Current Android tablets
Discussion
I'm sure there was a decent thread on this fairly recently but the search function here seems to have gotten even worse lately so I'm struggling to find it...
Anyway, my old Nexus 9 seems to be struggling badly lately, opening GMail takes forever, web browsing with Chrome or Firefox is very slow and renders the machine very slow to respond. I did a factory reset and set it all up again but that hasn't helped much and it's obviously stuck on an older Android release now with no further software and security updates. I wasn't able to reinstall a few of the apps I use on it as the versions in the Play Store say they don't support such an old OS.
Had a look around online and it seems that almost all the recommended offerings are from Samsung (never liked their Android), Huawei (is that even Android any more?), Amazon (no thanks, get enough Amazon shoved down my throat already) or Lenovo (most are one or two major Android versions behind and not great reviews).
Happy to be convinced that any of the above aren't as bad as I fear or hear of any decent alternatives? I'm not keen on iOS so not looking at Apple devices. I don't play games, take photos or watch movies for hours on a tablet but like a 9 or 10" screen so as long as it's got current Android, quick enough to cope with light to moderate use for a few years and the battery life is OK then I'm happy to look at it. Budget would be up to about £200 ideally, maybe £250.
Anyway, my old Nexus 9 seems to be struggling badly lately, opening GMail takes forever, web browsing with Chrome or Firefox is very slow and renders the machine very slow to respond. I did a factory reset and set it all up again but that hasn't helped much and it's obviously stuck on an older Android release now with no further software and security updates. I wasn't able to reinstall a few of the apps I use on it as the versions in the Play Store say they don't support such an old OS.
Had a look around online and it seems that almost all the recommended offerings are from Samsung (never liked their Android), Huawei (is that even Android any more?), Amazon (no thanks, get enough Amazon shoved down my throat already) or Lenovo (most are one or two major Android versions behind and not great reviews).
Happy to be convinced that any of the above aren't as bad as I fear or hear of any decent alternatives? I'm not keen on iOS so not looking at Apple devices. I don't play games, take photos or watch movies for hours on a tablet but like a 9 or 10" screen so as long as it's got current Android, quick enough to cope with light to moderate use for a few years and the battery life is OK then I'm happy to look at it. Budget would be up to about £200 ideally, maybe £250.
OK, so what are Samsung's Android builds like these days? I never much liked their customisations and added software but admittedly it's some years since I last played with any of their devices. One of the main things I like about the Nexus devices and the Nokia phone I've got is that they're untainted builds. Samsung Android always felt to me like some of the lesser known desktop Linux distros - clumsy, inconsistent interfaces, lacking polish etc... In fact, do any of them run on android one?
I have had a Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab for about six months. It is not too bloaty and zips along nicely for most things I need. I used it to replace a Windows laptop and really happy with the decision.....
I have also bought two Huawei T5 mediapads for the kids and again they seem really capable as well.
The Samsung's seemed a little too expensive for my needs - and I have not been left wanting.
Mike
I have also bought two Huawei T5 mediapads for the kids and again they seem really capable as well.
The Samsung's seemed a little too expensive for my needs - and I have not been left wanting.
Mike
I've been in a similar position, Mr 8bit. Been looking at replacing my Tab 4 which frequently grinds to a halt when the basics are asked of it. The S5e, as mentioned above is a great device, but the older S4 has a marginally stronger processor and a pen, if having a pen matters to you. However, if you are indeed itchy to get a S5e, some of the Argos stores in our area have same day collection, or at least they did when I checked yesterday. All other devices are out of stock which isn't surprising.
Ultimately, after all my research, I think I'm going to be a turncoat to my profession and get an iPad Air, despite having an Android phone. For what I want, the Apple devices seem to edge the Samsungs. Hope you won't turn your back on me next time in the pub for suggesting such a thing!
Ultimately, after all my research, I think I'm going to be a turncoat to my profession and get an iPad Air, despite having an Android phone. For what I want, the Apple devices seem to edge the Samsungs. Hope you won't turn your back on me next time in the pub for suggesting such a thing!
I've just bought an S5e. I had a Galaxy Tab S (2015 vintage), which kept buggering on despite having its screen smashed into a million pieces by my dog, to the extent bits were falling off.
Eventually it succumbed to a propensity to turn off at random, but it took some major abuse before that.
So far happy with the replacement.
Eventually it succumbed to a propensity to turn off at random, but it took some major abuse before that.
So far happy with the replacement.
I posted the comment below in a recent thread on here discussing the same.
CES this year where people were hands on with it. The Chrome Unboxed channel on YouTube definitely ran a video on it earlier in the year.
Corso Marche said:
I'll more than likely be picking up one of these later in the year, once they've been launched and presuming the reviews are Ok.
https://www.google.com/chromebook/device/lenovo-id...
No bloatware, simple to use, great battery life, and circa 8 years of OS and security updates.
It'll run any android apps she's used to, but with a full fledged browser, and the extra functionality and security of Chrome OS combined with a detachable keyboard. So it can be used as much more than just a tablet.
US price is confirmed at $279.
There's also a few vids on YouTube of it at https://www.google.com/chromebook/device/lenovo-id...
No bloatware, simple to use, great battery life, and circa 8 years of OS and security updates.
It'll run any android apps she's used to, but with a full fledged browser, and the extra functionality and security of Chrome OS combined with a detachable keyboard. So it can be used as much more than just a tablet.
US price is confirmed at $279.
CES this year where people were hands on with it. The Chrome Unboxed channel on YouTube definitely ran a video on it earlier in the year.
Corso Marche said:
I posted the comment below in a recent thread on here discussing the same.
CES this year where people were hands on with it. The Chrome Unboxed channel on YouTube definitely ran a video on it earlier in the year.
That seems remarkably cheap!Corso Marche said:
I'll more than likely be picking up one of these later in the year, once they've been launched and presuming the reviews are Ok.
https://www.google.com/chromebook/device/lenovo-id...
No bloatware, simple to use, great battery life, and circa 8 years of OS and security updates.
It'll run any android apps she's used to, but with a full fledged browser, and the extra functionality and security of Chrome OS combined with a detachable keyboard. So it can be used as much more than just a tablet.
US price is confirmed at $279.
There's also a few vids on YouTube of it at https://www.google.com/chromebook/device/lenovo-id...
No bloatware, simple to use, great battery life, and circa 8 years of OS and security updates.
It'll run any android apps she's used to, but with a full fledged browser, and the extra functionality and security of Chrome OS combined with a detachable keyboard. So it can be used as much more than just a tablet.
US price is confirmed at $279.
CES this year where people were hands on with it. The Chrome Unboxed channel on YouTube definitely ran a video on it earlier in the year.
I've got a Huawei M5 10.8 which I've had for about 18 months. Absolutely brilliant. Lovely 2k screen, really good battery life.
When commuting I watch downloaded Netflix and probably charge 2 to 3 times a week and surf for an hour or so a day on top of that.
Even the built in speakers are OK.
Play store is fine on it but appreciate this may change.
When commuting I watch downloaded Netflix and probably charge 2 to 3 times a week and surf for an hour or so a day on top of that.
Even the built in speakers are OK.
Play store is fine on it but appreciate this may change.
heisthegaffer said:
I've got a Huawei M5 10.8 which I've had for about 18 months. Absolutely brilliant. Lovely 2k screen, really good battery life.
When commuting I watch downloaded Netflix and probably charge 2 to 3 times a week and surf for an hour or so a day on top of that.
Even the built in speakers are OK.
Play store is fine on it but appreciate this may change.
Same here, came from a Samsung Tab S 10.5 as the Tab 3 was just so expensive, the Huawai had similar specs for a far better price. When commuting I watch downloaded Netflix and probably charge 2 to 3 times a week and surf for an hour or so a day on top of that.
Even the built in speakers are OK.
Play store is fine on it but appreciate this may change.
All Google stuff will be fine.
I was after a new 10" tablet recently and was surprised by the lack of mid/low range choice. I found you either got a budget low spec one for around the £100 mark or it ended up being well north of £200.
I ended up getting a Samsung Tab E 10.1 inch, the 2019 model.
I really am not a fan of Samsung and all the crap they load their devices with, but I've got used to it. Yes it was as bad as I thought it would be with Samsung have their own version of various apps like email and their own keyboard, but as I only use it for videos, a bit of surfing and emails I'm not too fussed.
On the plus side it's got a great screen, it's not too heavy and the battery life is very good . It's a bit strange having both speakers at one end, but you soon get used to it.
I ended up getting a Samsung Tab E 10.1 inch, the 2019 model.
I really am not a fan of Samsung and all the crap they load their devices with, but I've got used to it. Yes it was as bad as I thought it would be with Samsung have their own version of various apps like email and their own keyboard, but as I only use it for videos, a bit of surfing and emails I'm not too fussed.
On the plus side it's got a great screen, it's not too heavy and the battery life is very good . It's a bit strange having both speakers at one end, but you soon get used to it.
AJB88 said:
You can install the Google equivalent or even another third party app, you might be able to disable the Samsung versions as well.
Seeing as I'm at a bit of a loose end at the moment I might have to have a play. I can always factory reset it should it all go horribly wrong! 
eccles said:
AJB88 said:
You can install the Google equivalent or even another third party app, you might be able to disable the Samsung versions as well.
Seeing as I'm at a bit of a loose end at the moment I might have to have a play. I can always factory reset it should it all go horribly wrong! I’ve had many Android tablets over the years (both Nexus 7’s, a Nexus 9 and Amazon’s Fire stuff). They’re always great for the first year or so, then they seem to slow down to a crawl. Just buy an iPad. My first gen iPad Air from 2014 is still going strong with not a single stutter. By comparison, the Nexus 9 from the same period had had multiple factory resets, and was borderline unusable by the end.
RacingBlue said:
I’ve had many Android tablets over the years (both Nexus 7’s, a Nexus 9 and Amazon’s Fire stuff). They’re always great for the first year or so, then they seem to slow down to a crawl. Just buy an iPad. My first gen iPad Air from 2014 is still going strong with not a single stutter. By comparison, the Nexus 9 from the same period had had multiple factory resets, and was borderline unusable by the end.
By the same token, I've used Samsung Galaxies for several years (I currently have two), and I've never had any speed, performance or reliability issues.I am on the hunt for a new tablet too, similar proposition, £250 budget tops, no apple products, needs to be as fast as possible, 10inch screen.
I was using an Asus zenpad 10 but I had it on the arm rest of my car and whilst I was getting in and closing door I leaned on the fragile screen. Doh!
Anyways its for business use, so needs to be snappy at loading Web pages, email, pdf docs etc. Ideally with a nice thin bezel around the outside. Camera also has to be so so as its used for property inventory purposes at times.
Doesn't have to be the newest thing on the market just the best bang for buck as they say.
I'm thinking the Samsung tab A is a good shout? Anyone got one?
Thanks in advance
I was using an Asus zenpad 10 but I had it on the arm rest of my car and whilst I was getting in and closing door I leaned on the fragile screen. Doh!
Anyways its for business use, so needs to be snappy at loading Web pages, email, pdf docs etc. Ideally with a nice thin bezel around the outside. Camera also has to be so so as its used for property inventory purposes at times.
Doesn't have to be the newest thing on the market just the best bang for buck as they say.
I'm thinking the Samsung tab A is a good shout? Anyone got one?
Thanks in advance
Edited by dazwalsh on Tuesday 14th April 00:50
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff