When it’s time for a new school year to kick-off, a lot of parents and students start to consider buying a new tablet. This is mostly because we are in the 21st century where we do most of our tasks on computers. As a college student, you will need a tablet to complete your school projects easily and effectively. Tablets can be very useful for students who give presentations and that is one of the reasons why most educational institutes recommend it for their students.
A college student might need a tablet for research purposes, to jot down some notes, or to take selfies. However, getting a tablet can be a demanding task especially if you do not know what to look out for. In this article, we have done a review of ten of the best tablets for college students. We’ve also added a guide that talks about the important factors to consider when choosing the best tablets for college students.
- The 10 Best Tablets for College
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Apple 11″ iPad Pro
- ASUS ZenPad S8 Tablet
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
- Samsung Electronics 10.5″Galaxy Tab S4
- Lenovo Yoga Book- FHD 10.1″ 2 in 1 Android Tablet
- Google Nexus 9 Tablet
- Huawei MateBook E Signature Edition 12″ 2-in-1 Laptop Tablet
- ASUS Transformer Book Chi 12.5″ 2 in 1 Detachable Touchscreen Laptop
- Fusion5 11.6″ Windows T60 Tablet
- Tablets for College Buyer’s Guide
- Is Surface Pro Good For College?
- What Is The Best Tablet For Note Taking?
- What Tablet Is The Best?
- Size and Weight
- RAM
- Operating System
- Storage
The 10 Best Tablets for College
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Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Microsoft is a well-known name in the tech world. Besides being the brand behind one of the world’s biggest operating systems, they also create beautiful, functional, and dedicated devices. One of such devices is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This tablet is worthy of being on the best tablets list for many reasons. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a multi-functional tablet that doubles as a laptop. In laptop mode, you can carry out your school tasks, take notes, connect with friends, and more.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is such a fun device to use especially in tablet and studio modes. Featuring a stylish pen, you can take notes, write down ideas, bring out your creative side, and more. To make things even better, you get a Surface Arc Mouse with the package. This way, you can easily carry out any activity no matter where you are. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is light, easy to use, and comes with an all-day battery life that lasts up to 10 hours. It’s an all-round package for students looking to invest in the best tablet.
| Display Technology | Pixel Sense Display |
| Screen Size | 12.3 inches |
| Storage | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Processor | Intel Core i7, i5, and i3 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB RAM |
Pros
- Has 10.5 hours of battery life
- Features Intel Iris Plus graphics
- Comes with a 10th generation Intel processor
- Versatility – laptop mode, studio mode, and tablet mode
Cons
Apple 11″ iPad Pro
We all know that Apple is one of the best companies when it comes to making gorgeous and functional devices. The beauty and versatility of the Apple iPad Pro speak for the brand. Not only is this tablet one of the best tablets for college students, but it’s also one of the most secure and functional devices around. Loaded straight out of the box with iOS 12 and the A12X Bionic Chip with Neural Engine, this tablet is awesomely fast and responsive.
The Apple iPad Pro comes with an 11 inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina Display that will make other displays jealous. It displays true tones and has a wide range of colors. Just like the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 above, this tablet is also endowed with a battery life that lasts up to 10 hours. While the battery life is dependent on how you use it, this tablet will surely serve you during the course of your lectures. You’ve got an enhanced FaceID for authentication, Apple Pay to make easy payments, as well as a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP TrueDepth front camera for selfies. It’s a complete package for every student who wants the best tablet.
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina Display |
| Screen Size | 11 inches |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Processor | A12X Bionic Chip with Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- 4K video recording
- 10 hours of battery life
- Supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil
- Compatible with Bluetooth keyboards as well as the Smart Keyboard Folio
Cons
ASUS ZenPad S8 Tablet
Asus, just like Microsoft and Apple, is another brand that makes some of the coolest devices around. The ASUS ZenPad S8 is an 8-inch tablet that runs on the Android OS. Endowed with a highly fashionable design, the Zenpad S8 is an android device any student is bound to love. Although it isn’t as powerful as the Apple iPad Pro above, this tablet comes with some of the best features an android device can have.
Encased in a metallic, aluminum body are an 8-inch 2K IPS display, an Intel Atom super quad-core processor, 2 GB ram and 32GB of Onboard storage. All of these run on Android 5 Lollipop, which is upgradeable. Worried about the storage? Don’t be, because this tablet allows you to expand your storage via a memory card slot. To make things even better, you get a beautiful 5MP rear camera that’s capable of taking high-resolution pictures and a 2MP front camera for taking selfies. And you can use it for an extended period of time thanks to its Bluelight filter, which reduces fatigue on the eyes and allows you to have a comfortable viewing experience.
| Display Technology | ASUS TruVivid (IPS display) |
| Screen Size | 8 inches |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Processor | Intel Atom Z3530 |
| RAM | 2GB |
Pros
- Simple and intuitive UI
- Expandable memory storage
- Comes with 100GB of free Google Drive Storage
- Bluelight filter makes for a better and comfortable viewing experience.
Cons
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet is an amazing tablet that is capable of helping students carry out their daily tasks. Whether you want to make some research, take down notes, or work on your assignments, this tablet is capable of dealing with each and every task. Running on a 2.0GHz octa-core processor, this model is 30% faster than its predecessors. Additionally, unlike the Apple iPad Pro that comes with a battery life that lasts up to 10 hours, this student tablet comes with a 12-hour battery life.
The Amazon Fire HD Tablet is a 10-inch device that’s capable of multitasking and helping you complete your tasks. It runs on the Android OS and features a USB Type C connector, which allows for faster charging and media transfer. You get a 2MP back camera and a 2MP front camera that’s capable of recording 720P videos. This tablet comes in two different models, including the 32GB and 64GB models. The storage capacity can be expanded up to 512GB via memory card.
| Display Technology | IPS display |
| Screen Size | 10 inches |
| Storage | 32GB and 64GB |
| Processor | 2.0GHz octa-core processor |
| RAM | 2GB |
Pros
- 30% faster than previous generations
- 12-hour battery life
- 1080P Full FD display
- Works seamlessly with Alexa
Cons
Samsung Electronics 10.5″Galaxy Tab S4
If you’re keen on getting one of the best tablets for college students and you want a top-of-the-line device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is one you should consider. Not only is this tablet great in all aspects, but it’s also created by a brand considered to be in the top three tech giants in the world, Samsung. Unlike the Apple iPad Pro above, this Samsung Galaxy Tab is a 10.5-inch tablet that runs on the Android operating system. However, it can be used as a laptop as well as a tablet just like the Apple iPad Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab comes with the renowned S-pen known for making note-taking and drawing a lot easier. Whether you want to sketch, edit, or capture an inspiration, this tablet is one of the best you can count on. The battery life is also awesome as you can get up to 16 hours of video playback on this device. Other features that make the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 one of the best include cinematic audio, fast charging, and of course, expandable memory. It’s fast, has an HD display, works seamlessly with the Google Assistant, and can be used to control your home appliances.
| Display Technology | AMOLED display |
| Screen Size | 10.5 inches |
| Storage | 64GB and 256GB |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- An impressive and colorful display
- True cinematic sound
- Highly functional pen stylus
- Great battery life and fast charging
Cons
Lenovo Yoga Book- FHD 10.1″ 2 in 1 Android Tablet
If you’re looking for a tablet with all-round functionalities, the Lenovo Yoga Book is one option you should stop and consider. This is one of the most ideal tablets for college students, especially if the student is a fan of the Android operating system. Endowed with a carbon black design, this 10.1-inch tablet is one of the world’s lightest and thinnest 2-in-1 tablets around. It’s a 2-in-1 because just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 and the Apple iPad Pro, this tablet can be used as a laptop as well. And to make things better, it comes with the recommended keyboard straight out of the box.
As we noted earlier, this model runs on the Android operating software. However, there’s a Windows OS model for those who would prefer to have a Windows laptop or tablet. Just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 above, you get a pen with this tablet and its 360 degrees hinge allows you to use it in four different modes. With its 8 MP rear camera and 2MP fixed-focus camera, you’ll be able to capture some decent pictures and videos without stress. The Lenovo Yoga Book Android Tablet also supports LTE and works with nano sim cards.
| Display Technology | IPS display |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inches |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Processor | Intel Atom |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- 2.4GHz processing power brings its speed alive
- Up to 15 hours of battery life from a single charge
- Comes with the keyboard, pen, one book pad, and three pen refills
- Lightweight and thin
Cons
Google Nexus 9 Tablet
Maybe you didn’t know, but Google makes some of the best mobile devices around. And the Google Nexus 9 Tablet is a product with the power to make you agree. While this tablet isn’t as powerful as the Apple iPad Pro above or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, it sure holds its own. One reason why it’s considered to be one of the perfect tablets for college students is because of its functionality and versatility. Running on the Android 5 operating system, this tablet allows you to easily switch between web browsing, file editing, watching movies, and more without lagging.
It comes with a magnetic keyboard that makes typing easy for you especially when you want to take down notes. However, unlike the Lenovo Yoga above, the keyboard for this device is sold separately. The Nexus 9 features an 8.9-inch LCD display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It houses an 8MP rear camera and a 1.6MP front camera for taking pictures and videos. This tablet uses NVIDIA’s Tegra card for its processing power and is endowed with crystal-clear sound from its front-facing speakers. You’ll always get a superior experience from this tablet as it’s qualified for regular operating system updates.
| Display Technology | IPS LCD display |
| Screen Size | 8.9 inches |
| Storage | 16GB and 32GB |
| Processor | NVIDIA Tegra |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- Impressive design and performance
- Dual front-facing speakers
- Supports LTE
- Powerful 64-bit processor
Cons
Huawei MateBook E Signature Edition 12″ 2-in-1 Laptop Tablet
We all know that Huawei makes some of the finest computers and mobile devices around. The Huawei Matebook E Signature Edition 2-in-1 Laptop Tablet is no different. It is a device worthy of being among the best tablets for college students. Not only does it feature a unique and beautiful design, but it also packs some features that every student is bound to love. First off, this elegant laptop/tablet features a 2K display that brings every graphic, picture, and color to life. It is engineered to provide you with the versatility of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop.
Encased in an aluminum alloy body, the Huawei Matebook E Signature features a side fingerprint sensor that helps secure and authenticate your device. Additionally, it works seamlessly with its chiclet, full-sized keyboard to provide you with great typing ease and a nice laptop feel. To make things even better, this tablet offers stylus support and comes with a 128GB SSD, which makes for faster read and write speeds. You also get 1-year office 365 for free and Dolby Audio Premium brings you impeccable sounds.
| Display Technology | LCD |
| Screen Size | 12 inches |
| Storage | 128GB SSD |
| Processor | Intel Core M3 |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- Vivid colors and beautiful 2K display
- Thin and lightweight
- Comes with a keyboard
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
Cons
ASUS Transformer Book Chi 12.5″ 2 in 1 Detachable Touchscreen Laptop
The ASUS Transformer Book Chi is another great tablet every student is bound to appreciate. Endowed with Intel’s Core M3 processor just like the Huawei Matebook above, this tablet is powerful and fast. It is sure to provide your child with the necessary features they need to fulfill their school tasks. Featuring an all-aluminum body, this tablet comes with a 12.5-inch TruVivid Display with IPS Technology. You’ll be able to see the true tones and colors of your graphical projects as well as movies and pictures.
Additionally, this tablet supports Miracast, which makes it easy to project your work. You also get dual-band Wi-Fi for fast web browsing and Bluetooth 4.0 for sharing multimedia files. The ASUS Transformer Book Chi houses a USB 3.0 port, HDMI port, headphone and mic combo port, as well as a slot for your microSD card reader. You get a Windows 8.1 operating system out of the box as well as Unlimited ASUS Cloud Storage for one year.
| Display Technology | IPS display |
| Screen Size | 12.5 inches |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Processor | Intel’s Core M3 |
| RAM | 4GB |
Pros
- Comes with unlimited cloud storage
- Support for Miracast
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- Smooth and simple docking for keyboard
Cons
Fusion5 11.6″ Windows T60 Tablet
The Fusion5 Windows T60 Tablet is another great option to consider when choosing the ideal tablet for college students. Running on the Windows 10 operating system, this tablet is compact, light, and functional. It is a device that every college student will consider useful. Whether they want to take notes, selfies, do their school work, or research their projects, this is one tough device that’s capable of handling all.
Just like the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet, this Fusion5 Windows T60 Tablet comes with two 2MP cameras; both the front camera and the rear camera. You can easily take pictures no matter the angle and the IPS display allows you to see everything in their true tones and colors. This device also comes with an Intel Atom x5 processor, which makes it easy to multitask and flip through web pages like they’re nothing. To make things even better, you get a fully loaded Windows 10 operating system on this device as well as a 12-month warranty.
| Display Technology | IPS display |
| Screen Size | 11.6 inches |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Processor | Intel Atom |
| RAM | 2GB |
Pros
- Comes with a fully loaded Windows 10 operating system
- Clean and easy to use user interface
- Features a microSD card slot
- Colorful IPS display
Cons
Tablets for College Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best tablet for your daily tasks or school activities can be a handful, especially if you don’t know what to look out for. We’ve made the process less stressful by providing you with a review of ten of the best tablets for college students above. Some of our top and recommended picks include the Apple iPad Pro with Retina Display, Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, and the Huawei Matebook E Signature 2-in-1 Laptop.
However, in order to ensure that you’re making the best buying decision, we’ve decided to provide you with a short guide. This guide talks about the factors to check out when shopping for the best tablets for college students. Without further ado, let’s get into it:
Is Surface Pro Good For College?
The answer is yes. Microsoft’s Surface lineup is one of the most interesting sets of 2-in-1s around. The Surface Pro 7 in our review is great for students because it’s versatile and highly functional. Whether you want to design, draw, code, create projects, work on assignments, watch movies, or take high-quality pictures and videos, this device is one that will serve you.
Other great Surface devices you can buy besides the Pro 7 include the Surface Pro 6 down to the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. They all come with at least an Intel Core i5 processor and up to 10 hours of battery life. You’ll have enough juice to carry out your class tasks, play games, and enough storage to download all the necessary apps you may need. Also, they are light in weight, have built-in cameras, and their full HD screen resolution is just right.
What Is The Best Tablet For Note Taking?
There are many great tablets for taking notes. All of the tablets on our list are some of the best tablets for note-taking, including the iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, Microsoft’s Surface 7 Pro, ASUS Zenpad, and the Huawei Matebook in our review. You can simply choose from our list of best tablets or just use our guide below to select the best one on the market for you.
What Tablet Is The Best?
When it comes to choosing the best tablet, there are some important factors you need to consider. We’ve listed some of these factors below:
Size and Weight
These are two important factors to consider when choosing the best tablet. Since you’ll be using your tablet for school work and other mobile activities, you want to ensure that your tablet is lightweight while still having enough room for display. You don’t want it to be too heavy or to difficult to hold. And it must still be durable and thick enough to withstand shock just in case it drops.
RAM
Random access memory, otherwise known as RAM, is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tablet for students. Tablets with higher RAM tend to be faster than those with low RAM. Also, these high RAM tablets load apps and websites faster than their lower RAM counterparts. So basically, the more RAM a tablet has, the faster and better it will be.
Operating System
There are three major operating systems being used on tablets, including Windows OS, Android, and iOS for Apple’s mobile devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Android is the most populous of these three in the tablet world, followed by Windows, then iOS. While Android and Windows OS can be found on many different devices, iOS can only be found on an iPad or an iPhone.
Each OS has its own benefits and cons. The best thing to do is to decide on the one that works best for you. If you’re familiar with the Android or Windows OS, getting a tablet running that operating system would be great. You’ll be able to easily sync your notes, games, media, and other files across multiple devices. And if you feel the iOS would best suit your needs, going for an iPad like the iPad Pro in our review would be the best option.
Storage
Storage space is very important especially if you’ll be using your tablet all the time. Since they are mobile and easy to carry around, many people would prefer working on their tablets than on their laptops. If you’re in this category, getting a tablet with large storage capacity (128GB to 1TB) will be great. However, if you won’t be using it all the time or saving many files on it, a tablet with 16 GB to 64GB will do just fine. It all depends on your preference and how much you intend to use it.
Conclusion
Choosing the best tablet shouldn’t be a difficult process for students. The tablets in our review are some of the best on the market. You can simply choose the one that matches your preference, budget, and specifications, and rest assured you’re going to get the best mobile experience. However, if you don’t find any of the products on our list interesting, you can always refer to our guide before making your buying decision.
If you liked our article on tablets for college, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
