Tablets, Ranked

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Samsung: Samsung is widely regarded as having the most reputable brand known for its wide range of tablets, including the Galaxy Tab series. They offer tablets in various sizes and configurations, catering to different user needs. Samsung tablets are recognized for their vibrant displays, solid performance, and features such as S Pen compatibility and DeX mode.

2. Apple: Apple is a reputable and influential brand in the tablet market. Their iPad lineup, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, has set industry standards for design, performance, and user experience. Apple's tablets are known for their high-quality displays, powerful processors, extensive app ecosystem, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.

3. Microsoft: Microsoft's Surface lineup has gained a strong reputation, particularly in the 2-in-1 tablet category. The Surface Pro and Surface Go tablets are highly regarded for their premium build quality, productivity-focused features, and seamless integration with Windows software. Microsoft tablets often appeal to professionals and creative users due to their versatility and compatibility with accessories like the Surface Pen and Type Cover.

4. Lenovo: Lenovo offers a range of tablets, including both Android-based and Windows-based devices. Their Yoga Tab and ThinkPad tablet series have gained recognition for their unique designs, long battery life, and solid performance. Lenovo tablets often provide a good balance between affordability and features.

5. Amazon: Amazon's Fire tablets have gained popularity for their affordable price points and integration with Amazon's services. While they may not have the same level of high-end features as other brands, Amazon tablets are known for their budget-friendly options, access to a vast library of digital content, and user-friendly interface.

6. Huawei: Huawei has made strides in the tablet market with its MatePad series. They offer tablets with sleek designs, vibrant displays, and solid performance. Huawei tablets often appeal to users looking for a good balance between features and value for money.

7. Google: Google's Pixel Slate and Pixel C tablets have gained a moderate reputation for their clean software experience and integration with Google's ecosystem. However, Google's presence in the tablet market has been relatively limited compared to other manufacturers.

8. Asus: Asus offers a variety of tablets, including their ZenPad and Transformer Pad series. While they may not have as high of a brand reputation as some other manufacturers, Asus tablets are appreciated for their affordability, decent performance, and features like expandable storage.