Getting your teenage son/daughter a tablet can help you more than you think. These nifty powerful devices shall become your kids’ one-stop destination for entertainment, high school project work, leisure gaming, and pursuing other hobbies such as drawing, photo editing, etc.
In addition, now that learning and working from home has become the standard, a high-quality tablet is great for homework and note-taking. Hence, these devices must be a healthy combination of many things. But how do you find the right one?
Unlike the old days, Apple iPad is not the only option in the market. Therefore, you can find impressive tablet models from Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, and other OEMs. More importantly, you can choose between different Operating Systems like Android, iPadOS, Chrome OS, and Windows. With 100s of such devices and variants in the market, choosing the right tablet for your teenagers can be difficult.
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Best Tablets for Teenagers in 2023
I have chosen tablets and variants that belong to diverse categories. For instance, you can find value-for-money, affordable, and reading-friendly models on this list. I have also made sure that there is a reasonable OS-based diversity. So, without further ado, we will start exploring the products.
1. Best Overall: Samsung Tab S6 Lite
The Samsung Tab S6 Lite is one of the best value-for-money tablets for teenagers. This model is a significant improvement from its previous versions like the Galaxy Tab S5. Strategically priced under $350, this tablet can become a central space for your school or college-going teenagers.
Why is it suitable?
As I said, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a comprehensive package for teenagers. It uses an Exynos 9611 SoC with a clock speed of 2.3GHz, combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. You can add up to 1TB of storage using an SD card if you want more space.
Together, the tablet can handle many resource-intensive tasks, including media consumption, notetaking (using OneNote), drawing, and content creation.
Display
This ‘lite’ model of the Tab S6 uses a bang-for-the-buck display panel of 10.4 inches. Thanks to the 2000 x 1200 resolution and good viewing angles, the display is excellent for media consumption and professional tasks alike. In addition, the touchscreen-enabled TFT display offers S Pen support.
Design & Connectivity
Weighing just 1.02 lbs, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is one of the lightest tablets you can get. It follows a sleek and classy design that is common on Samsung devices. For connectivity, this model uses a USB Type-C port along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
This device features an 8MP wide-angle camera on the back and a 5MP selfie camera—both support video recording at 1080p@30fps quality. In terms of battery life, the device makes a bold promise of 13 hours, along with 15W fast charging. Additional features in the package include AKG-tuned audio, face unlocking, data transfer from Samsung TVs, and the included S Pen.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Galaxy Tab S6 gets almost everything right as an excellent tablet for teens. While it is not the most performance-focused device, it is perfect for homeschooling or using at a school/college.
- Simple and compact design
- Up to 13 hours of battery life
- USB Type-C connectivity
- S Pen supported and included
- Storage expansion supported
- Not ideal for resource-intensive tasks
- Build quality could be better
2. Best Runner Up: Apple iPad Air
Though there are many competitors, Apple iPads are some of the best tablets teenagers can have in 2023. I want to recommend the Apple iPad Air (4th Gen) as an affordable solution that offers top performance for the price you are paying. In addition, teens can benefit from all the Apple-exclusive features.
Why is it suitable?
First of all, the Apple iPad Air 4 brings an impressive package of performance, battery life, and speed. These things mean a lot to teenagers out there. This model uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage. In addition, it runs iPadOS 16.6, which adds many features and better multitasking support. Thus, it is the perfect device for most tasks at home and school/college.
Display
Apple iPad Air 4 uses a Liquid Retina Full HD+ display of 10.9 inches. Thanks to its thinner bezels and 2360 x 1640 pixels resolution, you can enjoy an immersive viewing experience. It also comes with support for Apple Pencil 2nd generation, which is excellent for notetaking, drawing, and designing arts on Procreate.
Design & Connectivity
Like our previous pick, this tablet also weighs only 1.01 lbs. It also uses the new design philosophy from Apple, providing you with a thin and lightweight tablet. As for connectivity, this low-cost iPad uses a single USB Type-C port. You can also connect the device to Apple Magic Keyboard, which now comes with a trackpad.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
This iPad model comes with 12MP and 7MP FaceTime HD cameras on the back and front, respectively. The back camera can record 4K videos, which is excellent. In terms of battery life, the device is expected to run for up to 10 hours. Other noteworthy features on the device include Wi-Fi 6, Touch ID for secure authentication, wide stereo sound, etc.
Conclusion
Compared to our first pick, the iPad Air 4 is a little more expensive. Nevertheless, the device is one of the best tablets for teenagers in the market.
- Slim and compact design
- Incredible battery life
- Wi-Fi 6 and Touch ID
- Magic Keyboard support
- Apple-exclusive features
- No stylus included
- No storage expansion
3. Best for Entertainment: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
Are you looking for a tablet that your teenage son or daughter will be using for media consumption? Given that you do not want to spend a lot, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a fantastic choice. This Android 11 tablet has a 2K display to offer as well.
Why is it suitable?
No matter how you look, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is an excellent choice for media consumption. The device uses a MediaTek Helio G90T processor with a clock speed of 2GHz. When coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB of RAM, the device can handle all sorts of streaming tasks. Moreover, the system can retain the best level of performance while making the best of the 2K panel.
Display
Unlike other products in the price range, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus packs an 11-inch TDDI IPS panel, which has a maximum resolution of 2000 x 1200. Moreover, since it is optimized for media consumption, the viewing angles seem great for most tasks, including photo editing and animation.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the tablet is not extraordinary per se. We are talking about a total weight of 1.08 lbs and simple dimensions. As far as connectivity is concerned, you can rely on the USB Type-C 2.0 port for data transfer as well as charging. This model does not retain the 3.5mm audio jack, though. Hence, you’ll need to rely on wireless headphones for listening to music or watching TV shows.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus packs a 13MP wide-angle sensor and an 8MP sensor on the front and back sides, respectively. Both allow 1080p video recording at 30fps. Lenovo claims that the device will run for up to 15 long hours on a single charge. However, you should expect less if you plan to stream content at 1080p quality. A few other features include Dolby Atmos support and 20W fast charging support.
Conclusion
There are a few areas where the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus makes compromises. Even then, considering the price you pay, it is an excellent option for media consumption.
- Simple and lightweight design
- 20W fast charging support
- Up to 15 hours of battery life
- Runs Android 11 OS
- Affordable pricing
- No 3.5mm audio jack
- Only average performance
4. Best Affordable 2-in-1: CHUWI Hi10 X
Are you in search of a budget 2-in-1 tablet for teenagers? Well, you can consider the CHUWI Hi10 X. It comes with a dual-mode operation, thanks to the bundled keyboard. I can easily recommend this model to college students, mainly due to its capabilities to run Windows programs.
Why is it suitable?
First of all, the CHUWI Hi10 X does not cost a lot for a Windows tablet with a bundled keyboard. Even then, it lets you enjoy relatively high speeds, thanks to the Intel Celeron N4120 chip inside. 6GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage mean your system will run smoothly. This versatile sub $300 Windows tablet can easily handle various tasks with relative ease.
Display
Like one of the tablets I had mentioned previously, the tablet comes with a 10.1-inch Full HD panel. It has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200. The IPS panel provides a good viewing experience even if you are into little gaming and photo editing.
Design & Connectivity
Considering the weight of 1.15 lbs, the 2-in-1 device is thin and portable. It does not add much weight to your backpack, even when you keep the detachable keyboard attached all the time.
In the connectivity sector, this tablet completely outshines all the other devices on the list. It features a full-size USB-A port, two USB-C ports, one micro HD DP, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Of course, you also get standard wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi AC and Bluetooth 5.0.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
This tablet packs a 2MP front and 5MP rear camera. The quality, as you’d expect, is pretty average. If you take a lot of video calls, you may skip this model. There’s one more area where the company made a compromise, and that’s its battery life. The 24.05 Wh battery claims to run for up to 6 hours. Other noticeable features in the package include the metal chassis for durability.
Conclusion
While the CHUWI Hi10 X is not a performance beast, it works well as a great laptop/tablet device. In addition, its detachable keyboard and feature-rich connectivity can come in handy more often than you think.
- Affordable pricing
- Detachable keyboard
- Metal chassis for durability
- Efficient Intel proessor
- Adequate RAM & Storage
- Impressive connectivity options
- Subpar battery
- Low-quality front camera
5. Best Value for Money: VASTKING KingPad M10
Do you want to gift a tablet with cellular + WiFi connectivity to your teenage son/daughter without spending too much? In that case, I think you should check out the VASTKING KingPad M10. This device comes with a high-resolution 2K display, giving you a solid media consumption experience, and Android 11 features out of the box.
Why is it suitable?
As I said, the VASTKING KingPad M10 excels as a tablet for most teenagers. The tablet uses an octa-core processor called Unisoc T618 with a clock speed of 1.8GHz. Thanks to 4GB of RAM, multitasking will not be a problem. The internal storage of 128GB is more than adequate, plus you can expand it up to 2TB using a microSD card.
Display
The 10.3-inch 2K IPS panel does an excellent job. It produces vivid colors and enhances overall viewing angles. The resolution of 2000 x 1200 is great for watching Netflix and creating content. Moreover, the display supports a stylus that you can use for drawing and navigation.
Design & Connectivity
The design is sturdy, and the tablet feels well-built, courtesy of a full metal uni-body. Suppose you buy the M10 compatible keyboard, you can use it in two modes: Tablet and Laptop. On the connectivity side, you can find a Type-C USB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, along Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
The tablet comes with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The front camera offers face unlocking support as well. Thanks to the 6000mAh battery inside, the device can run for up to 12 hours on a charge — which is impressive. Other features in the package are built-in GPS/GLONASS, optimized Google Assistant Voice control, etc.
Conclusion
Compared to other products I have listed, the KingPad M10 does not cost much. Yet, it is one of the best tablets under $200 you can get for teenagers. It features a high-resolution display, cellular connectivity, metal chassis, and a powerful chipset.
- Performance friendly SoC
- Display with 2K resolution
- Excellent value for money
- Premium metal build
- Hybrid SIM card slot
- Adequate RAM & Storage
- Battery life isn’t as advadvertised
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
6. Best Budget Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
Do your teens already use Samsung products and services? For instance, you may have a Samsung Smart TV at home. In that case, getting a budget-friendly tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is an impressive option for most people.
Why is it suitable?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a comprehensive package despite its low price tag. For instance, it uses a 2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor along with 3GB of RAM. Sure, the 64GB of eMMC storage is low, but you can always use a microSD card for expansion. Therefore, the tablet can efficiently work as a media consumption and professional device.
Display
The 10.4-inch Full HD display on the device is comparatively larger. It offers good viewing angles, thanks to the 2000 x 1200 resolution and 5:3 aspect ratio, considering the amount you pay. However, you should remember that viewing angles would not be perfect because it is a TFT panel.
Design & Connectivity
The design aspect of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is similar to the other devices from the Galaxy lineup. It has a thickness of 0.28 inches and weighs just 1.05 lbs. The design aesthetics are impressive for the most part. As for connectivity, Samsung has used a Type-C 2.0 port. You also get access to GPS, GALILEO, BDS, GLONASS, etc.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
The front and back cameras, of 8MP and 5MP sensors, are only decent. However, both allow you to record 1080p video at 30fps. In addition, the primary camera has auto-focus while the selfie camera does not. Samsung says its battery would run for up to 12 hours on a single charge, but in reality, it depends on how you use it. Other features in the package include 15W fast charging.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 makes a few compromises here and there. Nevertheless, if you are looking for an affordable Samsung tablet, this model will not let you down.
- Affordable pricing
- QC Snapdragon SoC
- Full HD display panel
- 15W fast charging
- Up to 12 hours backup
- Poor front camera
- Subpar speed
7. Best for Browsing: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Teenagers spend a considerable amount of their time with online services. Therefore, it makes sense to get a tablet running Chrome OS. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet checks all these boxes and provides one of the smoothest versatile tablet experiences ever.
Why is it suitable?
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an incredible package for those who spend a lot of time on the internet. It happens to be true for many teenagers of this time. The device uses a 2GHz MediaTek Helio P60T SoC as the powerful, accompanied by 4GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. Considering that Chrome OS is an incredibly light OS, performance will not be a concern at all.
Display
The model uses a 10.1-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The integrated ARM graphics is not the best option, but it gets the job done. Lenovo has done a great job of cutting down the bezels as much as possible.
Design & Connectivity
This Chrome OS-based device follows a standard design philosophy. The model comes with a keyboard that you can detach when required. Without the keyboard, it weighs 1.00 lbs and snaps into a convenient size at all times. Lenovo has also relied on a single USB Type-C port for connectivity.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
On the rear of the device, Lenovo has packed an 8MP auto-focus lens. On the front, however, you can find a 2MP fixed-focus selfie camera with an LED indicator. The manufacturer adds that you can use the device for up to 10 hours with mixed usage involving music playback and writing. Other features of the model include its impressive integration with Google services and Google One.
Conclusion
I cannot recommend the Lenovo Chromebook Duet for gaming or resource-intensive tasks. However, it is an excellent pick if your teenage son/daughter needs a fast device for web browsing and day-to-day tasks.
- Smooth performance
- USB Type-C connectivity
- Built-in keyboard
- Compact and slim design
- Versatile uses
- Not suitable for gaming
- Not ideal for heavy tasks
8. Best for Reading eBooks: Fire HD 10
If you do not want to spend much on a tablet but need a decent device for reading books and comics, you should check out the Amazon Fire HD 10. The latest edition of the tablet has been designed and optimized for popular web apps and services.
Why is it suitable?
Despite its simple design, the Fire HD 10 can handle an immense variety of tasks. I can easily recommend the device for reading comics, browsing the web, and automating home appliances. It is powered by a MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T processor and 3GB of RAM. You get 32GB of onboard storage, but you can expand the space up to 1TB using a microSD card.
Display
The 10.1-inch 1080p display on the device has more than 2 million pixels. The 1920 x 1200 resolution is also great for content streaming from most platforms. Even though the device has no stylus support, Amazon has used aluminosilicate glass for enhanced protection from drops and bumps.
Design & Connectivity
The Fire HD 10 looks like almost every other tablet from the budget range in terms of design. It has a weight of 1.03 lbs and has a thickness of 0.36 inches. When it comes to connectivity, it does not disappoint. On top of the USB Type-C 2 port, you can find a 3.5mm headphone jack as well.
Camera, Battery, Other Features
Unlike the other devices on the list, the Fire HD 10 packs only 720p cameras on the front and the back. Yet, the 5MP and 2MP cameras do a decent job, respectively. Amazon says that the tablet would run for 12 hours with mixed usage involving streaming, web browsing, and music listening. Other top features of the device include Amazon Alexa integration and accessibility features.
Conclusion
While there are some issues with the Fire HD 10, I recommend this product for most teenagers. Unless they are looking for out-of-the-world speeds, the device will not disappoint them.
- Affordable price
- Up to 12 hours battery
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Simplified Fire OS inside
- Integrated Alexa
- Lock screen ad-supported
- Cameras could be better
Frequently Asked Questions
The best tablet for a teenager must be a combination of good performance, long battery life, and high-end compatibility in terms of apps. For instance, the latest devices from popular companies like Samsung and Apple are great options. You can also explore other devices within different price ranges.
High school students use their tablets for a variety of needs, including notetaking. Therefore, they should have a tablet with stylus support and a good display. Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite and the iPad Air 4 are some of the great options from the market.
High school students use their tablets for a variety of needs, including notetaking. Therefore, they should have a tablet with stylus support and a good display. Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite and the iPad Air 4 are some of the great options from the market.
In most cases, 64GB of storage space is enough for teens. The exception is when your kid wants to install too many games and apps on the device. Even in that situation, you can consider upgrading the storage via a microSD card.
As you know, tablets with 4G LTE connectivity may cost you a bit more. Considering that your kids will be using the tablet at home or school where they have a Wi-Fi connection, you can choose a non-4G variant to save money.
Verdict
We believe our coverage of the best tablets has included the best tablets you are looking for. The number of tablets you can choose from the markets is increasing day by day, and a filtered list should be a solace for most of you. To sum up,
- You should choose the Apple iPad Air for your teenage son/daughter if they are looking for the best performance and Apple-exclusive features.
- If they prefer the Android ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite from Samsung is the best device to pick, also considering its battery life.
- You can also consider the Lenovo Chromebook Duet if you think your kid will be okay with a Chrome OS-based system.
To help you fulfil your basic needs, we have included products from different pricing brackets. For instance, even if you need a low-budget Android tablet for teenagers, you can find something on the list.
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