6 best Android tablets to buy in Australia in 2024
Offering a slate of high-end features, this speedy device is the perfect accessory to take on-the-go.
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If you’re looking for a functional and versatile tablet outside of Apple’s iPad line-up, there are plenty of great Android tablets currently on the market.
These devices are available in a wide range of screen sizes, and at different price points, making it a little easier to find one that best suits your needs.
Whether you’re after the biggest, most impressive option, or just a simple device to watch your favourite TV shows on, we’ve gathered the top Android tablets for all budgets below.
Still tossing up between Android and iOS? Check out our full roundup of best tablets and iPads.
Prices are correct and products are in stock at time of publishing.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST ANDROID TABLET OVERALL
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, from $1999 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
What You Need To Know
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the tablet to buy for those who want the latest and greatest Android model. With a generous 14.6-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and 11,200mAh battery, it offers the most laptop-like functionality of any Samsung tablet.
It comes with improved multi-tasking and OneUI software to help you make the most of the super-sized screen, and gives you the option to expand storage by up to 1TB with a microSD card. It also has Samsung DeX mode support, which lets you rearrange windows and apps for a desktop-like display.
The included S Pen meanwhile uses the same Wacom technology as dedicated drawing tablets, making it a hugely impressive choice for creatives. If you want to draw, read or stream while in the bath or at the beach, there’s even a water resistance rating in case your tablet takes an accidental swim.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is hugely expensive, and adding on the Book Cover Keyboard or Book Cover Keyboard Slim ($549 and $349 respectively) only further escalates that cost. It’s probably bigger than most people need too, making the smaller 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S9+ also worth a look in. If you have the space and cash to spare though, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the ultimate device for power users.
The tablet currently holds a 4.7 out of five star rating from more than 3300 reviews on Google Reviews.
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve never really used a tablet before (or needed one) but I’m impressed by the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. which I’ve been testing out for the past week at work and at home.
It’s lightweight and very easy to set up, plus I’m a fan of the AMOLED display, which is bright but not overwhelming, and makes reading text on screen actually better than my usual laptop. I was mainly reading news stories via the Google news app, which was easy to navigate and felt really intuitive.
This intuitive sensibility extends to the overall user experience, which feels comparable to the way I’d typically scroll through different apps on my smartphone, the main different being you obviously have a much larger screen, and also the use of the Samsung S Pen, which lets you take handwritten notes, navigate around the apps with ease, and even use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra as a colouring in book.
Given it’s slimline case and design, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra would be a great choice for travelling, with its ability to perform highly while gaming, streaming series and listening to music.
The one main thing I’d say is that starting at $1999, this is a very expensive of tech, and for me personally I don’t think I’d normally spend this amount of money on a tablet.
However, Samsung is very keen on creating tech products that can integrate within your existing lifestyle, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a great example of this ethos.
And given the compatibility of the tablet with other Android devices, I can see how this is something that would easily last several years, and in turn, become a good investment of your time and money.
BEST SMALL ANDROID TABLET
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, from $1299 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
What You Need To Know
If you want a tablet that’s as premium as it is portable, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 is hard to beat. Despite being the base model of the Galaxy Tab S9 line, it shares many features with the pricier Galaxy Tab S9+ and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, with the main point of difference being its smaller 11-inch display.
All three tablet variants are available in Wi-Fi or 5G versions, and work with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. They all also come with an S Pen stylus in the box, feature an IP68 rating, run Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI overlay, and offer Samsung’s DeX mode to help with multi-tasking.
The Galaxy Tab S9 even features an AMOLED display – a premium offering that was previously exclusive to the Plus and Ultra models in the Galaxy Tab S8 line-up.
It has fewer storage capacity options than the Galaxy Tab S9+ and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, and the battery capacity is also more modest at 8,400mAh – though Samsung suggests you can still get around 15 hours on a full charge (depending on what you’re doing).
The 11-inch screen does feel a little cramped for multi-tasking, making the Galaxy Tab S9+ the better choice if need some extra screen real estate. Given the high price of the line-up though, the Galaxy Tab S9 is the most accessible option, making it the best value choice for most people.
One five-star reviewer on the Samsung site called the Galaxy Tab S9 “the ultimate companion”, saying: “(I) absolutely love it! Take it everywhere with me travelling”.
BEST ANDROID TABLET FOR STUDENTS
Lenovo Tab P12, from $699 at The Good Guys
Lenovo Tab P12
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a tablet for light productivity and entertainment, Lenovo’s Tab P12 is a nice option. It’s not as fast or speccy as some other models on this list, but it’s smooth enough for notetaking and everyday tasks.
The generous 12.7-inch display lends plenty of room for multi-tasking, and makes the tablet a viable option for students and lower-productivity users to turn into a 2-in-1 device. There’s even a desktop-style multi-tasking mode, which makes it easier to jump around between apps and windows while you’re researching or essay writing.
The Lenovo Tab P12 comes with a stylus included in the box, which adds further value to its budget price tag, even if the pen experience isn’t in the same league as Apple or Samsung.
There are, of course, trade offs for a tablet of this price, notably in the battery life and overall camera experience. The Tab P12’s LCD screen also doesn’t get overly bright, but it still offers an entertainment experience that should be satisfying enough for casual users.
The Lenovo Tab P12 holds a current score of 4.7 out of five from more than 1200 reviews on Google Reviews.
BEST BUDGET ANDROID TABLET UNDER $500
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, from $299 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
What You Need To Know
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for those who are after a cheap android tablet, and don’t want to drop a small fortune on their next device.
Its low-price point has relatively few drawbacks, with the tablet handling daily productivity tasks without any major issues, and even running games reasonably well. It also comes with a nice 11-inch LCD display, solid metal body, relatively loud quad speakers, and expandable storage thanks to the microSD card slot.
Of course, it’s an inexpensive device which means you will sacrifice premium features found on more expensive tablets, such as a fingerprint sensor. You’ll also have to contend with a modest battery life and basic camera system. But, if you’re after a budget model without any huge flaws, the Galaxy Tab A9+ fits the bill nicely.
The Galaxy Tab A9+ holds a current customer rating of 4.5 out of five from more than 14,700 ratings on Google Reviews.
BEST MID-RANGE ANDROID TABLET
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, from $999 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great option for those who like the premium Galaxy Tab S9 series, but can’t stretch their budget to meet the $1299 starting price. Essentially, the tablet shaves a few things off of the standard Galaxy Tab S9 in order to make the price point more appealing to those on a tighter budget.
Instead of the OLED screens featured in the higher-end Galaxy Tab S9 models, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ sports an LCD display. Although it doesn’t match the display quality of its more expensive siblings, it’s still a very good IPS screen for a tablet in this price range.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor rather than the speedier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, though standard users likely won’t notice the difference. I didn’t experience any notable lag with day-to-day tasks during my hands on testing, and only began to notice the performance drop when gaming on high settings or running demanding video applications.
The battery life is also great, at around 18 hours with mixed usage, and there’s an IP68 water-resistance rating and included S Pen stylus to add even more value.
I did miss the ability to connect to an external monitor via Samsung DeX, but the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ remains a great option for casual users who want a reliable, premium-looking device.
The tablet has been reviewed more than 5,600 times on Google Reviews and holds a current customer rating of 4.7 out of 5.
BEST SMART HOME ANDROID TABLET
Google Pixel Tablet, from $899 at Harvey Norman
Google Pixel Tablet
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
With the Pixel Tablet, Google has essentially upsized its Nest Hub smart display and added in all the functionality of a standard tablet.
It magnetically connects to the included speaker dock/charging station, allowing you to take full advantage of its smart home features, before easily popping off so you can browse the internet or watch your favourite shows.
The nifty tablet has become a staple in my kitchen, where it serves as my clock, cooking timer, a speaker for my tunes, and a voice assistant I can ask quick-fire questions to. I then use it for light internet browsing, or take it with me in the tub when I want to sit back and enjoy a Netflix binge (though I strongly advise against getting it wet as there’s no waterproof rating here).
While the 10.95-inch screen is a little small for some tasks, it makes the Pixel Tablet an easy travel option for those times when I don’t want to pack my laptop. Its Tensor G2 chip meanwhile manages basic tasks well, though it’s not cut out for intense productivity or high-setting gaming.
Ultimately, the Pixel Tablet’s specs sheet won’t blow you away, but it’s still a great choice for those after a basic and capable android tablet, and who would also benefit from a smart home hub.
The Google Pixel Tablet has a 4.5 out five star rating from more than 600 customer reviews on Google Reviews.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A TABLET
When choosing tablet models to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Display: We included tablet options ranging from mini, to a big screen android tablet, to the size of a small laptop to help suit different user needs.
Feature sets: Not all android tablets are the same. We considered a variety of use-cases, from entertainment to video processing and heavy workloads, and included a variety of options to suit.
Battery life: We noted the duration of the battery life for each tablet, and looked for models that listed an all-day charge, and had a solid battery life.
Value: We weighed up the above criteria against the cost of each tablet model, whether you’re after a premium android tablet, or a cheaper offering, in order to determine the best value for money.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of tablets available, it’s impossible to test every model out there. To help you find the best one for you, we tested two well-known models at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best tablets for all budgets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ANDROID TABLET AND A WINDOWS TABLET?
While iPads and Android tablets can be used instead of laptops in some instances, Windows tablets are still the best option for productivity. They’re more compatible with traditional desktop software, and tend to have better processing power and storage capacity, which makes them better suited to professional and power users. They’re also designed to be connected to a detachable keyboard, making them more of a 2-in-1 laptop than a stand-alone touch device.
However, Windows tablets tend to be heavier and more expensive than Android devices, and typically have shorter battery lives as they’re more processor-intensive. This makes Android tablets the better choice for those after a portable device for media consumption and light productivity tasks.
SHOULD I BUY AN ANDROID TABLET OR IPAD?
As with smartphones, choosing between Apple and Android is something of a personal choice. If you’re looking for a tablet with a wide range of customisation options, compatibility with Google Apps, and more apps and games on Play Store, an Android tablet could be for you. However, a lot of apps have not been optimised for Android, which can result in a poorer experience than you get on an iPad.
iPads also tend to have more software updates over an extended period, and offer powerful performance and easy integration with all other Apple devices and services. This could make them the preferred choice if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.
On the downside, iPads are typically more expensive than many of the best Android tablets out there, and have fewer customisation options.
SHOULD I GET A TABLET WITH CELLULAR?
If you’ll mostly be using your tablet in areas with a Wi-Fi connection (at home, in the office, etc), a Wi-Fi only tablet model will give you the best value for money.
If you’re a frequent traveller or expect to be using your tablet in areas with patchy Wi-Fi, upgrading to a cellular tablet could meanwhile be worth your while. That said, cellular tablet options are typically a lot more expensive than Wi-Fi only models. So, if you want to save yourself some cash, you could buy a Wi-Fi only model and then use a mobile hotspot or buy a dedicated portable Wi-Fi device.
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