Laptops can be bulky and heavy to carry around, and their operating systems can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with them. On the other hand, a tablet is much lighter, feature-packed and easy to operate.
Tablets are also excellent for online learning, as you can install all the apps you need, the display is large enough to see things clearly and they may have built-in cameras for video sessions. Depending on the operating system, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding hundreds of apps to assist with your education.
However, finding the best tablet for your needs can be challenging. There are several brands and display sizes to choose from, in addition to a few more things you should consider.
What to look for when choosing a tablet for online learning
Operating system
The first consideration for buying an online learning tablet is the operating system. The most widely used is Google’s Android, which is similar to the mobile phone version. Using an Android tablet is a breeze if you already have an Android phone.
Apple’s iPad uses the iPadOS, which closely matches the mobile iOS. If you already have an iPhone, linking your account, contacts and apps to the iPad is easy. You can also sync your work to access it from any device.
Google’s ChromeOS is steadily gaining traction, with more tablets and laptops using the online-only operating system. These devices are collectively called Chromebooks, and they require a constant internet connection to access your apps and files.
The benefit of a Chromebook is that you don’t need separate subscriptions for apps such as Microsoft’s Office 365. Instead, you can immediately access all the apps in Google Workspace. This includes Slides, Docs, Sheets and Gmail.
Display size
The display size is crucial for clarity, especially when watching a presentation where you also need to take notes. With a big enough display, you can have the presentation on one side and your note-taking app on the other.
A larger display is also more comfortable to work on, mimicking a laptop display. The most common screen size for a tablet is 10 to 13 inches, but remember that the price increases with the size.
Larger tablets are also compatible with detachable or wireless keyboards. This is a great help when learning online, as you don’t need to tap on the screen with your finger. You simply open your word processing app and type on the keyboard like you normally would. It’s much faster and more convenient.
In theory, you can also use a wired keyboard, but that’s only possible if the tablet has a USB port. Many don’t, but there’s an adapter you can use to convert the charging port into a larger USB connection.
Capacity
Since classes take place online, you need some internal storage for files, coursework and research. Most Android tablets let you expand the storage through a removable microSD card, but it’s better to have all your files in one place.
You should look for a tablet with at least 64 gigabytes of space, as it’s not only learning files that take up storage. Depending on your learning institution, you could be required to download several apps or programs, and those can fill up your hard drive quickly.
Another quick solution for adding storage is to connect a portable hard drive to the tablet through a USB port. These have far more space than the tablet, but keep in mind that only a few models support them.
Best tablet for online learning
The latest iPad Air uses Apple’s M1 chip for fast navigation and processes. The 10.9-inch display uses Liquid Retina technology and has an anti-reflective coating. There’s a 12-megapixel wide camera on the back and a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera on the front. It has 64GB of internal storage and stereo speakers when held in landscape orientation.
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You’ll never lose connection with the built-in Wi-Fi 6E receiver, which is three times faster than regular Wi-Fi. The Android tablet has a 12.4-inch display, a built-in ultra wide-angle camera that records up to 4K resolution and it includes the S Pen for writing or drawing.
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An affordable tablet, the Fire HD 10 gives you access to many Android apps, making your learning easier. The rechargeable battery lasts for 12 hours, it has a 10.1-inch display and 3GB of RAM. It has 64GB of internal storage, but you can add up to 1TB with a microSD card. It’s compatible with wireless keyboards.
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The 13-inch touchscreen is the perfect size for carrying in a backpack or shoulder bag. It’s compatible with Microsoft’s detachable keyboard and the rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2. It operates on Windows 11, so you can access all the apps you need to learn.
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Strictly speaking, this gadget is a laptop running on Google’s Chrome operating system. However, the 13.3-inch display flips over to transform into a large tablet perfect for online learning. It has a relatively large 128GB hard drive and a fast processor. It has a built-in camera, a Wi-Fi 6 GIG+ receiver and the battery lasts 13 hours.
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This 10.1-inch tablet has 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM and uses the Android operating system. The average battery life is around 10 hours, it has two speakers and a built-in kickstand at the back.
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This 10.3-inch Android tablet is an affordable option for any student. It has narrow bezels around the display, a 2.3-gigahertz processor and 32GB of storage. For photography, it has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel camera on the front. There are also dual microphones for online classes, as well as a headphones jack.
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
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