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The best tablet for android. Best Gaming Tablet: Nvidia Shield Tablet

If you decide to buy a tablet for yourself, then today we will tell you what you need to pay attention to when buying at the beginning of 2014, which technical characteristics should be taken into account and which should not. In general - about everything you need, and nothing more.

A tablet today is a gadget that almost everyone has, and those who do not have it want to have it. Is it necessary, that is the question?

Today, the main purpose of the tablet is related to entertainment: this word includes movies, videos, e-books (in any form - from reading html on the site to specialized file formats), surfing the Internet and, of course, a wide variety of games. Sometimes you can draw normally on the tablet screen, especially if the tablet is specially designed for this possibility - for example, Samsung Galaxy Note with a stylus.

Every year the choice of a tablet is getting more and more difficult.

A tablet is usually very conditionally suitable for creating content. That is, on it you can, for example, record a video for YouTube using the front or rear camera or post to a social network, which many people use. But it can still be attributed to the same entertainment. Therefore, formally, a tablet cannot be attributed to a device for creating content, and even more so to an essential item.

Let's start by choosing an operating system.

Part 1. Operating systems

For work, tablets can offer a choice of three operating systems: Apple iOS, Google Android and Windows (not Phone, but also RT). The choice of a particular system is determined by the applications in which you work, the ecosystem and convenience - for you personally.

iOS

Because iOS is just as compatible with Mac OS X as it is with Windows 8 for tablets and PCs, you don't need an Apple Macintosh at home to use an Apple tablet: it's one and it's an iPad. And the iPad is iOS. Roughly the same can be said about the iPhone, but today we are not talking about him, so let's keep quiet for now.

To understand this operating system, it is enough to be aware of what kind of devices Apple offers. And their main advantages are simplicity and intuitive understanding of the interface. In fact, both the general ideology and the implementation of these are very similar in iOS and Android: that is, the user sees the main screen with application shortcuts and four constantly used icons at the bottom. But in the case of iOS devices (that is, the iPad and its varieties), the principle “turned on and works” applies. That is, the iPad is more suitable for those who do not want to understand and dig into anything, and who just want a working device from the very first minute. At the same time, we recall that you do not have to have a Macintosh computer: synchronization can also occur with computers running Windows.

We say iOS - we mean iPad

There are far more apps released for iOS than for Android, so if you like downloading and installing something new (whatever the area), take a closer look at the iPad.

To summarize, buying an iOS tablet (i.e. iPad) only makes sense if you basically love Apple devices, or want something simple, and at the same time do not want to have Windows on all large electronic devices. In all other cases, there is a choice.

Android

The Google Android operating system is preinstalled on the vast majority of tablets sold today. The most popular version today is 4.1 / 4.2 Jelly Bean (and the most modern one is 4.4.2 KitKat), but you can also find the third one, Honeycomb, and the cheapest versions of the second are found, but this is already rare - except perhaps in used sector. In fact, there are not so many differences between these two versions, it all comes down by and large to the correction of many annoying errors.

What is good about Android OS? First of all, flexibility and scalability. The main window can be presented as several screens, usually from four to seven, and each screen can contain several icons or scalable widgets of certain applications. In the online store Google Play Store you will find more than 700 thousand applications for every taste (and this is the official figure), both paid and free. Practice shows that most of the user's needs (80 percent) are more than covered by free programs, and paid ones are more likely to be either highly specialized, or they are just serious and fancy, or they are generally licensed games.

Many useful things are preinstalled in the OS itself: for example, a GPS navigator based on Google Maps. Or Google Voice Search, which is used for both voice search and the same typing. In general, listing only applications built into any Android OS will take more than one line (and the description will take more than one page). In addition, the manufacturers of "tablets" themselves add their own utilities and shells. And if not, you can always download some free one. Of the free ones, MIUI, CyanogenMod and LEWA OS are the most respected, but in general it’s better not to rack your brains: if a eminent manufacturer (like Sony or Samsung) has implemented its own shell, then use it - everything is already debugged and working.

Google itself does not make tablets, but actively helps

The main drawback of this operating system lies in its ill-conceived work with RAM (until now). And this drawback flows smoothly from version to version, sometimes becoming a very annoying hindrance. It consists in the fact that applications that do not know how to unload themselves after finishing working with them accumulate in RAM until the device stops working normally and starts to noticeably slow down. If the RAM is less than 1 GB, then it feels very fast. Until recently, easy getting rid of unnecessary applications in RAM was available only through some shells and special programs, but today Android allows you to do this by default - but the system itself has remained the same. Today, even the presence of a large amount of RAM - more than 1 GB - no longer helps. Because Android has a unique ability to eat more and more memory from version to version. And, unfortunately, there is no getting away from it.

Windows 8

As the name implies, this operating system largely duplicates that for conventional computers, but, of course, it is tailored specifically for tablets, taking into account the features of these devices. Actually, it was originally designed taking into account finger control, that is, for touch displays.

User interaction with this OS is carried out through "live icons" - squares on the desktop, where each can contain one of the many functions. It can be either a simple shortcut to a specific application, or a link to a character from the contact list, to a photo, to a web page, etc., be a widget, dynamic or static, and change its size.

The list of applications is located on the right side of the screen as a list in alphabetical order (by default), regardless of whether they are pre-installed or added by the user (and in the shell from LG for Android, for example, downloaded applications are displayed as a separate list).

Windows 8 is a serious OS for serious tablets

One of the main advantages of this OS is that it is Windows on the appropriate platform and with all the consequences. Including more decent (compared to Android) work with RAM, and a set of applications that is compatible with the desktop version of Windows. There are other advantages that any user living under Windows can find for himself.

If you choose a "tablet" on this operating system, then you need to be aware that, firstly, it will be more expensive than Android, and secondly, compatibility with a desktop PC (if it's not an Apple Macintosh) will be orders of magnitude above - and that is why these devices are a tasty morsel.

Part 2. Characterizing the tablet

Before proceeding to the technical specifications directly, let's talk about the screen size. Today, tablets with diagonals of 7-8 and 10 inches (give or take) are common, and a relatively new subspecies has recently appeared - large, 12-inch tablets. It is from such devices that you will have to choose if you do not want something very large 20-inch "kitchen" for yourself.

Keep in mind that a really adequate tablet diagonal is 7, 8 or 10 inches, since these devices are convenient to carry with you. The 12-inch is already practically a desktop tablet for those who need a large screen area with high resolution. There are still very few of them, and it is unlikely that there will be many.

And if the diagonal figure is even larger (20 inches, say), then this means that you are dealing with a so-called “kitchen” tablet, which is not suitable for mobile work due to its rather large weight. And he usually lives in the kitchen or just on the desktop without unnecessary movement.

The choice of the diagonal of the tablet screen is important like nothing else

Technical specifications are the most important parameter of the tablet after choosing the appropriate ecosystem. And today we will talk about the most important of them in this section, because the performance characteristics can, in principle, be divided into two groups: important and not very important. The important ones include the screen and its resolution, the type of processor and its power, the amount of different types of memory and support for its expansion.

And these general details are true for everyone, regardless of the software platform. And these include, first of all, the main working tool of the tablet - the screen. The most modern and at the same time adequate type of screen matrix today can be called IPS, and the resolution is FullHD (1920x1080), you can already find WQXGA (2560x1600 pixels) in top models. And the difference, of course, is noticeable to the naked eye. But there are also very inexpensive devices with HD - 1280x720 pixels and less. Comfort will be less, but the price will be lower.

As for the processor, there is a simple rule: the more powerful, the better. But with one caveat: a larger number of cores does not mean more power, simply because these cores are not always used. Therefore, in reality, x86 processors from Intel with a single core can easily overtake ARM processors with multiple cores, not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of power savings. In reality, we emphasize, and not in synthetic tests like AnTuTu.

In addition, if you choose a Windows tablet, then its criteria are generally somewhat different, although in particular, for example, in the platform: if for an Android tablet, for example, 2 GB of RAM today can be considered such a good norm (and 3 - and quite well), then for a device based on Windows 8 this is a necessary minimum. Well, the chipsets themselves are different: Windows tablets today are mainly based on the Intel platform, while Android tablets are produced most of all on NVidia Tegra 3 or 4 ARM processors, Samsung Exynos, Qualcomm Snapdragon and so on.

The treasured number will announce the verdict to the processor

A separate question concerns both Intel processors for Android systems and processors with 64-bit instructions. You don’t have to worry about the latter for now, since according to the earliest forecasts, they will go on sale (and we are talking about Intel Bay Trail) at the end of this year, so there is still time. In general, today there are several models of Android tablets on the Intel Clover Trail (Atom Medfield SoC class processor)

Let's also touch on the issue of user memory. It can be either internal (from 8 to 64 GB) or with support for external resources - SDXC / SDHC memory cards, etc. up to 64 GB. Practice shows that today users love 32 GB (total) the most, but it’s better to count on the future with a margin. Of course, it is cheaper to take a large memory card than a tablet with a large amount of internal. But - for data storage. Because the speed of the card will obviously be lower than that of the built-in memory.

The iPad 1 didn't have cameras. Now even a budget tablet cannot afford this.

One last thing to say about the cameras. Almost all tablets today have rear and front cameras, most of them have both. Some models are only one of them (the most budgetary, as a rule), but this is rather an exception. The resolution of the rear camera today reaches 13 MP, and many manufacturers equip it with various additional functions, since the rear cameras are supposed to shoot something (and even Full HD video). But such a coin also has a downside: holding such a bulky device as a tablet in your hand (especially try this with large diagonals like 12 inches) and trying to take a picture is very inconvenient. The front camera is more useful, it is designed for video communication, but usually it is not paid attention at all, the resolution of this module today does not exceed 2 MP (with rare exceptions), and one can only dream of additional functions.

Part 3. Additional features

An important parameter of not vital, but convenient features is the support of wireless communication protocols. Tablets today can be of two types: with only Wi-Fi, as well as with Wi-Fi and a mobile communication module (either 3G or 3G / LTE - the second is preferable in terms of speed, but not in terms of existing coverage, and not in terms of energy efficiency). The second option involves the use of a SIM card and, accordingly, an additional fee for the Internet, but you will have the latter wherever your mobile operator has coverage.

The factor of using the navigation capabilities of devices also plays a role here, since almost all tablet models are equipped with GPS modules today. But in the absence of a SIM card, their use becomes less convenient. On the other hand, if you have offline maps, then it becomes less noticeable.

In addition, weight is also an important parameter: try the tablet before buying in the conditions in which you will use it, and if it turns out to be too heavy for you, do not think that then its weight will decrease.

Of the additional functions, the stylus can also be noted: but this is more typical of “drawing” tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Note; with others, the pen is not yet very popular. Buying a tablet with a stylus makes sense if you really intend to draw or take handwritten notes.

Well-organized handwriting is a huge help in business and entertainment

In addition, last year's models are increasingly being produced in accordance with IPX standards for dust and moisture resistance, not to mention shock resistance. Fujitsu's current tablets are famous for this, first of all: with a stylish and modern appearance, you can actually work with them underwater. However, “army tablets” are even cooler.

I must say about the tablets-transformers. Transformers (or hybrids) are called tablets with an integrated or clip-on keyboard (in the latter case, there is also a docking station), in which an additional battery is usually hidden, which increases battery life. These are the two main advantages of such structures, which usually greatly increase the price. However, such tablets are usually considered competitors of ultrabooks, and not "simple" tablets, so we will not dwell on them in detail.

In principle, separate Bluetooth keyboards can be easily connected to the tablet and used like regular, full-fledged QWERTY keyboards. Except in a smaller size.

Conclusion

In general, despite everything, you should choose a tablet according to one single factor: the convenience of a particular model for you personally. Let's say if you like Android and are satisfied with the default shell, you and Nexus are in your hands. If Windows, then a Windows tablet on Intel Atom will do. Be sure to make sure that the power is exactly what you need. A tablet that is too powerful will be expensive if you do not use all its resources all the time. Too low power will ruin your nervous system with slow work and severely restrict your choice of applications.

Well, if you don’t want to think about all this, then, of course, the iPad will help. It is only necessary to think about the size of the internal memory and the presence of a mobile communication unit. Agree, this is less than the processor, operating system, number of applications and all sorts of additional parameters.

What is the best tablet of 2014? Today's trendy tablet PCs are compared to the top-rated models of the past.

Tablets are taking the world by storm. Just a few years ago, they were unknown to most people, but now we have a wide choice that can confuse even the most sophisticated buyer.

The need for choice creates decisions—hard decisions. Will you ditch Apple's high price tag, join the Android brigade and find a better alternative to the iPad? Or do you prefer the best products from Cupertino and become the user of one of the most popular tablets on the planet?

Remember, the new iPad Mini 3 (or iPad Mini Retina 2, to be precise) is about to go on sale, so it's probably worth holding off on buying a new Apple tablet for the next few weeks to take a look at the manufacturer's new offering. Perhaps the new Apple tablets will make the price tags of Android devices fall.

Well, for the most economical, of course: Tesco.

We decided to make it easier for you and collected the top ten tablets of 2014 available today in Russia.

It's a complex process, one might even say prophetic, to allocate space for each of these beautiful tablets, so we take into account several elements, including performance, battery life, screen quality, and more.

Price plays a minor role, as does age: a tablet that gets a replacement with a new model will go down in the rankings, as new opportunities open up to you with a new device.

If none of these ten tablets strike your fancy, head over to the "" section of our website for an in-depth analysis of many other models.

10. iPad Mini

Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously shrugged off small tablets a few years ago, leading many to believe that Cupertino would never enter the budget tablet market, but this model proved otherwise.

In terms of Apple's tablet market consistency, the Mini's position isn't consistent, as the device still claims the top spot on the list, even though the iPad Mini is no longer the crown jewel of the collection. The throne is taken over by the Google Nexus 7 and its successor.

However, the new iPad Mini 3 is about to hit the market. Don't buy the Mini now, it will soon be out of production. If this is the tablet you want, waiting a little longer will save you money as prices are about to drop.

Brief verdict

When it first hit the market, we dubbed the iPad Mini the best Apple iPad ever made. And while Apple has proven it can do better, this small tablet remains a bargain on a budget, but don't buy it right now.

9. Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7

Smaller, meaner and more powerful than its predecessor, Amazon has rocked its Kindle Fire HDX 7 to keep pace with the new Nexus 7.

On paper, one of Amazon's latest 7-inch tablets looks good with a 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, a Full HD panel, up to 64GB of internal storage, and a price tag of under $14,000.

In reality, of course, the tablet doesn't live up to the Nexus 7 offering, as it runs a heavily modernized Fire OS 3.0 that strips away much of Android's functionality to bring the manufacturer's services to the fore.

Brief verdict

If you're willing to set it up properly, you'll get a simple and easy-to-use Kindle Fire HDX 7. We'd like to call this a device that you give away to users with less tech savvy, but those devices have simpler hardware.

Whether you have a premium account or significant funds in the Amazon ecosystem, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 is a smart buy. For those who need full functionality, the Nexus 7 is worth a look, and if you have deep pockets, take a look at the iPad Mini 2.

8. LGGPad 8.3

Well, when an Android tablet hits the market in a design like this, it looks like it's time for Samsung to get nervous. Instead of plastic, the tablet gets a beautiful aluminum body, and the ability to connect with other Android smartphones makes it a viable option for a wider range of users.

Some might wonder if the Snapdragon 600 chip isn't too simple for a $150 tablet, but it's enough to run a Korean-branded device smoothly.

Brief verdict

Looking for the best tablet of 2014 in an affordable yet attractive form factor? Well, perhaps. We love the G Pad 8.3, even though it ranks low in our rankings. The tablet's battery life could have been longer, and the design may take some getting used to.

The tablet remains one of the iPad Mini's closest competitors in terms of design. We are not ashamed to pull the tablet out of a thin case.

7. Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

A manufacturer that leaves no market niche unexplored, Samsung, has pushed tablets to new heights with the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2.

Thankfully, that's not all that's changed for the tablet, as the Note Pro 12.2 comes with 3GB of RAM and a quad-core processor that promises powerful performance, while the S Pen becomes a really useful addition to the big, bright screen.

It's the obvious choice for digital artists and anyone who wants a productive device, but the big screen promises a great web and video browsing experience.

On the other hand, the increase in size makes the tablet bulky, and the build quality is lame due to the large case, which is partly offset by the sheer gaming screen area.

Brief verdict

Its large screen and S Pen support make the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 an extremely useful productivity tool - if you're a fan of the Note series, there aren't many better products on the market, and Samsung seems to have convinced the world that its S-Pen is still up to date. solution for fans of modern equipment.

6. Tesco Hudl 2

The first Hudl was good - but the new tablet is much better.

A quad-core Intel Atom processor running on fast four cores, a Full HD screen and a common interface will have something to offer.

The price tag is the most interesting offer of the Tesco Hudl 2, which will cost no more than 9,000 rubles, and if you are a Tesco Clubcard holder, it can cost you even less.

Okay, the tablet is slowly waking up, the battery isn't as good as the flagships on the market, but for the money, you get a great tablet as a Christmas present for your loved one.

Brief verdict

Great tablet, even if you increase its price tag. It offers more premium features, great sound, and all at a great price tag - if you're not looking for the best tablet, but the best value for money, you should check out the Tesco Hudl 2.

5. Google Nexus 7

The new Nexus 7 takes on the positive features of the original 7-inch Google tablet that came out in 2012. The device is equipped with a quad-core processor with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and comes with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory.

Weighing in at 260g, the tablet is the perfect mobile device for your bag and shopping trips, and the perfect travel companion on long journeys, as it includes a huge selection of apps, decent battery life, and all this with a new 7-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1200 and 323 pixels per inch.

The Asus tablet is a bit more expensive than the previous model, with prices starting at Rs 11,000 for the 16 GB variant and Rs 13,000 for the 32 GB variant. It is also worth remembering that the operating system takes up part of the existing memory. There is also a model with 4G.

On the other hand, the Nexus 7 (2013) holds the title of "Best Tablet of 2014" in multiple IT publications because despite its budget price range, it offers some high-end features, along with a low-risk upgrade policy and a premium-like design. This is a great combination of positive aspects, in our opinion.

Brief verdict

If you're looking to buy a tablet right now and are intimately familiar with the Android ecosystem, we see no reason why you should avoid buying a Nexus 7 tablet.

If you haven't had anything to do with Android before, this is still a good starting point. You can also take a look at the iPad Mini 2, which is recommended for users in the Apple ecosystem, but Apple's tablet isn't as affordable as the latest Nexus 7.

The new iPad Mini has taken the lead, marking the lead over the Nexus 7, despite the fact that many have been waiting for this battle. If you're looking for a reasonable compromise with a decent tablet, the new Nexus 7 remains an unbeatable option.

4. iPad Mini Retina (Mini 2)

Note that Apple has two places in the top five tablets of 2014. You can be happy or sad about this choice, but we can't deny that Apple offers the best tablets on the market right now.

The iPad Air beats the Mini 2 with significantly more competitive prices and a larger screen for all iPad-friendly apps.

But the Mini is far from being a simple device. The tablet has a great design with an aluminum back, a super-fast A7 chip and this screen... Although we saw the screen last year, it still looks great.

Don't forget that this model is about to be replaced by the new iPad Mini 3, so it's better to wait than to rush shopping.

Brief verdict

The iPad Mini Retina is actually a hasty change in Apple designs, a prime example of how the big tablet has encroached on the portable device market.

However, the Mini 2 offers a huge pixel density in a small footprint, which gives us sharp text and stunning photos, plus you won't find any loss in battery life, which is already a miracle.

If only the Apple tablet was a little cheaper, we would give it a place in the top three. So, if you're looking for the best tablet in a smaller category (and don't worry too much about the cost of the device), nothing beats the Mini 2.

3. Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Sony has done it again. It entered the tablet market with a surprisingly high-quality device, all at once. And while the Z2 doesn't take the top spot, it's still an amazing quality tablet worthy of being the best.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet - the name carefully separates the tablet from the manufacturer's flagship smartphone series - offers a boosted Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB of RAM and a new Live Color LED (LED) screen that provides dynamics and contrast that are hard to compete with.

Video will be enhanced with dual front-facing speakers, allowing you to ditch the headphones while watching in your hotel room while still having a good movie experience.

Like its predecessor, the Sony tablet is water and dust resistant, so things like reading an e-book in the bathroom are forgivable.

Brief verdict

If you grew up within the Sony ecosystem, you shouldn't miss out on the Xperia Z2 Tablet as the tablet is fully integrated into the Sony system, including access to music, movies and the PlayStation platform. You'll need to download an app to transfer games properly, but it's not difficult.

On top of the device, you'll find an IR blaster, making it ideal for controlling your TV, and the speed and weight (or lack of it) make it a very handy couch addition.

The screen could be sharper, and you'll also have to shell out a pretty penny for this 10.1-inch tablet, but what you get for the money is still a great, well-packaged device.

Samsung has gone to great lengths to make a tablet truly iPad-worthy, though that strategy has gone through some reckless milestones (like launching the Tab Pro in January and then replacing it a few months later with the current Tab S).

But, aside from the annoying setbacks that Pro owners have experienced, this strategy has finally given the world arguably the best Android tablet of 2014. Available in two sizes, 8.4 and 10.5 inches, Samsung tablets offer the best of the current operating system, along with hardware technology, superior displays and software. The result is very special devices.

Along with the huge battery life, the display has to be seen to be believed (the picture is gorgeous, no exaggeration, the screen is ideal for video on the web, which is a characteristic point for a tablet), and the price tag for the device has remained in line with the rest of the devices. Well done Samsung.

Brief verdict

Why didn't the Tab S take first place? Samsung's perennial problem returns with the lack of new tablets: the design is still too simple, although the presence of two sizes brightens the corners.

Android continues to struggle to become a full-fledged tablet OS, which means that the applications are not yet as diverse and good as in the Apple ecosystem, but the release promises a significant step forward for the system.

The difference between the Tab S and the Xperia Z2 Tablet is minimal - it all comes down to design and extra features - but if you're not committed to owning an Apple tablet, these two are excellent choices worth considering.

1. iPad Air 2

Users were skeptical when Apple released the first iPad, but the range has grown significantly since the first-generation tablet landed on store shelves and Cupertino has finally cracked the formula.

The impressive design paired with a thin, lightweight body promises a premium look and feel, while the powerful Apple A7 and M7 processors under the hood mean the tablet won't stumble through even the toughest of tasks.

Of course, the price tag is still high, but it's quite comparable to the likes of the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, which puts the competition on an equal footing...although all things considered, there's no competition here.

Thus, the best tablet of 2014, in our opinion, again belongs to Apple, iPad Air 2 becomes the most prudent choice today, if we are not talking about budget tablets.

Brief verdict

It's not just Apple's best tablet, it's the only tablet you should consider if you're interested in a big screen. This is how we see the new Apple tablet. And while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S remains a brilliant tablet, the Air 2 simply takes it to the next level.

If you are looking for the best tablet on the market then look no further. The iPad Air 2 brings back Apple's top spot, and it will take time to dethrone it.

In this roundup, we bring you 11, without a doubt, the best budget tablets available for purchase in Russia in 2014. All budget tablets that you can find in the review have been reviewed by our experts.

Until two years ago, there was no such thing as a budget tablet, or at least devices that could be called that. Today, the tablet market is definitely on the rise. And today we would like to select and rank the eleven best budget tablets of 2014 available in Russia.

When shopping for a 2014 budget tablet, you have a few things to consider, so you shouldn't be limited to just our selection of this year's budget tablets.

The first thing you need to remember is that a sub-$12,000 tablet won't be able to compete with the iPad 4 in terms of features and performance.

You should still be looking to buy a budget tablet with the best specs for the price. The main areas to look for are: built-in memory, screen size, display pixel density, processor, battery life, dimensions and weight. In all of these hardware categories - with the exception of tablet sizes - bigger is always better. For example, a dual-core processor will probably outperform a single-core processor, and a 323 ppi screen will look much better than a 132 ppi screen.

The last thing you should know is that most of the budget tablets on the market run Google's Android operating system. This is not bad at all as the OS is easy to use and is getting better every day. It also means you're limited to the Google Play app store, and again, in an expert's opinion, that's not too bad. The Google Play Store has a great selection of apps, movies, books, magazines, and songs available for download. Just make sure you're on the latest version of Android and your tablet offers access to the Google Play Store.

So let's go. Eleven Best Budget Tablets of 2014:

Rating: 4/5.

It is relatively difficult to give the ASUS Fonepad 7 LTE an unambiguous assessment, because the tablet, in our opinion, is not oriented to everyone. For those looking for a 7" tablet that can make calls, the ASUS Fonepad 7 LTE is definitely worth considering, though we're not entirely sure you'll want to make phone calls from a 7" tablet.

If you're just looking for a 7" tablet, you might find a better deal elsewhere. We really liked ASUS Memo Pad 7 (R6000), we also like Nexus 7 (R7000) and Motorola Moto G (R800), although we recommend the latter as the best value smartphone. Well, for 13,000 rubles you can count on a brilliant 7-inch tablet or smartphone.

10. GoClever Tab R974

Rating: 3.5/5

One of the best budget tablets we've seen, the GoClever Tab R974 suffers from a number of budget tablet issues, including poor screen resolution and poor build quality. But it has a great feature set and decent performance. If $10,000 is your limit and you're looking for a 10-inch budget tablet, this is a good buy.

9. Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

Rating: 4/5

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 offers good value for money for those who are fine with Amazon's cap. For most users, this won't matter at all, as it's no doubt not a bad system, especially if you're going to be using the tablet primarily as a book. There is no need to complain about the hardware, with the exception of not the most convenient buttons - an excellent screen for the money, but the application store is characterized by a meager selection compared to Google Play, but an unpretentious user will find everything he needs.

8. Archos 80Titanium

Rating: 4/5

The Archos 80 Titanium proves that you can get a decent tablet without breaking the bank. Its screen doesn't offer high resolution, but it's a good IPS panel that's up to 1.5 times the iPad Mini's. The performance is also good, as is the build quality, although the camera leaves something to be desired. If you're on a budget or looking to buy a tablet for your child, this is a great choice.

Rating: 4/5

Budget Android-tablet with brilliant "weapons". Acer Iconia A1 can be called one of the best tablets in terms of value for money. If you're looking for a tablet for browsing the web, social networking and watching videos, look no further than the A1. The fact that the tablet offers a microSD card slot makes it a very attractive device for Rs 7,500.

6. AmazonkindleFireHD (2013)

Rating: 4/5

Since the first review of the Fire HD, Amazon has released an update that adds a new feature: FreeTime. This option makes the Kindle a great tablet for kids, allowing you to create separate user profiles and set screen time. Helpfully, you can set limits for different formats so your child won't play on the tablet all day.

If you can easily live with limited storage (8GB), the £600 price tag makes it a great choice, best for your kid.

5. Barnes & Noble Nook HD

Rating: 4/5

You can hardly find fault with its hardware, although at this price it is difficult to find fault with anything. Since the Nook is not limited to Barnes & Noble content storage, surprisingly, it becomes an interesting proposition. An easy to use and well built tablet at a great price.

Rating: 4/5

Priced at just Rs. Screen with increased, relative to peers, resolution, front speakers and much more. If you're considering a budget 2014 tablet like the Tesco Hudl, Kindle Fire HD, or even the Nexus 7, the Asus Memo Pad 7 is worth your consideration too.

3. Tesco Hudl

Rating: 4/5

Tesco Hudl is a 2014 budget tablet with great design and good build quality. The main specs are better than what you might expect based on the price of the tablet. You can count on a good processor and the quality of a 7-inch screen. A microSD card slot and a Micro-HDMI port are two more reasons to opt for the Hudl over the alternatives of Google and Amazon.

2. Advent Vega Tegra Note 7

Rating: 4/5

For the price, the Advent Vega offers more than the Tesco Hudl in almost every way. Google's new Nexus 7 is certainly better, but mostly for its good screen and long battery life, but it also costs $2,500 more and doesn't have a microSD card slot. If you're in the budget Android tablet market, the Tegra Note 7 is a great choice.

Rating: 4.5/5

The 2013 Asus Nexus 7 is more expensive than the original model, although it saw only minor design changes, although the exceptional performance gains and decent camera justify the higher price. It still lacks a microSD, but for most consumers, it's the best 7-inch tablet on the market.

Despite the fact that our site is primarily dedicated to smartphones, half of my work is devoted to tablet reviews. And although this market is still less noticeable, it is no less interesting to talk about it. Well, let's start!

Google Nexus 7 2013

Although this model is already relatively old, as evidenced by the number 2013 in the title, it is still not just relevant, but very relevant. Judge for yourself - FHD-resolution, IPS-matrix, compact (though not the most compact) dimensions, excellent speed, LTE support and updates directly from Google. The situation is only spoiled by the lack of a slot for a memory card.

Apple iPad Mini Retina

Like the Nexus 7 2013, the Mini Retina was released at the end of the year before last, but it was most widely used in 2014. The tablet turned out really good - a beautiful display, excellent battery life, zero drain in sleep mode and many applications optimized for tablets. I had a lot of fun using it last year and will definitely share my impressions and the difference between iOS and Android on tablets as part of a separate article. But the Mini 3 upset me, the number of innovations in it is catastrophically small, they could at least improve the display, as in Air 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

This tablet has long been awaited by all fans of SuperAMOLED displays, it can be safely called the successor to the Galaxy Tab 7.7. Tab S 8.4 offers us not only a SAMOLED matrix, but also an ultra-high resolution, small thickness and weight, as well as a powerful processor. Small slowdowns in the interface spoil the picture a little, but the average user is unlikely to notice them. But he will certainly appreciate the quality of the display.


Huawei MediaPad X1

A tablet that shows us the vector of development of seven-inch devices in the near future. In fact, the MediaPad X1 can already be called more of a phablet than a tablet, although Huawei stubbornly insists on the latter. In X1 I really liked the dimensions, body materials, weight and design. The screen here is good, but not the best, there are also some complaints about the speed of work. But the very idea of ​​​​making an ultra-compact tablet in an aluminum case made me very happy.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet

Perhaps one of the best compact Android tablets. As in the MediaPad X1, Sony decided to bet on dimensions and design, only they took not seven, but eight inches as a diagonal. It turned out just gorgeous: a corporate design, a great combination of metal and glass, moisture resistance, a good display - all this creates an excellent impression.

Asus MeMO Pad 7 ME572 and MeMO Pad 8 ME581

Also relatively fresh compact tablets, this time from Asus. I will note their excellent displays, excellent speed, cool ZenUI shell and good dimensions / weight. At the same time, unlike the above tablets, they have quite affordable price tags. We will prepare a review of the older model after the holidays.


Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 2

I won’t talk much about the characteristics, they are traditionally good, separately I would like to dwell on a cool idea with a stand. When traveling, it is quite inconvenient to carry a tablet with you in a case, given that the latter usually has one fixed angle of inclination. That is why the built-in stand is very cool. Together with excellent characteristics, this tablet becomes an ideal option for travelers and people who often go on business trips.


iPad Air 2

Moving on to large ten-inch tablets. Here, of course, the iPad Air 2 rules the ball. Like its predecessor, Air 2 boasts excellent dimensions and weight for its diagonal, a huge number of applications and games, as well as a cool design. But separately, I would like to highlight its display. You know, it seemed to me that after updating the screen in the iPad 3, Apple could safely use it for the next five years, and the company did so for the first two years, but in Air 2 the display has become much better due to the absence of an air gap. If you put Air and Air 2 side by side, you will be surprised how noticeable the difference will be.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5

The main competitor for Air 2 on Android. No less cool display, the same compact dimensions, worse design, but a more convenient aspect ratio for watching videos. A great Air 2 alternative for those who prefer Android (if you're okay with TouchWiz).


Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 2

What about Windows tablets? Again you ignore them!” - the inquisitive reader will note. This time, I tried to prevent his indignation and thought about which model from a pile of Windows tablets I can highlight. I scrolled through the entire range in my head, and only the Yoga Tablet 10 2 (Windows version) came to mind. Its design is great for using it as a tablet, and to create a full-fledged working laptop. Well, it's really, really expensive.


Conclusion

As you can see, the maximum activity was in the segment of compact tablets; among large models, it is problematic to single out anything significant other than Air 2 and Tab S 10.5. In principle, I can understand this behavior of manufacturers, after all, a compact tablet is more versatile. On the other hand, according to MVideo statistics, 2/3 of sales are ten-inch tablets and only 1/3 are compact ones.

If we talk about 2015, then we should not expect a special revolution in terms of performance characteristics. In theory, with the same characteristics, the price should decrease, but in Russia, due to a sharp jump in the dollar, one can only hope that prices at least will not continue to rise.

By the way, in yesterday's "Mobile Environment" one of our commentators and authors on the Android blog, Alexander Noskov, asked me which devices I consider the disappointment of 2014. To be honest, I couldn’t answer this question right off the bat, but today I suddenly realized that the answer lies on the surface. The disappointment of the year is the new line of Nexus, Nexus 9 and Nexus 6. The difference between geeks' expectations and reality (and price) turned out to be too big.

When choosing an eight-inch tablet PC, users get an excellent device for entertainment, communication, study and even work. Due to its size, such a device can easily fit even in a small women's bag. At the same time, an 8″ matrix is ​​enough for comfortable watching movies, surfing the Internet and working with documents. Such models are ideal for students, businessmen and office workers. If you are in doubt which model to buy for yourself, a colleague or a loved one, then our rating of the best 8-inch tablets will help you decide, in which we selected the highest quality devices of 2019.

Best cheap 8 inch tablets

If you do not like games and do not work with resource-intensive applications, then there is no point in spending money on a powerful device. You will not be able to use 100% of the capabilities of such a tablet, so you will only overpay extra money. Buying a tablet computer with a performance margin for the future is also not worth it, because given the speed of the technology market, your model will become obsolete faster than you will feel a lack of functionality. For this reason, inexpensive 8-inch devices will be the best option. However, we decided not to choose the cheapest models, but included two well-assembled devices from world famous brands in our rating.

1. ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380M

ZenPad 8.0 Z380M is a good and inexpensive tablet running Android 6.0. The device is equipped with a MediaTek MT8163 processor, a Mali-T720 graphics core, as well as 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of persistent storage. In video reviews, the ASUS tablet gets high marks for its high-quality display with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. In terms of color reproduction and brightness, the matrix in the presented device is at a very decent level. The owners of the tablet in the reviews note good autonomy from its merits. From a 15.2 Wh battery, the model can work up to 6 hours at maximum load. As for the minuses, with an average cost of 9,000 rubles, they are all insignificant.

Advantages:

  • attractive design;
  • quality assembly;
  • support for memory cards;
  • reasonable cost;
  • great sound;
  • battery life.

Flaws:

  • price not found.

Video review ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380M

2. Huawei MediaPad T3 8.0

If you have not yet decided which tablet to choose, but do not want to spend a large amount of money on this device, then pay attention to the MediaPad T3 8.0 model manufactured by Huawei. It runs Android 7.0 with EMUI 5.1 shell and is equipped with a Qualcomm quad-core processor with a frequency of 1400 MHz. RAM and permanent memory in MediaPad T3 installed 2 and 16 gigabytes, respectively. In terms of price-quality ratio, this budget tablet is a very worthy choice. Thanks to a colorful matrix with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, the reviewed model is perfect for a wide range of tasks, including games, watching movies and surfing the Internet. However, the lack of automatic brightness control and a very easily soiled protective glass did not allow the MediaPad T3 to take the first place.

Advantages:

  • work on Android 7 "out of the box";
  • high-quality and bright screen;
  • support for common LTE bands;
  • excellent system optimization;
  • durable aluminum body;
  • 4800 mAh battery and well optimized system.

Flaws:

  • protective glass gets dirty easily;
  • There is no automatic brightness control.

The best mid-range 8-inch tablets

The middle price segment of the market is most in demand among buyers. Such devices are able to boast of decent equipment and high-quality assembly, which makes it easy to use these simple reliable tablets for any task. At the same time, the cost of middle-class devices is not only fully justified, but also will not hit consumers' wallets. Given the high demand for middle-end models, we decided to pay special attention to this category, selecting 4 excellent products for it at once.

1. ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z581KL

Launched by ASUS in 2016, the slim and compact ZenPad 8.0 Z581KL is still a hit with consumers. First of all, the user is attracted by the affordable cost of 17 thousand rubles and an excellent “stuffing”. As a processor, the Z581KL uses Snapdragon 650, equipped with 8 cores with a maximum frequency of 1800 MHz. The graphics accelerator is represented by the Adreno 510 chip, which makes it an excellent choice for gaming.

The popular tablet model is also suitable for movie lovers. The matrix installed here boasts high brightness and wide viewing angles, which allows you to comfortably use the tablet even on a sunny day. The resolution of the display installed in the reviewed model is 2048x1536 pixels, which provides a good pixel density of 320 ppi.

Of the wireless modules in the ASUS device, there is Wi-Fi with support for 802.11ac and Bluetooth version 4.1. Also in the Z581KL there is a tray for a micro SIM card and support for LTE, including frequency bands 7, 20 and 38, used by all mobile operators in Russia.

Advantages:

  • quality assembly;
  • affordable cost;
  • USB-C 3.1 and OTG support;
  • high-quality matrix with good color reproduction;
  • powerful hardware platform;
  • convenient management;
  • attractive design;
  • comfortable branded shell.

Flaws:

  • no fingerprint scanner and NFC;
  • hull strength.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T385

The next line is occupied by one of the best 8-inch tablets in the ranking. The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 model was introduced at the end of 2017, so the device runs Android 7.1 out of the box. The device is equipped with a Snapdragon 425 processor with 2 GB of RAM and Adreno 308 graphics. The matrix in the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is made using IPS technology and has a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. Samsung will also take care of communication by including a Nano SIM connector in the monitored device. This is an LTE-enabled tablet that works in all popular bands in the Russian Federation.

Alas, at the price declared by the manufacturer of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T385, some of its shortcomings cannot be ignored. So the hardware platform of the device for its price is also quite weak. In defense of this hardware, we can note its energy efficiency, which allows the Samsung tablet computer to work 14 hours on a single charge. Last but not least is the pixel density of 224 ppi. For an 8-inch matrix, the manufacturer should have chosen WUXGA resolution, not WXGA.

Advantages:

  • capacious 5000 mAh battery;
  • fast fingerprint scanner;
  • high brightness matrix;
  • metal body;
  • battery life;
  • the presence of a Type-C connector with OTG support;
  • elegant design;
  • Android version 7.1;
  • good cameras.

Flaws:

  • weak "stuffing" (for its price);
  • platform speed;
  • low display resolution.

3. Lenovo Tab 4 Plus TB-8704X

The Lenovo brand is considered by consumers to be one of the best on the market. Users are mainly attracted by the affordable cost of devices from a Chinese manufacturer, complemented by excellent functionality. So the lightweight Tab 4 Plus TB-8704X tablet we are considering costs less than 20 thousand rubles, but for this price the user gets a powerful Snapdragon 625 processor with Adreno 506 graphics and 4 gigabytes of RAM. The built-in memory in this unit is 64 GB, and if necessary, it can be expanded with microSD drives for another 128 gigabytes.

Lenovo Tab 4 Plus is a dual SIM tablet with LTE support. Of the wireless modules in this device, there is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and GPS and GLONASS are used for navigation. Also, good 5 and 8 MP cameras, high-quality stereo speakers and a modern USB Type-C 3.1 standard are installed here. The monitored device is powered by a 4850 mAh battery that can provide up to 10 hours of battery life with the screen always on.

Advantages:

  • powerful hardware;
  • good autonomy;
  • tray for two SIM-cards;
  • fast fingerprint scanner;
  • excellent Full HD matrix;
  • attractive design;
  • quality assembly;
  • loud stereo speakers.

Flaws:

  • plastic case;
  • no fast charging and NFC;
  • slippery back cover.

Video review Lenovo Tab 4 Plus TB-8704X

4. Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 8.0

The MediaPad M3 Lite from Huawei took its place of honor in the ranking of tablets with a screen of 8 inches. The design of this device is simply magnificent, which has already become traditional for the leader of the Chinese market. Buyers have no complaints about quality either, because the metal case and first-class assembly guarantee reliability. Another advantage of the stylish Huawei tablet is the screen: IPS matrix with Full HD resolution is characterized by high brightness and accurate color reproduction.

The hardware platform of the MediaPad M3 Lite is represented by a Snapdragon 435 processor and Adreno 505 graphics. The RAM and permanent storage are 3 and 32 GB, respectively. Of course, this hardware is well suited for gamers. In addition, thanks to the energy-efficient filling, the 4800 mAh battery can provide more than 10 hours of battery life, which will be a plus with regular use.

For communication in the MediaPad M3 Lite, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 and a cellular module with LTE support (Nano SIM card slot) are responsible. The convenience of this device is also enhanced by loud stereo speakers, allowing you to enjoy watching movies and series. Of the minuses of the reviewed model, only the micro-USB port and the main camera, which is completely similar to the front module, can be distinguished.

Advantages:

  • quality assembly;
  • excellent appearance;
  • system speed;
  • the amount of built-in and RAM;
  • good and bright matrix;
  • beautiful frontal;
  • responsive sensor;
  • good autonomy.

Flaws:

  • resolution of the main camera;
  • outdated micro-USB port;

The best premium 8" tablets

Top models of tablets are a great choice for gamers. The powerful "stuffing" of such devices guarantees users the operation of all games at maximum graphics settings, as well as a stable frame rate. The latter is achieved not only through excellent optimization and high performance, but also through a perfect assembly that ensures efficient heat dissipation, which prevents overheating. In addition, premium devices are equipped with first-class displays and support styluses, which can be purchased separately. These parameters will be important for creative people who like to draw or work in the field of graphic design.

1. Apple iPad mini 4 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Without a doubt, the best tablet with an 8-inch display on the market is Apple's tablet. iPad mini 4 features a premium design, up to 9 hours of battery life at full load, and great performance. This model uses a powerful Apple A8 processor and 2 GB of RAM. Such a bundle is able to cope with the most demanding applications even more than two years after the release of the iPad mini 4. Also, this tablet computer is endowed with a beautiful bright screen with a diagonal of 7.85 inches and a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels (325 ppi pixel density). The advantage of the iPad mini 4 are loud stereo speakers. In terms of sound, this device bypasses most of the more modern models from competitors, so watching movies on it is a pleasure. As a result, we have before us not just a stylish and high-quality device, but the best tablet computer in terms of price / quality ratio among all presented in the premium segment.

Advantages:

  • stunning design;
  • slim body;
  • perfect screen;
  • quality assembly;
  • powerful "stuffing";
  • long battery life;
  • Nano SIM card support;
  • stereo speakers with excellent sound;
  • fast fingerprint scanner.

Flaws:

  • no NFC module and Apple Pay support;
  • high price.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 SM-T719

Closes our rating Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, a tablet that is ideal for gaming, because it has a Snapdragon 652 processor with 8 cores at 1800 MHz, 3 GB of RAM and Adreno 510 graphics. The device runs Android 6.0, and its Super AMOLED display can boast a high resolution of 2048x1536 pixels. Galaxy Tab S2 costs from 25 to 30 thousand rubles. For the price, a 4G-enabled tablet is an excellent choice, but still, the manufacturer could have installed better cameras. Where Samsung's solution can't but rejoice is in battery life. Thanks to the 4000 mAh battery, the tablet can work 9 hours at maximum load, as well as 14 and 71 hours of continuous video viewing and music listening, respectively.

Advantages:

  • stunning AMOLED matrix;
  • work in mobile phone mode;
  • productive hardware platform;
  • elegant slim design;
  • full-fledged work in cell phone mode;
  • high-quality and loud stereo speakers;
  • excellent battery life.

Flaws:

  • no fast charging;
  • weak cameras for the price of the device.

Video review Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0

Which 8 inch tablet to buy

Our ranking of 8-inch tablets includes the best models from the South Korean giant Samsung, leading Chinese manufacturers Lenovo, Huawei and ASUS, as well as the American brand Apple. Depending on your personal needs, you can opt for budget solutions that are ideal for students and moviegoers, or choose powerful tablets that can run any modern game at high settings.