2024-07-21 13:34:05
Apple and Samsung are once again in a close race in the tablet test. The latest iPads are brand new. They immediately take first place – but they are also expensive.
The most important things at a glance
Two “very good” ratings, two first places for Apple. The iPad Pro with M4 chip has passed the Stiftung Warentest test and left the competition behind. Anyone looking for the best tablet currently available will have to look at Apple and, above all, dig deep into their pockets, because the devices in both sizes are anything but cheap.
If you are looking for good alternatives, you also have a lot of choice. Ten out of eleven devices received the overall rating “good” in the test – more than half are also inexpensive. In addition to the test winners, they are a clear recommendation. You can read all the recommendations in the “test” issue 07/2024. We present the results of the test and show the price tip.
Stiftung Warentest has now tested a total of 159 tablets from manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Huawei and Xiaomi. Eleven models have been added for the “test” issue 07/2024, with the testers mainly examining inexpensive models from the mid-range. The testers have now added the current iPad from Apple.
The devices can be categorized into large, medium and small sizes. They have a screen diagonal of 20 to 32 centimeters. The tablets run on different operating systems such as Android, Fire OS and iPad OS. Some models also have a mobile phone chip with fast 5G radio installed. This means you can surf on the go.
Stiftung Warentest examines functions such as surfing, video and photo, sound, camera and office applications. The testers also consider the display, battery and handling of the tablets to be important for the overall score. Versatility is also taken into account.
The best product from Stiftung Warentest is ranked first in its ranking. iPad Pro with M4 Chip in sizes 11 inches and 13 inches. Both received the rating “very good (1.5)”.
In second place are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and that iPad Air on a par. The Samsung tablet was already tested in March 2024 and received the verdict “good (1.8)”. The current iPad Air 13-inch with M2 chip also received the grade “good (1.8)”.
The Price tip comes from Lenovo – the Tab M11 is awarded the “test” quality rating “good (2.3)”.
The test result: The Apple iPad Pro is the new test winner with an overall rating of “very good (1.5)”. Stiftung Warentest particularly praises the functionality thanks to the power of the new processor. The display receives a rating of “very good”.
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 contrast. 256 gigabytes of storage space and Apple’s own M4 processor are housed in the case. The chip provides an enormous performance boost and is the current top model. The tablet is also getting closer to laptops in terms of RAM. This Apple model has eight gigabytes integrated.
According to Apple, the battery life is up to ten hours. The empty battery can be fully recharged in around 2.5 hours via the USB-C port. The matching USB-C to Lightning cable is included in the delivery.
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 x 1,668 pixels (eleven inches) and 2,752 x 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
The test result: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 received a test rating of “good (1.8)” and is currently in joint second place. The tablet scores with a “very good” display as well as good functions and a strong battery.
Product details: The Galaxy Tab S9 has an 11-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. With a refresh rate of 120 Hertz, movements look particularly fluid. The eight-core processor delivers 2.8 gigahertz and provides power for everyday use. The device also comes with the S-Pen. The pen can be used not only for writing, commenting or drawing, but also as a remote control.
With a capacity of 8,400 milliampere hours (mAh), the battery is extremely powerful. It is charged via the USB-C port. Important: A charger is not included with the Samsung tablet and must be purchased separately.
The storage space can easily be expanded to up to one terabyte with a microSD card. 5G mobile communications and a 13-megapixel rear camera are also on board. Together with the Galaxy Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra, the model is one of the best and fastest Android tablets currently on the market.
The test result: With a final score of “good (1.8)”, the current iPad Air is in second place together with Samsung. It scores “good” in all areas examined and is slightly cheaper than the iPad Pro.
Product details: Brand new this year, the iPad Air is also available in a version with a larger screen. Anyone looking for a large iPad previously had to go for the Pro models. The screen resolution is almost identical to the top model. Both have a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi).
Inside is the M2 processor, which impresses with its high performance in everyday use and opens apps quickly. Compared to the more expensive model, you have to do without an OLED screen and the high refresh rate of 120 Hertz. With at least 128 gigabytes of memory in the cheapest version, there is also enough space for music and your photo collection. To unlock, you use the fingerprint sensor in the power button. Accessories such as the new Apple Pencil Pro are also compatible.
The test result: With an overall rating of “good (2.3)”, the Lenovo Tab M11 is one of Stiftung Warentest’s price tips. It offers extensive features, fast 5G wireless and is significantly cheaper than its competitors from Samsung and Apple.
Product details: Lenovo has a lot of experience with cheap tablets and shows that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good model. The Tab M11 comes in a stylish metal case and has 128 GB of storage. The LCD screen is eleven inches in size and the resolution is 1,920 x 1,200 pixels.
The delivery also includes a stylus – not a given in this price range. It can be used for drawing and handwritten notes. The eight-core processor delivers a lot of power in everyday use and is also energy-saving. The tablet has a battery life of over 12 hours.
Android 13 is used as the operating system. It is also very good that there are security updates until 2028 and the tablet will also receive the next two major software updates with Android 14 and Android 15.
The best tablet currently comes from Apple – the iPad Pro offers enormous performance, is super thin and is rated “very good”. This makes it the first tablet to receive this rating from Stiftung Warentest. However, at well over 1,000 euros, it also costs a lot of money.
Things are getting cheaper in the Apple cosmos with the new iPad Airwhich also offers good features and was rated “good” in the test. However, it is not a real bargain. If you feel more comfortable with Android, you will get Samsung Galaxy S9 the best device currently available. And if you just watch a few videos on the sofa, you can use the Price tip from Lenovo.
If you buy a tablet, make sure it has the most up-to-date operating system 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 effectively. If you use a Mac or an Apple smartphone, an iPad is the right choice. On the other hand, you can get by 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 approach the 1,000 euro mark. The Stiftung Warentest test shows that there are also cheaper models that are often sufficient for simple, everyday tasks.