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Our Best Android Tablets For Media Junkies In 2020

Get the full benefits of full customization that only Android tablets can give. Thanks to the open-source system that Android uses, it gives you hundreds of different customization options that otherwise are unavailable with other operating systems. 

Tom’s Guide

Are you looking for a tablet that you can use for watching your favorite content online? Look no further; Android offers more flexibility for your unique streaming needs. Make sure to read through our list of the best Android tablets in 2020 so you can get the most value for your money. 

How to choose the best Android Tablet? 

As I mentioned earlier, Google’s Android OS’s greatest strength is its flexibility. That is followed by the fact that it lets manufacturers build useful tablets at a significantly lower price than the Apple iPad. With a price range coming from $50 to $1,000, it allows a wider range of niches and tastes than its iOS competitor. 

On the other hand, Apple iPad still dominates the tablet market ever since it was launched. Unfortunately, this year, a lot of alternative low-end Android tablets have been flooding the market. This has affected some of the renowned brands like Asus, Acer, Samsung, and Lenovo. 

With this in mind, Android seems to have lost to iPad and Windows tablets. However, their strengths are still notable and low prices remain hard to beat. Also, Android tablets sometimes come with interesting features but kinda unusual like the Onyx Boox Note Air’s sizable Ink screen. 

Here’s how to choose the best Android Tablet for your budget. 

Begin with the software 

Most Android tablet manufacturers don’t give importance to their software updates. While the most recent version is the Android 10, a huge majority of tablets are still stuck on the old version. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new Android tablet, make sure you get the one running on Android 9 or higher. 

This is essential since Amazon and Samsung brands are fond of putting an extra spin on Google OS. This is evident with their collection of features, improved user interface, and new app stores. While it’s not for everyone, Amazon Fire or Samsung users should give the latest devices a try. 

However, if you’re already familiar with the Amazon ecosystem, you might want to stick with the latest upgrades from Fire tablets. In addition, even if you don’t get the most recent OS update, Android still remains the most customizable operating system. 

In fact, it lives up to its reputation as a multitasker with an excellent notification system and up to date configuration with Google services such as Google Maps, Gmail and Meet. Also, Android is a powerhouse for great apps but it’s unfortunate that there still aren’t many tablet-specific alternatives, unlike the iPad. 

Choose between a Cellular or Wi-Fi Tablet 

Almost all major carriers sell cellular-based tablets. For this reason, you can add them to a monthly plan or pay for data on a daily basis. For example, T-Mobile tablets are locked just like AT&T and Verizon tablets. However, Verizon can be unlocked 60 days after purchase as long as they’re already paid off. 

Moreover, cellular tablets are a great option for people who need a data connection wherever they go. But most people will be fine with just a Wi-Fi tablet. This option is good enough since you can use your phone as a hotspot if you’re away from Wi-Fi. While this will drain your battery, you can always use a power bank. 

Additionally, make sure you check your plan before making this decision. This is essential because most carriers restrict the amount of LTE data they provide for your mobile hotspot. 

Look at the design

Even the cheapest devices today can provide adequate performance. Because of this, we highly suggest that you pay attention to design and display quality. While the software can be improved as time goes by, the cheap plastic body might not get the right upgrade. 

While cheap tablets can handle 1024×600 or 1280×800 screens, it can be grainy to the eyes. This is also the case for some mid-range smartphones. However, if you opt for the high-quality tablets you can rest assured that it can manage the 2048×1536 sharper pictures. 

Although there are countless bargain options promising a great Android experience with highly-serviceable parts, we still recommend choosing an established brand with trusted software support and made from high-quality hardware. 

The best Android tablets in 2020

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019) 

Best budget tablet for streaming

What Hi-Fi

Amazon Fire remains undefeated for budget-friendly tablets. But it’s not just about its low price tag. The truth is, Amazon tablets are made from high-quality materials, intuitive software, and a more desirable warranty. Meanwhile, the new Fire HD 10 is a good example of that. 

It features a powerful processor, additional RAM, and the Fire OS 7 for extra smooth performance. The Fire HD 10 is available in a variety of colors from white, purple, black, and blue. It has a 10.1-inch display with solid while the back is made from thin polycarbonate material. 

Onyx Boox Note Air

Best tablet for college students 

Good e-Reader

The Onyx Boox Note Air comes at good pricing, made from high-quality materials, and a significantly flexible E Ink tablet for school use. This is why it’s best for college students and students in general who often use textbooks or letter-sized documents. 

Since the pandemic happened, online learning and remote working became the new norm. For this reason, we believe that the Onyx Boox Note Air is the perfect partner for college students and professors alike. It’s expected to manage every reading task you could possibly have. Doctors, lawyers, and every other professional will appreciate this tablet. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

The best high-end android tablet

The Verge

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is the brand’s attempt to push Android tablets to another level. Thanks to its 2-in-1 software that’s almost similar to the desktop. Moreover, the Galaxy Tab S4 comes with an S Pen and expandable microSD storage. 

It’s also good to note that this Samsung tablet has a built-in Dex software that mimics the desktop interface. Because of the Dex software, this tablet becomes the much desirable 2-in-1 tablet that’s almost close to the Windows and Chromebook computers. 

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) 

Best Android tablet for Zoom and video playback 

Tech Advisor

The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet remains an excellent choice for its cheaper price. However, because of the poor app store, the tablet can somehow feel limited. For years, Amazon has sold affordable Fire tablet lineups, which allowed customers to enjoy Amazon content even on the go. Meanwhile, the latest Fire HD 8 is an easy-to-use tablet that works exclusively for the Amazon system. 

This particular Amazon tablet is ideal for basic streaming, kids’ games, picture books, and even Zoom call. In fact, it’s the best value-for-money tablet thanks to its faster processor and added RAM compared to its 2018 predecessor. Unfortunately, Amazon limits the Fire HD 8 within its exclusive app store, so don’t expect to get the same services from Apple and Android tablets. 

Lenovo Tab 4 8

Best alternative for Amazon Fire tablets 

Laptop Mag

The Lenovo Tab 4 8 is a cost-effective Android tablet with long battery life and respectable performance. This is why it’s dubbed as the best Amazon Fire alternative. That means, it can handle the needs of average multimedia users. 

This Lenovo tablet offers suitable usage when lounging on the living room couch on your day off or if you want to keep your kids entertained during a long drive. It features an 8-inch display, compact build, and decent specs for the average user. 

The Lenovo 4 8 tablet is powered by a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor, decent battery life of up to 6 hours of full-screen streaming over Wi-Fi, and maximum screen brightness. Notably, it runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and Lenovo’s custom user interface. 

Onyx Boox Max Lumi

Best Android tablet for E Ink productivity 

Goodereader 

The Onyx Boox Max Lumi features a huge 13.3-inch screen. This lets you do almost anything with E Ink that otherwise can only be done on a PC monitor or large-format Android screen. But that’s not all. In fact, even the software has seen massive changes. 

The tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64Gb of storage. With a faster monitor and improved software, this Android tablet offers a smoother and more efficient E Ink productivity machine. Similarly, it’s also good for reading sheet music, graphic novels, PDFs, and even standard-sized books.