Top 5 Android Tablets

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S

 The exterior design of the Tab S is nothing to write home about but it's thin and it's light and that counts for a lot when it comes to tablets. It helps the frame get out of the way of the screen, which is the real winner here. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S boasts "the best screen we've seen on a tablet" - which is no small feat. If you want to watch movies or play graphically intensive games they won't look better on any other tablet. Available in 8.4- and 10.5-inch variants, the Tab S range packs in a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM, microSD slot, 8MP rear camera, 2.1MP front snapper and Android 4.4 KitKat. Both tablets have fingerprint scanners for added security, but the plastic body may put a few off with Apple's slates sporting a more attractive design. But with more power and superior screens the Galaxy Tab S duo are working the iPad series hard, really hard.

Quick verdict

The ultimate Android tablet experience comes courtesy of the Galaxy Tab S, offering a portable 8.4-inch slate and a larger 10.5-inch tablet which is great for movies and gaming.

From the eye-catching screen to the raw power under the hood, Samsung couldn't have done much better.

 

2. Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

If you haven't realised yet, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is a really good Android tablet, with a slim build and waterproof design ensuring it'll survive a trip into the bath or a bake off in a really messy kitchen. The screen isn't quite as good as the Galaxy Tab S, nor is there a smaller version available for those who don't want to lug around a 10.1-inch offering every day - but these are minor points in what is still a very good device.

Quick verdict

A solid, lightweight slate with a decent amount of power, the Xperia Z2 Tablet won't disappoint and the waterproof chassis is certainly a bonus. The design is slightly more attractive than Samsung's, but with just one screen size and a display which lacks the vibrancy of its closest rival it takes second spot.

3. Google Nexus 9

Thanks to a powerful 64-bit processor, Boom Sound speakers, a long lasting battery and Android 5.0 onboard. It's found itself a fairly unique size point too at 8.9 inches. Too big to be considered a small or even medium sized tablet, but some way smaller than the 10.1-inch Android slates that there are so many of. Whether that's a good or bad thing is subjective but it certainly helps it stand out.

Quick verdict

The Nexus 9 is powerful and a good all-rounder. It's not the biggest, smallest or best in any one area but nor does it make any major missteps and at Rs 28000 it doesn't quite have a top tier price tag either.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

Sometimes bigger can be better - and Samsung will certainly be hoping that's the case with the huge Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 which sports a - yup you've guessed it - 12.2-inch display.

It comes equipped with an S Pen stylus, and with such a large canvas to work with it can be genuinely useful. Unsurprisingly the Note Pro 12.2 isn't a small tablet, so it's not something you'll be carry around with you every day, but with a meaty octa-core (yes, eight!) processor, 3GB of RAM and Android 4.4 KitKat OS it's a serious powerhouse capable of some very heavy lifting.

Quick verdict

The sheer size of the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 will put many off, but the appeal of an expansive, 2560 x 1600 12.2-inch display will attract a small crowd - if you are one of those you won't be disappointed. Big screen, big power and big price.

5. Google Nexus 7 (2013)

The Nexus is no longer king in the Android tablet world, but if you're looking for a 7-inch slate with an incredibly attractive price tag you don't need to look anywhere else. The screen is to die for and the form factor, while taking some getting used to, is ideal for media consumption. It's light, it's bright, it's fun and it's thin. The battery life is really impressive, and the sheer diversity on offer, be it through the uprated CPU, screen, or GPU, mean that we struggled to put it down at times.

Quick verdict

I really like the Nexus 7. I really, really like the Nexus 7. Google has taken what made the original such a belter, corrected almost every niggle with it, bumped the price up ever so slightly, yet also made the Nexus 7 feel so much more premium. If you're looking for a 7-inch tablet, we'll put it like this: there is no better alternative on the market, right now.