Are you tired of reading your e-books or playing your games on your smartphone? Smartphones are great and serve their purpose, but their small screens can be cumbersome for some activities. Tablets can carry out the same functions as smartphones, but they offer considerably larger screens.
If you want a quality device, Asus is a trusted electronics brand with several tablet models available. User favorite Asus ZenPad 10 Tablet has a large screen, storage space and a long-lasting battery.
What to know before you buy an Asus tablet
Screen size
Like smartphones, tablets come in various screen sizes, and the cost of a tablet corresponds with its screen size. Larger devices tend to have better displays and perform better due to more hardware capabilities. However, smaller tablets with smaller screens are more lightweight, cheaper and generally have better battery life.
Tablets roughly 7-8 inches are considered small, while anything larger is regarded as a standard tablet.
Wireless network
In a sense, tablets are large smartphones, but not all tablets are equipped with wireless network capabilities. This means that unless you have a Wi-Fi connection, you won’t be able to connect to the internet.
If you plan on using your tablet similarly to a smartphone, it’s best to get an Asus tablet with wireless network capabilities, so you can connect to the internet while on the go. Be advised, however, that you’ll require a prepaid network plan and SIM card from a wireless service provider to do so.
Dual function
Most tablets work like large smartphones, but some have a two-in-one laptop and tablet design. A two-in-one tablet is more expensive than a regular tablet, but if you plan on using your tablet for work, it’s an excellent option. They’re not as powerful as traditional laptops, but they can still carry out many of the same functions and are much more lightweight and portable.
Operating system
Most tablets run Android operating software, but some of them run Chrome OS. Android is arguably the better overall system, but tablets running Chrome OS perform better for work or school tasks.
Chrome OS is a barebones user-friendly operating system, but it relies a lot on an internet connection. If you’re going to be disconnected from an online network most of the time, Android operating software is the way to go.
Asus tablet features
Connectivity
It’s convenient to use the same charging cable across all of your devices. If you own an Android smartphone, there’s a good chance that it uses USB-C for connectivity. Some tablets still use the micro-USB connection, but most have adopted USB-C as the new standard.
Storage
The latest storage technology is cloud storage, which essentially stores your files in an off-site location you can access through the internet. Cloud storage is now the most popular storage method due to its convenience, but most devices still have built-in storage capabilities.
Generally, a tablet should have a minimum of 32GB of storage space and go up in model in the same increments. If you plan on storing lots of files locally, you can get a tablet with 64GB, 128GB and even 256GB of storage space. Alternatively, many tablets have SD slots that can be used for upgraded storage space.
Cameras
Tablets aren’t known for being used as cameras because their bulkiness makes them awkward for taking photos. However, most tablets have at least one camera and can take quality photos.
Speakers
Nobody compares built-in speakers on a tablet to external standalone speakers or headphones, but it’s still an important feature.
If you’re planning on streaming video content often, you might not always have your headphones handy, so look for a tablet with a decent-sounding built-in stereo speaker. They’ll sound better than cheaper models that use a single mono stereo setup.
Asus tablet cost
You can find smaller, basic tablets for anywhere from $50-$150, while larger, high-performance tablets can cost $150-$300. Two-in-one tablets have more features and can cost over $300.
Asus tablet FAQ
Can I use an Asus tablet as an e-reader?
A. Yes, you can use Asus tablets to read e-books through apps such as Amazon’s Kindle.
What’s the difference between a tablet and a Chromebook?
A. Chromebooks are manufactured by several companies and are essentially two-in-one tablets, but they strictly run Chrome OS.
Which Asus tablet should I get?
Best of the best Asus tablet
Asus Zenpad 10: available at Amazon
Our take: A high-performance tablet with a large display at a moderate price. An excellent everyday tablet.
What we like: 10.1-inch IPS HD LED display. Features a suite of Asus visual enhancement technologies for optimizing all aspects of the display. Ambient sensor adjusts picture based on lighting conditions. PixelMaster camera for capturing stunning images. Blue light filter helps reduce eye fatigue.
What we dislike: Max setting for brightness level is lackluster.
Best bang for your buck Asus tablet
Asus Chromebook Tablet CT100: available at Amazon
Our take: One of the top Asus tablets runs Chrome OS and features a dazzling display for content streaming.
What we like: 9.7-inch QXGA (2048 x 1536) resolution. Durable, scratch-resistant exterior and rubber bumpers for increased protection. Wacom stylus included. USB-C connectivity. Excellent battery life.
What we dislike: Some users report a slight lag when using the stylus.
Honorable mention Asus tablet
Asus 7-inch MeMO Pad: available at Amazon
Our take: A small, lightweight tablet that’s ideal for photographers, social media content creators and readers.
What we like: Crisp and clear 7-inch display. Super lightweight and portable. User-friendly. Offers 8 hours of use off a full charge. Limited bloatware.
What we dislike: No rear camera. Not as responsive as other Asus tablets.
Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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