Tablets are amazing and compact devices that can help people with a lot of their daily tasks. Whether it be for work, for school, or for recreational activities. But for students, tablets can easily be a versatile device that can really help you take down notes, organize your schedule, and accomplish your school works. So for today’s guide, we’ll be giving some advice on how to buy the best tablets for students in 2021.
With the market so saturated with all different kinds of tablets from every brand you can think of, it can be hard to choose one and find which will suit you the best. In addition to that, tablets come in every price range. From being $100 to costing more than $1000. So with that being said, it can be tricky to pick which tablet will give you every bang for your buck.
The last thing you want is to splurge on such an expensive tablet and end up with a device that has way too advanced features you won’t even end up using. Or worse, you get yourself a “cheap” tablet that breaks easily or has multiple issues or compromises.
So to make sure you avoid these kinds of mistakes, this article will help you out as you shop for your next tablet purchase.
As online lessons continue to be offered as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the demand for equipment and gadgets that can handle hefty academic workloads grows. Tablets are an excellent example of such devices that may provide great adaptability, productivity, and portability.
But some of you might be wondering: why should I get a tablet and not just stick to my smartphone or get a laptop instead?
Those are very valid questions and honestly, if you already have a reliable laptop that you can use for your online classes, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with that. However, if you’re looking for a device that offers a lot more portability than your laptop but something that has more power than your smartphone, a tablet is the answer.
Tablets Vs. Laptops & Smartphones
While laptops are still very effective devices, sometimes we just crave something more compact. And to be frank, some tablets like the iPad Pro from Apple can even go toe to toe with most flagship laptops nowadays. Not to mention, similar flagship tablets from Samsung and Microsoft can also easily serve as a pseudo-laptop. All you need to do is attach a keyboard and voila! You got yourself a laptop.
Aside from the physical aspects, Samsung also offers DeX mode to really give you that laptop feels with a click of a button while also helping out in your productivity. On the other hand, Microsoft’s Surface Pro series uses a Windows operating system.
Apart from school works, a tablet can also serve you for all sorts of things. Some examples would be streaming high-quality videos, practice some digital drawing, and plenty of other activities. Sure, you can also do these things with your current smartphone or laptop, but a tablet is a great balance of those gadgets.
A smartphone is great and they’re reliable but oftentimes, they don’t have enough power or support the same apps a tablet might. Also, the display screen is sometimes just too small depending on your preference. Laptops are cool too, they offer plenty of power but they’re not the most compact. You’ll find a lot of the time that having a tablet is a lot more comfortable to carry around anywhere.
Shopping Tips
Now if you’re fully convinced that you really want a tablet for your online classes, here are some friendly shopping tips you might want to consider and keep in mind.
Plan How Much You’re Willing To Spend
As I have previously mentioned, tablets come in all different price ranges. Some go for as low as $100, while some models like the iPad Pros from Apple can cost you up to more than a thousand dollars. Personally, I find that really expensive and unnecessary unless you really need that much power from a compact device like a tablet.
So before you enter a physical store or head on to Amazon, it’s best to have a budget already planned to avoid getting overwhelmed. Not only will this help narrow down your options when you have a price range to stick to, but you will also have an idea of what kind of tablets you need to look for and what kind of specs you should expect.
As with any product, more affordable options of tablets are going to come with a few compromises so it can maintain a more budget-friendly price point. So you really can’t expect a Samsung Galaxy Tab A6 to function the same way as an iPad Pro would. Not only are they two vastly different models from different brands, but their hardware is also built differently.
However, if you’re desperate for power and want your tablet to be as good as your computer, then be prepared to splurge a little. These kinds of advanced and high-tech specs will surely cost you an arm and a leg.
Try To Visit The Physical Store Of Your Chosen Tablet
With the pandemic still ongoing, it’s always best to stay indoors to keep yourself safe from the virus. But if you can and you think it’s safe enough in your community, I would highly suggest making a quick trip to check out the tablet you want physically in an actual store.
This gives you a better idea of how the tablet will feel on your hands, how it actually looks like, and how it functions. The store employees can also answer some of your questions that you won’t get from product descriptions online as well as a more hands-on experience of the device.
Aside from those things, checking your desired tablet in a physical store also lessens situations wherein you might receive a faulty product that you will end up returning or exchanging. Plus, if the tablet is good enough for you, you can just purchase it right away on the spot without having to wait for a few days for it to arrive on your doorstep.
Include The Accessories In Your Budget
To maximize a tablet’s versatility, you’ll often want to pair it up with accessories. Such accessories can be pens for taking notes or doing digital art, a Bluetooth keyboard for typing, or even an external USB port. They’re not a necessity, but they do make a huge difference when you’re using a tablet. So it’s up to you whether you would like to have them or not.
Some brands include these accessories in the box when you purchase them, but some manufacturers require you to buy them separately. So if you already have a tablet in mind, it’s best that you research whether they come in with the needed accessories. If not, you can either look for another model or make some allowances in your budget to be able to purchase these accessories as well.
Keep In Mind The Specs You Need For Your Classes & School Works
One of the most crucial things to consider when investing in such a high-end device as a tablet is the specs it has built into its system, depending on the classes you’re taking. The last thing you want is to discover that your newly purchased device lacks the necessary hardware to complete your everyday school activities.
So here are some features you need to consider and keep in mind when shopping for a tablet:
CPU
The CPU in a tablet will determine how fast and smooth your device will perform its tasks. The better the CPU your tablet has, the better it will also execute your tasks for you.
So before you invest, I highly recommend looking up what kind of processors or CPUs are the most updated in the industry right now. For example, tablets like the Apple iPad Pro with the M1 chip are as powerful as a lot of high-end laptops you’re seeing in the market right now. It will certainly give you a very smooth performance without a hitch.
But you don’t always need the most advanced CPU. More affordable options are definitely available that can perform adequately if you don’t require a lot of power for your daily tasks.
The display is something you shouldn’t overlook. Especially if you’re attending creative classes. If you’re a student who wants to practice your video editing skills or digital art, you should always look for a tablet that has an excellent display that offers perfect color accuracy to make sure that your work won’t look distorted or have its colors off in any way.
Operating System
When it comes to operating systems, you have a handful of options to choose from depending on the tablet you have chosen. From Apple’s iPadOS, to Android, and Windows. They’re all decent operating systems and it really just depends on which operating system you’re familiar with and you prefer working with for the years to come.
Though if you ask me when it comes to comparing the three, iPadOS is definitely more advanced and will give you access to some of the best apps for your tablet due to Apple’s robust app library.
Storage
The amount of storage in a tablet will solely depend on your needs and what you’re planning to do with your tablet. Tablet storage can be as little as 32GB and up to 2TB.
Personally, the 64GB of storage is pretty outdated and might not be sufficient if your tablet is going to be an all-around device to do all of your tasks. If you want to make sure that your device doesn’t run out of memory so quickly, opting for a model that has 128GB of storage would be a safer choice.
Conclusion
We’ve finally reached the end of this article. I hope this was able to give you an idea of what you need to keep in mind and what to look for when shopping for your next tablet purchase.
Do you already own a tablet? Or are you still contemplating it? Did our article for How To Buy The Best Tablets For Students In 2021 help you come to a decision? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any further questions, suggestions, or even insights to share. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
It’s been said before that your worst enemy is sometimes yourself. And I think with the release of the iPad Air 4, Apple did exactly just that to themselves. With a tablet this good, it makes you wonder why else would you want to go for the iPad Pro variant. Aside from the overpowered M1 chipset and brighter display the Pro has, there’s not much difference between these two devices.
If you really want to get your hands on an Apple iPad but can’t afford the Pro variant, the Apple iPad Air 4 is the next best thing. It’s basically a more affordable and more lightweight version of the Apple iPad Pro lineup. It also improved the outdated specs and addressed the issues the previous iPad Air had.
So if you’re a casual user and your main tasks are relatively light and not that demanding, the iPad Air 4 might be the better fit for you. In case you’re still deciding which tablet to purchase between the iPad Air and the Pro, let this review help you come to a final decision.
To cut to the chase, the iPad Air 4 is a really well-made tablet that has a much better value than its Pro counterpart. Sure, you’re getting a few downgrades in terms of refresh rate, chipset, and display. But for the casual user and people who are generally not power-hungry, this particular model should be plenty enough to satisfy you.
Personally, if you’re not a video editor who is looking for a more compact device to do your professional work or a digital artist who needs the extra RAM and storage for more layers in Procreate, the iPad Air 4 is more than good enough. It can easily do all the tasks and light work you need for your day-to-day activities.
The Air 4 VS. The Pro
As I have recently said, there are definitely some corners cut of course in order for this device to maintain a more budget-friendly and mid-range price point. However, I find that the Apple iPad Air 4 is still a pretty solid machine to use for almost any kind of task.
I would even dare say that this particular model is so good some of you might have a difficult time choosing between splurging for the iPad Pro or opting for the iPad Air 4 instead. It’s that good. Don’t get me wrong though, the Pro is one hell of a machine. It has tons of power that can easily beat a lot of mainstream computers, however, that much power can sometimes be wasted and pretty limited to Apple’s iPadOS.
Overall, the iPad Air 4 is an excellent device. Apart from the M1 chip, brighter display, and the 120 Hz refresh rate on the 2021 iPad Pro, you won’t really miss out on much unless you’re desperate for that kind of power to run your apps.
Inside The Air 4
In terms of hardware and CPU, the iPad Air 4 is powered by Apple’s A14 chipset. Yes, the very same chipset your iPhone 12 has.
It’s not as powerful as the M1 chip obviously, but the A14 chipset isn’t too bad either. Especially if you don’t need to do heavier tasks like video editing on your tablet. But the A14 chipset means that this particular model can still handle most tasks with ease just like your smartphone does.
Such tasks can range from streaming high-quality videos to running even the most demanding apps for your school, work, or other unrelated activities like gaming.
When it comes to storage, the Pro definitely takes the cake on this one. The Pro has plenty more storage options to choose from, ranging from 128 GB up to 2 TB of storage.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air 4 only lets you choose between either 64 GB or 256 GB of storage. Depending on what you’re planning to do with your tablet, that kind of storage is either good enough or a little underwhelming.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
Item Weight: 1 lbs.
Wireless Communication Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth
One of the best things about the iPad Air 4 is how well-designed the model is. Though, to be fair on Apple, almost all of their products are really nicely designed. But going back to the Air 4, this unit sports a really premium and high-end feel due to its thinner build.
Like the Pro, the Air 4 also has slimmer bezels and an all-screen body on the front along with squared-off edges and a rounded-corner display. Similar to what we saw on the 2018 iPad Pro. When it comes to its build quality, the iPad Air 4 is made up of an anodized aluminum frame that boasts multiple color options to choose from.
However, unlike this year’s iPad Pro, you might be a little disappointed to know that you will only get a touch ID for the Air 4. No face unlocking features here.
Camera Quality
I think by now we all know that Apple has really excellent camera quality in all of their devices. And the iPad Air 4 is no exception to that rule. To be specific, the iPad Air 4 has a 12 MP rear camera and a 7 MP front-facing camera. But there’s more.
The iPad Air 4 can now record videos at 4k instead of the 1080p we all have gotten used to with the previous iPad tablets. On top of that, this model also has better HDR and low-light capabilities. So if you’re frequently on Zoom meetings for your work or for your school, the iPad Air 4 will surely make you look good from any angle.
Excellent Performance & Battery Life
As you already know, the iPad Air 4 runs with the same chipset you will see on your iPhone 12, the A14 chipset. To put it simply, this particular will be fast, smooth, and will allow you to do any iPad activity you can think of without a hitch and more. At the same time, the iPad Air 4 will surely last you for up to 10 hours at the minimum. Depending on your usage of course.
If you’re planning to use this as your work tablet, the battery might drain a little faster than expected but it will still last you throughout the day. Lighter tasks like streaming might give you a solid 24 hours or more.
Our Least Favorite Things
The Price Increase
While Apple did an amazing job with addressing and solving the previous concerns and issues a lot of people had with the previous Ipad Air, the $100 price increase seems a little unjustified. Though I guess that depends on who you’re asking. Some might think it’s okay because significant improvements were made, but isn’t the sole purpose of the iPad Air is to be more affordable?
So if Apple keeps making price increases with each and every improvement they make on their tablets, the iPad Air might as well be up there with its counterpart, the iPad Pro.
Nevertheless, the iPad Air 4 is still able to maintain a fairly mid-range price that a lot of people who don’t want to spend their extra cash on the Pro will surely appreciate.
Limited Storage
If there was one thing I want to improve with the Air 4, it will be its really underwhelming storage capacity. Sure, the 256 GB is a viable option, but the base model with the 64 GB is so disappointing in this day and age. Especially when you’re paying for something around $500, you expect your tablet to not run out of storage so easily.
Hopefully, future iPad Air models will improve upon this concern.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have covered the things we liked and disliked about the Apple iPad Air 4, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this particular tablet.
Pros
Powerful chipset. The same as the iPhone 12.
Lightweight and compact.
Excellent camera quality.
Perfect for productivity and running daily tasks.
Great alternative for a laptop.
Lots of color options for you to choose from.
Cons
Pretty limited storage options to choose from.
The Final Verdict
All in all, the iPad Air 4 is a good middle-ground for anyone who has limited funds and doesn’t need a lot of power but still wants to benefit from the robust app library Apple has for their tablets. It’s doesn’t bring anything revolutionary to the oversaturated market of tablets, but it does a really good job of what it’s supposed to do: being a better-valued tablet than the Pro for anyone who doesn’t want to splurge or isn’t as power-hungry.
Do you already own the Apple iPad Air 4? Or are you still deciding whether to purchase it? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, experiences, or suggestions to share. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
This year’s Apple iPad Pro M1 release made a few yet significant leaps in terms of upgrades. Each year, Apple seems to make it its goal to make the iPad fully substitute your dedicated laptop. And I think this year, they’re closer than ever to reaching that goal. From its excellent camera quality, impressively bright display, up to its newly added M1 chipset that makes this model basically a compact computer.
Since the dawn of tablets, Apple seems to have always dominated the market for these devices. Whether it’s their reliable software or their robust app library that no other manufacturer can touch, the iPad Pro is just a really tough machine to beat.
Of course, other tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series or even the pseudo-laptop that is the Microsoft Surface lineup are still pretty solid devices. But in comparison, the Windows operating system just doesn’t cut it when you place it on a tablet. They definitely made impressive upgrades in recent years, but the iPadOS just remains to be two steps ahead of them each time.
So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at our review of one of the best tablets ever made, the Apple iPad Pro (2021).
As you might already know, the Apple iPad Pro this 2021 has dished out a lot of upgrades from its previous iteration that will surely satisfy even the most power-hungry tech enthusiasts on the planet. With the introduction of the M1 chipset on Apple’s flagship tablet, the game has completely changed.
So what does this mean exactly? To put it simply, this means that you will surely get some next-level performance out of this powerful machine that can easily go toe to toe against some of the best laptops and even desktop PCs in the market right now and for the years to come.
However, while the M1 chipset sounds good on paper, this much power is somewhat underused in a machine this small because the iPadOS still has its limitations. If this was a Macbook, then the M1 chipset is definitely perfect for such a device.
Not to mention, not a lot of users know what to do with this much power in a tablet or have the freedom to tinker around with Apple’s devices. A lot of the time, if you’re not a content creator, a video editor, or a digital artist, you are mostly just going to use this for streaming and maybe some light tasks for your daily necessities.
Pricing
Of course, these upgrades don’t come at a cheap cost. As of release, the Apple iPad Pro comes in at over a thousand dollars. As usual, Apple tablets often come at a hefty price tag that will surely raise some brows from a lot of people. But there’s no surprise there. These are high-end and premium machines that can act as a replacement for your laptop after all.
So if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly tablet, you might want to look for models from other manufacturers or brands.
Accessories
When it comes to pairing the Apple Ipad Pro with accessories, Apple has you covered. If you want to switch it up, you can easily pair the iPad Pro with Apple’s magic keyboard or the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil for more variety and a more laptop feel. Though keep in mind, these accessories are all bought separately. So you might want to add that to your budgeting costs.
Who Is It For?
The Apple iPad Pro can cater to a variety of people. From casual tech enthusiasts, students, to professionals. However, not everyone really needs this much power for productivity to get their tasks done. It’s not necessary nor practical, and it’s a whole lot of money to spend. And if you don’t mind a few downgrades, you might want to look into the Apple iPad Air 4 or even the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE.
Trust me, you’ll save a lot more money and these devices can perform just as solidly if you’re not really planning on doing anything heavy like video editing, graphics creation, and other similar activities.
But if you’re hellbent on getting your hands on such a powerful device that will last you for a handful of years, then you really won’t find anything better than the iPad Pro.
In addition to that, if you’re a student, I do highly recommend getting this tablet if you’re studying digital art or any art and graphics-related courses. This will surely be a great investment for you as Apple has the best app library for tablets that will benefit artists like Procreate.
If you feel like the 12.9-inch screen is a little too big for your liking, the Apple iPad Pro M1 also comes in with an 11-inch screen variant that feels a little more compact.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
Item Weight: 2.65 pounds
Wireless Communication Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth
Screen Size: 12.9 inches
Screen Resolution: Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and True Tone.
Operating System: iPadOS
CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Apart from the M1 chipset, a huge factor that makes upgrading to the iPad Pro so worth it is the display. Unlike its predecessors, this year’s iPad Pro boasts what Apple calls “Liquid Retina XDR display“. But a lot of people just call it “mini LED”.
However, don’t be fooled. This iPad Pro still uses an LCD display and we have yet to see an OLED screen on any of Apple’s tablets. Though as of recently, the new iterations of the iPad mini and the regular iPad should have this type of screen by next year.
But don’t fret, Apple has used a particular backlighting technology in this year’s iPad Pro that makes its screen much brighter than previous models. From 72 LEDs working behind the screen to illuminate the display, the iPad Pro now has 10,000.
To put it simply, the more LEDs you integrate into a device, the better you will be able to control its overall screen contrast as well as the deepness of blacks in any part of the screen. This kind of thing can also be called local dimming technology.
Our Least Favorite Thing
It’s Expensive
I have already stated this previously and it’s actually pretty hard to find a flaw on this year’s Apple iPad Pro, but the pricing on the iPad Pro and all of their devices, in general, will forever be Apple’s one big flaw. Obviously, you’re paying for the amount of high-tech specs Apple puts into their gadgets but there are also other budget-friendly tablets in the market that can also do the same things for you.
So aside from the brand, the camera, and the M1 chipset, you’re not going to miss a lot of things if your main purpose for a tablet is just some light tasks for your daily work and some streaming. Not to mention, it’s also disappointing that you still have to buy additional accessories like the Apple Pencil despite the already high price point.
In A Nutshell
Now that we’ve covered what we liked and disliked about the iPad Pro, here is the narrowed-down list of the pros and cons of this tablet.
Pros
One of the best tablets you can buy in the market.
Sleek and premium design.
Perfect for productivity, especially for digital artists.
Wide range of apps to choose from.
Great battery life.
Amazing camera quality.
Cons
It’s quite expensive.
The additional accessories are also pricey.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the Apple iPad Pro M1 is an amazing and powerful device. Apple has definitely outdone themselves with updating an already impressive tablet this year.
However, this much power isn’t really practical or necessary for the casual user. This kind of powerful hardware can be lost or even go to waste if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Unless you’re doing anything that requires heavier tasks like video editing or anything graphics-related, you would be better off investing in a lesser model like the iPad Air series.
But if you have the money to splurge and just simply want the best of the best, then the Apple iPad Pro won’t certainly disappoint you.
Do you already own the Apple iPad Pro M1? Or are you still thinking of purchasing one? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, suggestions, questions, or experiences to share! I would love to hear all your thoughts about it!
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As online classes continue due to the pandemic, the need and the demand for devices and gadgets that can take on heavy workloads for school also rise. A great example of such devices that can offer versatility, productivity, and portability are tablets. So if you’re in the market for these gadgets, you will surely find the best tablet for college students in 2021 here.
In these trying times, it’s important for students who are required to study and learn remotely to have access to the best devices they can use for their school. Tablets can easily offer that plus so much more. The best tablets in the market can deliver smooth performances, a robust battery life, and a decent number of tools they can use for productivity and make studying a lot less stressful for them.
So whether you’re still on the fence about getting yourself a tablet or you’re already shopping for the perfect model for your online classes, this article will surely help you make a decision by the time you’re finished reading.
Why You Should Get A Tablet For Your Online Classes
Some of you may be wondering why you should pick a tablet over a laptop or your smartphone for school. While laptops are a lot more preferred by many (and for good reason), technology in tablets has advanced so much that they can now function just as well and sometimes are just as powerful, if not more.
These days, the built-in processors and hardware most mainstream tablets have like the Apple iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab offer plenty of power that will surely satisfy most college students’ necessities for school as well as other unrelated activities.
But a good reason for choosing tablets is the portability, affordability, and versatility it offers that some laptops just can’t. Tablets are thin, compact, and lightweight which makes them so perfect for anyone who is always on the go. So if you’re feeling a little cramped at your work desk, you can easily bring it over to a more comfortable spot in your home or anywhere else.
Another fairly good reason for tablets is that they’re just overall great investments and alternatives if you feel like laptops or desktops are not really needed in your lifestyle. They can easily do the job while offering a better and longer-lasting battery life, meaning you’ll have to plug them to charge a lot less.
On the other hand, smartphones lack power and the built-in hardware is often not enough to run certain apps needed for your online classes. In addition to that, do you really want to sit through your online classes squinting and looking at such a tiny screen?
So with that in mind, you’ll find below our top recommendations for the best tablets for college students in 2021.
Our Top Recommendations
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Overview
Without a doubt, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the best and most versatile devices I have come across in the market. It’s a powerful and amazing 2-in-1 machine that’s perfect for students who are on the go. Not to mention, it’s great if you’re slowly shifting from your laptop to tablets. It almost feels like there’s no difference at all.
While Apple and Samsung have their robust app libraries, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has access to Windows, which really adds to that laptop experience some of you might miss when switching devices.
In addition to that, this device is amazingly lightweight and easy to carry around everywhere without adding too much extra weight. And if you’re planning to use it solely without its keyboard, you can just easily detach its type cover for even more portability.
Aside from those terrific attributes, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 comes with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors at varying price points.
Personally, the i7 processor is quite tempting and is a great power boost that will ensure smooth performance all throughout the school year, the i5 is more than sufficient if you are not really planning on doing anything heavy on this device. But if you have the money to splurge and really want optimum specs, the i7 is what you should go for.
A huge contender and rival of the Microsoft Surface Pro series is the latest tablet release of Apple, the iPad Pro M1. While they’re vastly different from each other, it’s hard not to compare when both of them are striving to be the best of the best in the tablet industry. The Microsoft Surface Pro excels in functionality as it can perfectly act as a pseudo-laptop due to its access to Windows 10.
However, one of the biggest selling points of this year’s iteration of the iPad Pro is that it is now running with the same chip as the Macbook Pro and the iMac. This means that you will surely get some next-level performance out of this powerful machine that can easily go toe to toe against some of the best laptops and even desktop PCs in the market right now and for the years to come.
And if you want to switch it up, you can easily pair the iPad Pro with Apple’s magic keyboard or Apple Pencil for more variety and a more laptop feel. Despite its amazing specs, admittedly, this wasn’t my first choice due to its really high price point. Most students will find that the iPad Pro is just not practical if you’re on a limited budget.
But I do highly recommend getting this tablet if you’re studying digital art or any art and graphics-related courses. This will surely be a great investment for you as Apple has the best app library for tablets that will benefit artists like Procreate.
If you feel like the 12.9-inch screen is a little too big for your liking, the Apple iPad Pro M1 also comes in with an 11-inch screen variant that feels a little more compact.
If you’re in the market for an Android tablet, you can’t really go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. According to Samsung, this is their most advanced Galaxy Tablet yet and they’re not making any light claims on that.
Personally, aside from its really steep price point, the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is a pretty tough Android Tablet to beat in terms of its powerful specifications and impressive features that will surely provide one of the best performances you’ll see in such a compact device.
While Samsung might have lagged behind just a little when it came to producing a tablet worthy of rivaling the likes of Apple’s iPads, it’s safe to say that this particular model is definitely one of the best out there in the market. Especially if you’re a college student.
To put it simply, this can easily go toe-to-toe with Apple’s latest release, the Apple Ipad Pro with the M1 chip. That’s how good the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is. In addition, you don’t have to pay any additional costs for the supporting accessories. The S Pen is included in the box once you purchase this unit which is really great, unlike the Apple Pen which you need to buy separately.
However, what still makes the iPad superior is Apple’s App Store, which provides you access to the best app libraries for a tablet known in the market. But if you’re not too picky about these kinds of stuff, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus will not disappoint you.
If you really want to get your hands on an Apple iPad but can’t afford the Pro variant, the Apple iPad Air 4 is the next best thing. It’s basically a more affordable and more lightweight version of the Apple iPad Pro lineup. It also improved the outdated specs and addressed the issues the previous iPad Air had.
There are definitely some corners cut of course in order for this device to maintain a more budget-friendly and mid-range price point, but I find that the Apple iPad Air 4 is still a pretty solid machine to use for your studies. I would even dare say that some of you might have a difficult time choosing between splurging for the iPad Pro or opting for the iPad Air 4 instead. It’s that good.
It’s very well-made and apart from the M1 chip and the 120 Hz refresh rate on the iPad Pro, you won’t really miss much unless you’re very power-hungry. Instead of the M1 chip, the iPad Air 4 is powered by Apple’s A14 chipset. Yes, the very same chipset your iPhone 12 has.
It’s not as powerful as the M1 chip obviously, but the A14 chipset isn’t too bad either if you don’t need to do heavier tasks like video editing on your tablet. But the A14 chipset means that this particular model can still handle most tasks with ease. Such tasks can range from streaming high-quality videos to running even the most demanding apps for your school or other unrelated activities like gaming.
All in all, the iPad Air 4 is a good middle-ground for students who have limited funds and don’t need a lot of power but still want to benefit from the robust app library Apple has for their tablets.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
Item Weight: 1 lbs.
Wireless Communication Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a more affordable option for those who can’t afford the flagship Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. There are obvious downgrades in this model in comparison to its predecessor but overall, it is still a very powerful device that should be able o run any apps for school without a fuss.
However, do keep in mind that the S7 FE only has the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset, along with either 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM as your options. Those aren’t particularly bad, but they’re certainly not the most advanced or latest specs you will see in the market.
On the bright side, unlike cheaper variations of flagship tablets some brands provide, the S7 FE offers the full Galaxy Tab experience. This means you’re getting the same screen size as the S7 Plus, as well as the newly added DeX feature, which is Samsung’s new technology that enables you to use a desktop-like interface on your tablet.
In addition to that, the S7 FE also includes the S Pen upon purchase.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 0.25 x 7.28 x 11.21 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Samsung
Item Weight: 1.34 pounds
Screen Size: 12.4 inches
Screen Resolution: 2560×1600 px
Operating System: Android 11.0
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G
RAM: 4 GB or 6 GB
Storage: 64 GB or 256 GB.
Batteries Used: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Battery Life: More than 24 hours depending on usage.
Front Camera: 8 MP
Rear Camera: 5 MP
Colors: Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, and Mystic Pink.
Accessories: S Pen (included), Book cover and keyboard are sold separately.
Extra Special Features: S Pen, Book cover and keyboard, free access to Samsung Mobile TV Plus, Samsung DeX.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the second generation of the original Surface Go lineup. It addressed and really improved all the issues a lot of people had with the first generation. Now, the Surface Go 2 comes in with beefier battery life, a slightly larger display, and an overall upgrade in terms of performance, making it perfect for anyone with work from home setups and online classes.
In essence, the Surface Go 2 follows the same blueprint as its predecessors like the Surface Pro 7. It has the same principles but for a much lower price compared to Microsoft’s flagship model.
However, the base model of the Surface Go 2 might feel a little inadequate in terms of power if you have heavier tasks in mind. Thankfully, there is an upgraded option for the Surface Go 2 which has the Intel Core m3 processor. It’s a significant leap from the mediocre Pentium Gold CPU that powers the base model.
Personally, the Intel Core M3 might still not be enough if you’re more power-hungry or need to do more demanding tasks with your tablet for school. But if you have lighter requirements, this should be more than enough to make finishing school works comfortable for you.
Now that we have covered our top picks for the best tablets for college students this 2021, here are some friendly shopping tips you might want to keep in mind as you decide on which tablet to go for.
Plan Your Budget Carefully
It comes as no surprise that tablets often come at a hefty price. After all, these are premium devices that act as an alternative to your laptop. Not to mention, a lot of cheaper tablets in the market might not be sufficient or powerful enough to support a college student’s daily tasks for school.
You might think you’re saving more money on buying a cheaper model but you might actually end up spending more if the tablet breaks easily or you realize that it just simply lacks the right hardware needed for your school works. So if you’re planning on investing in a tablet soon, it’s best to save up for one that will truly offer you great value and will last you for plenty of years.
Consider The Accessories You Need
Tablets usually need other accessories so you can have a better user experience. Such accessories include pens or detachable keyboards.
Some of you might find these accessories unnecessary, but these detachable keyboards can really help when you need to regularly type to take down notes during classes. The same goes for the pens. If you have plenty of art classes that require drawing or sketching, you’ll find that using a pen is a lot more convenient than using your fingertips to create digital art.
Fortunately, a few brands in the market include these accessories in the overall package while some you’ll have to buy separately.
So if you’re on a tight budget or have a very limited spending amount, it’s best to get a tablet that already offers its accessories included in the box when you purchase it.
Make Sure The Specs Are Powerful Enough
Depending on the classes you’re taking, one of the most important things you need to consider when investing in such a high-end device as tablets are the specs it has built into its system. The last thing you want is to be disappointed that your newly purchased gadget is lacking the hardware needed to run your daily tasks for school.
So before you invest, I highly recommend looking up what kind of processors or hardware are the most updated in the industry right now. For example, tablets like the Apple iPad Pro with the M1 chip are as powerful as a lot of high-end laptops you’re seeing in the market right now. The same goes for Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 with its i7 model and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 Plus.
But these flagship tablets also have more affordable variants with lesser specs that still work as solidly. So if you’re not that desperate for power, then these models are worth looking into.
Conclusion
Overall, tablets are great investments for college students no matter what kind of classes you’re taking. They’re more affordable and lightweight alternatives for anyone who feel like a laptop is too much or too expensive for their needs. Tablets also offer a lot of versatility while almost running with the same powerful hardware we’re used to experiencing in our computers without the added weight.
So if you were still contemplating whether a tablet is for you or you were looking for the perfect model, I hope this article was able to help you make a decision.
Do you already own a tablet? Did your favorite make it to our list? What do you think about them? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, experiences, or suggestions to share. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
In the 90s, most of us would be lucky enough to get our hands on the latest Gameboy device. It was the gadget all the kids raved about and played games in. But with technology’s significant advancement throughout the years, kids of today have moved on to using tablets. So if you’ve been in the market for a kid-friendly tablet, here’s a buyer’s guide on how to choose the best tablet for kids this 2021.
Nowadays, kids learn and understand technology at a pretty young age. Some of them even get exposed to these high-tech devices much earlier than the time they learn how to walk on two feet. And who could blame these parents? Tablets that are made especially for children are such versatile devices that can keep your child from boredom and keep them entertained for days on end.
So whether you’re looking for a device that can keep your kid occupied during lockdowns or school holidays or want to use this as a tool for their learning and education, this buyer’s guide will surely help you out.
Now whether you’re buying from a physical store or through shopping sites like Amazon, here are some friendly shopping tips you might want to consider before making any final purchases.
Why Should You Get A Kid-Friendly Tablet And Not One Made For Adults
To be fair, I’m not saying tablets that are targeted at adults are bad or anything. It’s just these tablets are generally more complex to learn for a kid. Especially for kids who are still toddlers or in preschool. Obviously, they will offer better hardware and faster processors as well as having impressive tools and apps for productivity.
However, these premium specs and features also come in with more expensive prices that I feel shouldn’t be spent if you’re just looking for a device for your kid.
Aside from that, turning on parental controls on these grown-up tablets can often be complicated and are not as strict as you would like. Sometimes, kids can even manage to make in-app purchases without your permission or be exposed to inappropriate content or sites. And that’s where tablets that are made specifically for kids shine.
So What’s The Difference?
Tablets for kids and grown-ups differ so much in terms of features, specifications, durability, and the apps you can access. First off, tablets for kids are usually encased with chunky protective casings and are built to be more durable to withstand even the clumsiest children.
When it comes to price, they’re usually much cheaper in comparison to grown-up tablets. Most of them don’t really go over more than $200 which is a huge steal in my opinion. These devices also are most likely sporting a rugged design to make them well-protected from accidental drops and bumps.
In addition to that, tablets made specifically for children also offer a lot of parental controls. This makes sure you can monitor what your child is watching or doing on their tablets and for how long. Some even allow you to filter certain content you don’t want your child to be exposed to.
But what’s great about kid-friendly tablets is the amount of age-appropriate content that your child can enjoy to their heart’s content. Though keep in mind that not all of them are built equally. Some give you limited access to content you can only fully view for a monthly subscription. But they’re usually pretty cheap like the Amazon Kids+.
Know The Purpose Of Buying A Tablet For Your Kids
When it comes to kid-friendly tablets, a lot of models in the market are limited to streaming content and playing games. However, some also offer tools for productivity to help them with their school.
But keep in mind, these additional features can oftentimes come at an added cost. Apart from that, knowing the purpose of why you’re getting a tablet for your kid can also narrow down your options to avoid getting overwhelmed by the number of tablets you can choose from.
One way to help you in deciding and making things easier for you is to list down the features and things you want your kid’s tablet to do for them. Ask yourself questions like, will it be mainly used for school purposes? Maybe a source of entertainment for your kid to keep them occupied? Or both? Knowing these things can point you in the right direction as well as lessening your shopping stress.
Below are some differences between a tablet made for entertainment and educational purposes:
For Entertainment
This is usually the main reason why parents like to invest in tablets for their kids.
Most of them buy tablets to help keep their kids entertained and behaved in one spot. Sometimes, these kid-friendly content and apps are either pre-installed in the system or you can manually install streaming apps and games on these devices so they can play and watch learning shows dedicated to kids.
Not to mention, it’s just a great way to keep your kid’s attention focused on one thing while enjoying themselves. Just don’t forget to turn on the parental controls!
If you’re a working parent who’s often stressed or tired from your job and has difficulty keeping up with your child’s energy, a tablet can be your saving grace. Just turn it on for them and let them stream and play games to their heart’s content. After that, you can just sit back and relax as you keep an eye out on your kid from a distance.
With that being said, tablets are a lot of fun for kids and they will surely enjoy spending their time learning new things and watching fun shows on these kid-friendly devices.
If you’re planning on buying a tablet for your kid for their school, most tablets that are marketed for kids might not be enough. As you might already know, most of these kid-friendly tablets are highly focused on providing games and entertainment that can be educational. While on the other hand, features for productivity might be a bit lacking or sometimes, completely non-existent.
The thing is, tablets for kids are very limited in the things they can do outside of streaming and playing games. Some of them don’t even have access to Google Playstore or any App libraries that can offer productivity.
So oftentimes, you’ll be stuck with the apps pre-installed on your kid’s tablet with no way to customize them. Most of these apps aren’t also the most helpful when it comes to managing school works and assignments. Especially if your kid is attending online classes, you’ll want a device that can multitask for them.
In these cases, you might want to look for tablets that offer better features and specs along with powerful enough hardware. This is when you might also want to start considering the tablet series of Apple or Samsung. But it’s not necessary to get the latest high-end models for your kid. Previous generations of the iPad or the Galaxy Tab are amazing bargains and would save you a lot of money.
Tablets for kids are more than just toys for them to play with. Just because it’s meant for your child’s use, doesn’t mean that the hardware has to be an afterthought. Sometimes, you have to really consider the specifications as well as the hardware these devices offer to make sure that they can last your kid up to a certain age.
This way, you can also avoid easily outdated devices and you can ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Not to mention, it can be quite nice if the tablet has expandable storage and can handle apps like Netflix or games like Roblox so your kid has more options for streaming his favorite shows and playing games.
Apart from that, when your kid’s tablet has decent hardware, random meltdowns and the device shutting off after a certain amount of use can be avoided. Nothing is more frustrating than having your child’s source of entertainment suddenly cut off while your kid is in the middle of enjoying themselves. Sometimes, these scenarios might even lead to sudden outbursts and lots of crying until the device is fixed.
Most tablets for kids already have plenty of apps pre-installed into their system. But adding a few more apps so your kid has more options to choose from is always a nice thing to have. Some of the most popular apps kids use are streaming apps. So here are the most popular apps you can install on your child’s tablet:
Youtube Kids is an app that has tons of curated selection that are marketed for kids along with parental features you can adjust to filter content depending on the age group you have chosen for your kids.
Amazon Kids+ is a monthly subscription that allows access to almost endless kid-friendly content for your children ranging from shows, audiobooks, and so much more.
Netflix Kids is pretty similar with Youtube Kids. It’s a separate account that’s built into your main account made specifically for kids. It also has parental controls you can customize.
Conclusion
Overall, kid-friendly tablets are great devices that can offer support for your children’s learning and growing process through both educational and entertaining content. They offer a lot of versatility for an affordable price that can help your child’s intellectual, emotional, and social development as they age.
Does your child already have a tablet? Which one did you get? Or are you still thinking of investing in one? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions, suggestions, or insights to share. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
If you have an older child who’s already going to school, investing in a tablet that can both serve as a tool for their learning process and entertainment needs might be a pretty wise thing to do. And what’s a better tablet to do that kind other than the Apple iPad 8th Gen? If you’re still on the fence about it, come read our dedicated review of the 2020 iteration of Apple’s popular device right here.
When you compare the iPad to tablets that are targeted at kids in the market, the first thing you notice is that it definitely gives you a huge price jump. Especially if you have been heavily considering or checking out the Amazon Fire tablets up until now.
However, Apple’s iPads have been successful and popular to the vast majority for plenty of good reasons. While they’re not technically targeted towards kids, this particular model will be more than great if you’re also planning on using this tablet for your kid’s school works.
Most tablets for kids are inferior when it comes to the hardware and processor Apple uses alone. This is understandable because most tablets for kids are mainly used for streaming and gaming. Not so much for productivity. And this is exactly where the Apple iPad shines.
As you might already know, Apple reigns supreme when it comes to tablets in general in the market. Apple offers a lot of amazing tablet apps to choose from thanks to their amazing app library, great customer support, and it will surely last you and your kid for a long time. So you won’t feel the need to upgrade to a newer model every year.
So even if your kid reaches a certain age, the iPad will still be pretty usable and can even double as a pseudo-laptop for your kid’s school.
Is The Apple iPad Appropriate For Kids?
This might be a question lingering on every parent’s mind. Because unlike the Amazon Fire HD tablets for kids, the parental controls might not be as robust.
But not to worry, the 2020 Apple iPad does have a decent amount of tools and setting options that act as parental controls and will allow you to monitor your kid’s overall tablet use as well as keep an eye on what applications they’re accessing, using, and for how long.
These same settings also let you filter and block content that you might not want your kid to view or have access to. In addition to that, parental controls also help you avoid incidents wherein your kid might purchase stuff online without your consent or permission.
Not to mention, compared to the Amazon Fire tablets dedicated to kids, the Apple iPad has easily the more powerful processor and hardware that can take on even the most demanding games your kids might want to play. The better screen resolution thanks to the Retina Display also means your kid can watch their shows on the most vibrant and colorful screen.
And if you’re worried about the price, fortunately for you, iPads have lowered in price tremendously since this model’s release. Because currently, a more updated version has been released this 2021. And honestly, you don’t really need all the updated features the 2021 iPad has if your kid will be the only one using it. You definitely don’t need to spend that much money unless you can afford it.
So all in all, you’ll get even more bang for your buck with this model in terms of overall performance and value.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
Item Weight: 1.09 pounds
Screen Size: 10.2-inch Retina display
Screen Resolution: 2,160 × 1,620 px (264 ppi) with a 4:3 aspect ratio, 500 nits max brightness.
Operating System: iPadOS
Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
CPU: A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture Neural Engine
RAM: 3 GB.
Storage: 32GB and 128GB variants.
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours.
Front Camera: 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with HDR
Rear Camera: 8MP camera with HDR and 1080p HD video
Colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
Accessories: Lightning to USB-C Cable, USB-C Power Adapter, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard (bought separately).
Extra Special Features: Touch ID, access to Apple’s app store, Retina Display, and A12 Bionic Chip.
Here’s a preview of the 2020 Apple iPad 8th Gen that you can watch below.
A huge advantage Apple has with their iPads is their powerful and fast processor built into their devices. And things got even bigger when the 8th generation of Apple iPads last 2020 received a major upgrade. Now, it has an A12 Bionic Chip processor built into its system.
Apps made for kids usually don’t require a lot of power, but the A12 Bionic Chip means the apps your kids will use will now run a lot smoother and faster.
Great For School
Personally, if you’re only planning to make your kids watch shows and play games on their tablet, it’s best to stick with more affordable tablets like the Amazon Fire HD series. They offer plenty enough content that will surely keep your children happy and satisfied. However, when it comes to productivity and school purposes, the Apple iPad has no competition at all.
Younger kids usually don’t need a lot of demanding tools or apps to keep up with their school work, but the iPad is amazing in terms of providing productivity tools to help your child’s education and learning process a lot easier. As you might now know, Apple is the best when it comes to tablet apps, thanks to their excessive app library that offers you access to endless apps you and your child can use.
Our Least Favorite Things
Storage Is Not Expandable
A huge letdown with the Apple iPad is that its storage is not expandable. That’s actually a running theme with all of Apple’s devices. Some of you might be used to its if you’re an avid Apple user, but sometimes sticking to the built-in storage might just not be enough. And getting the one with a larger storage capacity can make you spend a whole lot more money than you can afford.
The Price Point Might Be Too High For A Kid’s Device
While I have previously stated that the Apple iPad has great value since you’re getting a lot from its faster and stronger performance, to some parents, paying over $400 for a kid’s tablet might just be too much.
Though it’s not Apple’s fault entirely. After all, the iPad is not meant solely for children’s use.
However, Apple products, in general, have always been fairly expensive. Their premium and high-end devices after all.
So overall, that’s a huge downside since that means not anyone can get their hands on Apple’s products. So if you’re a parent on a budget, you might want to look for more affordable tablets to get for your kids.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have covered the things we liked and disliked about the Apple iPad, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this impressive tablet.
Pros
The best ecosystem of tablet apps for your kids.
More powerful processor and hardware compared to actual tablets for kids.
Versatile functions.
Decent amount of parental controls.
Can last you a good handful of years before you can upgrade to a newer model.
Cons
Not the most durable tablet for kids. You will need to buy a separate protective casing.
Storage is not expandable.
Expensive.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the Apple iPad 8th Gen is an impressive and versatile tablet that your kid can use both for educational and entertainment purposes. They’ll last you a long time before you need to upgrade to a more recent model and it has a very powerful processor that will surely make your kid’s playtime a breeze.
Already own the Apple iPad 8th Gen? Or are you still deciding? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any questions, suggestions, experiences, or insights to share. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
