7 Best Tablets with SIM Card Slot in 2023 [Cellular Connectivity]

Having a tablet with a SIM card slot is one of the most underrated things out there. You do not recognize the value of such a device until and unless you are on the move and cannot get a good WiFi connection. Hence, if your budget allows, it is recommended to have a cellular tablet.

But wait, you cannot pick any random device just because it has cellular connectivity, can you?

For instance, using a cellular/LTE connection for the internet also means increased battery consumption. Similarly, there must be a powerful SoC that can handle LTE data transfer without overheating the device. Given the increasing number of SIM card tablets on the market, choosing the best LTE tablet can be difficult.

That’s where my research shall help. Being a tech reviewer for years, I have tested many tablet PCs from major brands available in the US. After a lot of testing and evaluation, I finally decided to review the 8 unlocked tablets with SIM card slots that are currently ruling the market.

7 Best Tablets with SIM Card Slot in 2023

Here are my top 7 recommendations for the tablets that take sim cards, narrowed down from an initial shortlist of over 23 devices in the market space. I’ve focused on testing the device with the right balance between price and utility.

It’s hard to beat the iPad Pro, which takes the top spot with premium features and a sophisticated user experience. As you go further down the list, you’ll find our mid-range recommendations with the budget-friendly unlocked tablets at the end of the list.

1. Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro

The 3rd Generation iPad Pro delivers better performance through an upgraded chipset, a superior processor, and improved memory, a substantial advantage over its previous generation. Power-packed display, latest networking standards, and aesthetic design make the Apple iPad Pro one of the best-rated LTE tablets.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

Not just 4G, but the iPad Pro is also one of the best 5G supported tablets with a wide range of 4G & 5G bands. It also lets you choose from different network carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It supports several TDD and FDD bands (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71) and comes with single nano-SIM slot and e-SIM facility.

With support for 5G bands and Wi-Fi 6, the iPad Pro offers state-of-the-art wireless connectivity. Establish faster data transfers and communicate with the accessories with the latest Bluetooth support.

Display

A 600 nits brightness screen provides realistic visuals, covering a wide color range in the 11-inch Liquid Retina display. Wide viewing angles from a larger surface area, and a higher resolution of 2388 x 1688 pixels will make your experience stand out when working with Procreate and playing games like Red dead redemption or Far cry.

Creatives will find it easier to edit photos and videos, emphasizing subtle details and color variations. The screen is easy on the eyes even while reading for hours together.

Hardware & Performance

The M1 octa-core processor forms the force behind the iPad’s capability. With an octa-core GPU tagging along, the device can cruise through Adobe applications like Illustrator, Photoshop, graphics-oriented games including COD, Asphalt, and productivity apps such as MS Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, and Calendar in the iOS 15.0.

While there is no expandability, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage make the duo into an excellent multitasking machine.

Design & Feel

The metallic chassis makes it look premium with durability. The oleophobic coating protects the glass front from scratches. Apple compiles everything within 1.03 lbs and 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, accommodating a large screen with thin bezels on all four sides.

A nano-sim tray, a Thunderbolt USB Type-C port, a display port, and the magnetic connector get distributed on the sides of the aesthetically designed masterpiece.

Camera & Speakers

The rear camera duo of 12MP and 10MP UltraWide brings the ability to record videos at 1080 & 4K resolution. The 12MP UltraWide selfie camera makes your virtual conferences, business meetings, and video call more realistic and details rich.

The four-stereo speaker setup packs a superior sound quality than its predecessor. It has a bass punch that maintains sound clarity even at higher volumes to add quality to your hands-free entertainment sessions. Effects of Dolby Atmos with spatial audio playback take your entertainment to the next level.

Battery & Charging

Apple claims the 7538 mAh battery can last up to 10 hours of usage with WiFi connectivity and sustain 9 hours of web surfing with cellular connectivity. With a fast-charging (USB Type C-4) port with higher power discharge, the iPad gets completely recharged in less than 3 hours.

Conclusion

The 11-inch version of the iPad Pro works with the 2^nd gen Apple Pencil to turn into a productive machine for creative designers and art enthusiasts. Couple it with a magic keyboard and turn it into a makeshift work notebook. The 5G capability and wider band support make this SIM card tablet my top recommendation.

2. Best Runner Up: Microsoft Surface Go 3

The upgraded processor in Microsoft Surface Go 3 makes it a better choice for a 2-in-1 convertible than the Go 2 model. The latest wireless standards, Windows-based ecosystem, and flexible operation put it at the top among the tablets that take SIM cards.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

A nano-SIM slot and e-Sim facility allow you to switch between multiple network carriers. Supporting both 4G and 5G bands, this is one of the few Windows-based tablets with a SIM card slot that handles a wide spectrum of the band, including both FDD and LDD frequencies (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66)

The latest Wi-Fi 6 standards and Bluetooth 5.0 make this one of the best convertibles for business professionals, leaving you with multiple options for seamless connectivity and quick data transfers.

Display

The 10.5-inch PixelSense display and high brightness bring the best out of visuals. The 3:2 aspect ratio and a high resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels complement its convertible design. Additional vertical room from the aspect ratio translates to more comfort when you edit Word and Excel documents and read extensively.

Hardware & Performance

A dual-core processor Intel Core i3-10100Y with hyper-threading can clock up to 3.9GHZ, bringing enough power to handle anything but high-graphic gaming. Be it extensive datasets or high-quality media, the role of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage cannot be undermined.

A windows-based environment is preferred among most professionals for its familiarity and friendly user interface. Carry all your documents, movies, and songs on an SD card and access it via a dedicated card slot, which allows you to expand storage up to 2TB.

Design & Feel

A flexible kickstand to position in multiple angles is a testament to Microsoft’s intelligent design. The metal alloy rear with a corning glass front is a combination of premium and durability. Microsoft packs everything within 1.2 pounds and 9.65 x 6.9 x .33 inches while finding room for a USC Type-C port, headphone jack, card reader, and sim tray.

Camera & Speakers

The solid combination of an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera delivers images and visuals at 1080p quality. Studio quality mics are worthy of mention for adding quality to your video calls and audio recordings. The 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio surprise you with their audio clarity at 70 percent of max volume.

Battery & Charging 

A 28Whr battery will last up to 10.5 hours of balanced usage. A claim that surprises most users. Mix it up with WiFi usage and prolong your battery life. With the faster USB Type-C port and quick charging unit, you’ll get the device charged in 3 hours.

Conclusion

Microsoft pieces together a package without compromising a lot on the processing capability. The latest features in enterprise-grade TPM hardware keep this Windows tablet with SIM card slot above the iPad mini. If you’re looking for an even better processor for heavy editing and content creation tasks, Surface Pro would be a pricier alternative.

3. Best Compact Tablet with SIM Slot: Apple iPad Mini

The A15 Bionic chip offers improved performance over the fifth generation version from 2019. The Apple iPad Mini packs premium features, the latest connectivity, and a quality audio system in a compact form-factor as one of the best tablets with cellular connectivity in the market.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

The iPad mini brings superior carrier compatibility with support to a wide array of TDD & FDD 4G and 5G bands. Its support to network carriers like Spectrum, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile leaves you with multiple options. It comes with a nano-sim card slot and an e-SIM facility.

The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 offer the latest wireless connectivity, bringing access to high-speed internet and faster data transfers.

Display

The strength of true tone technology complements the 500 brightness screen by adding more visual punch to the media viewing experience. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display packs in a lot of details with a higher resolution of 2266 x 1688 pixels for gaming visuals and movie viewing while being extremely compact and lightweight.

While we can use it as a media device focused on entertainment, it wouldn’t take readers a long time to get used to the reduced screen area and enjoy the overall reading experience.

Hardware & Performance

The hexacore processor delivers a top-tier performance for the cellular-enabled tablet. The 5 core GPU complements the A15 Bionic CPU unit to cruise through the demands of quality gaming and data processing.

The iPadOS 16.6 brings in a plethora of apps that make your job easier, be it music or note-taking or editing documents. The synergy of 4GB RAM and 256GB duo gives this iPad Mini some serious multitasking ability.

Design & Feel

The metallic body makes the iPad Mini durable. The oleophobic coating on the glass offers scratch resistance for sustained touch usage. Apple packs this tablet with a sim card slot within a featherweight package of 0.64 pounds and 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 inches in dimensions.

The thin bezel screen allows room for a larger surface area. You’ll find a USB Type-C connector, sim-tray, and the volume buttons around the device.

Camera & Speakers

The rear camera has a wide aperture, 12MP resolution, and HDR recording ability. Capture immersive visuals in FHD and 4K quality. The 12MP front UltraWide selfie camera offers image and video stabilization at 1080p quality for a superior video calling experience. The quad-speaker shines through with its audio clarity, and the Dolby reinforced performance.

Battery & Charging

Apple claims the 5124mAh battery can last up to 10 hours of optimized usage in the WiFi mode and 9 hours of usage in the cellular mode. With a fast-charging facility with a USB Type-C 3.1 port, the iPad Mini gets fully charged in less than 3 hours.

Conclusion

iPad Mini finds its strength in quality cameras and a solid speaker setup backed up by a renewed A15 chipset.

4. Samsung Tablet with SIM Card: Samsung Tab A8

Are you looking for a good Android tablet with SIM card slot? Well, Galaxy Tab A8 is here to fulfill your needs! It’s aimed at students and parents who need cellular connectivity on the go!

A better processor, and a marginally larger display compared to its Samsung tab A7, makes the Samsung Tab A8 a valuable inclusion to the list of 4G tablets. The excellent connectivity, friendly UI interface, and expandable SD slot make this a value buy.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 extends its support to both FDD and TDD 4 bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8,12,17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66. The inbuilt Nano-SIM slot is compatible with network carriers like Verizon, US Cellular, and T-Mobile.

It also offers dual-band WIFI-5 and Bluetooth 5 for seamless connectivity to accessories and high-speed internet.

Display

The 10.5-inch TFT display and 80% body to screen ratio bring the best out of the visuals. A higher aspect ratio and resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels translate to ease of scrolling comfort while handling huge chunks of data in continuity. It does a commendable job with its immersive HD viewing experience.

Hardware & Performance

The Octa-core processor in the Unisoc T618 chipset clocks up to 2GHz. The Mali G52 GPU works in tandem to boost performance for gaming and media consumption. Edit documents, listen to music and play games like Angry Birds, Asphalt 9, and Minecraft, available in Android 11.0. The 3GB RAM and 32GB storage get complimented by expandable storage of up to 1TB.

Design & Feel

Samsung’s intelligent design packs everything with 1.1 pounds while measuring 9.72 x 6.37 x .27 inches in dimensions. The black metallic body finds room around its sides for the volume keys, sim slot, and USB port.

Camera & Speakers

The rear camera is an 8MP one with autofocus and records videos at 1080p quality. While the 5MP front camera fairs decently for virtual classroom sessions, video calls, and meetings. A quad-stereo setup with Dolby Atmos brings a realistic experience to your gaming and media viewing experience.

Battery & Charging 

Samsung claims a 10-hour battery life from its 70400 mAh battery. Cellular connectivity is prone to drain batteries a lot quicker. With balanced usage, the battery can last you a day. A USB 2.0 Port for charging keeps the recharging time to 4 hours.

Conclusion

The balance of features, larger display, expandable storage, and solid processing unit keeps this Samsung tablet with SIM card above the CHUWI contender. The kid’s dedicated content makes it a perfect fit for toddlers and school students.

5. Best with Dual Sim Slots: CHUWI HiPad X

In this model, Chuwi goes with a changed version of its predecessor, the Intel chipset-based Chuwi Hi10. An upgraded operating memory and 10.1-inch screen make CHUWI HiPad X more efficient while retaining its portability. This affordable option comes with a dual SIM slot backed up by an octa-core processing unit, pushing it into my list.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

The Chuwi HiPad X supports various 4G bands, including  2, 4, 5,12,14, 20, 25,  26, 30, 41, 66, and 71, while being compatible with various network carriers like US Cellular, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The dual-sim micro sim slot gives you multiple choices of network carriers.

The sim-enabled tablet supports Wi-Fi 5 standards that allow you to save up on your battery and mobile data. Connect your keyboard and pointing devices at the same time with Bluetooth 5.0 and operate seamlessly.

Display

The wide 16:10 aspect ratio of the 10.1-inch multi-touch IPS screen brings the best of both worlds. Stay indulged with entertainment without missing out on a lot of the comfort of an additional vertical room when you switch to work. A high resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels goes easy on the eye with a detail-rich realistic visual experience.

Hardware & Performance

The Unisoc T618 is an octa-core processor complemented by a Mali G52 GPU unit. In tandem with the processing, the combo can handle heavy data sets, breeze through loaded presentations, and keep you entertained with games like Arena of Valor, 2048, etc.

The 6GB RAM gives you additional room and better performance without weighing down on your wallet as much as 8GB RAM models. The combo of 128GB storage and expandable microSD (128GB) card slot affords you adequate storage for essential official and personal documents.

Design & Feel

The aluminum alloy chassis and the slim aesthetic design give you a premium feel. The cellular-enabled tablet weighs 1.15 pounds and measures 9.9 x 6.41 x 0.37 inches in dimensions. You’ll find the USB Type-C port, sim card slots, and audio jack on the bottom side of the device.

Camera & Speakers

The front 5MP camera gives you enough quality for attending online classes, video calls, etc. the 8MP rear camera comes in handy with capturing images and videos at HD quality, allowing you to capture memories during your travels. The dual stereo speakers fare decently well at mid-volume levels.

Battery & Charging 

The 7000mAh battery lasts up to 9 hours of usage while being balanced between different ‌activities. A USB Type-C charging port allows you to recharge the device in approximately 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

The dual-sim support and the affordability make it a good unlocked SIM card tablet at an affordable price. A superior memory duo places this above the TECLAST counterpart.

6. Best from Nokia: Nokia T20

One of Nokia’s first entries into the tablet segment, it offers solid performance with long-lasting battery life. Competitive design and pricing make Nokia T20 a worthy inclusion to our list of unlocked tablets with sim card slots.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

This model supports FDD 1,3,5,7,8,20,28 and TDD: 38,40,41 4G bands operating with several prominent network carriers, like AT&T and Verizon. It comes with a single nano-sim slot.

The dual-band WiFi & the latest Bluetooth 5 connectivity comes in handy to access high-speed internet and enable fast data transfer with multiple accessories.

Display

The 5:3 aspect ratio of the 10.4-inch LCD comes with a 2K resolution, convenient for both purposes, i.e., editing documents and binge-watching media. While a higher resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels and 400 nits brightness screen gives you a commendable indoor viewing experience, it falls short owing to its dullness.

Hardware & Performance

The Octa-core Unisoc T610 processor and Mali G52 GPU are reminiscent of most budget options. Office suite applications, productivity tools like google docs, Evernote, Zoom, games like Shadowgun, badlands, and streaming applications like Netflix, Hulu – the processor will handle them with ease.

 It comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, essential for multitasking. The memory is expandable up to 512GB. Carry your music library, movies, and documents with you for easy offline access.  The OS Android 11.0 brings a vast selection of applications for note-taking, daily reminders, games, easy editing and makes your life a tad easier.

Design & Feel

The aluminum body comes with a rounded, thick bezel design. At 1.03 lbs and 9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 inches, it’s not one of the sleekest devices on the market. The toughened glass front and the sandblasted aluminum metal combination make the device durable.

The charging port (USB Type-C 2.0) can be found on the bottom side of the device for easy access, along with the speakers. You’ll also find a 3.5mm audio jack and a sim /micro SD tray placed on the sides of the T20.

Camera & Speakers

Nokia sticks to an 8MP rear with autofocus and a 5MP front camera with fixed focus and rear-LED flash. While the cameras serve to capture decent photos and videos and attend virtual meetings, the performance doesn’t compare to the iPad Mini placed above.

They’re, however, sufficient for scanning documents, taking quick photos, and online lectures for students. With 2 microphones and four speakers, the Nokia T20 delivers a quality hands-free calling experience.

Battery & Charging

Nokia‘s 8200 mAh battery gives you a solid backup. Nokia claims up to 10 hours of usage. With a USB Type-C fast charging unit, you’ll be able to recharge the unlocked tablet within 3.5 hours.

Conclusion

A welcome addition to Nokia’s portfolio of gadgets carries a semblance of its mobile phones. A stable performance, quality speaker setup, and good battery life keep the Nokia T20 just above the Samsung A8.

7. Cheapest Tablet with LTE: TECLAST P20HD

An upgraded processing unit, improved battery life, a better display, and cellular network connectivity make the TECLAST P20HD a better choice than its previous model. Its aggressive pricing and features warrant inclusion as a budget alternative on our list of tablets that use SIM cards.

Cellular & Wireless Connectivity

The support to LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, and 41 allows compatibility with prominent network carriers like Virgin mobiles and AT&T. It comes with a micro-SIM card slot.

Over and above the mobile network connectivity, the sim card compatible tablet allows access to high-speed WiFi connectivity through WiFi-5 standards. Connect your accessories with Bluetooth 5.0 and achieve fast data transfers and seamless communication.

Display

The 10.1-inch IPS Display is powered by T-Color technology to offer vivid color-accurate imagery. Visuals of FHD quality come packed with details owing to the high resolution of 1900 x 1200 pixels, which makes this an ideal piece of equipment for entertainment.

Set suitable brightness levels for a prolonged reading of comics and illustrated e-books to avoid strain on your eyes.

Hardware & Performance

The Unisoc 64 octa-core processor clocks at a high frequency of 1.6GHz. Complemented by AI-based acceleration and optimization, the Android tablet with sim card delivers seamless operations for frequently used applications. High-quality voice/video calling, office suite applications, and some basic gaming fall under its purview.

TheP20HD comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage memory. With expandable storage of 256GB, you can carry the music library, documents, and video tutorials for offline access.

Design & Feel

The curved edges on the metal body leave you an impression of a sophisticated design. Uniform thin bezels get the maximum surface for operating convenience. TECLAST accommodates a SIM card slot, SD card, Type-C USB port, and the audio system within a lightweight of 1.17lbs and 9.57 x 6.4 x 0.37 inches in dimensions.

Camera & Speakers

While including a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera allows you to capture photos and videos and attend video calls, it doesn’t stand out for its quality. A compromise that comes with budget models.

The pure sound system brings the best of the dual stereo speakers to keep the movie and music experience satisfying. The audio clarity at max volume is something you wouldn’t miss.

Battery & Charging 

TECLAST claims the 6000 mAh battery and an energy-efficient design can crank up to 7 hours of video playback. It can last up to 6-7 hours of balanced usage, distributed with surfing, social media, videos, and music. The unit takes up to 4 hours to fully recharge.

Conclusion

The P20HD is of the best wallet-friendly tablets with phone functionality. The selection of features, the flexibility of internet connectivity, and expandable storage bring value to users varying from school students to homemakers. The memory and battery capacity leaves it at the end of the list below the CHUWI HiPad X.

Buying Guide for Tablets with SIM Cards

You can look out for these essential features when you’re aiming at getting a quality tablet with a SIM card slot and WiFi connectivity.

Sim Card Slot & LTE Connectivity

Having tablets with both physical sim slots and an e-SIM facility will allow you to switch between multiple network carriers and give you a better chance of seamless connectivity.

Look out for devices supporting both FDD and TDD bands in both 4G and 5G networks that will let you switch and work with different network carriers in different regions, particularly when you’re regularly on the move.

Display & Speakers

Without a quality display, you might miss out on the fun of having both Wi-Fi and sim card connectivity. Quality energy-efficient LED-based touchscreens supporting a wider color gamut and a higher resolution (FHD or UHD) will ease your eyes and bring the best out of the gaming and media viewing experience.

If you are going to use your tablet with a sim card slot for business meetings, online training sessions, or video calls, quality speakers become imperative. Look for SIM card compatible tablets with stereo speakers. Ideally, a four-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos gives you an excellent hands-free experience.

Hardware & Performance

Any tablet with a sim card slot and WiFi needs a solid hardware unit to cater to the demands of data-intense activities. Multi-core processing units with a dedicated GPU can deliver a quality visual experience. Adequate RAM and storage memory ensures the sim card compatible tablet can be effective at multi-tasking.

When you have cellular tablets with hexa-core or octa-core processors clocking at high frequencies complemented by GPU, you’ll be able to ease through graphics-oriented gaming, content creation, and photo/video editing applications. Editing documents, creating and sharing presentations, and processing data-heavy files become easier with sufficient memory.

Design & Connectivity

If you’re looking for a portable device, the design aesthetics and weight become essential. Placement of the charging port, viewing flexibility, and placement of the speakers go a long way as a design aspect in making your overall experience a notch higher.

A tablet with cellular capability with access to the latest WiFi standards can help you extend the battery life when you’ve wifi access. The latest version of the USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity guarantee quick data transfers. MicroSD slots are essential to keep documents, files, and music libraries available offline.

Battery Life & Charging

Since the tablet that uses a sim card can drain your batteries even quicker, it’s essential to look out for a high battery capacity. Batteries ranging above 7000mAH will be able to offer a decent backup upon balanced usage.

The higher the battery capacity, the lower the time spent looking for charging points or carrying a charger around. Thunderbolt ports and the latest version of USB ports in the tablets with sim card slots help you save on the charging time in case you need a quick recharge on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

As you can see, you do not have to compromise your requirements when looking for tablets that use SIM cards. It is also true that you can find the best devices from different categories. In case you are looking for a quick selection:

• You can get the Apple iPad Pro if you want a high-end tablet with the best possible network connectivity and a wide range of 4G & 5G bands.
• If you are looking for a Windows-powered device, you can get the Microsoft Surface Go 3. It comes with a 2-in-1 flexible design and feature-rich Windows 11 out of the box!
• Lastly, if you’re an Android fanatic, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and CHUWI HiPad X. They both are great options in their price range.

As it happens, all of these devices are made for multitasking. Therefore, regardless of who you are, a college student, professional, or tech enthusiast, you can pick one of them.