

Displays with a diagonal of 7-8 inches are considered the smallest. As a rule, they are present in the cheapest and not very productive devices, although there are exceptions. Differ in mobility, convenience and small weight.
The most common tablets are 8, 10 inches. Such models can be both budget and flagship. They are universal in the field of use and, of course, more expensive.

If you want to buy a tablet larger than 10 inches, be prepared for a high price, since, in fact, this is already practically a laptop. Manufacturers often supply such models with additional devices (keyboard, docking station, etc.). On a large device, it is also comfortable to perform various tasks, but transportation is difficult.

To understand what screen size is best for a tablet, think about how you will use it. The best option is a diagonal of 8-10 inches. Small details are clearly visible on such a screen, and it takes up little space.

Matrix types

The matrix occupies a very important place in the main characteristics of a tablet computer, because image formation and its quality depend on it. Nowadays, there are 4 main technologies for manufacturing a display matrix, which we will now analyze:

1. IPS is not perfect, but a good matrix, the most common among gadgets. Perfectly conveys the saturation, brightness, clarity of the image. Provides true color reproduction in perfect whites and good viewing angles.
2. TFT is the simplest and cheapest matrix, characterized by weak viewing angles and insufficiently accurate color reproduction. One thing can be said about it, it is the technology of the "last century".
3. Retina is a type of matrix used only in Apple gadgets. One of the best in quality and color rendering.
4. Super Amoled - most often found on Samsung tablets. It has good color reproduction, clarity, saturation. This technology does not require general backlighting, individual pixels glow in them, which does not always convey colors with high quality, this applies to budget models on flagship devices, there are basically no such lags.

When choosing the best tablet for yourself, be sure to check the viewing angle, as some manufacturers put a modified version of TFT IPS in their devices, passing it off as an IPS matrix.

Display resolution is the size of the resulting image, which is measured in pixels. This is a very important indicator that affects the comfortable operation of the device, its battery life and cost. The higher this indicator, the better. It is best to give preference to the format 1920 by 1200 pixels (Full HD), although high-quality expensive models have such characteristics. In less expensive devices, there are indicators of 1280 by 800 or 1024 by 600. For everyday use of the tablet, a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels will be enough, taking into account the diagonal not exceeding 10 inches.

Sensor

All modern devices are equipped with touch screens. The sensor can be capacitive or resistive. The second type is very rare, as it has long been outdated. Although many older models can still be found, buying them is not recommended. The sensor does not always correctly respond to touch, its actions depend on the force of pressing the screen.

Capacitive devices of good quality respond instantly to pressing, regardless of the applied force. They are equipped with a multi-touch function, that is, they recognize several clicks at the same time. To surf the Internet and use the tablet as a multimedia player, two simultaneous clicks are enough. The optimal number of simultaneous touches is 5-10 if you want to play games.

CPU

If you want the tablet not to slow down, then powerful processor is a prerequisite. The chipset affects whether the device can cope with the launch and normal operation of demanding programs, games, etc. When choosing a good gaming tablet, look at the number of cores and processor speed. To play in average quality and good games, choose models with at least 4-core processors and a frequency of 1.6 GHz. You will definitely avoid disappointment if you check the performance of the processor with special benchmarks, such as Antutu, and compare it with other chipsets. You can find the test results online. The most popular and productive processors:

1. Intel Atom x7 1600 MHz
2. Samsung Exynos 1600 MHz
3. Apple A9X
4. Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 1800 MHz
5. HiSilicon Kirin 930 2000 MHz
6. MediaTek MT8165 1700 MHz

video accelerator

When choosing a tablet in relation to price and quality, be sure to check which graphics adapter is installed in the device. While the main processor is responsible for the performance of the device as a whole, the video accelerator refers to the processing of graphic data. This is especially important for those who buy a tablet for gaming purposes. Video accelerators have proven themselves well: Tegra 3, Mali (T760 MP8, T860 MP2), Adreno (405, 330).

Memory

The device memory is divided into internal and operational. Inner memory is intended for storing various data, both user and system. Even if you buy micro SD card, all the same, the storage requires free space to install applications, etc. Reviews of tablets on the forums indicate that the internal memory should be at least 8 GB. In this case, part of this volume will be occupied by the operating system. It is best to look at models with 16 GB or more.

As for RAM, it is necessary for the speed of programs and the system as a whole. On the cheapest tablets, you can see RAM in the amount of 512 MB or 1 GB. It is worth noting that this figure is unacceptable if you want to play games, watch widescreen videos, and more. The tablet will simply “slow down”, fail to cope with tasks, give errors, not to mention the lack of a multitasking mode of operation. RAM should be at least 2 GB to perform normal tasks and 3-4 GB to run very powerful modern toys.

Camera

The camera is one of the weakest points of almost every tablet model. Only in the products of some manufacturers can you find high-quality camera modules that provide good photo and video shooting. In other cases, you will have to be content with 8 megapixels of the main camera and 2-5 megapixels of the front one. Such indicators of the main camera provide the ability to shoot acceptable photos and videos. The presence of the front module allows you to communicate using video. The low performance of the device's camera is due to the inconvenience during video and photo shooting. Despite this, manufacturers will improve their gadgets and today for a higher price you can buy the best tablet with a good camera.

Battery

A weak battery is a significant drawback of the gadget, because in this case it will have to be kept on the charger all the time. If in the medium activity mode the devices hold a charge even a little longer, then during the game or video playback it lasts for a couple of hours. Which tablet is better to choose in terms of battery capacity depends on the size and performance of the model.

In budget devices with a small diagonal, you can find parameters of 3000-4000 mAh. For devices over High Quality normal capacity is 7000 mAh or more. The tablet is quickly discharged mainly due to the operation of the display - it consumes the most energy. Then comes the hardware component. To comfortably work with the device, choose models with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh.

In general, it is worth noting that even flagship models have problems with autonomy. Ideally, you want to optimize the operation of the gadget in active mode and while waiting. To save battery power yourself, it is recommended to turn off unnecessary functions, reduce screen brightness, etc.

Connection

Without the presence of modules wireless network the tablet ceases to be useful and functional. WiFi technology now every device is equipped, but since the coverage area is not everywhere, it has become simply impossible to imagine a modern high-quality tablet without a 4G or 3G module. This criterion is important for those who constantly like to be on the Internet without any boundaries, because the coverage area of ​​modern GSM networks is almost unlimited.

In the presence of GPS device can be converted to navigation system: build routes, monitor the location of various objects and more. According to expert advice, a tablet with a function GPS is better just suitable for working in a taxi, as it makes it easy to use a tablet as a navigator. If you plan to use the device only at home, then this option is not so important.

Which company is better to choose a tablet

There are a lot of tablet companies, including Chinese ones. For an inexperienced user, this greatly complicates the choice. Which company is better to choose a tablet depends on the preferred price segment of the performance indicators that you need. In the budget and medium categories, manufacturers Prestigio, Huawei, Acer, Lenovo, Chuwi have proven themselves well. Among the expensive models, it is worth highlighting Apple, Samsung, Asus, HP. Many companies are engaged in the manufacture of models of different cost.

Rating of the best tablets of 2017

If you have already decided on the functions you need and still don’t know which tablet to choose in terms of price and quality, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best tablets priced at 10,000 - 20,000 rubles, which was compiled by our experts based on positive reviews from thematic forums. IN this list includes the most purchased devices of 2017.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T713 Wi-Fi 32Gb
• Lenovo Tab 3Plus 8703X 16Gb
• ASUS Transformer Book T101HA 4Gb 64Gb dock
• Huawei MediaPad M3 8.4 32Gb LTE
• Acer Aspire Switch 10E z8300 4Gb 64Gb
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T580 16Gb
• Huawei Mediapad T2 7.0 Pro LTE 16Gb
• Xiaomi MiPad 2 64Gb
• Xiaomi MiPad 16GB
• Prestigio MultiPad PMT3118