Other Tablets to Consider
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Google Pixel Tablet for $399: Google has a spotty history with Android tablets, going from the highs of the Nexus 7 to the, well, distinct averageness of the Pixel Tablet (7/10, WIRED Recommends). The 10.2-inch LCD screen is one of the highlights; the size and 439-gram weight are just right for carrying around, and Google’s fuss-free Android software is simple and logical. However, the Google Tensor G2 processor can get hot under strain, and there’s only 8 GB of RAM. What makes it special is the Speaker Dock, which turns the Pixel Tablet into a big smart home display. But unlike the Nest Hub Max, you can take the screen off the dock and use it separately. The Charging Dock’s speaker is loud and sounds excellent, and the Pixel Tablet’s microphones and large screen make using Gemini so easy. It’s especially great if you are in the Google Home smart home ecosystem, as you can set the lock screen to double as a control panel for all your devices. Used alone, the Pixel Tablet can’t compete with the OnePlus Pad 3 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, but with the dock, it becomes a unique dual-use product with an emphasis on the smart home.
GrandPad for $780: If you want a tablet for an elderly relative, or you feel you’d rather have a single, easy-to-use device instead of a tablet and a phone, the GrandPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) may be an option worth investigating. It’s an 8-inch tablet with a front and rear camera, which comes with a case, a charging dock, a stylus, plus an included 4G LTE connection. The interface has been simplified and is controlled using large buttons with clear text, plus quick access to key websites, apps, and features, including voice and video calls. The GrandPad is designed to help those who aren’t familiar with technology still enjoy all it has to offer. In addition to the basics, there are 15 different games, curated music stations, streaming radio, a magnifying glass and flashlight tool, email, and a private family-only voice and video call network. There’s also fast, 24/7 customer support should anyone run into problems, and a companion app for other family members. We love the GrandPad’s concept and the way it promises to help more people enjoy modern technology without concern or feeling overwhelmed by complex software. However, you don’t purchase it like other tablets on our list, and the GrandPad has a monthly subscription attached. Pay up front for a year, and it costs $780, while the monthly plan costs $95 per month. And while this does include the 4G LTE connection and 24/7 customer support, it still makes it an expensive system. However, what it offers is unusual, and few other tablets make using the software so simple, and the customer support may be worth the price alone for some.
Amazon Fire HD 8: Small tablets aren’t common anymore, but the Fire HD 8 gets both the size and the price right. The 8-inch screen has a 1280 x 800-pixel resolution, which may not sound like much, but it’s fine for watching videos and playing a few games. Like the Fire Max 11, it has Amazon’s version of Android without Google Play installed, but you’ll still be able to download Netflix and most other video apps, plus get access to all the content on Amazon Prime. The compact dimensions and 337-gram weight make it great for carrying around in a bag, the battery roughly lasts 13 hours on a single charge, and there are a pair of cameras for video calling too. It’s not a high-performance tablet—there’s only 32 GB of storage on the cheapest model, and even the charging is basic, with a full charge likely to take a massive five hours. However, because it’s $100, it’s easy to forgive the shortcomings. If you want a more powerful small tablet, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 will be a better choice, but neither is suited for work due to the small screen. Amazon regularly puts its Kindle and Fire ranges on sale, so look out for better deals if you’re not in a hurry.
Tablet Accessories
Twelve South HoverBar Duo (Gen 2) for $80: Twelve South will tell you the HoverBar Duo is designed for the Apple iPad, but look down into its FAQ and you’ll find it’s also compatible with other devices with a minimum 5-inch and maximum 8.68-inch height. Check the specs, and this means it’ll hold the OnePlus Pad 3, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, and many other devices, too. It’s great news, as iPad owners can’t keep this excellent stand to themselves. We like it due to the QuickSwitch tab, which lets you unclip the flexible arm from its desktop stand and attach it to a shelf mount, considerably increasing its versatility. Desktop stands are fine if you’re using the tablet on a table, but the shelf mount means your tablet can be kept off the surface, making it handy for use in the kitchen or in places where a surface may not be available at all, such as the bathroom or bedroom. Twelve South’s products are always well-made and attractively designed.
Keychron B1 Pro for $40: If you want to work on a tablet, you’re probably going to need a physical keyboard. There are specific keyboard cases available for most tablets, but they can be very expensive, and are not the only option. A standalone Bluetooth keyboard makes good sense as it can be used with other mobile devices or a desktop computer. Choose wisely, and it’s easy to carry around too. Keychron’s keyboards are all excellent, and the 425-gram, 75% layout B1 Pro is a very good choice if you want to slip it into your bag along with your tablet. Keychron claims the internal battery will last for 1,200 hours on a single charge, the keyboard’s map can be customized, and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers when you’re not using it with a tablet. Unfortunately, the keyboard is not backlit, which does limit its use a little, but for $40, it’s a solid value considering its versatility, the build quality, and the pleasing typing experience.
Ikea Havrehoj Tablet Stand for $15: There are dozens, even hundreds, of different stands for tablets, but this one from Ikea represents a strong blend of value, design, and versatility. It’s made of metal with a soft, cork surface where the tablet rests, with the ability to raise, lower, and angle the platform to get exactly the right position. There’s even a little hook on the back of the stand for a pair of headphones. The tablet support has a gap in the middle, so you can still charge the slate in portrait orientation. Ikea’s tablet stand is suitably minimalist, works for any brand of tablet, and at $15, it’s an excellent value too. Pair it with the Keychron B1 Pro keyboard, and you’ve got a cool, low-cost setup for work and video.
Staedtler Noris Digital Pencil for $28: The world of styluses is confusing. There are two different standards to be aware of, and famed writing implement brand Staedtler supports devices with an EMR screen, which includes Samsung’s phones and tablets, along with a host of Chromebooks and other tablets. The Noris is made from upcycled wood for a truly tactile feel, a 0.7-mm tip modeled on a classic pencil, and 4,096 levels of pressure to make it appealing to artists. The Noris is a fun alternative to Samsung’s S Pen range. It doesn’t have a battery, so it doesn’t need recharging. You don’t have to install special software; it’s compatible with a tablet’s screen rather than particular apps, and even comes in two sizes to make it suitable for different hand sizes.
Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus for $60: The EMR standard is joined by the USI (Universal Stylus Initiative) standard, and it’s used by the Google Pixel Tablet, the Amazon Fire Max 11, and a host of Chromebooks. The Penoval USI 2.0 Stylus has a D-shaped aluminum body for extra grip and feel, a triangular nib, and magnets inside to attach it to your tablet’s body. Unlike the EMR stylus, which takes power from the device’s screen, the USI stylus has its own battery, which should last around 90 hours before it requires a recharge using a USB-C cable. Like the EMR stylus, it has 4.096 levels of pressure sensitivity, palm rejection technology, and an eraser on the end of the pencil. This may sound like a small thing, but it’s a wonderful part of the stylus experience, as turning the pen over to erase something on screen is surprisingly rewarding. It doesn’t need pairing with your tablet either, so it works immediately.
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive for $27: Some Android tablets have expandable storage space using a microSD card, but not all of them do. In addition to buying an external storage device to increase the native memory, you may find it necessary to transfer files between devices, and an external drive makes this simple. There are many options out there, but we like the portability, range of memory options, durability, and speed of Samsung’s Type-C USB Flash Drive. The tiny memory stick supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard, transfers data at 400 MB/s, connects to most devices that have a USB-C port, and is resistant to water, shock, and magnetic fields. It doesn’t require a power source and is specifically made for mobile devices, so you shouldn’t encounter performance or compatibility problems.
