Best tablet 2016: the top tabs we’ve reviewed


10 best tablets 2016

The tablet is now a thing – from the days when nobody considered a laptop without a keyboard to be a good thing to today, where a slate full of more power than some games consoles is nestled in bags across the world.

And with that popularity comes the dreaded notion of choice. Do you eschew Apple’s high prices, join the Android brigade and find the best iPad alternative? Or jump on board Cupertino’s lovetrain, and use one of the most popular tablets on the planet?

We’ve made it easy for you and pulled together the 10 top tablets of the moment available in the UK.

It’s a difficult process divining which place each of these excellent tablets should occupy in our list, so we take into account multiple elements including performance, battery life, screen quality and more.

Price plays a part, as does age: a tablet that’s been replaced by a sequel will tumble down the rankings as you can get all the great features on a better slate.

If none of the top 10 tablets here take your fancy then head on over to our tablet reviews pages, where you’ll find in-depth reviews for many more models.

Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 (and whether you think we’ve got the order wrong) in the comment box below.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro

10. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro

Taking ‘Netflix and chill’ to the next level

Weight: 665g | Dimensions: 246.9 x 179.1 x 4.6mm | OS: Android 5.1.1 | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | CPU: Intel Atom quad-core | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/32GB | Battery: 10,200mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP

See more Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro deals

Integrated projector Great audio Heavy Glitchy interface

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro is packed full of media-focused features and sports an unique, distinctive design. There’s a built in stand to take the heft off your hands, while the integrated projector means you can enjoy big screen entertainment away from your TV.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

9. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

The tablet that can replace your laptop

Weight: 766g/786g | Dimensions: 292.10 x 201.42 x 8.45mm | OS: Windows 10 Pro | Screen size: 12.3-inch | Resolution: 2,736 x 1,824 | CPU: Various | RAM: 4GB/8GB/16GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: up to 9 hours | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP

See more Microsoft Surface Pro 4 deals

Larger, sharper screen Vastly improved Type Cover Battery life hasn’t improved much Expensive

Smart iteration is exactly what the Surface Pro 4 needed to make good on Microsoft’s mission that tablets can be laptops, and it’s delivered in spades. Microsoft has improved its Type Cover, the resolution and power options under the hood, but the outlay required is steep. It can work for creative professionals, students and everyday folks alike, but is this finally the tablet to replace your laptop? That’s debatable, though the Pro 4 has surmounted more of what’s running against it than ever before.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z3 Compact

8. Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Small but perfectly formed

Weight: 270g | Dimensions: 213.4 x 123.6 x 6.4mm | OS: Android OS, v5.0.2 | Screen size: 8.0-inch | Resolution: 1200 x 1920 | CPU: Quad-core 2.5GHz | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 16GB | Battery: 4500mAh | Rear camera: 8.1MP | Front camera: 2.2MP

See more Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact deals

Great battery lifeVery thin and lightScreen sharpness beaten by othersNot incredible value

Sony’s gone crackers in the naming department, but the Z3 Tablet Compact is still a decent device despite the obvious attempts to shoehorn the word ‘tablet’ into the title. Let’s get the main issue out of the way: the screen isn’t as high res as the competition, but that looks past the fact Sony is pretty darn good at making tablets. Using its Bravia technology it makes the screen sharp and colourful, and the thin design makes the Z3 Tablet Compact easier to hold than you’d expect. Oh, and it’s also waterproof.

Nexus 9

7. Nexus 9

Google’s Nexus tablet is bigger in size and price

Weight: 425g | Dimensions: 228.2 x 153.7 x 8mm | OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 8.9-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Dual-core 2.3 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/32GB | Battery: 6700 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.6MP

See more Nexus 9 deals

Ideal 4:3 aspect ratioStock Android
Pricier than beforeSubpar display quality

The Nexus 9 is a weird one – it’s both the replacement for the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10, without really being a sequel to either thanks to the new 8.9-inch screen. It’s getting on a bit now, but it’s still the most recent Nexus slate and with age comes a price drop, meaning you can now often find it for under £200 if you shop around. Plus, the arrival of Android Marshmallow has helped keep the Nexus 9 fresh.

. iPad Pro

Apple’s biggest slate isn’t its best, but it’s not far off either

Weight: 713g | Dimensions: 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9mm | OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 12.9-inch | Resolution: 2048 x 2732 | CPU: Dual-core 2.26 GHz| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB/128GB | Battery: 10,307mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

See more iPad Pro deals

Expansive screen
Hugely powerfulPowerfully huge
Battery life could be longer

The iPad Pro is Apple’s biggest and most powerful tablet yet, with a 12.9-inch screen, an A9X processor and 4GB of RAM. That big screen combined with four great speakers make it a media powerhouse and if you splash out for the Pencil or Smart Keyboard you can get serious work done on it too. The size and weight won’t be for everyone and the price certainly won’t be, but the iPad Pro is an accomplished slate for everything from gaming and movies, to drawing and typing.

. Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

Lighter, faster, waterproof… this is a real iPad Air 2 rival

Weight: 389g | Dimensions: 254 x 167 x 6.1 mm | OS: Android 5.0 | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: octa-core | RAM: 3GB of RAM | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 6000mAh | Rear camera: 8.1MP | Front camera: 5.1MP

See more Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet deals

Gorgeous display New improved design Problematic UI High price tag

Sony’s Xperia Z4 Tablet is one of the best Android tablets available and it’s one of the few capable of putting up a fight against the iPad Air 2. It’s got a lovely screen, lightweight design, all the Sony elements you’d look for and the right power combination to keep it on the front foot. The waterproof design makes it a more attractive proposition over the less robust slates on the market, although the UI isn’t the slickest and the price tag is one of the highest.

iPad mini 4

4. iPad mini 4

The best small-screen tablet

Weight: 299g | Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 7.9-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Dual-core 1.5 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 5124mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

See more iPad mini 4 deals

Brilliant screen
Sleek design
Older processor
No 3D Touch

The iPad mini 3 might have been a disappointment but Apple made up for it with the iPad mini 4. With its sleek design, fairly powerful processor and stunning screen it’s everything the mini 3 should have been. It’s still slightly less powerful than the Air 2 and a lot less so than the iPad Pro, but it’s much cheaper and it’s one of the highest-spec compact slates around. If you want an Apple tablet in a smaller package then this is the best in the business, and with Touch ID and iOS 9 it’s slick and feature-packed too.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

A top notch iPad rival

Weight: 256g/389g | Dimensions: 198.6 x 134.8 x 5.6mm/237.3 x 169 x 5.6mm | OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 8.0-inch/9.7-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Octa-core | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 4000mAh/5870mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 2.1MP

See more Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 deals

Thinner, lighter design MicroSD card slot Small specs upgrade Camera is mediocre

There are plenty of reasons to invest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 – especially if you’re after a top Android tablet. It’s reading and web surfing-friendly, while the 4:3 screen and general size and shape is better suited for most things. You can pick the Tab S2 up in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants, to challenge Apple’s iPad and iPad Mini ranges, with the smaller option being more portable and cheaper. Almost impossibly thin, pumped full of power and with a slicker interface the Galaxy Tab S2 manages to give the iPad Air 2 a real run for its money.

. Google Pixel C

Best Android tablet around

Weight: 517g | Dimensions: 242 x 179 x 7mm | OS: Android Marshmallow| Screen size: 10.2-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1800 | CPU: Tegra X1 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: up to 10 hours | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 2MP

See more Google Pixel C deals

Fantastic screen Premium design Heavy Keyboard is pricey option

Google’s done it – it’s made the best Android tablet around. The Pixel C has it all: a fantastic display, heaps of power and a premium design. It’s not quite got it all – it’s a little on the heavy side and the pricey (yet rather clever) keyboard dock isn’t fully utilised by the Android interface which is made very much for touch and not physical keys and productivity. The Pixel C just misses out on top spot to the iPad Air 2, which has an even more desirable design and a fleet of tablet optimised apps for a complete experience.

. iPad Air 2

Apple has taken the perfect tablet and somehow made it even better

Weight: 437g | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 9.7-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Triple-core 1.5 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/64/128GB | Battery: 7340mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

See more iPad Air 2 deals

SleekSuperbly powerfulVolume silencer gone16GB is too little storage

The iPad Air was an incredible achievement and yet somehow, Apple has topped it with the iPad Air 2. It’s even thinner and lighter than last time around and to a noticeable extent. The screen is better, with more vibrant colours, it’s more powerful thanks to its A8X processor and the battery life holds up just as well. It even benefits from Touch ID and Apple Pay and while these features aren’t as exciting here as they are on phones they’re still nice to have. In short the iPad Air 2 really is the complete package and while you can always find things to niggle about there are no significant flaws.

Tablet apps

As with today’s best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets – once you’ve decided which of these tablets is right for you, check out our top app lists so you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.

Best tablets: upcoming in 2016

If you’re not quite ready to part with your cash, then take a look at the slates which will be coming out this year. A few have launched but we’re waiting for them to come in for review before seeing if they make it into the top 10, while others are based on rumours but we feel confident they will arrive in 2016.

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

Windows 10 where you’d expect Android to be

Weight: 693g | Dimensions: 290.3 x 198.8 x 6.3mm | OS: Windows 10 | Screen size: 12-inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1440 | CPU: Intel Core M | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Battery: up to 10.5 hours | Rear camera: 5MP | Front camera: 5MP

Sleek design Good use of Windows 10 Poor keyboard Plastic design

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S was unvieled at the very start of 2016 and boasts a great screen, solid build and Windows 10 – but you can’t buy it just yet. It’s an odd device, but one that works better than we expected it to. The keyboard dock isn’t great, with a cramped mouse and keys which aren’t the easiest to type on – but over all Samsung’s made a solid Windows slate.

Huawei MediaPad M2

Huawei MediaPad M2

The new Huawei tablet set to challenge the iPad Air 2

Weight: 500g | Dimensions: 239.8 x 172.8 x 7.4mm | OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 1200 x 1920 | CPU: octa-core | RAM: 2GB/3GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB | Battery: 6660mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP

Inexpensive price Easy-to-use splitscreen mode Thick bezel all around On the heavy side

The Huawei MediaPad M2 10 is an Android slate that doesn’t cost nearly as much as the iPad Air 2, but which does a reasonable impersonation of Apple’s popular tablet. The specs are a bit different to those of the Android tablets we usually test out, so it’ll require further testing to see if everything holds up.

iPad Air 2

iPad Air 3

Apple’s next flagship tablet

Apple works a bit like clockwork when it comes to launches, so after the iPad Air and iPad Air 2 we fully expect to see the iPad Air 3 launch in the second half of 2016. What will it bring? Well 3D Touch from the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus is bound to make an appearance, it’ll likely run iOS 10 and it could be even thinner and even lighter while also producing more power and lasting longer. We can’t wait!

Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet

The high-end waterproof tablet

There may not be many rumours on the Xperia Z6 Tablet, but Sony’s release cycle tends to be an easy one to predict and this is likely to be the firm’s major slate offering of 2016. Sony loves making its devices waterproof, so we fully expect it to continue that trend with the Z6 Tablet, while we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a more premium design and an interface which is closer to stock Android.

Tips for Sony: what we want to see on the Sony Xperia Z6 Tablet

iPad mini 4

iPad Mini 5

Thinner, lighter and even more portable?

The popular iPad mini range has won fans around the world, probably due to the fact it’s the cheapest iPad offering in Apple’s range. While the arrival of the iPad mini 5 in 2016 is likely, there’s a small question mark around whether Apple will bother after criticism for its less than impressive iPad mini 3 update. If it does arrive expect more power with a new processor, iOS 10 on screen and the same premium metal body.

What it needs to beat: iPad mini 4

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25 Comments
  1. Reply Ambrose Stroman January 27, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    I wonder why thinner and lighter is so appreciated for tablets. The thinner the edge is, the more uncomfortable it is in our precious hands. The big advantage of tablets is the vastly improved ergonomy while working, so why put this spanner in the works. Still, a back case such as my Tkoofn puts this right. I personally can't sit stooping for long over a non-virtual keyboard on a desk or even my lap. That's why I no longer work with my feet on the floor thanks to my ipad3 (unfortunately only 16gb).

    I do use a tactile-screen laptop for some work: ipad+logitech keyboard. The ipad can fall off the keyboard while working, so I have to be a bit careful, but this may have been improved with the ipad air 2 version. I wonder if this is something Apple is going to offer in the fall?

    The perceived screen size of todays ipads is equivalent to that of a desktop screen, and the readability of most web pages improved significantly by using Reader View. My old eyes are very thankful. The pro size might not be as easy to handle and, although the mini ipad is considered the best size by my family, I will stick to the happy medium ipad.

    I'm getting the ipad air 2 64gb as I'm hoping developers of apps, particularly for musicians, music creators, and sound technicians, will soon take advantage of its improved power. I don't think 128gb is necessary yet as work can be stored in the cloud. I prefer my fast-download hosting service: o2switch (French).

    Does anybody agree with me about the ergonomic aspects of using an ipad air 2 pc* for work instead of a desktop pc?

    *PC = Personal Computer

  2. Reply Ms. Rosina Nolan January 27, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    Anything Apple should be last on the list. In fact, they shouldn't be on the list! Sure, their products are pretty, but they are garbage. The iOS is a hot steaming iMess, and don't get me started on iTunes, iRadio, and iCloud. I bought a $650 iPad and it lasted for exactly one year. The battery died and it would not boot up. The rep said, "Unfortunately some of them don't last." And with that I walked out of an Apple store for the last time. By the way, I had two iPhones. Both died within two years. The battery died on both and they don't replace them.

  3. Reply Chesley McGlynn Sr. January 27, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    If there's a tablet that can replace a desktop PC in all environments, it wouldn't be an iPad. There are too many PC comparable features the iPad lacks but other tablets (OSes) can do… Such as NFC/Bluetooth file sharing support (among devices from other manufacturers), effective device file browsing, and proper email attachment management among others. Sure the iPad is a beautiful device and a pleasing tablet experience, but it's just too dependent on having internet data and iTunes available and for people who travel the world and have to operate in less developed environments, a more flexible and independent tab might be preferred. I'm one of those people, so my iPad Air 2 might soon find an Xperia Z4 Tab or Galaxy Tab S taking the driver's seat.

  4. Reply Carlos Crona January 27, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    I want windows 10 tablet.
    1. Using Intel 6th Gen (non atom)
    2. Micron 3d Xpoint memory
    3. At least 64 GB storage
    4. Mini HDMI
    5. at least 2 USB Port
    6. 4G

  5. Reply Yolanda Klein January 28, 2016 at 8:38 am

    LOL apple is #1 ….. HAHA you know shit-all about tablets, tablet hardware, and device affordability.

    fanboys are the fucking worst.

  6. Reply Elenor Murazik January 28, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    Could you tell us what these situations are? Its not memory as you most probably have a 128G being a traveller. I'm curious.

  7. Reply Justyn Smith January 29, 2016 at 5:53 am

    fanboy ^^

  8. Reply Megane Conroy January 29, 2016 at 6:18 am

    It costs about 3 times as much to replace a cracked cover glass on the iPad Air 2 than it it does to replace one on the older iPad Air, as the cover glass, touch sensitive layer and pixels are now all combined into one very thin unit. So the older unit would be a better choice for use by children or shaky older people.

  9. Reply Vivian Heathcote January 29, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Listen up everyone. Stop this whole Android vs Apple war. You like Apple , use Apple. You like Android , use Android. I'm tired of the wars. Apple vs Google . Sony vs Microsoft. But I really hate all this android and apple stuff. Just use what you want to use . Stop telling others apple is better or android is better. OK , Apple costs more but seriously Android users, just stop bringing that up.And Apple users stop the shit, you say your memory is better but in Apple you are stuck with what you buy with the product. in android you buy sdcards.
    But as for me I will keep doing what i do, i use :
    two smartwatches (apple watch and LG Urbane)
    two tablets(Ipad air and galaxy note),
    two phones (Iphone 6 and LG G4)
    (and two gaming consoles. ps4 and Xbox one) .

  10. Reply Aiyana Heidenreich January 29, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    I for one prefer Apple Macs and won't change anytime soon, but I have no time for iOS devices. I have an iPad Air 2 but am researching the best Android tablet as iOS is way too restrictive, no file browsing ability, limited Bluetooth transfer support, no memory expansion, and too dependent on having access to the cloud or data and iTunes for file management. A good tablet should be able to stand alone as a travel device without peripheral support, yet the iPad is constantly listed as the top tablet ! It's a lovely device when utilized in its ecosystem if you're ok with buying everything Apple to support it, but if you prefer flexibility and technical independence, there are better options surely. I expect that with most iPad users including myself, it's hard to switch when you've spent a load on certain apps that aren't available elsewhere.

  11. Reply Kylie Kunde January 29, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    I'm not impressed on the listing because the criteria in which each tablet is evaluated upon is not consistent. Example, Sony Xperia z4 was considered pricy while ipad air2 was not. Specs vs specs while price vs price.

  12. Reply Yvonne Hoeger January 29, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    I'll stick with my Samsung Galaxy Tab S and it's film and game friendly screen size.

    I can't believe the NVIDIA Shield didn't get a mention

  13. Reply Arlene Abbott IV January 29, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    Apple make nice products (they don't innovate at all but their products are nice)… I used to prefer Android, I'm currently writing this on a Samsung galaxy note pro 12.2.
    The thing that's putting me off Android products is that they are rarely upgraded to the next os. My note pro is still on android 4.4.2 even though I was told (by Samsung on twitter) it would be updated to 5.0 and then 6.0 when it arrived. I was lied to, that's not Androids fault, it is Samsung but I feel Google should force all manufacturers using Android to upgrade all devices that are capable of using the next os.
    My note pro can surely handle 5.0 but Samsung won't commit to date for the update in the UK and it's winding me up.
    The current lack of Android updates is surely just a way of ensuring more people buy the next Android based product but it is wearing thin with most Android users. So much so that I have an ipad air 2 now, I prefer my note pro 12.2 but the day will come when my memory is full and even though my note pro has an SD card slot, the os can't utilise it properly so I will eventually swap to the ipad.
    At least apple devices are updated when they are capable.

  14. Reply America Effertz January 30, 2016 at 5:29 am

    Why no Nvidia shield tablet k1? It beats Ipad air 2 by a long shot, it has better performance and it only cost 200 usd. That's lesser than half of price of an ipad air 2!

  15. Reply Lelia Hagenes January 30, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Odd the Surface Pro 4 is at 9 and not in the top 5.

  16. Reply Heber Rath January 30, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    isnt it odd that the samsung tab s gets a – for having small on board storage, when the nexus 9, wich isnt expandable, doesnt..

  17. Reply Martina Kub January 31, 2016 at 2:20 am

    you manage to put the iPad Pro above the Surface Pro 4, when just about every other review by people actually trying to use it for things put the SP4 well ahead of it.

  18. Reply Angus Jenkins January 31, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Since when the iPad Mini can surpass Surface 2 [no Pro]? TR gotta be kidding or more biased by the time.

  19. Reply Aleen Daugherty January 31, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    I finally got the ipad air 2 128 as I know of no other tablet which covers my professional needs in a sound recording studio – including the high quality apps available and the various means for linking them and their files, also the itrack dock for linking the various equipment.

    Every tablet user has his/her own particular needs and preferences, and competing firms wonderfully produce and improve on something for everybody.

    Thanks for the review and its updates, and thanks for those user comments that stem from personal experience :-)

  20. Reply Dr. Timmothy Hagenes II January 31, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    The 'buy' links are messed up. Nexus 9 price is 25% out and the Z3 tablet links to the wrong product.

  21. Reply Jan Maggio V January 31, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    Flame Wars!!!

  22. Reply Augusta Howell February 1, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Where's the Galaxy Tab S2? This was updated only 2 hours ago.

    In what world is a 2 year old iPad Mini 2 better than the Nexus 9 (or Xperia Z4)?

  23. Reply Mrs. Bella Sipes February 1, 2016 at 2:58 am

    can't believe people still repeat this nonsense.

  24. Reply Sedrick Hickle Sr. February 1, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    My main beef with Apple is the lack of storage.16GB is paltry and there is no option for and SD or MicroSD. Of course you can upgrade to 64 or 128 but you are paying through the nose for it, and even then it still not removable storage.

    As for "We don't need it because everything is stored on the cloud". That is a moot point, because you can only access that if you have an internet connection which can really hamper this supposed " fix".

    Once again Apple prove its about money over its customer base.

  25. Reply Dr. Moses Runte February 1, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    Errrrm, the samsung tab s has better pixel density, memory and processor than the i pad air

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