The best 10-inch tablet money can buy - here's our list
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Complaining about how big and heavy laptops are is basically a universal thing, right? Even the smallest laptops are like 11 to 13 inches, making a tablet with a screen bigger than 10 inches kinda pointless. And forget about those tiny 7- or 8-inch tablets— in 2024 they're like relics. Nowadays, most smartphones are rocking 7-inch screens, so those small tablets are ancient history.
Sure, some folks might argue for small phones or medium-sized tablets, but let's be real, finding a compact phone is like spotting a unicorn these days. People just aren't into them anymore. Just look at what happened to the iPhone mini. When it comes to tablets, though, the magic number here is 10 inches—it's the sweet spot between a big phone and a small laptop. Still easy to carry around but gives you that nice big screen.
Now, the market is flooded with 10-inch tablets, and we get it, sifting through all those no-name, budget tablets is a pain. That's why we're here to help you find the top dogs—the best 10-inch tablets from the big players like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft.
Let's get to it!
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There are several categories, so you can pick the gadget that works best for you while also staying within your budget. Here are the top ten 10-inch tablets available in 2023.
The best 10-inch tablets at a glance:
- Apple iPad (2022) - best tablet for iOS users
- Google Pixel Tablet - best tablet for home use
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 - best 10-inch Android tablet
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus - best deal at the moment
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet - best 2-in-1 tablet
- Microsoft Surface Go 3 - best 10-inch tablet with Windows
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus - best budget 10-inch tablet
- Apple iPad Air (2020) - best lightweight 10-inch tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - best bang for the buck
- Apple iPad 10.2-inch (2021) - best tablet in the $300 range
Apple iPad (2022)
If you’re using an iOS device of any kind, then you’ll be better off with a tablet made by Apple. If you don’t mind the extra display real estate, you should definitely go and get the iPad Pro. Otherwise, the last generation Apple iPad (2022) is your best choice.
The new iPad 10th Generation has thinner bezels all around, a bigger display, a lot quicker CPU and improved performance, a USB Type-C port at the bottom (at last! ), a new landscape FaceTime camera, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and other features. In contrast to the last generation, there is a long list of unique features, but there's also one that you probably won't like as much. The price.
With prices starting at $449 for the base 64GB Wi-Fi model and rising to a brave $749 for the 256GB cellular model, this tablet gives the iPad Air and iPad Pro a run for their money. Or a money for their fun?! Nevertheless, this is a great device if you're willing to pay the extra money.
With prices starting at $449 for the base 64GB Wi-Fi model and rising to a brave $749 for the 256GB cellular model, this tablet gives the iPad Air and iPad Pro a run for their money. Or a money for their fun?! Nevertheless, this is a great device if you're willing to pay the extra money.
Read More: Apple iPad (2022) review
Google Pixel Tablet
Google joined the tablet party with the Google Pixel Tablet, first announcing it in 2022, and launching the model earlier this year. It's by no means a powerhouse but it does a few things right. It's meant to help you make the most of it, even when you're not holding it in your hands. How? By utilizing the Speaker Dock - you just drop it on the dock when you're not using it, and the tablet becomes a digital photo frame, a Home hub, or a media consumption device.
It's a very interesting take on the home tablet, and it kind of works. The Pixel Tablet may not have the best specs out there, but if you want to have a smart speaker/smart screen, and a tablet for home use in one device, there's no better option.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
If you want an Android tablet, you face the same conundrum regarding the size. The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is an 11-inch device, and if you strictly want to keep things below that threshold you'll have to settle for the previous generation.
Nothing wrong with the Galaxy Tab S6, though - it’s a great Android tablet with thin bezels, metal construction, one of the best Super AMOLED 10.5-inch displays on the market, and quad speakers powered by AKG.
What’s more, there’s a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that comes in the box and magnetically attaches to the rear of the Galaxy Tab S6. The performance is also excellent, even though the device uses a Snapdragon 855 chip coupled with 8GB of RAM.
There are two storage options available (128 or 256GB) but thanks to the microSD card slot you can expand the onboard memory by up to 1TB. The battery life is also pretty good, the Galaxy Tab S6 beats its Apple counterpart by more than an hour.
All in all, the Tab S6 is one of the best 10-inch Android tablets on the market, out shadowed only by its bigger and more modern sibling, the Galaxy Tab S7.
Nothing wrong with the Galaxy Tab S6, though - it’s a great Android tablet with thin bezels, metal construction, one of the best Super AMOLED 10.5-inch displays on the market, and quad speakers powered by AKG.
What’s more, there’s a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen that comes in the box and magnetically attaches to the rear of the Galaxy Tab S6. The performance is also excellent, even though the device uses a Snapdragon 855 chip coupled with 8GB of RAM.
There are two storage options available (128 or 256GB) but thanks to the microSD card slot you can expand the onboard memory by up to 1TB. The battery life is also pretty good, the Galaxy Tab S6 beats its Apple counterpart by more than an hour.
All in all, the Tab S6 is one of the best 10-inch Android tablets on the market, out shadowed only by its bigger and more modern sibling, the Galaxy Tab S7.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 review
Amazon Fire HD10 Plus
Now that we're done with Apple and Samsung, it's time for something completely different. Amazon also offers its own line of tablets, and even though it might not be the most powerful out there, the price tag will make you smile.
Take the Amazon Fire HD10 Plus for example. It covers all the basics, and you can find one for basically pocket money. There are deals on these models practically anytime you visit Amazon, and for half the price of a Galaxy Tab or an iPad, you can get a pretty solid tablet.
The Fire HD10 Plus features a 10.1" 1080p full HD display; 32 or 64 GB of internal storage (you can expand it by up to 512 GB with microSD), and it has a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and 4 GB of RAM.
All these specs might sound a bit underwhelming but at that price, the Fire HD10 is absolutely the best deal out there. Also, you can get up to 12 hours of battery life out of this bad boy.
The Fire HD10 Plus features a 10.1" 1080p full HD display; 32 or 64 GB of internal storage (you can expand it by up to 512 GB with microSD), and it has a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor and 4 GB of RAM.
All these specs might sound a bit underwhelming but at that price, the Fire HD10 is absolutely the best deal out there. Also, you can get up to 12 hours of battery life out of this bad boy.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
We can't talk about the best 10-inch tablets out there without mentioning at least one Chromebook. I know what you're thinking - but it's a Chromebook... Exactly! Nothing wrong with that, and Lenovo's Duet line not only amalgamates tablets and laptops but also manages to do it at a great price.
For just under $300 (these babies can be found for as low as $189 if you're patient) you're getting a decent MediaTek Helio P60T-equipped 2-in-1 device with 128GB of onboard memory.
And unlike most of its rivals, the Lenovo Duet comes bundled with a fast and stable plug-and-play detachable keyboard, classy kickstand, and of course - Chrome OS. If you want something fresh, lightweight, and very affordable, this 10-inch tablet might be the right choice for you.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Microsoft Surface tablets bring something unique to the table - Windows. No matter how good the iPad OS or Android might be, there’s nothing like the good old Windows when it comes to multitasking.
The Surface Go 3 is one of the entry-level devices in the lineup but it still offers a lot. It comes equipped with a 10.5” display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. You also get an 9th generation Intel Pentium Gold processor inside, plus the aforementioned Windows operating system (Windows 11 Home).
This tablet is not cheap but it will get you that “laptop” experience anytime you need it. With the optional keyboard cover, mouse, and Surface Pen, you can transform the Surface Go 3 into a full-fledged laptop or a sketching art machine. It is the best 10-inch Windows tablet you can get!
This tablet is not cheap but it will get you that “laptop” experience anytime you need it. With the optional keyboard cover, mouse, and Surface Pen, you can transform the Surface Go 3 into a full-fledged laptop or a sketching art machine. It is the best 10-inch Windows tablet you can get!
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
For all of you, who just want a backup tablet or a secondary device, there’s no need to cough up hundreds of dollars. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the best budget 10-inch tablet, and it will get the job done.
This one features a 10.3-inch FHD (1080x1920) display, an octa-Core processor with up to 2.3 GHz main frequency, and several memory configurations. You can get it with 2GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, and 4GB/128GB.
This one features a 10.3-inch FHD (1080x1920) display, an octa-Core processor with up to 2.3 GHz main frequency, and several memory configurations. You can get it with 2GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB, and 4GB/128GB.
Get your Lenovo Tab M10 Plus here:
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus also comes with stereo speakers and a 5,000mAh battery. It’s not the best 10-inch tablet out there, but it’s a perfect backup device, or a great gift for your kids (thanks to the dedicated Kids Mode). Have we mentioned that it’s cheap?
Apple iPad Air (2020)
And we’re back to Apple. This time around we’re looking at the Apple iPad Air (2020). This should be your choice if you want a feather-weight device. It’s 30 grams lighter than the iPad (2020), yet sporting a bigger 10.9-inch display (just below that 11-inch threshold).
What’s more, the iPad Air (2020) features the A14 Bionic chipset, coupled with 4GB of ram, so it’s iPad Pro-fast. One possible downside is that the onboard storage is only 64GB but the price reflects that nicely.
You also get great stereo speakers, support for accessories like Magic Keyboard and 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, and last but not least, there’s USB Type-C onboard! Welcome to the 21st century, Apple. But seriously, this means better support for third-party accessories. While this tablet is far from cheap, it offers the raw power of the iPad Pro without the price tag.
What’s more, the iPad Air (2020) features the A14 Bionic chipset, coupled with 4GB of ram, so it’s iPad Pro-fast. One possible downside is that the onboard storage is only 64GB but the price reflects that nicely.
Read More: Apple iPad Air (2020) review
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
If you want the best 10-inch tablet but you’re neither prepared to spend hundreds of dollars nor to settle for something cheap and underpowered, there’s still a solution. Behold the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - it’s the best bang for your buck.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a Unisoc T618 processor, 3GB RAM, and either 32GB, 64GB or 128GB expandable storage. It’s not the fastest chipset but it’s substantially better than our budget entries on this list.
The 10.5-inch display is very bright and vivid, and you also get Dolby Atmos surround sound for the perfect multimedia experience. The build quality and battery life (7040mAh) are also top-notch, and the price is unbeatable - you can get the Galaxy Tab A8 for as little as $199.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 features a Unisoc T618 processor, 3GB RAM, and either 32GB, 64GB or 128GB expandable storage. It’s not the fastest chipset but it’s substantially better than our budget entries on this list.
The 10.5-inch display is very bright and vivid, and you also get Dolby Atmos surround sound for the perfect multimedia experience. The build quality and battery life (7040mAh) are also top-notch, and the price is unbeatable - you can get the Galaxy Tab A8 for as little as $199.
Apple iPad 10.2-inch (2021)
The entry-level of the iPad line got refresh this September and the new iPad 10.2-inch (2021) has a lot to offer. There are upgrades across the whole platform - with the iPad 10.2 (2021) you're getting the same iPadOS features baked in the Pro model. The base storage has been bumped up to 64GB (a long overdue upgrade), and you can use the tablet with Apple Pencil (1st Gen).
The Apple A13 is a bit old now, but you're getting at least 3 whole years of this baby, so no reasons to worry. The battery life is great - you can get around 8 hours of mixed use, and to top it all up, the Center Stage feature is present too. This feature uses the ultra-wide front-facing camera to follow you around, and it takes video calls to another level.
The 64 GB, Wi-Fi only model still costs $330, and in the crowded 10-inch tablet market, this is one of the best bang for your buck.
Read More: iPad 2021 review: same old, same gold
Things to consider when choosing a 10-inch tablet:
When you're on the hunt for a 10-inch tablet, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Here's what you should look out for:
Display: Check the screen resolution and display technology. You want a clear and vibrant screen, especially since a larger display size emphasizes any shortcomings in resolution. The panel technology also matters, you'll get the best results and quality from an OLED screen, but it comes at a price, literally. There are other tech such as mini LED and even traditional LCD screens are quite good nowadays.
Display: Check the screen resolution and display technology. You want a clear and vibrant screen, especially since a larger display size emphasizes any shortcomings in resolution. The panel technology also matters, you'll get the best results and quality from an OLED screen, but it comes at a price, literally. There are other tech such as mini LED and even traditional LCD screens are quite good nowadays.
Performance: Look for a tablet with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM. This ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, crucial for a satisfying user experience. Of course, it's important to pinpoint the exact scenario you need the tablet for. No point buying a super powerful tablet if you're only going to watch videos or browse the net on it.
Battery Life: A good battery life is essential, especially if you plan to use your tablet for extended periods without access to charging. Generally, the bigger the battery, the better. Tablets are gadgets prized for their portability, which means you will take them on the road. And there's nothing worse than running out of battery in the middle of that trans-Atlantic flight.
Operating System: Decide whether you prefer Android, iOS (Apple), or Windows. Each operating system has its own set of features and apps, so choose one that aligns with your preferences and needs. If you need a seamless integration with your Apple gadgets, then the choice is simple, go iOS. If you want a full Windows experience, again - get a Microsoft tablet.
Camera Quality: While tablet cameras might not be a top priority for many users, it's still worth checking the camera specifications if you plan to use it for video calls or photography. If you plan to do a lot of meetings on your tablet, a good front camera is paramount.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The best 10-inch tablets you can buy in 2024. Of course, this list is "work-in-progress", and we'll be adding devices as they get announced. Meanwhile, you can check out our Best Tablets pick, and see if there’s something you like outside of the 10-inch display bracket.
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