The 10 best tablets you can buy in 2016 ~ Best Cool Mobils

The 10 best tablets you can buy in 2016

We spend more time than we really should testing the latest tablets - so when we tell you that the new iPad Pro 9.7 is the best tablet around, that's based on thorough and exhaustive research.

You might prefer the amazing screen size of the iPad Pro 12.9, complete with superlative sonic performance, but you're adding a lot to the cost if you choose that one.

If you're looking something a bit more Android-y, then it's easily the Google Pixel C you want to check out - made by Google, it's always going to be one of the better tablets out there given it's pretty much a Nexus device. You can also look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 if you want a slightly more dynamic screen, but that was launched a little longer ago.

The best Microsoft tablet around is the Surface Pro 4 - pricey, yes, but the only one worth considering. Yes, the Surface Pro 3 doesn't lose too much and it's a bit cheaper, but the upgrades to Microsoft's tablet are considerable enough for us to recommend the newer model.

It's a difficult process divining which place each of these excellent tablets should occupy in our list, so we take into account multiple elements including performance, battery life, screen quality and more.
Price plays a part, as does age: a tablet that's been replaced by a sequel will tumble down the rankings as you can get all the great features on a better slate.

If none of the best toid tabletsablets here take your fancy then head on over to our tablet reviews pages, where you'll find in-depth reviews for many more models.

Tablet apps

As with today's best smartphones, applications play a big role on tablets – once you've decided which of these tablets is right for you, check out our top app and game lists so you can get your fill of Temple Run, update your friends on Facebook and read the latest news, all on a bigger screen.

1. iPad Pro 9.7

Simply the best tablet around right now

Weight: 437g | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm | OS: iOS 9.3 | Screen size: 9.7-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels | CPU: A9X | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32GB/128GB/256GB| microSD slot: No | Battery: TBC | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP

*Great speakers
*Pencil and keyboard support
*Pricey with accessories
*Not as much RAM as larger iPad Pro

The best tablet you can buy right now is the iPad Pro 9.7 - the smaller screen with powerful innards is the best combination on the market.
While there are plenty of brilliant Android tablets around at the moment, the new iPad offers a lot of the power of the larger iPad Pro, along with the Smart Keyboard and Pencil support, but brings it in a much more bag-and-palm friendly size. Oh, and those speakers are just brilliant too.

2. Google Pixel C

This is the best Android tablet

Weight: 517g | Dimensions: 242 x 179 x 7mm | OS: Android Marshmallow| Screen size: 10.2-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1800 | CPU: Tegra X1 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: up to 10 hours | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 2MP

*Fantastic screen
*Premium design
*Plenty of power
Google's done it – the new Pixel C is the best Android tablet. The Pixel C has it all: a fantastic display, heaps of power and a premium design. Plus, for those willing to splash the cash, the keyboard is a great accessory. It's not quite a laptop replacement, but for those in the market for a premium Android tablet - look no further.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

A top notch iPad rival

Weight: 256g/389g | Dimensions: 198.6 x 134.8 x 5.6mm/237.3 x 169 x 5.6mm | OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 8.0-inch/9.7-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Octa-core | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Battery: 4000mAh/5870mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 2.1MP

*Thinner, lighter design
*Rare expandable memory
*Improved interface

There are plenty of reasons to invest in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 - especially if you're after a top Android tablet. This is the best tablet that Samsung has ever produced - it's both reading and web surfing-friendly and you can pick it up in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants. Almost impossibly thin, pumped full of power and with a slicker interface it gives the iPad Air 2 a real run for its money, although it's getting a little older now.

4. iPad mini 4

The best small-screen tablet

Weight: 299g | Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 9.1 | Screen size: 7.9-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Dual-core 1.5 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 5124mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.2MP

*Brilliant screen
* Sleek design
*Touch ID finger scanner

The best 7-inch tablet at the moment is definitely the iPad mini 4. If you like the look of Apple's iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro, but find them a) too big, b) too expensive or c) both? Well you're in luck as the diminutive iPad mini 4 gives you the best of Apple's tablet world in a form factor which is not only beautiful, but highly portable.

5. Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet

Lighter, faster, waterproof… a keyboarded iPad Pro rival

Weight: 389g | Dimensions: 254 x 167 x 6.1 mm | OS: Android 5.0 | Screen size: 10.1-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 | CPU: octa-core | RAM: 3GB of RAM | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 6000mAh | Rear camera: 8.1MP | Front camera: 5.1MP

*Gorgeous display
*Improved lightweight design
*Keyboard dock included

The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is the best option for PS4 owners, simply because it allows you to stream games from your console direct to the tablet when you're in another room of your house.
Link up your PS4 controller to the Z4 Tablet and you'll be gaming in bed, in the kitchen and on the toilet. The included keyboard dock in the box also makes for a great stand, although it's a little on the wobbly side.
This tablet is ageing a little nowadays - we're still waiting for Sony to bring the reboot out, but this one is still powerful enough.

6. iPad Pro 12.9

Apple's biggest slate isn't its best, but it's not far off

Expansive screen

Hugely powerful

Great speakers

The iPad Pro won't be for everyone, but for those it does appeal to you're unlikely to find a better tablet for your needs. Whether its graphics, multi-tasking or providing a pseudo-Mac experience when you're away from the office the iPad Pro is capable of so much.
Even the Pencil - hilarious name aside - is an impressive tool for a particular niche. For professionals, this is the best tablet out there and for some it's more than capable of replacing a laptop - it's only so low down the list due to the higher price.
iOS software still doesn't offer the same desktop experience as the macOS, but it's not far off for many tasks - this is a great 'sling in the bag and still get the power you need' device.

7. Nexus 9

A perfect all round Android tablet

Weight: 425g | Dimensions: 228.2 x 153.7 x 8mm | OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 8.9-inch | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 | CPU: Dual-core 2.3 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/32GB | Battery: 6700 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 1.6MP

* Great value for money
*Stock Android experience
*Solid performance
Originally a rather expensive Google-branded tablet, the Nexus 9 has now dropped so much in price it's the best value tablet out there. There's a whole load of power, stock Android and a high res screen making it a great all-round tablet at a very affordable price, although it's not being stocked as widely as before, which we're taking to mean we'll see a successor appearing soon.

8. Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Compact, portable and powerful

Weight: 270g | Dimensions: 213.4 x 123.6 x 6.4mm | OS: Android OS, v5.0.2 | Screen size: 8.0-inch | Resolution: 1200 x 1920 | CPU: Quad-core 2.5GHz | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 16GB | Battery: 4500mAh | Rear camera: 8.1MP | Front camera: 2.2MP

*Great battery life
*Very thin and light
*Waterproof body

Tablets don't have to be big and cumbersome, and the rather clumsily named Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is testament to just that. It's not Sony's best tablet - that goes to the Z4 further up the page -but it's super-slim profile, waterproof chassis, bright display and solid line up of specs means it'll comfortably slip in your bag and won't baulk at the first sign of rain.

9. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

The tablet that can replace your laptop

Weight: 766g/786g | Dimensions: 292.10 x 201.42 x 8.45mm | OS: Windows 10 Pro | Screen size: 12.3-inch | Resolution: 2,736 x 1,824 | CPU: Various | RAM: 4GB/8GB/16GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: up to 9 hours | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP

*Larger, sharper screen
*Vastly improved Type Cover
*Built in kickstand

Can a tablet really replace your laptop or home PC? That's still up for debate, but the best tablet trying to make that happen is the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - and it does a fine job with the full blown version of Windows 10, an integrated kickstand and optional keyboard attachment. Great for for creative professionals, students and everyday folks alike - it's only the laptop-esque prices that push it down the list, but if you're willing to pay for it, you're getting a lot of power. A LOT.

10. iPad Air 2

*Sleek

*Superbly powerful

*Unbeatable app selection

Until the iPad Pro 9.7, this was the best tablet in the world. Even though it has been replaced by Apple, it's still a brilliant tablet that has further raised the bar for the rest of the competition in terms of build quality, features and performance, and the best part is the new Pro means the price of this model's dropped a fair bit. Apple's range of tablet-optimised apps and a slick user interface makes the iPad Air 2 extremely versatile while also being incredibly easy, and enjoyable, to use.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2016