Understanding Tablet Deals, from GRidPad to Galaxy

Comparing some popular tablets to find out what makes a top-tier tablet deal.

Oct 25

Photo via Surface on Unsplash

Tablets have had a lot of growing up to do since their inception in the '80s. That’s right—the late 1900s. The first tablet wasn’t the iPad, though those did explode in popularity after the first Apple model was released in 2010. The actual first tablet was called the GRidPad, and it weighed about five pounds. Not quite the super sleek, portable devices we know and love today. 

Tablets have gone through generations of development, starting as hefty GRidPads before branching out into the smaller, more advanced Personal Digital Assistant of the early '90s. These actually performed many of the same functions you might find on a modern tablet, but the old-school PenPoint OS wasn’t quite as advanced as Android or iOS. PDAs were compact compared to earlier tablets, almost like a progenitor to the smartphone. 

Tablets would transform again in 2002 with the release of the Windows XP tablet, but it was ultimately regarded as a failure because it needed constant internet access, had a poorly ported operating system, and had very little compatible software. Tablets finally settled into a more familiar landscape with the release of that ubiquitous iPad.

What is a Tablet?

Image via AppleInsider

Tablets have changed a lot over the years, from bricks with a stylus to smartphones without the phone. With so much variation in what a tablet can be, it leaves a lot of room to decide what a tablet is now, particularly when touchscreen interfaces are so common. 

A general definition of tablets is that they’re flat, mobile computers that have a touchscreen instead of a keyboard. That definition leaves a whole lot of wiggle room, and that gap gets even wider when you take a look at the growing popularity of touchscreen computers with tablet modes. 

Is a touchscreen laptop a tablet?

Sometimes! If anything, your touchscreen laptop might be closer to the original vision of tablets than something like a Galaxy Tab. Touchscreen laptops that can swivel their screen into tablet mode still keep their same operating system, so they’re almost like a better execution of the XP Tablet. 

The tradeoff is that a laptop probably isn’t going to be as light as something like a Lenovo Tab or another device that isn’t tied to a full-sized keyboard, but even that has changed in recent years with the Microsoft Surface, which looks like a tablet, operates like a laptop, and sometimes even comes with a detachable keyboard.

Tablet Hardware: Unpacking the Essentials

Tablets may come in many shapes and sizes, but there are a few consistent elements to look out for. Understanding key hardware specifications is important if you want to make an informed decision about which tablet to get, especially considering how many types of tablets there are. 

  1. Processor (CPU): The processor is the tablet's brain. Commonly found processors in tablets include those from Apple (A-series), Qualcomm Snapdragon, and various Intel or AMD chips. The performance of the processor impacts how smoothly your tablet runs apps and handles multitasking. For casual use and web browsing, mid-range processors work fine, but for demanding tasks like gaming or visual design, you might need one of the more robust processors. 
  2. RAM: RAM plays a crucial role in multitasking and app performance. Tablets often come with 2GB to 8GB of RAM, but newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab S9 are getting up to 16GB. A tablet with more RAM can handle running more apps or more demanding apps. 
  3. Storage: Tablets offer a range of storage options, typically from 16GB to 512GB or more. Consider your storage needs, such as apps, photos, videos, and documents. If you frequently store large files, opt for a tablet with higher storage capacity or one that supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
  4. Display: The display is a key element of any tablet. Factors to consider include size, resolution, and panel type. Larger screens provide a better viewing experience but may make the tablet less portable. Higher resolutions have a crisper look and might be nicer for reading, watching videos, and gaming.
  5. Battery Life: Battery life is super important to tablets, and it doesn’t just mean how long you’ll always be able to spend away from the charger. Tablets often offer anywhere from 6 to 15 hours of battery life, but that depends on the apps you’re running. A bigger battery also means you may be able to run more demanding apps while you’re on the go. 
  6. Operating System: Tablets run on different operating systems, with the two most common being iOS and Android. Each offers its own ecosystem of apps and user experience. Windows tablets are also available, which provide the familiarity of a PC operating system. There’s a lot of overlap between the app stores, but they each have their own exclusives. 
  7. Connectivity: Some tablets only have Wi-Fi, while others can also use a cellular signal if they have a SIM card. Ports for charging and data transfer are also essential, so check for USB-C, micro-USB, or Lightning. If you use wired earbuds or headphones, make sure to check for a 3.5mm jack, as not all tablets have them anymore. 
  8. Cameras: Tablets are (mostly) equipped with front and rear cameras. The quality of these cameras varies, with some tablets suitable for casual photography and video calls, while others offer advanced camera systems for high-quality images and video recording. Keep in mind: Better cameras mean larger photo files. If you’re a shutterbug who’s opting for a super nice camera, you may also want to find a device with more internal storage. 

Are Refurbished Tablets Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a tablet, retail isn’t your only option. You might have seen listings for refurbished phones and computers, and tablets are no exception to the surge in refurbished electronics.

Buying a refurbished tablet comes with the same requirements as looking for any other refurbished device. If you’re informed and keep your expectations reasonable, you might be able to find an awesome deal on a tablet.

First, it's important to recognize that while tablets have indeed come a long way, older models can still be really useful, depending on what you want to do. Many older tablets are more than capable of handling everyday activities like web browsing, email, reading, and streaming content.

If you're planning on running graphically intense apps for art or games, you might want a new model. If you just want a bigger screen to respond to emails without lugging your laptop around, then finding a deal on an affordable refurbished one could be a huge win.

Popular Tablet Brands and Deals

Finding the right tablet is like finding the right outfit. Aesthetics, budgets, and functions vary greatly. You probably wouldn’t wear formal shoes to climb a mountain, and you might not want to get a refurbished 2012 iPad when you need to use your tablet to edit videos. 

There’s a lot to consider, but pay special attention to the brand, hardware specifications, operating system, app store, and of course, if it’s new or refurbished. Spending a little time upfront can help you find one that fits your digital lifestyle like a glove.

Apple

Apple's iPads are renowned for their premium build quality, sleek design, and smooth performance. They offer a wide range of models, from the basic iPad to the high-end iPad Pro. iPad options are extensive, but you can find more information on finding the best option for you in our iPad deals guide. 

Samsung

Samsung's Galaxy Tab series offers a variety of Android tablets, providing options for different budgets. They are known for vibrant displays, multitasking capabilities, and S Pen support for creative tasks. Samsung's tablets often come with expandable storage options. However, some users may find Samsung's Android-based One UI skin to be less intuitive than stock Android or iOS. Updates and software support can also be inconsistent across models.

Some of our fave Samsung deals:

Lenovo

Lenovo's tablets combine affordability with decent performance. They are well-regarded for their practicality and good battery life. Lenovo tablets may not have the same premium build quality as higher-end competitors for a lower price. Performance can be mid-range, so they may not be suitable for heavy multitasking or gaming.

Take a look at some of these Lenovo deals:

Asus

Asus provides a range of Android and Windows tablets that often balance affordability with decent performance. Their Transformer series includes 2-in-1 devices that can serve as both laptops and tablets. However, Asus tablets may not have the same brand recognition or robust app ecosystem as some competitors. 

Check out this Asus deal:

Microsoft

Microsoft's Surface series is known for its 2-in-1 design, allowing users to switch between tablet and laptop modes. They often come with high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and support for productivity applications. However, Surface tablets can be relatively expensive, especially when adding keyboard and stylus accessories. Windows operating systems may not be as touch-optimized as iOS or Android.

Here's a whole bunch of Surface deals:

Amazon

Amazon's Fire tablets are known for their budget-friendly pricing and integration with Amazon services. They provide excellent options for media consumption, reading, and basic tasks. Amazon's app store offers a selection of popular apps. However, Fire tablets use a customized version of Android, which means they don't have access to the full Google Play Store. Performance may not be as robust as higher-end tablets.

Huawei

Image via Android Authority

Huawei's tablets offer a mix of affordability and performance. They are known for their sleek designs, good displays, and long battery life. Huawei's high-end models may compete with premium tablets from other brands. However, Huawei's tablets may not have widespread availability in some regions, and access to Google services may be limited.

Find the Right Tablet for You

There are so many quality tablet options to choose from—make sure you check out their individual features before you start shelling out big (or small) bucks. Your new (or new-to-you) portable touchscreen awaits!

Prices subject to change. 

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