TOP 10 best Windows tablets: how to choose, pros and cons, reviews

Key benefits of Windows tablets

What do the devices discussed in this top resemble most? For laptops. Indeed, tablet computers running Windows are essentially stripped-down laptops. Often they even come with a QWERTY keyboard.

, fastened by one method or another. By the way, its presence greatly simplifies typing and also frees up space on the screen at this moment.

Windows tablets, like laptops, are based on an x86 processor

. This means that all the same programs are launched here. As a result, the device becomes the best choice for a professional - designer, architect, musician, web developer or photographer. It can also be used to teach students computer literacy.

Unlike Android devices, Windows tablets usually have a large screen

. Ideal if you buy a device with a 12- or even 13-inch display. It is on it that the interface will be most convenient, and multitasking will be implemented in the most comfortable way. There are also more compact models, but you should only look at them if you are short on budget.

Advantages and features of a Windows tablet

A device based on the Microsoft operating system offers a number of advantages. First, the device opens any software created on the basis of this OS, which automatically makes the device an effective workhorse.

Powerful models reproduce games and movies in HD quality, so entertaining leisure time on the road is guaranteed. Many Windows tablets are adapted to work with a keyboard and mouse, which turns them into almost a full-fledged laptop in terms of ease of use. Plus, all these features are contained in a compact body.

Among the shortcomings, users note the unusual interface.

Since tablets are an evolutionary branch of smartphones with a prehistory on Android or iOS, it takes time to get used to both the platform’s features and Windows controls on touch screens.

Looking for the best Windows tablet: selection criteria

Windows version

This material will focus exclusively on tablets running Windows 10, the OS version current at the beginning of 2021. Choose it when purchasing. Microsoft themselves are trying their best to forget about Windows RT and Windows Phone - and for good reason. Let us follow their example and no longer mention these cadavers.

CPU

Even the simplest Windows tablets under 10,000 rubles are equipped with at least four-core processors from the Intel Atom line. This is enough for work and undemanding games. More powerful models are already equipped with mobile versions of Intel Core - but this is already the next level of performance, and completely different money.

RAM capacity

Windows is a good system, but it is too power hungry. 1 GB of RAM is the minimum for at least some functionality, but at least twice as much is better.

Volume of permanent memory

Inexpensive Windows tablets usually have permanent flash memory that is also inexpensive, with a capacity of 32 GB or more. Most of them are consumed by the operating system itself; after all, it is designed for full-fledged PCs with dimensionless hard drives or at least SSDs. In any case, try to choose a device with at least 64 GB of memory (although this is also not the ultimate dream) and definitely with a slot for SD cards.

Screen size

The bigger it is, the better. At one time, 8-inch Windows tablets were popular due to their low cost, but the rationality of such a purchase is a big question. Choose a tablet with a screen diagonal of at least 10 inches, otherwise working with desktop applications will be completely unbearable.

External ports

Here again: the more, the better. To replace a laptop, a Windows tablet must be equipped with at least two USB ports for connecting peripherals. If there are more of them, just great. An SD card slot, as I said above, wouldn't hurt either. A combined 3.5 Jack for a microphone and headphones is, in principle, everywhere. It’s also nice if the tablet has a video output, for example micro HDMI, then you can connect a monitor to it and turn it into a full-fledged desktop PC with a large display.

Battery life

Intel Atom processors, which are most often found in Windows tablets, are distinguished by a certain gluttony, so there are no particularly long-lived devices among these devices. The battery capacity must be at least 5000 mAh, then the tablet will last about five hours when disconnected from the outlet. It is better, of course, to choose a larger battery. Still, Windows tablets cannot be called thin or light, so you don’t have to worry too much about a couple of extra millimeters of thickness.

Keyboard

For the tasks that most users buy Windows tablets for, a keyboard and mouse are almost essential. Many models of Windows tablets are equipped with a keyboard, which at the same time plays the role of a stand, a protective cover, an additional battery, a USB hub and generally a docking station. Typing large amounts of text on small keyboards with keys pressed closely together is, of course, not very convenient, but it is definitely more convenient than on a touch screen. In general, if you can attach a keyboard to the tablet, this is our choice.

The best Windows tablets in the premium segment

The cost of compact top-class devices is not only comparable to full-fledged laptops in the mid-price segment, but is also often at the level of gaming “machines.” At the same time, such devices cannot boast of performance suitable for running heavy games. However, users do not choose premium tablets for these tasks. Devices of this class are mainly used by businessmen and creative people. For this reason, they require excellent performance when working with office applications, as well as high pixel density and good battery life.

DELL Latitude 11 256GB 4G

One of the most powerful Windows OS tablets in the premium segment is offered by DELL. The Latitude 11 model is equipped with a Core M5 processor from the Skylake family, which has a pair of 1100 MHz processing cores. The amount of RAM in this device is an impressive 8 GB. There is also plenty of built-in storage in the device: 256 gigabytes with the possibility of additional expansion with memory cards. Thanks to the installed hardware, the DELL tablet is ideal for working with documents.

DELL Latitude 11 is equipped with a 10.1-inch matrix with Full HD resolution. This is sufficient for comfortable work, but, alas, not the most impressive indicator in the review. In addition, a good tablet with 4G can boast a good set of interfaces, including two USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), micro HDMI and a combined 3.5 mm headset jack. The only disadvantage of this device is the high cost of the proprietary docking station, without which the device is not so convenient for office tasks.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• fast system operation;
• good Full HD matrix;
• presence of a SIM card tray;
• good set of connectors;
• high quality workmanship;
• volume of built-in storage;
• amount of RAM;
• battery life.

Flaws:

• expensive accessories;
• heavy weight for its size.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 i5 4GB 128GB

When reviewing the best Windows tablets, one cannot ignore devices from Microsoft. Users and experts consider the Surface Pro 5 model to be one of the best devices created by the company. This device is equipped with an Intel Core i5 7300U processor (2 cores at 2.6 GHz), belonging to the Kaby Lake family. RAM and ROM in this device are 4 and 128 GB, respectively. The latter can be expanded using microSD cards, but I would like to see more RAM in the model from Microsoft.

But what doesn’t cause a single complaint about the tablet is the screen. The 12.3-inch matrix with a resolution of 2736x1824 pixels pleases with high brightness and extremely accurate color reproduction, which is especially important for artists. Stereo speakers provide an equally positive experience, allowing you to skip headphones when watching videos. By the way, if it is played continuously, the device will be able to work on a single charge for 13.5 hours.

A tablet with a large screen produced by Microsoft could not get into first place due to several objective shortcomings. So, taking into account the average cost of 55-60 thousand rubles, I would like to see a keyboard or stylus included in the kit, which are offered separately. Also surprising in the new 2021 release is the lack of a USB-C connector, which manufacturers add to more budget devices.

Advantages:

• device build quality;
• excellent screen calibration;
• powerful hardware platform;
• good autonomy;
• loud stereo speakers;
• thoughtful passive cooling;
• durable metal case;
• branded stylus and keyboard (optional).

Flaws:

• modest interface set;
• modest equipment (for the price);
• I would like to see more RAM.

ASUS Transformer 3 T305CA 4GB 128GB

The first line, by unanimous decision of our editors, went to the Transformer 3 T305CA model from the ASUS brand. In terms of performance, this thin and light tablet for work is slightly inferior to the devices presented above, but its cost is almost one and a half times lower. Moreover, it is the only one among all premium-class devices that comes immediately complete with a keyboard, rather than requiring you to purchase it separately.

Among the other advantages of one of the best Windows tablets for office tasks are excellent cameras. The 13 MP main module takes excellent photos in daylight, and also provides minimal noise at dusk with proper manual settings. The front 5-megapixel camera will also not disappoint users who regularly communicate via video calls.

In terms of hardware, a good model of a premium ASUS tablet is perfect for working with documents, drawing, photo processing and other similar tasks. The Core M3 7Y30 processor of the Kaby Lake family from Intel is installed here. It has 2 cores of 1 GHz and good integrated graphics. This reliable tablet with a good camera has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for comfortable work in Windows 10.

The Transformer 3 T305CA screen deserves special attention. Its diagonal is 12.6 inches and the resolution is 2880x1920 pixels. This matrix is ​​great for artists, but thanks to the high-quality built-in stereo speakers, the device will also be appreciated by film buffs. All this is complemented by a fast fingerprint scanner, a metal body and a USB 3.1 Type-C port.

Advantages:

• system performance;
• balanced hardware platform;
• excellent color rendition and screen resolution;
• high-quality metal case;
• excellent sound thanks to 4 speakers;
• good battery life;
• high-quality complete keyboard;
• attractive appearance;
• good built-in cameras;
• fast fingerprint scanner.

Flaws:

• the case heats up noticeably during operation;
• Microsoft Office is free for 3 months only.

Top 3 inexpensive Windows 10 tablets

In the category of inexpensive devices, I included good devices whose price does not reach 20 thousand rubles.

Irbis TW70

Irbis TW70
The Irbis has good performance characteristics, but the cameras are here just for the sake of having them.

Indicators:

• Intel Atom Z3735G processor (1.3 GHz, 4 cores);
• built-in memory - 32 GB;
• RAM - 2 GB;
• display - 10.1″, 1280×800;
• rear camera - 0.3 MP;
• selfie camera - 0.3 MP;
• battery - 5400 mAh;
• cost - 15,000 rubles.

Irbis TW118

The second gadget from Irbis is much better than the previous one, despite the fact that it is only 2-3 thousand more expensive. The display performance especially stands out.

Irbis TW118

But the battery life here is worse than in the previous version. Firstly, because the battery capacity is smaller, and secondly, because the system consumes more energy.

Indicators:

• Intel Celeron N3350 processor (2.4 GHz, 2 cores);
• built-in memory - 32 GB;
• RAM - 3 GB;
• display - 11.6″, 1920×1080;
• rear camera - 3 MP;
• selfie camera - 3 MP;
• battery - 4000 mAh;
• cost - 17,500 rubles.

Lenovo Miix 300 10 32Gb

Lenovo Miix 300 10 32Gb
The latest budget option was developed by Lenovo. There is a slightly improved version of this model (Miix 320), but it costs much more and is not included in the category under 20 thousand rubles. It is also important to know that these are Windows 10 tablets with a keyboard.

Characteristics:

• Intel Atom Z3735F processor (1.33 GHz, 4 cores);
• built-in memory - 64 GB;
• RAM - 2 GB;
• display - 10.1″, 1280×800;
• rear camera - 5 MP;
• selfie camera - 2 MP;
• operating time - 9 hours;
• cost - 19,000 rubles.