Best Android tablets to buy in 2022 (Updated: January)
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
The Android tablet market is flooded with offerings from mostly unknown brands and manufacturers. Some of them can actually be a solid buy in their own right, but finding just the right one could be a hassle, seeing as how most of them come from China. Some of the big names are still releasing Android-powered tablets, albeit not as frequently as before, when the world was crazy about them.
There's a handful of companies that still make an effort to develop good Android tablets and there are some cheap, expensive, or somewhere in-between devices that all offer good bang for your buck. But which tablet is the best? Well, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but one stands out above the rest.
You'll also love these
So, let's take a look at the Android tablets that are worth buying in 2020!
Xiaomi Pad 5
Xiaomi pad 5
Released in late 2021, the Xiaomi Pad 5 rocks some serious specs — a 120 Hz screen, quad speaker stereo setup, a Snapdragon 860, and support for a Xiaomi Smart Pen and a proprietary keyboard folio. Yep, it looks a lot like an iPad Pro for Android fans, and can work as a proper alternative.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
Samsung has its own pair of hard-hitting tablets. The Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ come included with an S Pen stylus. And, since the Note series perfected the S Pen experience, you can rest assured that drawing and writing on the Tab S7 line feels superb.
With Samsung's own OneUI interface on top of Android, these tablets are also built for work and multi-tasking — split screen, multiple windows, quick app switching. DeX mode specifically makes them feel like Android-powered laptops, as it brings a desktop experience to your mobile device. Slap a keyboard on them and you are ready to write articles on the go — I rarely go out of DeX mode when using a Samsung tablet. It's just so convenient.
The Galaxy Tab S7's quad speakers are not as meaty as the iPad Pros', but they still sound good.
Do note: the Galaxy Tab S7+ has a 120 Hz Super AMOLED screen, which looks fantastic — crisp, vibrant, with deep blacks and high brightness. The regular Tab S7 takes a step back and has a 120 Hz LCD screen, which still looks good — just not as good.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ review
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE was announced in mid 2021 in lieu of an actual Tab S8. It's a middle-of-the-road solution, combining midrange specs with 5G connectivity for those that need it.
So, where does the Galaxy Tab S7 FE stand? It’s a mix between the Tab S7 and Tab S7+. Meaning, it has a large, 12.4-inch screen, as big as the Tab S7+, but it’s a 60 Hz LCD panel, like on the Tab S7. The processor inside is also different — a midrange Snapdragon 750G. The Tab S7 FE comes in three variations — 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, or 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Any one of them is available in Wi-Fi only or 5G variants.
So, it provides the big screen experience if you want that Tab S7+ size, but don’t want to pay Tab S7+ money. It’s curious that Samsung decided to cover this niche, but hey — it’s happening. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE starts at $379.99 in the US, which is a very reasonable price, especially considering it comes with the S Pen in the box!
Amazon Fire HD 10
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
"Best" can mean a lot of things and while Amazon's Fire HD 10 can't keep up with the rest of the tablets on this list when it comes to specs, it has them all beat in one department: the price. Costing between 2 and 5 times less than the rest, the Fire HD 10 offers incredible value. So, it can easily be the best Android tablet to buy on a budget, especially since it has a keyboard accessory for that hybrid experience. Amazon even confidently bundles the new Fire HD 10 with a Bluetooth keyboard, giving you a tablet/laptop hybrid at an incredibly low price.
While the Fire HD 10 is technically an Android tablet, it's running on a heavily modified Amazon-centered software and doesn't come with Google's Play Store (there are ways to install it, if you insist). Still, Amazon's own app store offers enough variety to fit the relatively narrow focus of this tablet, so for most people this won't be an issue. The new Fire HD 10 tablet comes with 12 months of Microsoft 365, too, as to underline its new aim at productivity features.
Keep in mind that the Amazon Fire HD tablets have historically not had the best performance. They are great as simple slates to enjoy some media on, but don't expect a laptop replacement unit here.
Samsung Galaxy A8
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The Galaxy Tab A8 was announced in December of 2021 as a successor to the fairly well-received Galaxy Tab A7 midranger. It's still slowly making its way to markets worldwide, but at this point — it's better to wait for the A8 than to buy the A7.
You can still slap a Bluetooth keyboard case on it, but there’s no DeX on this one.
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 (2021)
The Huawei MatePads are pretty cool — they come with a proprietary stylus and support a keyboard of their own. Unfortunately, Huawei still hasn't made it out of that "no Google apps" carfuffle, so we can't recommend you buy a Huawei tablet unless you are... a bit adventurous. Also, it's worth noting that the Huawei M-Pencil should come bundled with the MatePad Pro, but — in some markets — it doesn't. So, research carefully before hitting that Buy button!
Conclusion
Whether you are after a budget device or a productivity machine, you’ve got a few options laid out here. And yeah, Samsung is definitely dominating the best Android tablet field right now, but who knows — maybe someone will try to step up in the months to come. We will certainly be keeping an ear to the ground, our eye on the market, and our fingers on a fresh touchscreen, hunting out those devices for you!
Latest News
Verizon, AT&T agree to limit the use of their C-band 5G airwaves near airports
You can get an iPhone 13 Pro engraved with a gold QR code
After update, Google Maps disappears from Android Auto
YouTube Music, Premium launches annual subscription
T-Mobile expands its latest 5G breakthrough after destroying Verizon and AT&T in new speed tests
The Weather Channel is coming to YouTube TV in 2022
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless