Best tablets in South Africa 2020
We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to digital devices. Focusing on tablets alone; there are tons of different models available that cater to the needs of people from all walks of life. This can, however, make shopping for the ideal one for you somewhat overwhelming. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a curated list of the best tablets currently available in South Africa. Here goes.
In This Guide:
- Best Tablets Available in South Africa Right Now
- Which are better: Android Tablets or iPads?
- What is the best internet connection for my tablet?
Best Tablets Available in South Africa Right Now
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 (the best average tablet for everyday use)
- Screen size - 10.5-inch
- Resolution - 1600 x 2560 pixels
- CPU - Snapdragon 855
- Storage - 128GB/256GB
- Rear camera - 13MP + 5MP
- Front camera - 8MP
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is one of the best Android tablets available now. It’s built to comfortably handle everyday use but has solid enough specs to also deal with more intensive tasks like gaming. It has all the cutting-edge features you would expect from a Samsung product, including a high-end processor and best-in-class AMOLED display.
iPad 8 (the best basic iPad)
- Screen size - 10.2-inch
- Resolution – 2160 x 1620 pixels
- CPU - A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
- Storage - 32GB storage
- Camera - 8MP camera
This may not be the most powerful portable device on the market but it offers good value for money and covers all the basics if you’re set on owning an iPad. The CPU is quick, and it handles HD video streaming and series binging well when paired with a fast internet connection. The iPad 8 also has a solid 11-hour battery life, which means that you can rely on the device if you’re frequently on the move.
Microsoft Surface Pro (the best for students)
- Screen size - 12.3-inch
- Resolution - 1824 x 2736
- CPU - Intel Core m3, i5 or i7
- Storage - 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
- Rear camera: 8MP
- Front camera: 5MP
The Microsoft Surface Pro can easily replace a laptop if you don’t mind working with a smaller screen. It features a full version of Windows 10 and includes a kickstand and an optional keyboard attachment, which means it works as a perfectly serviceable replacement for a laptop. Because of its versatility and ability to compute well, we think it’s the best tablet for students and businessmen who need a compact workhorse.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e - 10.5-inch (the best light tablet)
- Screen size - 10.5-inch
- Resolution - 2560 x 1600
- Storage: 64GB
- Rear camera: 13MP
- Front camera: 8MP
If you are looking for a tablet that is light but offers an advanced Android experience, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is worth a second glance. Apart from having a fantastic battery life (7040mAh), it also features a large and impressive Quad HD AMOLED screen – all whilst weighing a light 400 grams.
iPad Pro 10.5 (the best iPad for media streaming)
- Screen size - 10.5-inch
- Resolution - 1668 x 2224
- CPU - A10X Fusion
- Storage - 64GB/256GB/512GB
- Rear camera: 12MP
- Front camera: 7MP
The iPad Pro 10.5 is slightly pricier than other tablet upgrades, but this is due to its ProMotion screen which ensures that your content is displayed to perfection. It also comes complete with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard compatibility. Perfectly designed for media munchers, the iPadOS ensures that this device is well-suited to the needs of professionals who need work/play technology.
iPad 10.2 (the best affordable tablet)
- Screen size - 10.2-inch
- Resolution - 1620 x 2160 pixels
- CPU - A10 Fusion
- Storage - 32/128GB
- Rear camera: 8MP
- Front camera: 1.2MP
If you are kept within the confines of a budget but still want an excellent tablet that will handle day-to-day needs, then you may just find the affordable iPad 10.2 to your liking. It looks just as luxurious as the rest of Apple’s range and has an amazing battery life. While it debuted in 2019, its longevity and useful features have kept it a top choice for 2021.
Which are better: Android Tablets or iPads?
Comparing Android tables with iPads isn’t that straightforward, not least because of the huge variety of Android tablets on offer. We suggest that you study the specifications of all the models to see which one will live up to your expectations.
Nevertheless, there are some broad points that can be made about each. To help you with your decision, we have drawn up lists of respective pros and cons:
Ipads:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent battery life | USBs are not included |
| A huge variety of apps | They don’t support flash |
| Perfect for viewing content | Apple products sit at the higher end of the price range |
| Fast and user-friendly |
Android:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They pair well with other devices | Software updates can be slow and glitchy |
| Affordable and durable | They start to lag over time |
| They can be easily customised | Fewer apps to choose from |
| Easy to use |
What is the best internet connection for my tablet?
You’ve got your tablet and now you want to hook it up to the internet. What are your choices? Well, when it comes to mobile devices, then your choices are seemingly endless. From 3G and 4G to LTE and WiFi compatibility, you’re likely to find a service that’s going to best meet your needs. So, in the end, the perfect internet connection comes down to personal choice and your level of expectations.
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