Android tablets have come a long way. They boast powerful performance, a long battery life, vibrant displays, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a great time of year to pick up a tablet that can handle entertainment, reading, note-taking, and creative work. We tested the best models of 2026, from premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra to budget-friendly picks like the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Snappy processor
- Redesigned S Pen
- Supports up to seven years of OS upgrades
- Expensive
- Not super portable
- Not many noticeable changes from previous model
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Reliable performance
- Larger display with 90Hz refresh rate
- IP68 rating against water and dust
- Only one single rear camera instead of the last generation's two
- 5G limited to smaller FE model
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Battery and display upgrades
- Updated Qualcomm chipset can handle demanding tasks
- Exceptional tablet for its price range
- OLED panel has a noticeable lack of contrast
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Speaker and charging dock included
- Good battery life
- Multiple user support
- No compatibility to add a keyboard/trackpad
Bottom Line
Pros & Cons
- Eye-catching matte display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Switch from full color to an E Ink
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging
- A little heavy
- Stylus sold separately
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
If you want to stay in the Android ecosystem for a tablet (or you’re just curious to see what’s out there), you have plenty of options. Whether you need a portable device to replace your laptop for work tasks, something to act as a smart home hub, or just a device for watching videos, there’s an Android tablet that will meet your needs.
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What is the best Android tablet right now?
I chose ZDNET staff-tested tablets that offer a reliable experience and a variety of features at a reasonable price point. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed research and my experience with the products to suggest the best Android tablets below. I found that the best Android tablet overall was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultrafor its giant display, stellar battery life, and accompanying S Pen.
In our March update, we dded a visualization graphic showing our most recent battery-life testing results for selected Android tablets.
Also: The best Samsung tablets
The best Android tablets of 2026
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Best Android tablet overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
Pros & Cons
- Snappy processor
- Redesigned S Pen
- Supports up to seven years of OS upgrades
- Expensive
- Not super portable
- Not many noticeable changes from previous model
Get it now
Expert Take
Why we like it: If you’re looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is one of the best around. The Tab S11 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 16 operating system, and includes Galaxy AI features.
The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for up to 2TB of extra storage. One of the main differences between the S11 series and the previous S10 generation is the redesigned S Pen stylus. The new pen has a cone-shaped tip, making it easier to create shading and angled strokes in a way that feels more natural on a user’s hand. It also features a hexagonal body, like a traditional pencil, which could help it feel more comfortable during long periods of use.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
Who it’s for: ZDNET’s Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and described it as the “iPad Pro for Android fans.” She said that this Samsung tablet is great for creatives (thanks to the large screen real estate) and power users, especially those who need long battery life and the option for higher RAM and storage.
If you opt for the $210 Book Cover Keyboard (which is cheaper than the previous generation keyboards), you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.
Who should look elsewhere: Just keep in mind the tablet isn’t as portable as some other options on this list — it has by far the largest tablet screen we have tested, which isn’t always suitable to bring with you everywhere. If you’re looking for something more portable, the OnePlus Pad 3 or the Google Pixel tablet are lighter options.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Gray and silver | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4 | Battery: 11,600 mAh battery
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Best Android tablet for most people
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Pros & Cons
- Reliable performance
- Larger display with 90Hz refresh rate
- IP68 rating against water and dust
- Only one single rear camera instead of the last generation's two
- 5G limited to smaller FE model
Get it now
Expert Take
Why we like it: Historically, the FE series of Samsung devices has been a more affordable alternative to its flagship devices. And while the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ starts at $649, its features are as impressive as the more expensive Galaxy Tab Ultra or even Apple’s iPad Air (which can go up to $800). This tablet has an Exynos 1580 chip, which Samsung says makes the tablet about 32% faster than its predecessor, the Tab S9 FE+. This isn’t a high-end processor, but it’s great for everyday tasks and is one of Samsung’s compromises with its FE devices.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Who it’s for: Diaz said that this tablet’s performance is well worth its price tag, and was especially impressed with the display experience. “The 13.1-inch display is a size upgrade from the previous Tab S9 FE+, which had a 12.4-inch screen,” she wrote, adding, “The larger screen offers more space for multitasking with split screen, media streaming, gaming, and creative work like sketching.”
While this tablet isn’t built for power users, it handles light work like video calls, photo editing, messaging, and everyday tasks very well. And, just like the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, it is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance to better protect your investment against accidental spills.
Who should look elsewhere: This tablet is not built for power users, so if you’re looking for more in-depth work for photo editing or better multitasking with more Galaxy AI features, the Galaxy Tab Ultra would be better for you.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ tech specs: Display: 13.1-inch WQXGA+ | Resolution: 2,880 by 1,800 pixels | Refresh rate: 90Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 10090 mAh
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Best mid-level Android tablet
OnePlus Pad 3
Pros & Cons
- Battery and display upgrades
- Updated Qualcomm chipset can handle demanding tasks
- Exceptional tablet for its price range
- OLED panel has a noticeable lack of contrast
Get it now
Expert Take
Why we like it: The new OnePlus Pad 3 is a ZDNET Editor’s Choice pick, and for good reason. The new model–which debuted in June 2025–provides a smooth user experience thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which can handle more demanding AI tasks. This experience is further improved by its large 13.2-inch display, which ramps up to 144Hz.
Overall, this $699 tablet competes well with Android tablets on this list that cost hundreds more. Plus, you don’t have to pay extra for accessories: when you buy the OnePlus Pad 3, you get to choose two of three available accessories for free between the smart keyboard, the folio case, and the Stylo 2.
Review: OnePlus Pad 3
Who it’s for: ZDNET managing editor Kerry Wan said that in his testing, the performance was reliably fast. He added, “The tablet never showed frustrations with loading graphics, responding to inputs, and keeping services running in the background. I gracefully danced between on-screen gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad swipes, much like how I remembered doing with the $1,099 iPad Pro last year.”
Who should look elsewhere: Overall, there are no real drawbacks to this tablet, except perhaps its large size. If you want something smaller, you can opt for the OnePlus Pad 2, which has a 12.1-inch screen, or the Google Pixel Tablet, and its 11-inch screen.
OnePlus Pad 3 specs: Display: 13.2-inch LCD display | Resolution: 3392 x 2400| Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 12,140mAh
Jason Cipriani/ZDNET
Best Android tablet from Google
Google Pixel Tablet
Pros & Cons
- Speaker and charging dock included
- Good battery life
- Multiple user support
- No compatibility to add a keyboard/trackpad
Get it now
Expert Take
Why we like it: Google hadn’t had an Android tablet since the death of the Google Pixel Slate in 2018, but the company announced a new iteration in May 2023. Built specifically for entertainment and casual at-home use, the Pixel Tablet has a 10.95-inch LCD display with a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel resolution. It’s powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip that’s found in the Pixel 7 line and the Pixel Fold.
Review: Google Pixel Tablet: What Android tablets should have been all along
Who it’s for: What’s interesting about this tablet is that the included charging dock also converts it to a Nest Hub, meaning that when you’re not using the tablet to watch YouTube, it has a second purpose as a smart home display. The battery life can last up to 12 hours of video streaming and supports third-party stylus pens.
We note in our review of the Google Pixel Tablet that it won’t replace a laptop for school or work but could be handy if your home is a Google smart home. If you’re looking for a tablet that can double as a smart display (if you don’t already have a smart display in your smart home), this could be a good option for you. Customers who have bought the tablet have voiced on Reddit that they mainly use it for media consumption.
Who should look elsewhere: Unfortunately, right now there isn’t any sort of official keyboard or stylus for the Pixel Tablet. If you want a tablet with accessories like this, the OnePlus Pad 2 or Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet would be better picks.
Pixel tablet tech specs: Display: 10.95-inch LCD | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery: About 12 hours
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Best Android tablet for reading
TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus
Pros & Cons
- Eye-catching matte display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Switch from full color to an E Ink
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging
- A little heavy
- Stylus sold separately
Get it now
Expert Take
Why we like it: The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is the perfect nexus between a reading tablet and a regular tablet. TCL’s Nxtpaper technology lets you switch from regular mode to color paper to ink paper (the most similar to what you can expect from an e-reader). Its display helps reduce eye strain while reducing blue light, omitting a conventional backlight, and eliminating flickering, making it easy on the eyes than traditional screens while displaying the different types of content you’d expect from a tablet or smartphone.
Who it’s for: Diaz also went hands-on with the TCL tablet and said it was perfect for everyday use, especially for reducing eye strain. “I use my MacBook Pro and iPad every day for work, so I found a big difference when using the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus instead of my iPad each night,” she wrote, adding, “By the end of the night, my eyes weren’t straining or exhausted, and my tension headaches even became milder, which is a big plus.”
Review: TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus
You can also set Reading Modes and enable Adaptive Brightness to further reduce the chance of eye fatigue. It comes built-in with Android 15, so you can browse the web, download reading apps, watch videos, and more.
The stylus (which is sold separately) has AI-powered handwriting recognition and handwriting-to-text conversions.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re not interested in an e-ink screen, it’s best to skip this model.
TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus specs: Display: 11.5-inch NXTPAPER 4.0 | Resolution: 2200 x 1440 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 8GB or 12 GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 8000mAh
Which Android tablet is right for you?
| Choose this Android tablet… | If you want… |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra | The best Android tablet on the market. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ | Screen quality that matches the flagship model. It also comes with a Samsung S Pen. |
| OnePlus Pad 3 | An excellent mid-level Android tablet. The battery life is by far the best on this list. |
| Google Pixel Tablet | A Google-made tablet to go with your Google smart home ecosystem. It is built for entertainment. |
| TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus | An Android tablet that’s built for reading thanks to its versatile screen technology. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best Android tablets:
Before you buy, there are several important factors to keep in mind, depending on your own priorities and needs.
- Features: Not all Android tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there’s the one’s that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. We considered a variety of use-cases to match virtually every need.
- Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you’re planning on investing in compatible accessories. We included Android tablets at different price points so there is something for every budget.
- Integrations with other products: We considered options that can work with an attachable keyboard, a stylus, and other work and entertainment add-ons.
- Battery life: Whether you’re using your tablet for work or play (or both), you’ll want it to last the duration of your task. Tablets that had substantial battery lives ultimately made our top picks.
How we test tablets
The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
- Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display’s performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen’s responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer’s stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet’s temperature during intensive tasks.
Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.
- Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.
Latest news on Android tablets
At CES earlier this year, TCL debuted its new e-paper tablet, the TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper. Samsung also introduced the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+, which Samsung said is “best suited for gaming, streaming, or multitasking.”
Amazon is also set to ditch Fire OS in favor of Android in new Fire tablets released this year, after years of complaints from customers about how the Fire OS operates.
FAQs on Android tablets
Is the Amazon Fire an Android tablet?
No. Amazon tablets run on Fire OS, which is basically a muddled-down version of the Android operating system. Fire OS is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) but modified by Amazon for its ecosystem, so it doesn’t have things like the Google Play Store or is compatible with as many third-party apps.
Should I buy a tablet or a laptop?
It depends on how you want to use your tablet or laptop. Digital artists tend to prefer tablets since they’re easier to draw with using a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies if you choose one with a large enough screen size. But if you want to do things like create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, you’re better off with a laptop.
Are Android tablets better than iPads?
That’s a subjective question, and each type of tablet has pros and cons.
Apple iPads are favored by creative professionals and content creators for their compatible art programs, larger displays, and accessories. Android tablets are better suited for everyday use and tasks like browsing the web, streaming video and music, and mobile gaming.
Android tablets often allow you to expand the internal storage with microSD cards, so they can adapt to your needs, whereas iPads have integrated hard drives that can’t be removed if you need more space.
Latest updates
- In our April 2026 update, we added a visualization graphic showing our most recent battery-life testing results for selected Android tablets.
- In our February 2026 update, we changed our top pick to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, replacing the older model. We also removed some outdated picks, and added up-to-date news on Android tablets in 2026.
- In our August 2025 update, we added the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and the TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus as top picks, replacing older models. We also added news about upcoming Android tablets in 2025.
Other Android tablets we’ve tested
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Best Samsung alternative
Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra
Get it now
Expert Take
The previous generation Samsung Galaxy Tab Ultra tablet is almost as good as the Tab S11 Ultra. It still has a AMOLED 2x screen, lots of storage options, and is also IP68 water and dust resistant. In our lab testing, it had a battery life of 11 hours and 28 minutes while on maximum brightness.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Best alternative for gaming
RedMagic Astra
Get it now
Expert Take
This tablet is offered in three different configurations, starting at $700. It’s not the cheapest tablet on the market, but its gaming performance justifies the cost.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Best rugged alternative
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro
Get it now
Expert Take
Looking for something more durable? This Samsung device an exceptionally rugged tablet with removable dual batteries and software updates for eight years.
For more on getting the most out of your tablet, check out how to charge your tablet the right way, and how to turn your old Amazon Fire tablet into an Echo Show.
