Eleven devices in the test - Warentest tests tablets ahead of the vacation season - and finds good models under 200 euros
From Tablets on Airplanes, through news at the pool or the new series in bed: Tablets can fully showcase their strengths as a large display with light weight during vacations. These tablets don't even have to be expensive, as shown by a comparison of eleven current models. For those who want the best of the best, they will pay significantly more.
The new models mostly come from the mid-price range, which is currently around 500 Euro. Sadly, new iPads are not included. Although Apple has recently updated its line-up with the iPad Air and iPad Pro (here is our in-depth test), the new models have not yet been considered in the current test. All models run on Android or its Amazon derivative FireOS, with Android ultimately powering them.
The Best Current Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
The winner comes from Samsung. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE places first in both the large (12.4 inches) and small (10.9 inches) screen sizes. The processing power is only average, but the display can really shine. The standout feature for the winners, however, is the battery life: The two Samsung tablets earn top marks in this category with 17.5 hours (S9 FE+) and 16 hours (S9 FE) respectively.
The overall rating is "good" (2.0) for both. The price for this package is reasonable: The 10.9-inch model is already available for 370 Euro, and the larger Tab S9 FE+ costs around 500 Euro.
Affordable Alternative: Lenovo Tab M11
For those who want to save some money but make only a few compromises, the Tab M11 from Lenovo is worth considering. Although it lags behind in terms of processing power, the screen and battery (12 hours) are impressive. With a total rating of "good" (2.3), it is hardly behind the winners. And it's available at an affordable price: The Lenovo tablet can be purchased for as little as 170 Euro.
Budget Option: Amazon Fire HD 10
One can pay even less for the Fire HD 10 from Amazon. The latest model in the 13th generation, which was released last year, performs well for computationally intensive tasks but is suitable for streaming and browsing. The display is good, and the battery life with 16:20 hours is among the best in the test. Warentest rates it accordingly with a "good" (2.5). However, it is a bargain: The Fire HD 10 (2023) can be found from 110 Euro.
Best Small Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5
The market for small tablets under 8 inches has shrunk in times of large smartphones, but good devices are still available. Currently, Warentest rates the Galaxy Tab Active5 in the Enterprise Edition the best in the small tablet category. The processing power is average, but the small display is one of the best rated in the test. A real surprise is the battery life: Despite its small size, the Tab Active 5 manages to last an impressive 14.5 hours – and earns the highest rating for it. Additionally, it comes with perks like a robust case and a replaceable battery.
Warentest rates it overall as "good" (2.0) – the same rating as for the large winners. However, one should not buy the small model to save money: With a price starting at 390 Euro, it is one of the more expensive devices in the test field.
For the full test, please see test.de (This text has been translated from German to English using automated tools. Please note that the translation may not be perfect.).
The Stiftung Warentest did not consider the newest Apple iPad models in their current tablet test, despite Apple's recent release of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Instead, the best current tablet according to their test is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which comes in both large and small screen sizes and offers impressive battery life for its price.
If you're looking for an affordable alternative with impressive screen and battery performance, you might want to consider the Lenovo Tab M11, which scored a "good" rating in Stiftung Warentest's test and is available for as low as 170 Euro.
