At the end of the year, Stiftung Warentest is once again letting tablets from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo and Co. compete against each other. The test winner even receives a “very good” overall grade.
Shortly before the end of the year and just in time for the Christmas shopping season, Stiftung Warentest published its updated tablet test: In 2024, the testers will also choose the best models of the year from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo and Co. This year even one tablet scored “very good”. You can read all the details in the “test” issue 12/2024. Here too we reveal the current test winners and show the best tablets of the year.
Stiftung Warentest has now tested more than 140 tablets from manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Huawei and Xiaomi. For the last “test” edition of the year, in which the best devices of 2024 are chosen, five more models have been added – there are even 13 new tablets online. However, they do not change anything about the test winners.
The examiners divide the mini computers into three categories: the top class, which costs more than 500 euros; the middle class up to 500 euros and the price tips, which are available for a maximum of 250 euros.
The functions of the tablets, such as the performance of the processor and graphics or the camera, are particularly important to Stiftung Warentest. In addition, the screen, the battery and the handling are taken into account equally in the overall rating of the testers. they also pay attention to the versatility of the devices.
The best tablets of 2024 come from Apple: This iPad Pro even received a “Very Good (1.5)” in July 2024 and cannot be beaten even now. This remains the best Android tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 with the grade “good (1.8)”. This puts it in shared second place behind the test winner.
Behind the expensive top-class devices are cheaper models. Among the tablets up to 500 euros is the one that was recently tested Lenovo Tab Plus recommended, which the examiners gave the overall grade of “good (2.1)” – second place in its category. This is one of the test winners up to 250 euros Honor Pad X9 (“gut (2,3)”).
You can read all the results of the tablet test in the “test” issue 12/2024 of Stiftung Warentest or online at test.de.
The test result: With an overall grade of “very good (1.5)”, the Apple iPad Pro is the current test winner and the best tablet of the year. Stiftung Warentest examined it in July and particularly praised its functionality thanks to the performance of the new processor. The display and battery even receive a “very good” rating.
Product details: The current version of Apple’s iPad Pro is thinner than ever before and now has an OLED screen. This ensures strong colors and high contrasts. There are 256 gigabytes of storage space and Apple’s own M4 processor in the case. The chip provides an enormous boost in performance and is the current top model. The tablet also moves closer to laptops when it comes to RAM. Eight gigabytes are integrated into this Apple model.
According to Apple, the battery life is up to ten hours. The empty battery is fully recharged in around 2.5 hours via the USB-C port. However, a charger is not included.
Apple calls the new display Ultra Retina XDR. Depending on the version, it measures eleven or 13 inches and has a resolution of 2,420 by 1,668 pixels (eleven inches) and 2,752 by 2,064 for the 13-inch model. The rear camera has twelve megapixels. A LiDAR scanner is also integrated to display rooms, objects and people in 3D.
The best Android tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
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The test result: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 already achieved a test rating of “good (1.8)” in March 2024 and is still in shared second place. This makes it the best Android tablet that Stiftung Warentest examined this year. The device performs “good” in all test points, the display is even “very good”.
Product details: The Galaxy Tab S9 has an eleven-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. With a refresh rate of 120 Hertz, movements look particularly fluid. The eight-core processor has an output of 2.8 gigahertz and provides plenty of performance for everyday life.
The storage space can easily be expanded up to one terabyte using a MicroSD card. 5G mobile communications and a 13-megapixel rear camera are also on board. The equipment also includes the S-Pen. The pen can not only be used for writing, commenting or drawing, but also as a remote control.
The test result: The newly tested Lenovo Tab Plus is in shared second place among devices up to 500 euros. The testers at Stiftung Warentest particularly liked the battery, the operation and the screen. There are slight deductions in terms of functions compared to the test winners from Apple and Samsung.
Product details: Lenovo has a lot of experience with affordable tablets and shows that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good model. The Tab Plus comes in a stylish metal housing and has 128 gigabytes of memory, which can be expanded to one terabyte. The screen has a size of 11.5 inches and the resolution is 2,000 by 1,200 pixels.
The highlight, however, is the sound: a total of eight speakers optimized by hi-fi specialist JBL are built into the tablet. According to the manufacturer, you can also use it as a Bluetooth box for on the go. Thanks to the water and dust protection class IP52, this is no problem.
Eight gigabytes of RAM and the processor with eight cores provide a lot of performance in everyday life. And the battery also has a lot of power: it lasts up to twelve hours. Android 14 is used as the operating system. In addition, two operating system upgrades up to Android 16 and guaranteed security updates for four years ensure that the device remains up to date.
The test result: With the “test” quality rating of “good (2.3)”, the Honor tablet is in first place among models up to 250 euros. It shares the test victory in this category with devices from Lenovo, Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi. It can’t keep up with the top models, but it scores with its battery, screen and handling.
Product details: A real price tip is the Android tablet from Honor with an 11.5-inch display with 2K resolution (2,000 by 1,200 pixels). At 128 gigabytes, its storage space is smaller than other devices, but is enough for photos, games, etc.
The performance is also lower than other models. However, with four gigabytes of RAM there is enough power for everyday tasks without apps stuttering or streaming services hanging up. The sound is also okay thanks to six speakers.
The battery is actually very good for this price range: According to the manufacturer, it lasts up to 13 hours on a single charge. If you don’t have too high demands, you’ll be well equipped for everyday life with the affordable Honor device.
A good tablet doesn’t have to be expensive, as the updated test from Stiftung Warentest clearly shows. However, the best models on the market come at a price: just that Apple iPad Pro is “very good” – and the test winner costs significantly more than 1,000 euros. The best Android tablet is a little cheaper Samsung Galaxy Tab S9. However, if you really want to spend little, look at the mid-range or the examiners’ price tips.
If you buy a tablet, make sure that the operating system is as up-to-date as possible. This ensures that all security gaps are closed and that the system also receives regular updates and new functions.
It makes sense to use the operating system that you also use on your smartphone or PC/laptop. This way you can synchronize your devices and use them particularly sensibly. If you use a Mac or an Apple smartphone, an iPad is the right choice. On the other hand, you can get along well with an Android tablet if your smartphone also runs on this operating system.
It doesn’t always have to be an expensive tablet from Apple or Samsung. The two test winners are the best models, but the prices quickly reach the 1,000 euro mark. The Stiftung Warentest test shows that there are also cheaper models that are often sufficient for simple, everyday tasks.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a tablet for personal use?
More than the other devices. All in all, consumers have a strong selection of tablets across various price ranges, ensuring that there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for high-end performance or budget-friendly options.
Summary of Top Tablets:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
– Rating: Good (1.8)
– Performance: Good in all categories, with a very good display.
– Features: 11-inch OLED display (2560 x 1600 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate, 8-core processor (2.8 GHz), expandable storage (up to 1TB), 5G support, 13 MP rear camera, and comes with S-Pen.
- Lenovo Tab Plus
– Rating: Good (2.0)
– Performance: Noted for great battery life, operation ease, and screen quality.
– Features: 11.5-inch screen (2000 x 1200 pixels), expandable storage (up to 1TB), metal housing, 8 speakers optimized by JBL for superior sound, and IP52 dust/water protection.
- Honor Tablet
– Rating: Good (2.3)
– Performance: Competitively rated amongst other budget tablets.
- Features: 11.5-inch display with 2K resolution (2000 x 1200 pixels), sufficient storage (128GB), decent performance with 4GB RAM, and sound from 6 speakers. Battery life up to 13 hours.
Conclusion
While premium models like the Apple iPad Pro are indeed ‘very good’, affordable options such as the Honor Tablet and Lenovo Tab Plus provide excellent performance without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a casual user or in search of more demanding specifications, you can find a device that fits your needs.