The space between phones and laptops is becoming more and more confusing. As phones get bigger, laptops get lighter. Many of the more recent tablets we have seen are looking to bridge the gap in terms of performance and efficiency between phones and laptops, and in some cases, handle some tasks more efficiently than both phones and laptops.
The spectrum of tablets is not the same. Inexpensive models like the Amazon Fire HD 10 make for excellent media streaming devices, while those in Microsoft's versatile Surface lineup can easily serve as ad-hoc laptops. The ubiquitous iPad, a slate that has become the go-to tablet for anyone searching for something in the Apple ecosystem, is something that many outside of it are familiar with.
We rounded up deals for a number of tablets. We have broken down the deals by manufacturer to make it simpler, and we will continue to update this post as new discounts and sales become available.
The new iPad Air has caused Apple to discount the last-gen iPad Air. The older model lacks Apple's blazing-fast M1 chip, but its A14 Bionic processor is still capable of delivering plenty of power and should be fast enough for most apps. You can transform the iPad Air into an ad-hoc laptop with add-ons like Apple's Magic Keyboard. The 10.9-inch tablet has a great display with a 2360 x 1640 resolution and a wide color gamut, as well as a port for charging. Right now, the iPad Air is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $499.99, matching its best price to date. Our review can be read.
The Touch ID sensor has been relocated to the power button on the top of the iPad Air, which is thinner than the previous model.
The scaled-up model of the most recent iPad Air is the iPad Pro. The all-aluminum form factor, Apple's M1 chip, and the option for 5G are included in the 12.9-inch Pro. The 12-inch iPad Pro has a larger, MiniLED display, as well as a superior camera array, support for Face ID, and a variable refresh rate.
The 128 gigabyte model with wi-fi is normally priced at $1099.99 but can be found at Amazon and Best Buy for around $999. If you have a Micro Center within driving distance, you can save an additional $100 with in-store pickup, bringing the price down to $899.99. The current discount is appealing, but we wouldn't recommend paying more than $1,000 for a model that has been there for several months. Our review can be read.
The new iPad Pro has the company's own M1 processor and is the best display of any tablets on the market.
The best price to date for the 11-inch Lenovo Tab P11 is $199.99 at Best Buy. You can upgrade the model after purchase if you want, as it comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage out of the box. The low-end tablet has a display resolution of 2000 x 1000 and has an 8MP front-facing camera for video chatting, as well as a 13MP rear camera for taking photos. While the P11 is compatible with an optional keyboard dock, it is not suitable for heavy lifting due to its limited RAM and processor.
The 11-inch tablet has a storage capacity of 64 gigabytes and a RAM of 4 gigabytes. The P11 has a screen resolution of 2000 x 1200.
If you don't mind a limited port selection and are in need of a lightweight, high-performing device, Microsoft's high-powered Surface Pro 8 might be the one for you. The slate has a 13-inch screen, 2880 x 1920 resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare outside of the gaming sphere. It is also a great teleconferencing device because of its studio microphones and front-facing camera. The integrated kickstand and optional keyboard cover make it a competent stand-in laptop.
The Surface Pro 8 is on sale with Microsoft's Surface Pro Keyboard at Best Buy for less than its normal list price. This particular model has an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, and a 128 gigabytes of storage. Our review can be read.
Microsoft's biggest upgrade in years is the new Surface Pro 8. There is a better camera, a better display, and a more modern design in the 2-in-1.
You can get a Best Buy gift card for up to $100 if you purchase any of the Tab S8 models at Best Buy. Purchasing the standard S8 will get you a $50 gift card, the S8 Plus will give you a $75 gift card, and the S8 Ultra will give you a $100 gift card.
There are a number of similarities between the S8 line and other lines. They all use the same processor and come with a S Pen stylus. The S8 Ultra has a minimum of 8GB of RAM and is available in 12 and 16GB configurations. The S8 and S8 Plus are replacements for the Tab S7 and the S8 Ultra is a more feature-packed model with support for 5G and 2,960 x 1,848 resolution.
We generally liked the Tab S7 series, but we have yet to review the Tab S8 lineup. We will have our full impressions on the site soon.
The standard model of the Tab S8 has an 11-inch display. The base model has 8 gigabytes of RAM and can be configured to have either 128 or 512 gigabytes of storage out of the box.
The S8 Plus has the same features as the standard S8 but with a larger display.
The S8 Ultra is a premium model in the S8 lineup. The Ultra can be upgraded with either 12 or 16GB of RAM, and can feature configurations that can feature up to 512GB of storage. It has a larger display with a 2960 x 1848 resolution.
Even though the Tab S8 series has been released, the 11 and 12-inch models of the Tab S7 still hold their own. Both use the same processor and come with the same pen. The S7 uses an 11-inch panel while the S7 Plus uses a 12.4-inch panel.
Although we have seen the standard 128GB S7 with wi-fi retail for $450, it is only available on clearance at Best Buy. Best Buy is selling the S7 Plus for $725 instead of $849. We don't expect retailers to offer either model much longer given the recent introduction of the S8 line. The S7 and S7 Plus reviews are available.
The S7 and S7 Plus are both equipped with a 120Hz panel and 128GB of base storage, and the standard Tab S7 has an 11-inch display. The S Pen makes for a smooth writing and drawing experience.
The S7 Plus is slightly more expensive than the standard model, but it has a 12.4-inchOLED display as opposed to the LCD display found on the standard S7.
If you're looking for a bare bones entertainment device for yourself or your kids, the A7 and A7 lite are two tablets to consider. The base model of the Tab A7 has a measly 3 gigabytes of RAM, a measly 32 gigabytes of storage, and a rather dated processor. While the A7 may leave some power users craving something with a little more juice, the inexpensive tablet still offers great-sound speakers, terrific build quality, and a commendable display.
The A7 lite is a less powerful version of the standard A7. The 8.7-inch display has 1340 x 800 resolution and the base configuration comes with 32 gigabytes of storage and 3 gigabytes of RAM. It is difficult to find a tablet with these specifications at this price point.
The budget-friendly A7 lite is currently available at Amazon for $129 instead of its normal price of $150, while the 32GB, wi-fi-equipped A7 is currently on sale at Best Buy for $195.99. Our review of the Tab A7 is here.
Solid build quality, decent speakers, and a vibrant, colorful display are some of the features of theGalaxy Tab A7. The affordable price point of this device makes it a great tertiary device for entertainment.
The Tab A7 lite is a less expensive version of the Tab A7 that has an 8.7-inch display and 1340 x 800 resolution.
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