The best large tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

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The best large tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET

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The best tablets have traditionally been a large-screened alternative to smartphones. But just as the display sizes of phones continue to grow, tablets have seen their screen size increase as well. This is a welcomed trend for those who do a lot of work on a tablet, including students or those who work remotely and want something thin and lightweight but with a large screen.

Also: The best small tablets you can buy

Tablets are considered "large" if they are 10-15 inches. The larger the screen size means the larger the working area is, which is especially useful if you're using a tablet as a laptop replacement. Not all tablets approach 15 inches, but there's more than enough screen real estate in the tablets available today.

Through expert, hands-on testing or carefully curated and researched tablet picks, ZDNET did its due diligence to deliver you a list of tablets with wide displays and tip-top performance. Our pick for the best large screen tablet is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro , but we also included options from Samsung, Microsoft, and more. Read on to find our other large-screen favorites.

Apple's 2022 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we've seen, making it our best overall pick. It's also the most expensive by a long shot. The design hasn't changed all that much on the outside, but on the inside, you'll find Apple's M2 processor which consists of 20 billion transistors -- 25 percent more than the M1. It's the same exact processor that Apple is using in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

I spent some time with the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro and found it to be faster and more capable than any other iPad model I've tested to date. You can expect downloads up to 2.4Gbps, twice as fast as the previous model, 15 percent faster performance, and up to 35 percent faster graphics performance.

The Pro also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, and there's a new hover feature thanks to the M2 chip. The feature works like this: Once the tip of the Apple Pencil gets near the iPad Pro's display, and when it's within 12 millimeters, parts of the interface come to life in apps that support the new feature. The Smart Connector is on the back of the iPad Pro, giving you the option to use it with the Magic Keyboard which includes backlit keys and a trackpad, or Apple's Smart Keyboard.

Also: M1 iPad Pro (2021) vs M2 iPad Pro (2022): Is it worth the upgrade?

And, although the differences between the 5th generation and 6th generation models are more subtle, the M2 chip is really what shines here, making it a powerhouse tablet. The iPad Pro, combined with iPadOS and the M2 chip, is as close as you can get to a laptop without actually buying a laptop.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is by and large (pun intended) the tablet with the biggest display on our list. With a 14.6-inch display, you're sure to have enough room for work and play on the Tab S9 Ultra. Included in the box is Samsung's S Pen stylus that can be used for drawing out ideas or writing notes, or you can use it to navigate the tablet's Android 13 interface -- and even write in any text field and have it automatically converted to digital text.

Among upgrades to the tablet from last year's model includes an improved Dynamic AMOLED display, an IP68 for water- and dust-resistant capabilities, an better S Pen experience, and more.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, and said these upgrades "give it a definitive edge over the competition."

"An IP68 rating gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra water and dust resistance that neither the iPad nor any premium tablet on the market is certified for," Diaz wrote. "Though I wouldn't recommend testing the limits, the Tab S9 Ultra can resist dust and is not only splash-proof but it will also survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes."

Microsoft's Surface lineup helped usher in the 2-in-1 detachable computer market, so I'd be remiss if I didn't include it on this list. It is sold as a stand-alone tablet, after all. Microsoft redesigned the Surface Pro 8, shrinking the bezels around the 13-inch display and giving it the same basic design as the Surface Pro X.

With the Surface Pro 8, you're getting a tablet that runs Windows 11 out of the box, instead of a mobile operating system like Android or iPadOS. That means you're not going to have to worry about finding apps or workarounds for your workflows.

Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for Business

I also got my hands on the Microsft Surface Pro, and was (almost) converted to a Windows user. What particularly impressed me was the the addition of Thunderbolt 4 support. The ability to connect a tablet to an external display and have it actually work how it's supposed to is a huge boost for my productivity.

Of course, if you want to use the Surface Pro 8 as a laptop you'll need to buy a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. Or, you can opt to get the combo that includes the keyboard and Microsoft's Slim Pen 2 stylus. There's even a handy compartment on the keyboard itself that stores the pen and charges it at the same time.

The Lenovo Tab Extreme, according to Diaz, is "built for consumers who want to go from work to leisure without skipping a beat." If you want to enjoy the tech amenities of the iPad Pro but don't have the budget to do so, this tablet is an "outstanding competitor."

Review: The Lenovo Tab Extreme is the iPad Pro competitor we aren't talking enough about

The tablet might not have as great a battery life as an iPad Pro, but it has a quick charge and should last you over eight hours, Diaz writes in her review. With 13MP front and rear cameras, you can conduct conference calls with ease, and with video output support through its USB-C port, you can hook up the tablet to a projector or TV and use it as an external monitor.

"From movie buffs, readers, audiophiles, and professionals, the Lenovo Tab Extreme best suits creatives and executives," Diaz writes.

Microsoft Surface Pro X tech specs: Display: 13-inch PixelSense display | Processor: Microsoft SQ 1 or SQ 2 | Storage:128GB SSD | Memory: 8GB LPDDR4x | Cameras: 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 10.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches | Connections: 2 USB-C, Surface Connect port, Surface Keyboard port, nano SIM | Battery: 15 hours

I already included the Surface Pro 8 on this list, but the Surface Pro X deserves its own callout. The Pro 8 and Pro X share the same design along with keyboard and stylus support. What makes the Pro X different is that it's powered by Microsoft's SQ1 or SQ2 ARM-based processor. That's the same kind of processor architecture that's used by Apple in its Apple Silicon chips currently found in the iPad Pro and several Macs.

The benefits of moving to an ARM processor are seen in battery life and, in the case of the Pro X at least, the addition of LTE connectivity. However, there are some downsides. One of which is that apps need to be rebuilt to support ARM processors, instead of the tried and true Intel or AMD processors Microsoft uses in the rest of its Surface products.

Review: Microsoft Surface Pro X

I've used a Surface Pro X since it first launched and while the app compatibility issue has gotten a lot better, there's still some work left to do before I'm not able to tell the difference between an app that's been updated and one that hasn't.

ZDNET contributor Simon Bisson also used the Surface Pro X and said, "Microsoft has produced an excellent device for mobile workers, with a focus on Office and the web."

All of that to say -- if you're someone who likes living on the bleeding edge of technology and wants a tablet that has LTE connectivity so you can work from anywhere, the Pro X is worth considering.

If you want to spend less on a big tablet, Samsung's "FE" series of devices are designed with Samsung fans in mind. That is, the company takes the best features of its high-end devices, trims some of them down, and releases a more affordable product.

The Tab S7 FE has a large 12.4-inch display, a snappy processor, as well as multiple storage and memory options. The device, which comes in various colors, also has a 5G version available if you want to use it while on the go.

Some standout features include face recognition technology, two stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and multi-device connectivity. It also has a great battery life that will last you for at least 12 hours.

While the display on the S7 FE isn't as nice as the S8 Ultra, it's still more than suitable for streaming or playing games, and it also comes with an S Pen, adding even more to its affordability.

The best large tablet is the iPad Pro (2021), thanks to its powerful Apple M1 chip, impressive cameras, and optional 5G support.

12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

When trying to decide between one of these tablets, the biggest question to ask yourself is what operating system do you want. Once you figure out if you need a full computer experience or if a mobile-centric operating system is enough, you can narrow it down from there.

If you're stuck deciding between the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X, I'd recommend going with the Pro 8 only because you don't have to worry about app compatibility as you do with the Pro X.

The best overall option with a vibrant display and exceptional performance. The M2 processor gives you all the power you need for work, content creation, and streaming.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

To stay in the Android ecosystem, have a great battery life, and get an included S Pen. It is even waterproof.

A large tablet that can replace the need for a desktop computer with its robust display and strong performance. Its compact size makes it perfect for mobile professionals.

A large 2-in-1 tablet perfect for deep work with crisp and smooth cameras. Use this during the workday for conference calls, and, once the work day ends, hook it up to your TV to stream your favorite shows and movies.

A large tablet to take with you on the go thanks to the LTE connectivity and lightweight design. With LTE connectivity, you can access the internet when Wi-Fi networks aren't available.

A super affordable tablet with a large display, expandable storage, and good battery life. For under $500, you'll still get premium-grade features like Dolby Atmos support and a 12-hour battery life.

ZDNET went hands-on with almost all of the above tablets to make our final picks. Even though there aren't many options for tablets with large displays, we considered a few key points while comparing models:

Tablets range in size from small to large. Small tablets are usually five to seven inches. Mid-size tablets have a screen ranging from nine to 11 inches. Then, there are large tablets with screen sizes from 12-14 inches.

Keep in mind that the larger the tablet, the heavier it will usually be.

Yes, the size tablet you choose definitely matters. A tablet's screen size determines its portability, how much you can zoom in and out, and how it feels to hold it and work on it. Bigger doesn't always mean best, but large-screen tablets are handy if you plan on using a tablet as a laptop replacement.

Neither accessory is a requirement. It all depends on how you plan to use the tablet. If you're going to use it for watching movies, playing games, or reading books, a keyboard isn't required.

However, if you plan on using it as a weekend replacement for your laptop, or for school, then, yes, you'll need to spend the extra money on one. You can get Bluetooth options online or at electronic stores, and they're perfect traveling companions for when you want to work or play on the go.

There is a big difference in terms of the quantity and quality of apps that are available for iPadOS over Android. Apple and third-party developers have spent years fine-tuning the experience on the larger display device.

Google has all but admitted it gave up on making Android tablets, and developers have taken the company's lead. You'll find a lot of apps you can install and use, but ultimately they're nothing more than the phone version of the app, and many just don't work as they should.

mini pc tablet Large-screen tablets are easier to find than small tablets, so it just takes some research into the market. Here are a few other large-screen tablets I recommend.

The best large tablets of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET