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iPad alternatives get a bad rep. For many people, when it comes to tablets, iPads are the only option. And they are excellent devices with high standards, but those standards come at an equally high price.
Luckily, if you are in the market for a new tablet, then there are some genuinely excellent alternatives to the iPad out there for a lot less money. You just have to be willing to make some compromises that differ with each brand.
We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top five iPad alternatives that offer the best value for money without slashing key features. Read on and explore the best alternatives to the iPad in 2024.
Why Consider iPad Alternatives?
There’s no two ways about it. iPads are very good. It’s not controversial to say that they are probably the best tablets to have ever been made. They are slick, well-built and packed full of unique features. And, importantly for artists, iPads pair with the Apple Pencil (but there are alternatives!).
That being said, iPads cost a lot. The base-level 10th-generation iPad comes at a minimum of $499/£499. But if you want some of the more advanced iterations, like the iPad Pro, then the price jumps up to $899/£899 for the base-level 11-inch version.
And here’s the secret. Most people don’t need an iPad. They have some eye-catching features and specifications, but many won’t ever put them to full use. In addition to that, if you aren’t already in the Apple ecosystem, it makes it much more attractive to look beyond the walls of Cupertino.
The Best iPad Alternatives
1. Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab: Best Overall
If you’re searching for the best overall iPad alternative, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab.
At $799/£799, the Samsung S9 Tab is, in a rarity, more expensive than the iPad 10th generation. But that doesn’t tell the full story. For one, the iPad was released in 2022, making it two years old. The S9 Tab was released in 2024.
Secondly, you get a truly excellent array of features and specifications. There’s a base level of 128GB storage, 8GB RAM and an eye-popping 11-inch AMOLED 2X display that easily outdoes the 10th-generation iPad for colour vibrancy. The display also has a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the iPad’s 60Hz meaning animations and video appear smoother.
At its core, the S9 Tab revolves around the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for all of its processing capabilities. The same chip powered the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and, as with that device, it handles pretty much anything you can throw at it, including video editing and animation. It is also noticeably better than the A14 Bionic chip found in the standard iPad.
Included with the price, just like any flagship Samsung mobile device, is the S-Pen. While it isn’t a shade on the Apple Pencil for how dynamic it is (you won’t be sketching masterpieces with the S-Pen), it does the job as a note-taker, with magnetic attachment too. We still think the Benks Pen is the best smart pencil out there!
You also get access to Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI features, including the genuinely useful Circle To Search and Photo Assist which can help tidy up backgrounds and blurry images. It’s still unclear how Samsung will make users pay for Galaxy AI in future, a subscription model seems likely, but for now, it’s included in the base-pice.
The 13MP camera on the Samsung also pips the iPad by 1MP, although there is no ultrawide functionality.
If you desperately need the highest quality drawing experience, then an iPad is probably a better option for you. But if you won’t be pushing out the next Mona Lisa, the Samsung S9 Tab does everything else an iPad does with a more powerful processor chip. Plus, you get AI features.
For an everyday tablet that you might write notes, work or watch movies on, the S9 Tab is a brilliant option. Oh, you can also get a free pair of Galaxy Buds2 Pro if you buy directly from Samsung. Look no further for your next tablet.
Unless you want something with even more oomph…
2. Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra: Best iPad Pro Alternative
With the Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra you get all of the above, but with some juicy specs to bolster performance and usability.
The S9 Tab Ultra uses the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip as the standard model but comes with at least 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (configurable up to 16GB and 1TB respectively). The battery capacity is also larger by about 3,000mAh at 11,200mAh. All of this means the S9 Ultra is more slick than the standard S9 Tab and it certainly feels like it when you perform high-intensity tasks like photo editing.
And there’s better news for artists and creatives in general; the display is 14.6 inches meaning you have more real estate for working on visual projects. You also get the option of a free Galaxy Watch4 or a compatible Keyboard if you buy the Ultra version.
There isn’t much else to say about the S9 Tab Ultra. It is like the standard S9 Ultra, but with a larger display and more RAM which makes it run smoother. Another plus with an Android tablet to consider is that you can expand storage with an external SD card. You cannot do that with an iPad.
The only sticking point is the price. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with 128GB storage and 12GB RAM costs $1,199/£1,199. The M2 iPad Pro, with the largest 12.9-inch display, costs $1,249/£1,249 for the same amount of storage. If you get the smaller iPad Po display, then it’s only $899/£899. That makes the value assessment quite tricky.
The iPad Pro is a beautifully slick tablet, but more importantly for artists, it gives you access to the Apple Pencil and Procreate, two vital bits of kit. Therefore, it’s down to you to decide. Do you want to be in the Apple ecosystem or is Android for you?
There is one thing that might help you decide on storage. If you need a lot, say 1TB, then that quickly bumps up the price of the iPad Pro to $2,039/£2,039. Storage is always cheaper on Android devices and can be externally expanded. It’s your call!
3. Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch: Honourable Mention
At £899/$899, the Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch is cheaper than any option from Samsung, and about as expensive as the base-level iPad 10th-generation. To make things even more attractive, this price includes 12GB RAM and a generous 256GB storage. That alone makes the MatePad Pro good value already.
But there’s more.
As the name suggests, it has a 13.2-inch display with a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a whopping 144Hz refresh rate. That’s larger than the 12.9 inches offered by Apple and maximised by a 94% screen ratio. And get this, the MatePad Pro’s display is already OLED.
If you haven’t guessed yet, the MatePad’s display is excellent. You won’t find a tablet with a better one.
And there’s a real focus on making the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch as suitable for work as possible. The Smart Magnetic Keyboard (which comes free with the device if you purchase from Huawei directly) is easily as good as Apple’s Magic Keyboard, and it’s lighter. You can also still use the keyboard if it is detached from the tablet.
You want more free stuff I hear you say? Well, you also get Huawei’s M-Pencil included in the price too. Whilst not quite as good as the Apple Pencil, it is still very good and better than the S-Pen. With 10000 levels of pressure sensitivity, and reduced latency thanks to NearLink technology and magnetic charging, there are adequate features there to satisfy some artists. But perhaps not those who do the most complex kind of work.
The Kirin 9000S chip handles all the tasks you’d expect it to which means that there are very few concrete reasons to discount the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch.
But there are some.
The battery drains noticeably faster under some circumstances, like when streaming video but holds up ok under other workloads. Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4, which is essentially an open-source version of Android, is also a bit of a Marmite moment; you either love it or you hate it.
It is very alien to other flagship companies. But if you stick it out for long enough, it works as well as any other OS.
There’s also the small matter of the lack of Google support. Pretty much everyone in the West works through a Google account in some way. Not being able to access that is a pain and undoubtedly hinders workflow. But you can sort of work around it.
Through Petal Search, you can effectively side-load apps onto the MatePad Pro. It works as far as we can tell but it’s a step that most users won’t want to go through.
And for those reasons, it comes in below the Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra as an iPad Pro alternative. The hardware is awesome, but the usability lags just behind.
4. OnePlus Pad: Best Budget
If you’re looking for a tablet that offers excellent value for money, the OnePlus Pad is the ideal choice. With its premium glass and metal design, powerful processor, and affordable price, this Android tablet makes a good go at being an all-rounder.
It boasts a high pixel density screen that is one of the best we’ve ever used and a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor which very rarely leaves you wanting more. It is also really nice to hold due to the metal which gives it a premium feel.
Providing a smooth and seamless user experience, the OnePlus Pad is a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality.
4. Lenovo Tab Extreme: Best For Productivity
For those seeking a tablet primarily for productivity, the Lenovo Tab Extreme is a good choice. With its 14.5-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display and second-monitor support, this tablet is ideal for multitasking and enhancing your workflow.
It comes with a keyboard accessory, making it easy to switch between tablet and laptop modes. The Lenovo Tab Extreme offers excellent performance, a sleek design, and an impressive battery life, making it a solid option for professionals.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Best Windows
If you’re a fan of Windows and want a tablet that offers a full PC experience, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a great alternative to an iPad.
With its 13-inch high-resolution display and powerful performance, this tablet is perfect for creative professionals, photographers, and anyone who needs to run desktop software.
It also features a high-quality camera, making it a great tool for capturing photos and videos on the go.
How to Choose the Right iPad Alternative
When choosing an iPad alternative, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Operating System: Decide whether you prefer Android or Windows, as this will determine the apps and software you can use.
- Screen Size and Display: Consider the size and resolution of the tablet’s display, as well as features like refresh rate and colour accuracy.
- Performance: Look for a tablet with a fast processor and sufficient RAM to handle your tasks and applications.
- Battery Life: Check the tablet’s battery life to ensure it can keep up with your usage throughout the day.
- Connectivity and Ports: Consider the availability of USB ports, headphone jacks, and other connectivity options that are important to you.
- Price: Set a budget and choose a tablet that offers the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to iPad alternatives, the market is filled with excellent options that offer great value for your money. Whether you’re looking for a tablet for work, entertainment, or creative tasks, there’s an alternative out there that suits your needs.
Consider the Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra, Lenovo Tab Extreme, Microsoft Surface Pro 9, OnePlus Pad, or Huawei MatePad Pro as top contenders. Be sure to choose the one that aligns with your preferences, budget, and desired features.
Happy tablet shopping!
FAQs About iPad Alternatives
Here are some commonly asked questions about iPad alternatives:
Q. Can iPad alternatives run the same apps as iPads?
A. While most iPad alternatives run on different operating systems, they still provide access to a wide range of apps. Android tablets have the Google Play Store, and Windows tablets can run desktop software.
Q. Are iPad alternatives more affordable than iPads?
A. Yes, many iPad alternatives offer similar features and performance at a lower price point. This makes them a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet.
Q. Can I use an iPad alternative for professional work?
A. Absolutely! Depending on your needs, there are iPad alternatives that are perfect for professional work. Look for tablets with powerful processors, ample RAM, and productivity features like keyboard accessories.
Q. Are iPad alternatives as reliable as iPads?
A. Yes, iPad alternatives from reputable brands like Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft are known for their reliability and performance. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure their durability and stability.
