The Best Tablets to Buy in 2025: Tested Models from Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo
In 2025, tablets remain a go-to device for everything from streaming movies to getting work done on the go. Whether you’re an Apple devotee, a Samsung fan, or someone eyeing Lenovo’s innovative lineup, there’s a tablet out there for you. I’ve spent hours digging into expert reviews, hands-on tests, and the latest releases to bring you the best tablets to buy this year from these top brands. Optimized for search engines and packed with insights, guide will help you decide which tablet suits your needs—complete with links to trusted sources like CNET, PCMag, and ZDNET. Let’s dive into the best tested models from Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo for 2025!
Why Tablets Still Matter in 2025
Tablets have evolved far beyond their early days as oversized smartphones. Today, they’re powerful tools for productivity, entertainment, and creativity. With sleek designs, cutting-edge processors, and vibrant displays, the best tablets of 2025 rival laptops in performance while staying portable. Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo lead the pack, offering devices that cater to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re searching for the "best tablets 2025," "top Apple tablets," "Samsung Galaxy Tab reviews," or "Lenovo tablet recommendations," this article has you covered.
How We Chose the Best Tablets
To compile this list, I leaned on rigorous testing from reputable tech sites like PCMag, CNET, and ZDNET. These sources put tablets through real-world scenarios—benchmarking performance, testing battery life, and evaluating displays. I’ve focused on models released or still highly relevant in 2025, prioritizing those from Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo due to their consistent quality and innovation. Factors like processing power, screen quality, battery life, and value for money guided the picks. Let’s get into it!
Best Apple Tablets to Buy in 2025
Apple’s iPads dominate the tablet market for a reason: seamless integration with iOS, top-tier hardware, and a vast app ecosystem. Here are the standout models for 2025.
1. Apple iPad Pro (2024) – Best Overall Tablet
- Display: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion (120Hz)
- Processor: Apple M4
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price: Starts at $1,299
- Source: ZDNET
The 2024 iPad Pro, still reigning supreme in 2025, is Apple’s most advanced tablet yet. Its M4 chip delivers blazing-fast performance, making it ideal for professionals, creatives, and gamers. The 13-inch OLED display with ProMotion technology offers stunning visuals—perfect for editing 4K videos or sketching with the Apple Pencil Pro. At just 1.23 pounds, it’s surprisingly light for its size.
Why It’s Great: Testers at ZDNET praise its versatility, calling it "the most capable iPad lineup we’ve seen." It’s a laptop replacement for many, especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard ($349 extra). The landscape-oriented front camera improves video calls, a small but welcome tweak.
Drawbacks: It’s pricey, and accessories like the Apple Pencil ($129) aren’t included. If you don’t need this much power, there’s a cheaper option below.
2. Apple iPad Air (2024) – Best Value iPad
- Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS (60Hz)
- Processor: Apple M2
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price: Starts at $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch)
- Source: Tom’s Guide
The 2024 iPad Air strikes a sweet spot between power and price. With the M2 chip, it handles multitasking, gaming, and creative apps like Procreate with ease. The Liquid Retina display isn’t OLED, but it’s bright and sharp for most tasks. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, it’s a versatile pick for students, professionals, or casual users.
Why It’s Great: Tom’s Guide calls it "the best tablet for most people" thanks to its balance of performance and affordability. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it a favorite for artists on a budget.
Drawbacks: No Face ID (it uses Touch ID) and a 60Hz refresh rate might feel dated next to the Pro’s 120Hz.
3. Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) – Best Budget iPad
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS
- Processor: A14 Bionic
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price: Starts at $349
- Source: CNET
The 10th-gen iPad from 2022 remains a solid choice in 2025, especially with its price drop to $349. The A14 Bionic chip keeps it snappy for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity. Its redesigned look—thinner bezels and USB-C—makes it feel modern despite its age.
Why It’s Great: CNET highlights its "versatility and lightweight form factor," perfect for everyday use. It’s a great entry point into Apple’s ecosystem.
Drawbacks: The 64GB base storage is skimpy, and it lacks the power of newer chips for heavy multitasking.
Best Samsung Tablets to Buy in 2025
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup offers premium Android experiences with vibrant screens and included S Pens. Here are the top picks for 2025.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra – Best Android Tablet
- Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz)
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
- Price: Starts at $1,199
- Source: TechRadar
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship tablet for 2025, boasting a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display that’s a dream for movies and multitasking. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, it rivals the iPad Pro in gaming and productivity. The included S Pen enhances its appeal for note-taking and drawing.
Why It’s Great: TechRadar dubs it "the best premium Android tablet," praising its water-resistant IP68 rating and desktop-like DeX mode. Testers note its battery life crushes the competition, lasting up to 18 hours in some cases.
Drawbacks: It’s bulky for handheld use, and the price is steep—similar to the iPad Pro.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – Best Mid-Range Samsung Tablet
- Display: 12.4-inch LCD (90Hz)
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Price: Starts at $599
- Source: ZDNET
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a budget-friendly alternative to Samsung’s Ultra line. Its 12.4-inch screen is great for media, and the Exynos 1380 chip handles everyday tasks well. The S Pen comes included, adding value for creatives or students.
Why It’s Great: ZDNET lauds its "remarkable battery life" (over 18 hours in tests), making it ideal for long days. It’s a solid iPad Air competitor at a lower price.
Drawbacks: The LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED, and performance lags behind premium models.
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – Best Budget Samsung Tablet
- Display: 11-inch LCD (90Hz)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Price: Starts at $219
- Source: CNET
The Galaxy Tab A9+ proves you don’t need to spend big for a decent tablet. Its 11-inch 90Hz display is smooth for scrolling, and the Snapdragon 695 offers reliable performance for streaming and light gaming.
Why It’s Great: CNET calls it "a great budget tablet," perfect for casual users. Expandable storage is a bonus for media hoarders.
Drawbacks: No S Pen support, and the build feels less premium than higher-end models.
Best Lenovo Tablets to Buy in 2025
Lenovo’s tablets blend affordability with unique features, from entertainment-focused slates to productivity powerhouses. Here are the top tested options.
7. Lenovo Tab Extreme – Best High-End Lenovo Tablet
- Display: 14.5-inch OLED (120Hz)
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000
- Storage: 256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Price: Starts at $949
- Source: Android Police
The Lenovo Tab Extreme is a beast, taking on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and iPad Pro with its 14.5-inch OLED screen and Dimensity 9000 chipset. It’s built for power users, with a stylus included and optional keyboard support.
Why It’s Great: Android Police hails it as a "Tab S9 Ultra rival" thanks to its stunning display (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) and robust performance. It’s a laptop alternative for less than $1,000.
Drawbacks: At 740g, it’s heavy, and Lenovo’s software updates lag behind Apple and Samsung.
8. Lenovo Tab P12 – Best Mid-Range Lenovo Tablet
- Display: 12.7-inch 3K LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price: Starts at $349
- Source: CNET
The Tab P12 is a sleeper hit, offering a 12.7-inch 3K display and solid specs for under $400. With JBL quad speakers and a stylus included, it’s a media and productivity champ.
Why It’s Great: CNET notes its "fairly priced" appeal and crisp visuals, making it a steal for the size and features.
Drawbacks: The processor isn’t top-tier, so it’s not ideal for heavy gaming or editing.
9. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) – Best Budget Lenovo Tablet
- Display: 10.6-inch 2K IPS
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G80
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
- Price: Starts at $189
- Source: Digital Trends
The Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is a budget gem with a 2K display and impressive battery life. It’s perfect for streaming, reading, or kids’ use.
Why It’s Great: Digital Trends praises its "versatile" design and affordability, making it a top pick under $200.
Drawbacks: Performance is basic, and it lacks stylus support out of the box.
Comparing Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo Tablets
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:
- Performance: Apple’s M-series chips (M4, M2) lead, followed by Samsung’s Dimensity 9300+ and Lenovo’s Dimensity 9000.
- Display: Samsung and Lenovo’s OLEDs edge out Apple’s IPS options, though the iPad Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR is unmatched.
- Battery Life: Samsung’s FE+ (18 hours) and Lenovo’s M10 Plus (14 hours) outlast Apple’s 10-hour average.
- Price: Lenovo offers the best value, Samsung balances cost and features, and Apple commands a premium.
- Ecosystem: Apple wins for seamless integration; Samsung excels with Android flexibility; Lenovo’s a wildcard with unique designs.
What to Look for in a 2025 Tablet
Shopping for a tablet? Here’s what matters:
- Purpose: Entertainment? Go for a big, vibrant screen (Tab S10 Ultra, Tab Extreme). Work? Prioritize power and accessories (iPad Pro, Tab P12).
- Budget: Under $400 gets you great options like the iPad (10th Gen) or Tab A9+. Over $1,000 unlocks elite performance (iPad Pro, Tab S10 Ultra).
- Screen Size: 10-11 inches for portability; 12-14 inches for multitasking or media.
- Battery Life: Aim for 10+ hours for all-day use.
- Accessories: Stylus and keyboard support boost versatility.
Final Thoughts: Which Tablet Should You Buy in 2025?
- Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro (2024) – Unmatched power and display.
- Best Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra – Massive screen, long battery life.
- Best Value: Apple iPad Air (2024) – Premium features at a fair price.
- Best Budget: Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) – Affordable and reliable.
For most people, the iPad Air (2024) hits the sweet spot—powerful, portable, and not wallet-breaking. If you’re Team Android, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra or Lenovo Tab Extreme won’t disappoint. Need something cheap? The Tab M10 Plus or Tab A9+ deliver. Check out full reviews at PCMag, CNET, and ZDNET to confirm your pick.
What’s your favorite tablet from this list? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy shopping, and enjoy your new tech in 2025!