If you’re not already invested in Android, an iPad is a better tablet in general than any current Android tablet, even for people who use Google’s apps and services. But if you absolutely need an Android tablet, either to run specific apps or because you prefer Android to iOS, the best option is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. It isn’t the cheapest Android tablet, but it offers the best large-screen version of Android, powerful hardware, and reliable software updates.
Our pick
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
This capable tablet offers a sharp display, a tablet-optimized version of Android, and Samsung’s S Pen stylus.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $554.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11-inch LCD screen, instead of OLED as on the more expensive Galaxy Tab S8+, but that screen is sharp and bright, and it has a smooth, 120 Hz refresh rate. The tablet’s 8,000 mAh battery will keep it running for the better part of a week, and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor can handle even the most demanding games. The Galaxy Tab S8 runs Android 12L—a tablet-optimized update to Android 12—with Samsung’s enhanced multitasking features, which make Android apps easier to use on the large screen. Samsung also promises system updates through spring 2026. In addition, the tablet comes with the S Pen stylus, which is handy for marking up documents or basic sketching or note taking. Samsung’s software can be a little confusing, though.
Budget pick
Amazon Fire HD 8 (12th generation)
The Fire HD 8 has a smaller, lower-resolution screen than on the Galaxy Tab S8, but it’s a great cheap tablet for reading or watching video, especially if you get that content from Amazon’s store.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $55.
If you want a cheap tablet for watching videos, reading, or very light web browsing, the 12th-generation, 2022-release Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is ideal. It doesn’t have access to the Google Play store or any of Google’s apps, but it costs just $100 with lock-screen ads ($115 without) and lets you easily access Amazon content. Amazon’s Android-based Fire OS runs very well on the tablet, and the Fire HD 8 offers above average battery life due to its low-resolution screen. The Fire HD 8 also has more-extensive parental controls than other tablets, making it a great family device. However, because it’s limited to Amazon’s app store, it can’t offer nearly as many apps or games as a regular Android tablet or an iPad can.
Upgrade pick
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The Galaxy Tab S8+ has a gorgeous 12.4-inch OLED screen that is even sharper and brighter than the one on the Galaxy Tab S8. It’s fast, sleek, and feature-packed, but it costs more than most people should spend on an Android tablet.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $750.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is the best no-compromise Android tablet. With a 1752×2800 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, the 12.4-inch OLED display is one of the best screens we’ve seen on any device (Apple doesn’t even make OLED tablets). The display works with the included S Pen stylus, allowing you to take notes or draw. The tablet is powerful enough to run multiple apps side by side, and Samsung’s version of Android 12L has the best multitasking features we’ve seen in our testing. Samsung promises updates through spring 2026, but the software is loaded down with features you’ll probably never use. And when this tablet is not on sale, its asking price is about $900—at that price, most people should get an iPad.
