
Tablets have evolved significantly since the launch of the first iPad in 2010, changing from simple devices for watching videos and playing games to versatile computers that can enhance productivity and entertainment. With a wide range of options available—from Apple’s iPads to various Android models—it can be challenging to find the right tablet for your needs.
A good tablet should offer long battery life, a variety of apps, and strong functionality beyond just video streaming. While Apple’s tablets often lead the market, there are many competitive Android alternatives worth considering, each with unique features tailored to different uses.
In this guide, we detail the key factors to consider when choosing a tablet, highlight the best models we’ve tested, and answer the question: what is the best tablet right now? Whether you need a device for work, drawing, or simply browsing the web, read on to discover our top picks that cater to various needs and budgets.
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): Best Overall Tablet for Professionals
The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) is the ultimate tablet for creatives and professionals, offering exceptional performance and display technology. Powered by the advanced M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and GPU, it’s designed to handle complex tasks effortlessly, from graphic-intensive work to multitasking on the go.
The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion and True Tone provides extreme brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, making this the best tablet to buy in UAE for those seeking unmatched visuals. Paired with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, this iPad transforms into a versatile workstation, ideal for artistic and productivity needs alike.
For professionals seeking the highest standard in tablet performance, this model is both powerful and visually immersive, solidifying its position as one of the best tablets in UAE for 2025.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Best for Productivity
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a powerhouse for work, play, and creativity. With its expansive 14-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display featuring HDR10+ and a 120Hz refresh rate, this tablet delivers stunning visuals and smooth scrolling. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB RAM ensure seamless multitasking, making it a strong contender for replacing your laptop.
It’s IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, and its durable Armor Aluminum frame ensures long-lasting use in any environment. Plus, with the included S Pen, you can easily create, edit, or take notes with advanced precision.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra also supports up to 1TB internal storage and microSD expansion, so you’ll never run out of space for your work or entertainment.
Apple iPad Air (2024) – Best Mid-Range Tablet
The 2024 iPad Air is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking a sleek, lightweight tablet that enhances the classic iPad experience. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch options, this model allows you to enjoy a larger screen without paying for the pricier iPad Pro. Powered by the Apple M2 chip, the iPad Air offers exceptional performance, making apps feel fast and responsive. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, transforming the tablet into a versatile tool for art and note-taking.
The display, while not mini-LED like the iPad Pro, shines brightly, outperforming its predecessors in our tests. With nearly 12 hours of battery life, it’s perfect for all-day use. In CPU performance tests, the 2024 iPad Air surpassed competitors like the OnePlus Pad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
However, some features could enhance the user experience. The absence of Face ID support means you’ll rely on Touch ID for quick access. Additionally, while it can serve as a decent laptop replacement with the Magic Keyboard, the limitations of iPadOS can hinder multitasking and file management.
Overall, the 2024 iPad Air is the best tablet for most users. For those on a budget, older models or the standard iPad still offer great value, but the Air’s combination of performance and features justifies its price for those seeking the best mid-range tablet.
The OnePlus Pad delivers an outstanding Android tablet experience, especially for entertainment. With a spacious 11.61-inch LCD display offering a 2800 x 2000 resolution and a super-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, it’s easily one of the best Android tablets in the UAE for vibrant viewing.
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 and 8GB of RAM, this tablet handles everything from browsing to gaming with ease, letting you multitask efficiently through OxygenOS on Android 13.1.
For those looking for the best tablet for entertainment in the UAE, the OnePlus Pad’s unique ReadFit 7:5 aspect ratio offers a nearly book-like experience, maximizing readability and comfort. Dolby Vision and Atmos ensure top-tier visuals and sound, making it one of the best tablets in UAE for immersive media. Add its lightweight 555g build, thin 6.54mm profile, and durable CNC aluminum unibody, and this device is perfect for travel or daily use. If you’re after a cheap tablet option without sacrificing quality, the OnePlus Pad brings a balance of high-end design and performance.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a top contender in the best Windows tablets in UAE category, designed for users who want both the flexibility of a tablet and the functionality of Windows 11. Its stunning 13-inch display, available in both LCD and OLED with a high 2880 x 1920 resolution, offers sharp visuals ideal for everything from work presentations to streaming videos.
Powered by the advanced Snapdragon X Plus, the Surface Pro 11 ensures high-speed performance, making it one of the best tablets to buy for Windows users looking for powerful multitasking capabilities.
For those prioritizing portability, the Surface Pro 11 combines a thin, lightweight build with a 47Wh battery that delivers an impressive 12 hours of use per charge, making it an excellent companion for a full day’s work or travel. You also get solid audio-visual experiences with Dolby Vision and Copilot+ support, enhancing your productivity with features like real-time captions. The tablet’s premium feel extends to its design, with options for additional accessories like the Surface Flex Pro keyboard and Surface Slim Pen 2, transforming it into a viable laptop alternative.
While peripherals can be costly, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is, without question, one of the best tablets in UAE for anyone who values a high-performing Windows device that bridges the gap between a tablet and a laptop. With options for up to 1TB of storage and 32GB RAM, this device is versatile enough for intensive productivity and high-quality entertainment on the go.
Best Premium Android Tablet
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus redefines the premium tablet experience with its sleek design and powerful features. With a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, it brings your content to life with vibrant colors and true blacks. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, this tablet is engineered for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for multitasking, gaming, and creative endeavors. The included S Pen enhances your productivity, allowing you to take notes, draw, and navigate seamlessly. Plus, with its IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, the Tab S9 Plus is built to withstand the rigors of daily life and outdoor adventures.
Best Android tablet with Google AI integration
The Google Pixel Tablet is a groundbreaking Android tablet featuring the powerful Tensor G2 chip, designed to enhance your digital experience. It delivers seamless streaming, high-quality video calls, and efficient multitasking, all thanks to its integration with Google AI. The tablet’s 11-inch LCD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, offers vibrant visuals for both work and entertainment.
This innovative device also excels in convenience, enabling you to quickly write emails and notes with a compatible keyboard (sold separately) and express your creativity with the Pixel Tablet pen. The Quick Share feature allows for easy and secure sharing of photos and videos between your Pixel Tablet and nearby devices. Additionally, the unique Cast feature lets you effortlessly transfer content from your Pixel phone to the tablet by simply bringing the two devices closer together, making it a versatile option for any user.
Best all-round tab for entertainment and productivity
The Apple 2022 10.9-inch iPad is the best iPad for both entertainment and productivity, featuring a stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it delivers exceptional performance with a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming.
With a 12MP Wide back camera and a landscape-oriented 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, video calls are enhanced for a better experience. Touch ID offers secure authentication and easy payments via Apple Pay, while ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 ensures seamless connectivity.
The iPad supports Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Magic Keyboard Folio, making it perfect for note-taking and drawing. With all-day battery life and iPadOS 16’s powerful productivity features, this iPad is ready to meet all your needs.
Compact and powerful tablet for on-the-go productivity
The Apple 2021 iPad mini is the best iPad for those seeking portability without sacrificing performance. Featuring a vibrant 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, this compact tablet is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, providing exceptional speed and efficiency.
With 256GB of storage, it’s perfect for apps, media, and documents. The 12MP Wide rear camera with Center Stage enhances your video calls and photography, while the Ultra Wide front camera captures every moment with a 122° field of view.
Stay connected anywhere with the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and enjoy up to 10 hours of web surfing or video playback. The iPad mini also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), making it a versatile tool for creativity and productivity.
A versatile tablet for creativity and productivity
Meet the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″—your perfect companion for work and play! This sleek tablet features a stunning PaperMatte display that brings your content to life with vibrant colors and minimal glare. Whether you’re watching movies, sketching, or getting work done, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere.
With a powerful battery that lasts all day and fast charging to keep you moving, you can tackle your tasks without worry. Plus, the HUAWEI Glide Keyboard and MPencil make it a breeze to switch between writing, drawing, and browsing. Dive into creativity with the GoPaint app and enjoy an incredible experience tailored just for you!
Your Creative Companion for Fun and Productivity
Unleash your creativity with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+! This vibrant tablet is designed for fun and productivity, allowing you to view, create, and share your favorite moments on a spacious 12.4-inch screen. With colors that pop and a choice of Gray, Mint, Silver, or Lavender, it effortlessly matches your unique style.
Thanks to Vision Booster, you’ll enjoy clear and bright visuals even in direct sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor use. Powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, this tablet delivers smooth performance, fantastic battery life, and a user-friendly experience with top-notch multitasking software. Plus, with IP68 water and dust resistance, it’s built to withstand the elements, keeping you productive no matter where you
Lenovo Tab M10 (3rd Gen) – Affordable Tablet with Decent Features
The Lenovo Tab M10 (3rd Gen) is an affordable 10.1-inch tablet, providing a balanced experience for budget-conscious users. Its vibrant FHD display, powered by a Unisoc T610 octa-core processor, and 4GB RAM make it suitable for light tasks, media consumption, and basic apps. Despite its budget price, this tablet offers a solid build and a few great perks, including GPS and up to 128GB of expandable storage, making it versatile for everyday use.
However, keep in mind that the battery life and screen brightness may not match higher-end tablets, but for those who prioritize value, the Lenovo Tab M10 delivers a well-rounded experience.
OPPO Pad Air – Sleek and Lightweight Tablet with Eye Care Display
The OPPO Pad Air combines a stylish ultra-slim design with a 10.36-inch 2K display that’s easy on the eyes, perfect for reading, streaming, or browsing. Powered by the Snapdragon 680 processor and equipped with 4GB of RAM, this tablet handles everyday multitasking with ease.
The TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort Certification ensures comfortable viewing, even for extended periods. With a 7100mAh battery offering up to 13 hours of video playback and quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, the OPPO Pad Air delivers an immersive entertainment experience.
This lightweight tablet also supports up to 512GB of expandable storage, making it a practical, budget-friendly option for those on the go.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE – Powerful, Vibrant, and Built for Entertainment
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is designed for those who want power and style in an affordable package. Its 11-inch FHD+ display offers vibrant colors and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and streaming. With 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space and speed for multitasking. The powerful Snapdragon 680 processor, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and 8000mAh battery provide a long-lasting, immersive experience perfect for media lovers.
TCL 10L Generation 2 – Affordable Family-Friendly Tablet
The TCL 10L Generation 2 tablet is perfect for families, offering eye protection, kid-safe features, and an affordable option for daily tasks. Its 10.1-inch HD screen with EyeCare mode reduces blue light, making it easy on the eyes for all-day use.
The 3GB RAM and 32GB storage (expandable up to 128GB) provide enough speed for streaming, browsing, and learning apps, while the 6000mAh battery keeps it going. It’s lightweight, slim, and even includes a clear case for extra protection. The TCL Kids mode ensures a safe and educational experience for children with parental controls and engaging content.
Choosing the right tablet depends on your needs, whether it’s for productivity, entertainment, or casual use. From premium options like the Apple iPad Pro (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra to budget-friendly picks like the Lenovo Tab M10 (3rd Gen) and Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, there’s a tablet for everyone. For families, the Google Pixel Tablet stands out with its user-friendly interface and safety features, while students and digital artists can rely on the performance of the iPad lineup. Whether you prefer iPads for their seamless user experience or Android tablets for customization and affordability, the UAE market offers diverse choices to suit every lifestyle and budget.
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Tablets are smaller in size and more portable than laptops, and they typically have touchscreens. Laptops are more powerful and versatile, and they are better suited for productivity tasks.
There are three main types of tablets: Apple iPads, Android tablets, and Windows tablets. Apple iPads are the most popular tablets, but Android tablets are more affordable and offer a wider range of features. Windows tablets are less common, but they are more powerful than Android tablets and can be used for productivity tasks.
For younger students, the Apple iPad (10th-gen, 2022) offers a great balance of performance and affordability. For older students needing more power, the iPad Air (2024) or iPad Pro (2024) are excellent choices.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro (2024) offer stunning displays and powerful processors, making them ideal for media consumption.
The iPad Pro (2024) with the Apple Pencil Pro is the top choice for digital artists. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and S9 FE+ are also good options with their S Pen support.
Yes, if you need top-tier performance, a stunning display, and support for advanced creative tools, the iPad Pro is worth the investment.
The S9 Ultra has a larger display, higher resolution, and more powerful internals, making it ideal for productivity and content creation. The S9+ is a more compact option with a slightly smaller display and slightly less powerful hardware.
Yes, the OnePlus Pad offers a great balance of performance, display quality, and affordability. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality Android tablet without breaking the bank.
Yes, with the optional keyboard and stylus, the Surface Pro 11 can be used as a productivity tool. However, its performance may not match high-end laptops, especially for demanding tasks.
Yes, the Pixel Tablet is a great family-friendly tablet. It offers a clean, user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and access to a wide range of Google services.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE and Lenovo Tab M10 (3rd Gen) are both excellent budget-friendly options, offering decent performance, good displays, and long battery life.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro (2024) both offer impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of use.
iPads generally offer a more seamless and intuitive user experience, with a focus on simplicity and performance. Android tablets, while more customizable, can sometimes be less user-friendly.
A Wi-Fi only tablet is sufficient if you primarily use it at home or in Wi-Fi hotspots. A Wi-Fi + Cellular tablet offers more flexibility, allowing you to use it on the go without relying on Wi-Fi.