Exploring the Landscape of Large Tablets: 2025 and Beyond
Though large tablets sometimes appear cumbersome due to their size, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on crafting devices that blend lightweight designs, premium materials, and stellar viewing angles. This attention to detail has led to a new generation of top-tier models that excel not only in performance but also in practicality, easily paired with keyboards or even second displays. When it comes down to it, there's unparalleled convenience in picking up a large tablet and heading out the door for a productive day, underscoring their appeal to professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
The Definition and Utility of Large Tablets
In the tablet world, devices ranging from 10 to 15 inches are considered "large," offering expansive screen real estate that can serve as effective laptop replacements. While not all tablets reach the 15-inch mark, this size range provides more than ample working space, highly beneficial for tasks requiring precision and clarity. The transition of tablets into viable workstations is evolving rapidly, allowing users to enjoy a rich array of applications suitable for both professional and personal usage.
Today's Best Large Tablets
Through extensive hands-on testing combined with thorough research, we've compiled a comprehensive list of tablets that boast wide displays and stellar performance. Currently, the best large-screen tablet is the 13-inch iPad Pro, featuring a fast M4 processor and a bright display. However, diverse options from Samsung, Microsoft, and other leading manufacturers also stand out, each offering unique attributes to cater to a variety of needs.
Apple iPad Pro (7th Generation): Leading the Pack
The 2024 Apple iPad Pro lineup remains unmatched in terms of capability and performance, cementing its position as our top choice. Despite its premium price, the design's sleekness coupled with the potent M4 processor makes this a worthwhile investment. The M4 chip includes a 10-core GPU, next-generation machine learning accelerators, and ProMotion technology, offering refresh rates between 10 to 120 Hz.
Kerry Wan, reviews editor at ZDNET, praised the iPad Pro's Tandem OLED screen, which promises an exceptional visual experience. Wan noted its outstanding performance during text-heavy and photo-editing tasks under bright conditions, plus its ability to enhance media consumption with vivid colors and detailed shadow representation.
The iPad Pro also supports the advanced Apple Pencil Pro and is compatible with the revamped Magic Keyboard, enhancing the overall experience. These accessories provide greater versatility for creative and professional applications, though they come at a significant cost.
| Tablet | Price | Display | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Pro (7th Generation) | Starting at $1,299 | 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | $450 | 10.9-inch TFT LCD, 1200 x 800 display | 128GB or 256GB |
| Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Generation) | Starting at $1,499 | 13-inch PixelSense Flow display | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Apple iPad Air (6th Generation) | $799 | 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | Starting at $1,200 | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Budget-Friendly Excellence
Samsung's FE series makes high-end tablet features accessible to more consumers by offering trims of top functionalities. Priced at $450, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a large-screen appeal balanced by affordability. It stands equipped with an 8,000mAh battery, 6 to 8 GB of RAM, and expandable storage up to 1TB, coupled with a media-savvy setup thanks to AKG-tuned speakers.
ZNET contributor Max Buondonno admired its battery endurance, evidenced by minimal overnight power drain during standby mode. Although Reddit user feedback suggests its limited prowess in gaming performance, its capability for light multimedia and browsing tasks make it a sound option.
Microsoft Surface Pro: The Tablet for Serious Computing
Microsoft's Surface prowess in the 2-in-1 computing realm warrants its inclusion in our list. Delivering Windows 11 out of the box ensures app compatibility without needing mobile OS workarounds. Contributor Ed Bott praised its efficiency, with notable battery life exceeding that of Intel-based predecessors and rivaling the MacBook Air.
Enhanced by Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips, this Surface generation facilitates AI features like Cocreator and Windows Studio effects, advancing productivity to new bounds. However, accessories are sold separately, adding to the overall expense.
Apple iPad Air (6th Generation): Value Meets Performance
The latest update to the iPad Air introduced a 13-inch variant, transforming its stature among large tablets. The inclusion of the M2 chip and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility elevates its performance to parallel the iPad Pro while retaining a more accessible price point. Apple claims a substantial improvement in graphics and overall processing, crucial for gaming and editing tasks.
Our review highlights that for those desiring a tablet balancing work and recreational use, the iPad Air's feature set should begin (and likely end) their quest.
Choosing the Right Large Tablet for You
The decision between large tablets largely hinges on preferred operating systems. Assessing whether you require the full computer experience offered by Windows, or the streamlined mobile-centric iPadOS or Android environments will ultimately guide your choice. Beyond software, factors such as price, storage options, connectivity, and weight should align with intended usage and lifestyle demands.
What to Consider When Buying a Large Tablet
First and foremost, budget consciousness matters because high-screen real estate comes with premium pricing. Storage capacity impacts usability, so options with expandable slots deserve attention. Connectivity is critical, especially for mobile professionals needing cellular data when Wi-Fi is unreachable. Portability hinges on weight, hence finding a balance between bulky displays and lightweight designs becomes crucial.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Large Tablets
Ultimately, selecting among the best large tablets allows buyers to tailor their choice to specific needs—be it multimedia consumption, creative workflows, or business functionalities. As technical innovations persist, these devices will increasingly serve as hybrids between traditional laptops and cutting-edge mobile technologies, compelling us to rethink productivity in highly dynamic settings.
