Equipped with Apple’s M3 processor, the latest iPad Air delivers incredible performance in basically every scenario. Coupled with strong battery life and the premium yet lightweight design we’ve come to expect from the iPad Air, there’s a lot to like here.

With LCD rather than OLED and just a 60Hz refresh rate, the display might seem like a downside, but in day-to-day usage, it’s still mightily impressive.

You will have to compromise in the charging department, though, while the lack of Face ID or any included accessories is frustrating.

On the software side, iPadOS continues to offer the best user experience on any tablet, with loads of dedicated apps and prompt updates for years to come.

If you’re looking for a premium tablet that strikes a balance between features and price, the iPad Air is a great choice.

Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2025)?

Those who want the perfect mix between performance and affordability within Apple’s range.

Apple iPad Air (2025): Further Considerations

Unless you’re a power user, most people are better off with the iPad A16 (see below).

Don’t want to pay high-end prices but still want a premium tablet? Go for the Xiaomi Pad 7 – you won’t be disappointed.

For just £369 at launch (sadly unavailable in the US), you can get a high-end build, gorgeous 11-inch display and strong performance from the Snapdragon 870 chipset. Throw in solid battery life and decent charging speeds, and Xiaomi is onto a winner.

While no accessories are included in the price, the keyboard cases (two to choose from) and Focus Pen stylus are all very impressive, too.

A rather patchy software experience from Xiaomi’s HyperOS Android skin remains the big compromise, though it’s still very usable. You’ll also have to make do without a fingerprint scanner, but that’s easy to look beyond at this price

Overall, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers a compelling, premium tablet experience for less than half the price of many rivals, making it a great buy.

Who should buy the Xiaomi Pad 7?

You want the most bang for your buck and don’t mind getting to grips with Xiaomi software.

Xiaomi Pad 7: Further Considerations

You do need to factor in the accessory prices if you want the best experience the Pad 7 has to offer. The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now official, but it’s likely to remain exclusive to China for a while.

Read our full
Xiaomi Pad 7 review

OnePlus has gradually been improving its tablet offering ever since the original OnePlus Pad, but now it feels as though the company has truly hit its stride with its third-gen tablet that takes multitasking to a whole new level.

Originally available on the OnePlus Open, the company’s Open Canvas software arguably feels more at home on the Pad 3 as you can have up to three apps open at a time (even more if one is in windowed mode). This just makes the tablet great for those who are constantly on the go but want to get work done on a device that’s slimmer and more portable than a laptop.

What helps to keep things feeling smooth is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which can handle everything from on-device gaming to AI processing with ease. In our time testing the device, there was never really a moment when it buckled under pressure.

What’s arguably even more impressive is that, in spite of all the multitasking that the OnePlus Pad 3 is able to achieve, the battery life never falls short as a result. With a 12,140mAh cell under the hood, we were able to get through a full working day and still have more than 50% left in the tank.

Who should buy the OnePlus Pad 3?

Anyone who loves to use a tablet for productivity. It’s just unbeaten when it comes to multitasking.

OnePlus Pad 3: Further Considerations

Android just isn’t as well optimised for tablets as what you’ll find on iPadOS.

Even though there’s plenty to be gained by spending a bit more to nab the iPad Air or the iPad Pro, it’s incredible to see just how much value the base-level iPad A16 is able to bring to the table.

For starters, when it comes to the core iPadOS experience, you’re still getting access to the same great multitasking software iPad is known for, alongside top-tier apps that make it great not just for streaming and gaming, but also a spot of productivity (especially if you bring a keyboard into the mix).

The new A16 chip also means that you’re getting a decent processing bump over the previous entry-level iPad, although it’s far from the lightning-fast speeds that you’ll find on M-series iPads. Plus, the iPad A16 is now the only tablet in Apple’s range that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.

Still, Apple has finally done away with the 64GB model, having 128GB storage set as the standard and with no price increase as a result. As a means of getting into Apple’s tablet ecosystem without spending a small fortune, the iPad A16 just can’t be beaten.

Who should buy the iPad (2025)?

Anyone who wants to experience the joy of iPadOS but doesn’t need the M-series power of more pricier iPads.

iPad (2025): Further Considerations

Things can get expensive when you factor in accessories, which is why Xiaomi tablets tend to be better value overall.

If you want the absolute best tablet money can buy, it’s probably the latest iPad Pro. But for most people, the upgrade compared to the iPad Air isn’t enough to justify the higher price tag.

Like the Air, the Pro is also available in 11- and 13-inch sizes. However, it’s the move to OLED that sets the screens apart, delivering incredibly vibrant colours and deep blacks.

You also get Apple’s M5 chip, which delivers better performance than the vast majority of laptops. When combined with the Magic Keyboard and/or Apple Pencil (both sold separately), it’s a brilliant tablet for creatives.

But is that you? If not, you’ll probably be just as happy with the Air or a MacBook if productivity is your top priority. At this price, it’s simply not worth it for most people.

However, for the right person, the iPad Pro is a stellar tablet.

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro (M5)?

Power-users who need the absolute best tablet performance and are willing to pay for it.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): Further Considerations

The M3-toting iPad Air has enough power for most people, and it’s nearly half the price.

When it comes to truly flagship-level tablets, you only really have two options: the latest iPad Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Within the Android space at least, Samsung’s latest top-tier tablet is hosting a party of one as it absolutely trumps all other tablets in terms of specs and raw power, not to mention in price as well.

With a 14.6-inch 2.9K AMOLED display, the Tab S11 Ultra feels a lot more like a dedicated laptop than a tablet, and that sentiment only doubles down when you bring a keyboard into the mix. Still, having that larger display is also great for digital artists who want plenty of space to scrawl with the included S Pen stylus.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset which can be found within this tablet is nothing short of a total powerhouse. In our tests, the tablet could zip between demanding apps like it was nothing, and if you’re the type of user who wants a tablet that works equally well for productivity and entertainment, then you’ll feel right at home with what Samsung has put together.

The only big hurdle to all of this is the price. With a starting RRP of £1199/$1199, the Tab S11 Ultra is anything but affordable, so it’s worth having a think about whether or not you’ll truly make use of all of its features to justify the expense. If you’re happy to plough ahead then rest assured that there isn’t really another Android tablet out there right now that can match Samsung’s flagship.

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra?

High-end users who want zero compromise on specs and flagship features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra: Further considerations

The high asking price will be an immediate turn-off for some.

The Honor Pad V9 is a rare case of a mid-range tablet that has almost no compromises. Unless you need strong cameras or long-term software support, the Pad V9 ticks pretty much all the boxes.

We’re talking a stunning 11.5-inch display and an impressive eight-speaker setup, which combine for a great experience while watching movies and TV. A premium yet lightweight design means you can take it most places with you, especially with superb battery life.

Elsewhere, MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 Elite delivers great performance, and Honor’s MagicOS skin over Android offers a slick, intuitive user experience. If only we knew how long it’d be supported with updates, or how promptly we might get Android 16.

But even without that, the Honor Pad V9 is easy to recommend in any country where it’s available. Sadly, that doesn’t include the US.

Who should buy the Honor Pad V9?

Those who want a great tablet for entertainment, but with an affordable price tag.

Honor Pad V9: Further Consideration

It just can’t match the regular iPad when it comes to long-term software support.

Read our full
Honor Pad V9 review

The Redmi Pad 2 is one of those Android tablets that proves Apple doesn’t really stand a chance when it comes to the true budget end of the market. At just £169, the Pad 2 is almost half the price of the entry-level iPad, but it has a few features that you won’t find on Apple’s cheapest tablet.

For example, in spite of its affordability, there’s a massive 11-inch LCD panel here that isn’t just great for watching films and TV shows, its 90Hz refresh rate also makes gaming and scrolling through social media feel effortlessly smooth.

Even the build quality manages to outshine the Pad 2’s price tag, with a sleek aluminium frame that’s not just comfortable to hold, it’s also lightweight for carrying around in a bag, clocking in at a reasonable 510g.

There is a trade-off to be had with fairly slow charging speeds and no shortage of bloatware when you first power it up, but it’s an understandable compromise given all that you get here for the money. As far as we’re concerned, there isn’t a better budget tablet right now, despite plenty of competition from the likes of the Galaxy Tab A9 series.

Who should buy the Redmi Pad 2?

Budget-conscious buyers who are determined not to spend more than a couple of hundred.

Redmi Pad 2: Further Considerations

The overall software experience can be more refined if you’re ready to spend a little extra at the checkout.

The MagicPad 3 might be a mid-range tablet, but its hardware suggests otherwise.

Top-tier performance, excellent battery life and a premium design all give the impression of a device that’s significantly more expensive. Dropping OLED for LCD on this latest model might seem like a downgrade, but an upgraded resolution and higher 165Hz refresh rate ensure it remains a highlight.

Charging speeds are decent, while Honor’s optional keyboard and stylus accessories are impressive in a variety of scenarios.

On the other hand, Honor’s MagicOS software isn’t for everyone, with some bloatware and a commitment to just two years of updates. You’ll also have to make do without any official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

However, overall, the MagicPad 3 remains a strong option that feels a lot more expensive than its sub-£600 starting price.

Who should buy the Honor MagicPad 3?

Anyone who wants a solid mix of performance and a great screen at a mid-range price.

Honor MagicPad 3: Further Considerations

The lack of an IP rating calls into question how durable the tablet can be in the long term.

If you’re in the market for a small tablet, there’s still no better option than the iPad mini 7. This latest 2024 model offers the familiar iPad experience we’ve grown accustomed to in a device with a compact 8.3-inch panel.

The LED display itself is good, but nothing remarkable, offering a 1440p resolution but sticking at a 60Hz refresh rate. But it excels elsewhere, with superb performance from Apple’s A17 Pro chipset, brilliant build quality and the best tablet software around in iPadOS, especially with Apple Intelligence support now.

Unlike most Apple devices, the iPad mini doesn’t include Face ID, persisting with Touch ID built into the power button. The bezels are also very chunky and charging is slow, though solid battery life helps soften the blow.

Ultimately, the iPad mini is only suitable for people who want a small tablet with a lot of power. If that’s you, this is the best option on the market.

Who should buy the Apple iPad mini (2024)?

Someone who wants a super portable tablet with a high-end software experience.

Apple iPad mini (2024): Further Consideration

The standard iPad (2025) has a larger display and is also cheaper if size isn’t paramount.