Tablets have the convenience of a touchscreen and portable device, but with more screen real estate than smartphones. This makes tablets perfect for on-the-go productivity and media viewing. If you’re in the market for a tablet, how do you choose the best one for you? Here’s what you should consider.

What will you use your tablet for the most?

How do you plan to use your tablet during your day? Figuring this out will help you decide which features you should prioritise. For example, if you’re looking for a device on which to watch movies, you should prioritise a large, high-resolution display. If you want to use the device for typing up documents and general work productivity, on the other hand, you may want a tablet that comes with a keyboard accessory and good battery life, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E. When it comes to tablets for intensive mobile gaming, you’ll need something with a good battery and powerful hardware performance. However, if you plan to use it for simple functions, like watching the occasional YouTube video or reading ebooks, a budget tablet will suit your needs just fine. 

How much are you willing to spend?

Tablets vary in price just as much as smartphones do. There are entry-level tablets, such as the Smart Tab N8, that retail for as little as R2,599 and high-end tablets that cost over R10,000. You should decide how much you’re willing to spend on your tablet and weigh that up against the features you need your tablet to have.

Must-have features vs nice-to-have features

When sorting through tablet choices, you should also decide between must-have features and features that are nice-to-have but not essential. This will help you make your final decision and narrow down your selection.

What tablet accessories do you plan to use?

Tablets come with a variety of accessories that can enhance their functionality. These include styluses and keyboards. If you already own tablet accessories, it’s best to stick with a tablet that will be compatible with them. Android tablets are compatible with most other Android devices. However, Apple’s ecosystem is much more selective. 

Did you know you can add a tablet to your Vodacom account? Click here to see Vodacom's contract offers and tablet deals.

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