Best Tablet 2025: iPads & Android Tablets Reviewed & Ranked

Don’t want to pay high-end prices but still want a premium tablet? Go for the Xiaomi Pad 7 – you won’t be disappointed.

For just £369 at launch (sadly unavailable in the US), you can get a high-end build, gorgeous 11-inch display and strong performance from the Snapdragon 870 chipset. Throw in solid battery life and decent charging speeds, and Xiaomi is onto a winner.

While no accessories are included in the price, the keyboard cases (two to choose from) and Focus Pen stylus are all very impressive, too.

A rather patchy software experience from Xiaomi’s HyperOS Android skin remains the big compromise, though it’s still very usable. You’ll also have to make do without a fingerprint scanner, but that’s easy to look beyond at this price

Overall, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers a compelling, premium tablet experience for less than half the price of many rivals, making it a great buy.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 7?

You want the most bang for your buck and don’t mind getting to grips with Xiaomi software.

Xiaomi Pad 7: Further Considerations

You do need to factor in the accessory prices if you want the best experience the Pad 7 has to offer.

Read our full
Xiaomi Pad 7 review

OnePlus has gradually been improving its tablet offering ever since the original OnePlus Pad, but now it feels as though the company has truly hit its stride with its third-gen tablet that takes multitasking to a whole new level.

Originally available on the OnePlus Open, the company’s Open Canvas software arguably feels more at home on the Pad 3 as you can have up to three apps open at a time (even more if one is in windowed mode). This just makes the tablet great for those who are constantly on the go but want to get work done on a device that’s slimmer and more portable than a laptop.

What helps to keep things feeling smooth is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset which can handle everything from on-device gaming to AI processing with ease. In our time testing the device, there was never really a moment where it buckled under pressure.

What’s arguably even more impressive is that, in spite of all the multitasking that the OnePlus Pad 3 is able to achieve, the battery life never falls short as a result. With a 12,140mAh cell under the hood, we were able to get through a full working day and still have more than 50% left in the tank.

Who should buy the OnePlus Pad 3?

Anyone who loves to use a tablet for productivity. It’s just unbeaten on multitasking.

OnePlus Pad 3: Further Considerations

Android just isn’t as well optimised for tablets as what you’ll find on iPadOS.

Even though there’s plenty to be gained by spending a bit more to nab the iPad Air or the iPad Pro, it’s incredible to see just how much value the base-level iPad A16 is able to bring to the table.

For starters, when it comes to the core iPadOS experience, you’re still getting access to the same great multitasking software iPad is known for, alongside top tier apps that make it great not just for streaming and gaming, but also a spot of productivity (especially if you bring a keyboard into the mix).

The new A16 chip also means that you’re getting a decent processing bump over the previous entry-level iPad, although it’s far from the lightning fast speeds that you’ll find on M-series iPads. Plus, the iPad A16 is now the only tablet in Apple’s range that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.

Still, Apple has finally done away with the 64GB model, having 128GB storage set as the standard and with no price increase as a result. As a means of getting into Apple’s tablet ecosystem without spending a small fortune, the iPad A16 just can’t be beaten.

Who should buy the iPad (2025)?

Anyone who wants to experience the joy of iPadOS but doesn’t need the M-series power of more pricier iPads.

iPad (2025): Further Considerations

Things can get expensive when you factor in accessories, which is why Xiaomi tablets tend to be better value overall.

If you want the absolute best tablet money can buy, it’s probably the latest iPad Pro. But for most people, the upgrade compared to the iPad Air isn’t enough to justify the higher price tag.

Like the Air, the Pro is also available in 11- and 13-inch sizes. However, it’s the move to OLED that sets the screens apart, delivering incredibly vibrant colours and deep blacks.

You also get Apple’s M4 chip, which is incredibly fast and reliable in basically every scenario. An impressive new Magic Keyboard and loads of dedicated apps make this a brilliant tablet for creatives.

But is that you? If not, you’ll probably be just as happy with the Air or a MacBook if productivity is your top priority. At this price, it’s simply not worth it for most people.

However, for the right person, the iPad Pro is a stellar tablet.

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024)?

Power-users who need next-level speed for animation, 3D modelling or video/photo editing.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024): Further Considerations

The M3-toting iPad Air has enough power for most people, and it’s nearly half the price.

Samsung’s huge tablet is very expensive and not suitable for everyone. But if you want a huge 14.6-inch canvas to work with and prefer Samsung tablets to iPads, it’s a compelling choice.

That large display is a gorgeous 120Hz OLED, which works in tandem with excellent speakers to deliver a top-tier video-watching experience. Ditching Qualcomm for the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ doesn’t compromise performance, which is fast and reliable across all tasks, including gaming.

The included S Pen is a great option for digital art or handwritten notes, while the optional keyboard accessory makes it a realistic laptop alternative.

The lack of dedicated Android tablet apps still holds the tablet back, though, despite Samsung’s One UI delivering a strong overall software experience. Battery life is solid, but there’s no charger included, and a full charge will take well over an hour.

Ultimately, the Tab S10 Ultra is very similar to last year’s Tab S9 Ultra, with hit-and-miss AI features being the most significant difference. But if you want the very best big Android tablet on the market, this is it.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra?

Gamers, streamers and artists who want a large, bright display above anything else.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Further Considerations

It’s not a cheap option, with even the iPad Pro being slightly more affordable.

The Honor Pad V9 is a rare case of a mid-range tablet that has almost no compromises. Unless you need strong cameras or long-term software support, the Pad V9 ticks pretty much all the boxes.

We’re talking a stunning 11.5-inch display and an impressive eight-speaker setup, which combine for a great experience while watching movies and TV. A premium yet lightweight design means you can take it most places with you, especially with superb battery life.

Elsewhere, MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 Elite delivers great performance, and Honor’s MagicOS skin over Android offers a slick, intuitive user experience. If only we knew how long it’d be supported with updates, or how promptly we might get Android 16.

But even without that, the Honor Pad V9 is easy to recommend in any country where it’s available. Sadly, that doesn’t include the US.

Who should buy the Honor Pad V9?

Those who want a great tablet for entertainment, but with an affordable price tag.

Honor Pad V9: Further Consideration

It just can’t match the regular iPad when it comes to long-term software support.

Read our full
Honor Pad V9 review

The Redmi Pad 2 is one of those Android tablets that proves Apple doesn’t really stand a chance when it comes to the true budget end of the market. At just £169, the Pad 2 is almost half the price of the entry-level iPad but it has a few features that you won’t find on Apple’s cheapest tablet.

For example, in spite of its affordability, there’s a massive 11-inch LCD panel here that isn’t just great for watching films and TV shows, its 90Hz refresh rate also makes gaming and scrolling through social media feel effortlessly smooth.

Even the build quality manages to outshine the Pad 2’s price tag, with a sleek aluminium frame that’s not just comfortable to hold, it’s also lightweight for carrying around in a bag, clocking in at a reasonable 510g.

There is a trade-off to be had with fairly slow charging speeds and no shortage of bloatware when you first power it up, but it’s an understandable compromise given all that you get here for the money. As far as we’re concerned, there isn’t a better budget tablet right now, despite plenty of competition from the likes of the Galaxy Tab A9 series.

Who should buy the Redmi Pad 2?

Budget-conscious buyers who are determined not to spend more than a couple of hundred.

Redmi Pad 2: Further Considerations

The overall software experience can be more refined if you’re ready to spend a little extra at the checkout.

The Honor Magic Pad 2 offers an impressive value-for-money proposition in the Android tablet market.

Its 12.3-inch OLED display with 144Hz refresh rate is undoubtedly one of the best screens you’ll find in this price range, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and light productivity. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM deliver smooth performance, ensuring that the tablet can handle multiple tasks without lag.

While the lack of an IP rating and the absence of a trackpad in the keyboard case may limit its functionality for some users, the bundled Magic Pencil 3 and Smart Bluetooth Keyboard provide excellent value for those looking for a capable tablet at a reasonable price.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the Honor MagicPad 2 is a well-rounded option.

Who should buy the Honor MagicPad 2?

Anyone who wants a solid mix of performance and a great screen at a mid-range price.

Honor MagicPad 2: Further Considerations

The lack of an IP rating calls into question how durable the tablet can be in the long term.

Read our full
Honor MagicPad 2 review

If you’re in the market for a small tablet, there’s still no better option than the iPad mini 7. This latest 2024 model offers the familiar iPad experience we’ve grown accustomed to in a device with a compact 8.3-inch panel.

The LED display itself is good, but nothing remarkable, offering a 1440p resolution but sticking at a 60Hz refresh rate. But it excels elsewhere, with superb performance from Apple’s A17 Pro chipset, brilliant build quality and the best tablet software around in iPadOS, especially with Apple Intelligence support now.

Unlike most Apple devices, the iPad mini doesn’t include Face ID, persisting with Touch ID built into the power button. The bezels are also very chunky and charging is slow, though solid battery life helps soften the blow.

Ultimately, the iPad mini is only suitable for people who want a small tablet with a lot of power. If that’s you, this is the best option on the market.

Who should buy the Apple iPad mini (2024)?

Someone who wants a super portable tablet with a high-end software experience.

Apple iPad mini (2024): Further Consideration

The standard iPad (2025) has a larger display and is also cheaper if size isn’t paramount.