Best tablet 2021
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is a spectacular tablet, with its headline feature arguably being the M1 chipset that powers it. This chipset was lifted straight from Apple’s top-end Macs, so you’re truly getting desktop power in a tablet here.
But that’s not all this tablet has going for it. For the first time in an iPad, it also has a Mini LED screen, with a remarkably high 1,600-nit peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 2048 x 2732 resolution. It’s crisp, bright, vibrant, and all-round impressive.
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) also has a long-lasting battery, a decent camera, a premium aluminum design, and support for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 – these are sold separately, but turn it into a real productivity machine, great for trying free drawing software apps.
So if you want to get some proper work or creation done on a tablet, or you’re just a big tablet gamer, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) will be the perfect device. But if your needs are lighter then you might find this too expensive and too big.
Read the full review: iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is an affordable iPad and it looks it, as it’s now the only current model with an old-fashioned, bezel-heavy design. We’re not big fans of this aspect of it, but almost every other part of the iPad 10.2 (2021) impressed us.
From its excellent 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera (which gives video calls a major upgrade), to its True Tone display tech (which helps with outdoor visibility), there’s a lot to like here. You also get double the storage of the previous model and a power boost, so this might be a budget iPad, but it’s still a highly capable tablet.
Read the full review: iPad 10.2 (2021)
The first Android tablet on our list is the best tablet that Samsung has ever made, and it’s a serious rival to the iPad Pro range that you’ve read about above.
In fact, its screen arguably has those slates beat, as it’s a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED one with a 2800 x 1752 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro range can match much of that, but those slates have LCD screens that for the most part aren’t as good.
Inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset, which we found to be plenty powerful, and it comes with a premium metal build that is incredibly slim with it only being 5.7mm thick.
Want high speed internet? A version of the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus also comes with 5G connectivity, and you’ll get the Samsung S Pen stylus in the box for free. Android isn’t as good as iPadOS is on tablets, but if you want an Android alternative to an iPad this could be it.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
The iPad Pro 11 (2021) is a superb tablet, but one that’s just ever so slightly underwhelming in the face of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) with its Mini LED display.
This instead has to settle for LCD like its predecessor, but it still has a great 11-inch 1668 x 2388 screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it has the same overpowered Apple M1 chipset as its larger sibling, so nothing should slow this down.
The iPad Pro 11 (2021) also has a smaller, lighter build than the 12.9-inch model, making it more portable – as a result of its smaller size and inferior screen it’s also more affordable, though certainly far from cheap.
Buy ipad pro
The Apple Trade In program makes it easy to trade in an eligible iPad. Just answer a few questions regarding the model and condition, and we will provide an estimated trade-in value◊◊ or a simple way to recycle it for free if it’s not eligible for credit.
If your iPad is eligible and you accept the quote, we will send you a free trade-in kit, separate to your new iPad (at not cost to you) so you can then send in your current iPad within the 14 day return window.
Once we receive your iPad, we’ll inspect it and verify its condition. If the condition matches what you described, there’s nothing more you need to do. If the condition doesn’t match, a new trade-in value will be provided. You’ll have the option to either accept this revised value or reject it. We’ll work with you to confirm that you still want to move forward with the trade-in.
If you buy online and choose to pay with Apple Card Monthly Installments, we’ll instantly apply your estimated trade-in value to the purchase of your new iPad. If you pay in full, your trade-in value is applied as a refund to your original payment method. This happens once we receive your eligible iPad and confirm that the condition matches what you described.
The trade-in process can take up to 2-3 weeks.
You can also trade your device in at an Apple Store at the point of purchase, however the trade-in value in store may be different from the estimated trade-in value you received online.
Ipad — compare models
Silver and space gray
Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
Apple M1 chip with next-generation Neural Engine
12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras with Smart HDR 3 and 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
TrueDepth camera with 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, Center Stage, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Smart HDR
LiDAR Scanner
Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Works with Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards
USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4
Silver and space gray
Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
Apple M1 chip with next-generation Neural Engine
12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras with Smart HDR 3 and 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
TrueDepth camera with 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, Center Stage, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Smart HDR
LiDAR Scanner
Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Works with Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards
USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4
Silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue
Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
12MP Wide camera with Smart HDR 3 and 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Smart HDR
Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Works with Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards
USB‑C connector
What should i look for when buying a tablet?
The main things to consider are how much you want to spend, and what operating system you want — with Apple’s iPadOS and Android being the two main options. Then think about what else matters to you in a tablet — be it size, power, camera or battery — and choose accordingly.
What tablet can replace a laptop?
If you’re hoping to get serious work done on a tablet then an iPad Pro, such as the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), would be a good option. This has a big screen, lots of power, and supports a keyboard accessory. For an Android alternative, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, which has similar selling points.
