Best Android tablets: 10 of the best to buy in 2014

A few weeks back, our news pages were graced with the best Android phones of 2014, and now it’s time to turn to the big boys: here are what we consider to be the best Android tablets that you can buy in 2014.

What is the best Android tablet of 2014? / © ANDROIDPIT

Just like smartphones, tablets allow you to play games, watch videos, listen to music, and do work-related/productivity type things, all with the advantage of a bigger screen. When considering which tablet you should buy, there are a lot of things to keep in mind, like CPU and RAM (for an idea of how slick the performance will be), weight, features, and more!

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014). / © Samsung

Design, power and portability: these three deciding factors are the reasons why the Samsung jewel has landed at the top of our tablet food chain. It measures less than 8 mm thick, can run any game or app your heart desires, and most importantly, has a great feature called "multi-window" which lets you have up to 4 of them open at time. Once you get your hands on the Note 10.1, you’ll notice that it comes with the S Pen, which great for writing and many other extra functions. Now, imagine being able to enjoy all of this on a 10.1-inch screen!

Display	10.1-inches, 2560 x 1600 pixels, Super Clear LCD
Processor	WLAN/3G: Octa-core, 1.9 GHz / LTE: Quad-core, 2.3 GHz
RAM/Interal Memory	3 GB / 16/32/64 GB + microSD
Camera	8 MP (rear), 2 MP (front)
Connectivty	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, GPS
Dimensions	243.1 x 171.4 x 7.9 mm
Weight	540 g (Wi-Fi) / 535 g (3G) / 547 g (LTE)
Battery	8220 mAh
Operating System	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Verdict

The Galaxy Note Pro is the best the world of Android tablets has to offer at the moment. This, however, comes at a price, and what a price it is! If you consider that most of today's mobile technology has been crammed into one singular device, you’d understand why Samsung charges such big bucks: its Note-specific functions (S Pen, Air Gesture, etc), connectivity, performance, and portability puts this tablet in direct competition with laptops.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 with its cover/keyboard. / © Samsung

The first place runner up is another large Samsung tablet: it comes with the same powerful performance, and even more space for content, with the disadvantage of a slight loss in sharpness and portability. Want a keyboard? No problem! Samsung has included a physical Bluetooth keyboard that can be used as a cover or support base.

Display	12.2-inch Super Clear LCD, 2560x1600
Dimensions and weight	295.6 x 204 x 7.95 mm, 750 g
Internal storage	32GB/64GB + microSD slot up to 64 GB
Memory	3 GB RAM
Processor	Quad-core 1.9 GHz Snapdragon 800 (LTE), quad-core 1.9 GHz Exynos 5420
Battery	9,500 mAh
Cameras	8 MP + LED (back); 2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 3.0 port with microUSB 2.0 compatibility, NFC, GPS
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4 KitKat with TouchWiz UI

Verdict

You won’t feel like you are missing out on anything with the Note Pro 12.2: in addition to its many features, it has a huge visual impact thanks to the big screen (multi-window mode is also available here). But there are also some disadvantages, one of which is due to it weighing 215 grams more (than the Note 10.1) and of course its large size, This makes handling a bit more cumbersome than the 10.1 inch model. In addition, the cover, included keyboard, and 64 GB of memory make the price even less inviting. That being said, there’s also a 32GB version which seems slightly more accessible.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5. / © Samsung

First and foremost, this tablet deserves massive props because of its sleek design which combines slick plastic with luxurious and unique copper edges. The Galaxy Tab S, besides being the lightest 10-inch tablet produced by Samsung, has hardware which ensures top-class performance. You’ll be able to run resource-hungry applications with minimal delay. But all of this is peanuts next to what really took our breath away: the Tab S series were bestowed with seriously incredible Super AMOLED screens, which according to DisplayMate, one of the most reliable sources when it comes to screen quality, is the best tablet on the market. This was concluded after considering multiple aspects, including color fidelity.

• Samsung Galaxy Note vs Pro vs Tab S: which tablet should I buy?

Display	10.5-inch Super AMOLED 2560x1600 (288ppi)
Dimensions and weight	177.3 x 247.3 x 6.6 mm, 467 g
Internal storage	16 GB/ 32GB + microSD slot up to 128 GB
Memory	3 GB RAM
Processor	Exynos 5 Octa 5420 Cortex A15 / Cortex A7, 1.6 GHz Octa Core
Battery	7,900 mAh
Cameras	8 MP (rear); 2.1 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0 port
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4.2 KitKat with TouchWiz UI

Verdict

The new series of Samsung tablets revisits what was offered in the Tab Pro series: what came out of it was less powerful hardware offset by their incredible new Super AMOLED display. All of this, combined with its incredible lightness and unique design land the Tab S 10.5 in third place on the tablet podium.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 review.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. / © Samsung

The 8.4-inch version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab offers the same amount of features you’d get on the larger version, the only differences are related to the dimensions. Before you buy this device, you’d have to consider why you are buying it: pleasure? work? something else?

Display	8.4-inch Super AMOLED 2560x1600 (~359ppi)
Dimensions and weight	212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6 mm, 294 g
Internal storage	16 GB/ 32GB + microSD slot up to 128 GB
Memory	3 GB RAM
Processor	Exynos 5 Octa 5420 Cortex A15 / Cortex A7, 1.6 GHz Octa Core
Battery	7,900 mAh
Cameras	8 MP (rear); 2.1 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0 port
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4.2 KitKat with TouchWiz UI

Verdict

Samsung can really be proud of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4, they’ve succeeded in making the lightest and thinnest tablet in its history. With the same resolution as the larger model, a high number of pixels has been distributed on the smaller screen, which greatly increases the sharpness (359 ppi). The only disadvantage is its battery capacity, which is decidedly low in comparison to the other tablets listed above. However, the number of milliampere, as well as battery life, are within the standards of other 8.4-inch devices (especially when considering the low energy consumption of the Super AMOLED screen).

5. Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet. / © Sony

Sony cracks the otherwise Samsung-laden list: The Sony Xperia Z2 immediately draws attention with high class OmniBalnce design which ensures for perfect weight distribution and incredible thinness (just 6.4 mm), enabling it to become the world's thinnest tablet. Also, Sony’s been pretty on the ball with making waterproof devices: the Tablet Z2 has IP58 certification which makes it resistant to dust and water. Lastly, its hardware specifications are hard to beat, and provide for a fluid user experience.

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Display	10.1-inch, IPS, 1920 x 1200 pixels
Dimensions and weight	212.8 x 125.6 x 6.6 mm, 294 g
Internal storage	16GB + microSD
Memory	3 GB RAM
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, Quad-Core, 2.3 GHz
Battery	6,000 mAh
Cameras	8.1 MP (rear); 2.1 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	LTE, UMTS, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, MHL 3.0, USB 2.0, Wi-F
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4 KitKat with Xperia UI

Verdict

Despite the lower screen resolution and battery capacity compared to other tablets in the list, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z2 achieved fifth position thanks to its beautiful looks and water-friendliness. Moreover, its performance is amazing, seeing as it has the second fastest Qualcomm processors to-date, the Snapdragon 801 (the Note 4 has the latest processor with a Snapdragon 805).

Read our hands on Sony Xperia Z2 tablet review.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2. / © Samsung

After our little Sony glitch, the list is back on track with yet another superb Samsung tablet: the ‘’older’’ generation of the Tab series. This tablet was only released mere months before the newer ones, and thus is much more attractive when it comes to price, which has fallen drastically since the newer arrivals. The Tab Pro exists in three versions boasting different screen sizes: 12.2, 10.1 and 8.4-inch. The 12.2-inch version comes with 1 GB of RAM more than its siblings, and also increased battery capacity, but otherwise the hardware is the same.

Display	12.2-inch, Super clear LCD capacitive touchscreen 2560 x 1600 pixels (~247 ppi)
Dimensions and weight	295.6 x 204 x 8 mm, 732 g
Internal storage	32/64 GB + microSD up to 64 GB
Memory	3 GB RAM
Processor	Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
Battery	9500 mAh
Cameras	8 MP (rear); 2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Infrared, Micro USB 3.0, GPS
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4 KitKat

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1. / © Samsung

Display	10.1-inch, Super clear LCD capacitive touchscreen 2560 x 1600 pixels (~299 ppi)
Dimensions and weight	243.1 x 171.4 x 7.3 mm, 469 g
Internal storage	16/32 GB + microSD up to 64 GB
Memory	2 GB RAM
Processor	Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
Battery	8220 mAh
Cameras	8 MP (rear); 2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Infrared, Micro USB 2.0,
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4 KitKat

Verdict

Except for increased RAM and battery capacity, the Tab Pro 10.1 and 8.4 devices are identical to the 12.2-inch version in all but the dimensions and they all offer excellent performance. Though it does come with a super sharp LCD screen, it’s no match for the Super AMOLED Tab S display, which is why it’s landed further down our list.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 review.

8. Nvidia Tegra Note 7

Nvidia Tegra Note 7. / © Nvidia

This is a great tablet for users who want a device for high performance gaming. When comparing the Tegra Note to other tablets in its class, there is no competition when it comes to cost / benefit. When taking a look at the tech specs below, you can see they’re actually quite good, this thanks to a partnership between Nvidia and the EVGA.

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Display	7-inch, IPS LCD, 1,280x800 pixels, (216 ppi)
Dimensions and weight	199 x 119 x 9.6 mm, 320 g
Internal storage	16 GB + microSD up to 32 GB
Memory	2 GB RAM
Processor	Nvidia Tegra 4, Quad-Core, Cortex-A15 CPU and 72-core GeForce GPU
Battery	4100 mAh
Cameras	5 MP (rear); 2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Micro USB 2.0, GPS
Operating system and UI	Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

Verdict

This gadget is excellent. It has hardware which keeps up with the times, and allows you to play any game in the Play Store, regardless of how demanding it is. You’ll never have the frustration of not being able to download your favorite game and be restricted by hardware capacity. In addition, you won’t need to turn off other apps to stop a game from crashing. The Nvidia Tegra Note 7 tablet is a very attractive buy.

9. LG G Pad 8.3

LG G Pad 8.3. / © LG

The LG G Pad 8.3 has an aluminum casing making it an ergonomic tablet which is a pleasure to touch, and definitely feels unique amid the plastic centric industry. The LG G Pad was released in 2013, but still offers features and performance that deserves respect.

Display	8.3-inch LCD, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 283 ppi
Dimensions and weight	216.8 mm x 126.5 mm x 8.3 mm, 338 g
Internal storage	16 GB + microSD
Memory	2 GB RAM
Processor	Snapdragon 600 Quad-Core 1.7 GHz
Battery	4,600 mAh
Cameras	5 MP (rear); 2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, QPair
Operating system and UI	Android 4.4.2 + Optimus UI

Verdict

Though the tablet is a tad older than the others mentioned above, the LG G Pad 8.3 is a great choice within the huge plethora of current Android tablets. Its main disadvantage is the screen resolution, which is somewhat low for 8.3 inches. This means a lower pixel density and less than perfect clarity. But you might not be too bothered when you consider its great price.

Read our Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 vs LG G Pad 8.3 comparison.

10. Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7. / © Google

Thought we'd forgotten about the Nexus 7? It’s been placed in last position because of the older tech specs, but there’s no beating the price/performance ratio this Google tablet has to offer.

Display	7-inch, IPS LCD, 1,920x1,200 pixels, 323 ppi
Dimensions and weight	200 x 114 x 8.7 mm, 290 g
Internal storage	16/32 GB, not expandable
Memory	2 GB RAM
Processor	Quad-core, Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1.5 GHz
Battery	3950 mAh
Cameras	5 MP (rear); 1.2 MP (front)
Connectivity and networks	LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Operating system and UI	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Verdict

The Google Nexus 7 was built by Asus in 2013, and you can definitely feel its age. Its processor performance is one of the lowest on the list, nonetheless it’s still a fluid device. Another disadvantage is the absence of a microSD slot. As for the positive side of this device, it has a nice Full HD resolution, which is a good choice for its 7-inch screen size, resulting in tight pixel density and high detail sharpness. Portability is great thanks to its small size, and the price has dropped considerably since its launch.

• Nexus 7 (2013) review


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• How to make your Nexus 7 awesome again

What do you think of our list? Which device did we miss?

 

Source fromhttp://www.androidpit.com