Are you looking for a good tablet for college use? Are you a teacher and are you looking for a device that is easy to use and above all fast? Are you a student and are you tired of always carrying all the books with you? Or do you necessarily need a device large enough to take notes and draw? In this buying guide I show you which are the best tablets for college students, classifying them according to the price range.
Surely the choice of a good tablet is never easy, there are many different models on the market: from the cheapest to the top of the range (very expensive and sometimes excessive if you do not have great demands). However, if the tablet has an exclusively scholastic purpose and aimed at a soft use such as simply reading slides or digital books or searching on the internet, even the cheapest devices that I show you below are certainly excellent. On the other hand, if you are looking for something more professional, also suitable for writing, watching movies and even playing games (outside school, I recommend!), You can look at medium-high-end tablets!
Best Tablets for College Students | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5-Star Pick | Great Prices
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Silver | Apple | Check Price | |
Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Black | Amazon | Check Price | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook, OLED 13.3" FHD Touch Display, Snapdragon SC7180, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, Qualcomm Adreno Graphics, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue | Lenovo | Check Price | |
2021 Apple iPad Mini 6 (8.3 inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) Purple (Renewed) | Apple | Check Price | |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 10.4" 64GB WiFi Android Tablet w/ S Pen Included, Slim Metal Design, Crystal Clear Display, Dual Speakers, Long Lasting Battery, SM-P610NZBAXAR, Angora Blue | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
New Microsoft Surface Go 2 - 10.5" Touch-Screen - Intel Pentium - 4GB Memory - 64GB - Wifi - Platinum (Latest Model) | Microsoft | Check Price | |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Android Tablet, 11” LCD Screen, 128GB Storage, DeX Productivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon, S Pen Included, All-Day Battery Ultra Wide Camera, Graphite | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (5th Generation) | Apple | Check Price | |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8 10.5” 32GB Android Tablet w/LCD Screen, Long Lasting Battery, Kids Content, Smart Switch, Expandable Memory, SM-X200NZSAXAR, Silver, Amazon Exclusive | SAMSUNG | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Tablets for College Students | 2022 Products Overview
1. Apple iPad 10.2-inch
- Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone
- A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB storage
- Stereo speakers
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Lightning connector for charging and accessories
- Works with Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard
2. Amazon Fire HD 10
- Fast and responsive - powerful octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM. 50% more RAM than previous generation.
- Long-lasting 12-hour battery and 32 or 64 GB internal storage. Add up to 1 TB with microSD (sold separately).
- Brighter display - Vivid 10.1 1080p Full HD display is 10% brighter than previous generation, with more than 2 million pixels.
- Enjoy your favorite apps like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported. Subscription for some apps required).
- Stay connected - Download apps like Zoom, or ask Alexa to make video calls to friends and family.
- Get more done – Check email, update shopping lists, and set reminders. Use your favorite apps like Microsoft Office, OneNote, and Dropbox.
- Hands-free with Alexa, including on/off toggle.
- Thinner and lighter than previous generation. Screen made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass.
- Split screen – All-new feature for Fire OS that shows two compatible apps, like Facebook Messenger and Prime Video, open side by side for easy multitasking.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is the ultimate 2-in-1 device, powered by Chrome OS and cloud computing and designed for portability – take it anywhere for up to 15 hours of battery life
- This versatile touch screen Chromebook has a detachable fabric folio keyboard and stylus support, plus an ultra-light slim chassis; enjoy a favorite movie in tablet mode then snap on the laptop-grade keyboard to become a productivity powerhouse
- With its lightweight Samsung OLED display, the Duet 5 Chromebook’s 13.3 full-HD screen (1920 x 1080) at 400 nits bright is capable of true color via 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Enjoy crystal-clear audio from 4 speakers with smart amplifier technology, 2 microphones, and rear 8MP and 5MP front-facing 1080p FHD cameras for streaming and video calls
- Discover how fast and simple this 2-in-1 Chromebook is – login with your Google Account to access your Google Drive and Chrome preferences; find every app you need for work, study, and entertainment in the Google Play store
4. Apple iPad Mini 6
- Gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 - Up to 256GB storage - Comes in 4 colors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life - Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
5. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6
- S PEN INCLUDED: The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches magnetically right to your tablet and is always ready to go.
- SLIM METAL DESIGN: Take this sleek, lightweight tablet anywhere. Its slim design slips right into your bag and comes in your choice of stylish colors.
- ENTERTAINMENT READY: A vivid, crystal clear display draws you into content while dual speakers with sound by AKG supply spacious Dolby Atmos surround sound. With discovery powered by Spotify, setting a personal soundtrack to your waking moments has never been easier.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: A long-lasting battery lets you stream for up to 12 hours¹ on a single charge. The fast-charging USB-C port allows you to quickly get back to where you left off when you need to recharge.
- ONE UI CONNECTIVITY: Sync up multiple devices and double down on your todos with Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Use it as a hotspot and create share-ready content all at once.
- DEX EXPERIENCE: Get more done each day by turning your Galaxy devices into an expanded desktop workstation. Send multiple windows to the devices of your choice and control them all from your Galaxy Tab S6 Lite like a boss.²
- ¹Battery power consumption depends on usage patterns. Results may vary. ²DeX will be available on R OS or above.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Starting at just 1.2 pounds (not including Type Cover), with new 10.5” touchscreen.
- Battery life up to 10 hours. Perfect for browsing, shopping, emails, and homework
- Tablet portability, performance and laptop versatility with adjustable Kickstand and Signature Type Cover.
- Stay connected with included USB-C port and headphone jack. Full HD front- and rear-facing cameras let you make crisp, clear calls to friends and family, or take and share great photos.
- Hi-res touchscreen is perfect for browsing, playing, and binge watching.
- Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below).
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
- DeX MULTITASKING: Do more on the go with enhanced productivity capabilities, like Samsung DeX and Microsoft 365 integration, that give you a PC experience, wherever you happen to be
- PACKED WITH POWER: Galaxy Tab S8 provides powerful performance with an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, super fast WiFi 6E*, and all-day battery to get you through your day, whether you’re working, streaming, or gaming
- S PEN: Inspire your imagination with our fastest S Pen yet, an S Pen that is more responsive than ever, feels even more like a real pen, and it’s included with tablet purchase
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY + UNIVERSAL CHARGING: Go for hours on a single charge** and back to 100% quickly with the fast charging USB C port
- SCREEN EXPERIENCE: Get ready for 11 inches of dazzling optical amazement with a dynamic LCD screen that delivers next-level brilliance, crispness and color
- ULTRA WIDE CAMERA: Record super clear video in 4K and great photos with an ultra-wide front camera with auto framing; With Galaxy S8, your photography game shines no matter your experience level behind the lens
8. Apple iPad Air 10.9-inch
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an antireflective coating
- Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB of storage
- Available in blue, purple, pink, starlight, and space gray
- Stereo landscape speakers
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- All-day battery life
- 5G capable
9. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A8
- A SCREEN EVERYONE WILL LOVE: Whether your family is streaming or video chatting with friends, the Galaxy Tab A8 tablet brings out the best in every moment on a 10.5 LCD screen
- POWER AND STORAGE FOR ALL: Get the power, storage and speed your family needs with an upgraded chipset and plenty of room to keep files — up to 128GB of storage; A long-lasting battery lets you go unplugged for hours to keep the family fun going
- CHARGE FAST, POWER FOR HOURS: Go for hours on a single charge and back to 100% with the fast charging USB C port; Battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors
- GALAXY ECOSYSTEM EXPERIENCE: Open up a new world of convenient possibilities with the Galaxy ecosystem experience — your devices, including your phone, laptop computer, and tablet, all automatically talk to one another seamlessly
- YOUR NOTES, ALL IN ONE PLACE: Do more with your notes with Galaxy connectivity that automatically syncs everything from to-do lists to school work, whether you’re on your tablet, phone or watch
- KIDS DIGITAL LEARNING: Children can enjoy access to Samsung Kids, a library of safe and fun games, books and videos that are kid friendly and parent approved
- EASIEST. TRANSFER. EVER: No matter what operating system youre using, Smart Switch makes it a breeze to move your data and favorite files in three easy steps
How to choose a tablet for school and university
A tablet for studying is a very important choice, you will always be in contact with the screen and you will have to look after your eyes a lot, avoiding that your eyes get too tired during long reading and writing sessions.
The tablets that I propose are the best in terms of display, size and speed in running all the study apps that will be part of your day at the same time.
Display: size and type of screen
The size of the display is the first feature to keep in mind when choosing the best tablet for the study. Size is measured by the diagonal of the screen, expressed in inches. The most common commercially available sizes are 7 “, 8”, 10 “and 12”. In order not to tire your eyes too much, I recommend that you consider a tablet with a diagonal of at least 10 inches, which makes it easy for you to often write long texts such as notes, reports and theses.
Also consider a tablet that is prepared for a base or cover with keyboard, which can turn into a real laptop.
Beyond the diagonal, to improve reading and limit eyestrain when writing, I recommend that you keep in mind the following characteristics:
Type of panel ,
now, most of the tablets on the market have an IPS display, suitable for read / write use, but in the high-end we also find the presence of Super AMOLED panels. The IPS are able to reproduce the faithful colors and overall and to propose clear and legible images even in the sun, while the AMOLED displays reproduce perfect blacks and generally help to improve the consumption of the battery.
If you want more details about AMOLED I leave you a quick link to the in-depth article about it.
Technologies like HDR and DCI-P3. The first technology deals with increasing the brightness range and the second with increasing the amount of colors displayed on the screen.
Resolution
The Resolution .which indicates the number of pixels contained within the diagonal of the display: the higher the resolution, the sharper the characters and images on the screen.
Pixel density is the ratio between the size of a screen and its resolution. More pixels per inch mean clearer and more defined details. For example, Full HD resolution has a pixel density or PPI (pixel per inch ratio) of 92 PPI on a 24 “screen, and 82 PPI on a 27” screen.
Connectivity and SIM support
Nowadays, in almost all schools and universities there is a wifi connection, but in case it is not powerful enough to navigate without problems or if disconnections may occasionally occur, I recommend that you consider a tablet for students that supports a data SIM.
To get the maximum speed and stability from your SIM connection, we recommend purchasing a device that supports 4G / LTE, Cat.6 or higher, or 5G technology.
I would like to point out, however, that tablets with cellular modules have higher costs than their counterparts that only support wifi, but they are more comfortable because you can have internet everywhere, with the right rate (the offers for internet sticks are also for tablets).
Accessories: pen, keyboard and more
Most Android tablets support OTG technology, but even those with Microsoft Windows 10 installed already have native support for third-party keyboards and input devices.
These tablets allow you to choose an external keyboard and also other third-party input devices, such as mice and pens, and to connect them quickly and easily using the USB connection (and its various formats such as microUSB ) or by means of Bluetooth technology.
If you want an all-in-one solution, there are convertible tablets also known as 2-in-1s on the market, already equipped with their removable keyboard which often also acts as a base for the device and can be Bluetooth, or equipped with an additional battery that powers the tablet via USB connection (microUSB or Type C, or proprietary connection) while connecting with the tablet.
So the choice falls on a convertible device with its base / cover with keyboard already in support, or you can choose a keyboard that transforms the tablet almost into a PC.
There are also other writing devices such as the Pens which are divided into Active, which allow you to write notes thanks to digitization through the communication between the touch screen and the pen – if the tablet supports this function -, and Passive / capacitive by simulating the touch of the fingers. Passive pens have lower accuracy but also work with devices not compatible with Active pens.
Storage space
How much space do you need? You have to take into account the internal storage memory of the tablet according to the use you make of it. Notes, study documents can become many and accumulate taking up a lot of space.
There are two categories of tablets: those with only a non-removable internal memory, and devices that also add support for a microSD slot capable of expanding the space available for storing documents, photos and videos.
To take notes and study, I recommend that you choose a tablet that has at least 32GB of internal memory.
Operating system
Android, iOS and Windows, the three main operating systems also for tablets. For the need of study it is always good to evaluate what a system proposes in order to evaluate the compatibility and ease of use of the content type.
Android is Google’s operating system and is very well suited to students. Play Store is the official Google store where you can find many apps for video conferencing with your class, document creation and more.
Android tablets support OTG technology and allow you to use mice, keyboards and external media that adopt the USB standard, in addition to the Bluetooth connection of pens and other devices such as headphones and microphones.
Microsoft Windows 10 is identical to the desktop version for fixed PCs and therefore runs the same desktop apps, which can be downloaded from both the Windows Store and the program manufacturer’s website. It boasts a practically unlimited number of applications, but the interfaces are not always optimized for tablets.
Apple iOS is only Apple iPad installed, similar to the version installed on iPhones. The Apple Store is well stocked with studio-facing apps that are very well optimized for mobile interfaces such as tablets, compared to their Windows and Android counterparts.
Processor and performance
The processor determines how fast the device is and how quickly it can run the operating system and apps in use in the study session. We measure this speed in GHz, but we must also take into account the number of cores.
A single processor can have multiple physical and logical cores (emulated cores), and thus we refer to dual, quad, hexa or octa-core processors. The multi-core allows you to perform multiple calculations at the same time and provides in a nutshell better performance at the same speed, compared to a CPU with fewer cores.
In this context and based on the type and quantity of applications you have to use in multi-tasking, I recommend that you pay close attention to these two factors.
Keyboard support
There are so-called convertible or “2-in-1” tablets on the market , which come with a removable keyboard, in the form of a base (often equipped with an additional battery) or a cover. Tablets of this kind can have different dimensions and technical characteristics and range from the low-end of the market to the defined high-end . However, it should be noted that the keyboard is not always included in the sales package of the tablet: it must often be purchased separately.
However, you will be pleased to know that most Android animated tablets ( in particular, those with OTG technology support ) and all those with Windows 10 operating system integrate native support for the external keyboard: this means that, in case of necessity, you can buy a compact keyboard equipped with a USB / microUSB connector, or Bluetooth wireless technology, and connect it to the tablet in a very simple way. To find out more, take a look at my guide on how to connect the keyboard to the phone , also valid for tablets, in which I have given you an overview of the situation concerning Android and iOS / iPadOS devices.
Pen writing support
Do your study methods include the addition of handwritten notes, the creation of graphics and drawings or, in general, the creation of “freehand” content? If this is the case, you will be pleased to know that there are tablets, generally high-end, with pen writing support . The latter, depending on the tablet model chosen, is included in the sales package of the device or can be purchased separately.
There are also “passive” pens , usually very cheap, which allow you to write and / or draw even on screens that do not offer official support for digital pens: however, their accuracy is very low and, consequently, should be considered only if the real need is to highlight documents, mark them with some particular shape and little more.
Drums
Generally, tablet batteries are able to guarantee coverage of a full working day, however this is a very indicative parameter which, in practice, involves a large number of factors.
In addition to the actual battery capacity (measured in mAh , or milliampere hours, or in Wh , watt-hours), which is still important, the category of apps running on the tablet must also be taken into consideration and, nevertheless, the optimizations made. tuned into the operating system: for example, thanks to a series of software optimizations, a 4,000mAh battery can last as long as or longer than a 5,000mAh battery.
Generally speaking, Apple’s iPads are better optimized in energy management than Android or Windows ones.
Frequent Questions
Do all college student tablets come with a CD drive?
No, none of these cards come with a CD drive. When all data can be stored on USB drivers and micro SD cards, you no longer need a CD drive.
Are all tablets 2 in 1?
Only a few of them have the 2 in 1 function. The 2 in 1 function in the tabs allows the user to use the tablet as a laptop when needed. Some of the cards recommended here come with this feature because some students will be traveling and during those times, using them as a laptop can be useful.
Can students purchase these cards?
Yes, all of these cards are designed specifically for college students. The advanced features, quality and cost are perfectly made to meet the needs of college students.
What types of tablets are best for students?
Tablets that come with longer battery life and multiple functions needed to take and edit notes are best for students. Students would collect information and also work on tablets at the same time. Therefore, the battery life must be good.
Do all these cards have an external keyboard?
Most Samsung cards come with a bundled keyboard. If necessary, college students must purchase the keyboard separately. Having keyboards would allow you to work faster.
Conclusion
As you review the above list of college student tablets, consider the battery life and apps the tablet supports, along with the processing power of the device. The best tablets for a college student would be something light and thin, as it makes it more portable when you need to switch between classes. Mobility is a key factor. It should also be stylish, as you need to use it for personal use as well.
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