13 Best Tablets For College Students – The Buyer’s Guide

With so many tablet options available in the market, purchasing the right one for your college needs could be a daunting task. However, picking a random device can do more bad than good. It doesn’t matter what your needs are whether you want to read eBooks books, make notes, watch educational videos, take online classes on Zoom, etc, the models in this list are going to help you do all.

As a student or a guardian, you must’ve realized the exemplary contribution that digital advancement has made to enhance the educational systems around the world over the past few years and continues to do so at a remarkable rate.

It is thus significant to understand how to optimally invest in the technology that helps you focus, learn, and grow holistically. Although desktops and laptops have had their times in terms of providing top-notch technology but due to evolution of online classes on apps like Zoom and e-learning using educational videos, tablets have become quite common among the college students. How so?

Many colleges and professors have shifted their teaching methodology towards being more e-friendly, meaning that they now ensure that the old-school textbook education can be integrated seamlessly into portable devices like tablets that allow students to study anytime, anywhere (even when they’re lying on a bed.)

College students find it more effective than hefty books and laptops because using a tablet they can access limitless information with regards to their subject and that too in a highly interactive and engaging manner.

Be it classroom, home, in transit, or during vacation, these portable devices can be carried around by students to access a variety of courses and assignments. Thus, being a one-stop solution to learning needs provides edutainment like never before!

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

In order to make a worthwhile tablet purchase, here’s a list of the minimum system requirements college students must consider.

Minimum System Requirements

Specification	Windows OS /Mac OS
Operating System	Win 10 / macOS X Mojave
Processor	Intel Core i5
RAM	8GB
Internal Storage	256GB SSD
Weight	1.6 pounds

Recommended System Requirements

Take a look at the recommended system requirements you must consider to make an informed buying decision and ensure that the system does not face any lag, heating issue, or more while using the tablet for college work.

Specification	Windows OS /Mac OS
Operating System	Win 10 / macOS Mojave
Processor	Intel Core i7 or higher
RAM	16GB or more
Internal Storage	256GB SSD or higher
Weight	1.6 pounds

13 Best Tablets For College Students 2020

Although these are among the 13 best options that are highly suitable for most of the college purposes such as making notes, watching video lectures, taking pictures, making a group video calls, etc. However, you’ll have to pick the right one for your needs (as no expert knows about your usage, but pick from these.)

1. Apple iPad Pro

Processor	A1 12Z Bionic
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB
Display	12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display (2732 x 2048)
GPU	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours
Weight	1.41 pounds
OS	iPadOS 13.4

With the new iPad Pro (2020), Apple claims that they have come up with a tablet that is so fast, most laptops can’t keep up. In functionality, this seems to stand true since the upgrades on this iPad Pro are evidently better than the previous iPad versions. Let us have a look at what makes this device stand out for college students in detail.

First off, the signature Apple design holds for iPad Pro 2020 in that it boasts of an aluminum slate with the brand logo boldly placed at the back. An addition that you will witness is the square-housed rear camera with dual lenses placed towards the top, left-hand corner. Weighing at 1.41 pounds, the functional design of this impressively portable iPad comes with a magnetic strip that can hold Apple Pencil (Gen 2) Stylus.

Or college students specializing in arts or simply heavy on taking notes, the device serves the purpose pretty well. Dual speaker output is available on top and bottom panels of the tablet. Plus, iPad Pro provides you with one USB-C port on the bottom panel. The one unexpected setback is that it doesn’t come with an audio/headphone jack. 

So how does the configuration on Apple iPad Pro fare?  As expected, the A1 12Z Bionic CPU and an internal storage capacity of 128GB allow the tablet to perform at skyrocketing speed and deliver powerful processing. You get to enjoy great graphics performance as well, as the CPU adds a GPU core.

College students will find this particularly useful as the iPad Pro doesn’t lag or glitch at all while the user multitasks on the tablet. You can browse, edit, write, draw, and even do occasional gaming on the contemporary iPadOS 13.4 operating system in a hassle-free manner. 

Furthermore, Apple iPad Pro comes with a 12.9-inch screen that boasts of a Liquid Retina Display technology. This display executes a very powerful bright panel and the vividness in colors is outstanding, to say the least. The resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels allows the iPad Pro to hold on minute details effortlessly. This will definitely interest students who need to work on projects every now and then. 

Before we forget mentioning, the Type Cover/Keyboard on the iPad Pro needs to be purchased separately. While the keyboard itself doesn’t include a touchpad, you get to accessorize the tablet with a Trackpad. That’s right. iPad Pro is the first option to introduce a trackpad as well as mouse support.

So you get to connect these two to the tablet via Bluetooth, and voila, you have a mini system all to yourself! Also, the Apple Pencil (Gen 2) will provide you with the best stylus experience. Although an expensive accessory, you can add it to draw and write down notes accurately. While you can magnetically attach the Pencil to the tablet, it also charges effectively in the position.

As for the audio, the quad speakers on the Apple iPad Pro are astounding. It is surprising how extraordinary speakers are accustomed to a tablet. So you can continue to take notes, work on projects, and let the music keep you motivated. To top that, you also get to work without interruption for long hours, thanks to the battery life of up to 10 hours. 

An ultimate feat is achieved with the banging camera quality that you get to play around with the new Apple iPad Pro. With a 7MP front camera, a 12MP main camera, and 10MP secondary ultrawide camera, the tablet clicks sharp, vivid pictures. Interestingly, you get to work with the lidar sensor on the rear cameras which is compatible with AR apps. So, if you are studying the development of artificial reality, this tool will help you learn how to create immersive content and applications.

Hands down, Apple iPad Pro is an iconic deal when it comes to purchasing a tablet that fulfills almost all of your requirements, given that you can make peace with the price point. It sure is a value-for-money product.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Processor	1.1 GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i5
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB SSD
Display	12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display (2732 x 2048)
GPU	Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Battery Life	Up to 10.5 hours
Weight	1.7 pounds
OS	Windows 10 Home

Microsoft has refurbished its tablet series with the new Surface Pro 7 which comes with a powerful performance. The evident and few additions have upgraded the tablet by quite a few notches but the signature brand configurations remain as serene as those in the previous models. Fret not, because, with this Surface Pro 7, your college goals like assignments, everyday learning, and productivity is served in full.

This highly competitive tablet is designed with alloy and magnesium slate resulting in magnificent look-and-feel of the product. This tablet itself is ultrathin. However, the bezels are unexpectedly thick. 

Weighing at just 1.7 pounds, the Surface Pro 7 is quite compact and portable in every sense so it becomes a preference for college students who are active and on-the-go. Also, you get to avail of a USB-C port as well as a USB 3.1 Type-A port with an absence of Thunderbolt 3. The device can be used as a tablet and also in a tent mode. 

As can be witnessed, Microsoft has upgraded the Surface Pro 7 in terms of performance. The  1.1 GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU configuration provides you with a powerful and speedy device that doesn’t lag unexpectedly. Moreover, the Intel Iris Plus GPU enhances this tablet’s functionality when accompanied by a quick CPU. 

What makes the performance even better is the configuration of 8GB RAM and an internal storage capacity of 128GB SSD  that will help you stay productive when working on your college requisites. This tablet doesn’t lag and provides you with impressive speed for you to make the most of multitasking ability through Surface Pro 7. Take notes, write, draw, and browse without any stress of getting interrupted. 

Let us take a look at the display on this coveted tablet. With a resolution of  2736 x 1824 pixels, the Surface Pro 7 by Microsoft lets you work on a detail-oriented 12.4-inch display. You get to enjoy enhanced brightness levels and color vividness that can automatically be adjusted, thanks to ambient sensors, based on the surroundings. 

A point to note here is that you will have to purchase the Type Cover/keyboard as well as Stylus Pen separately since they are not pre-included with the tablet. You can also use a Bluetooth keyboard to fulfill your requirements.

Know that with the backlit keyboard, you get to experience amazing key-travel and impressive typing experience. It can also be attached at angles that match your comfort while typing. Moreover, you get to experience smooth, accurate, and quick navigation through the Touchpad.

You can continue with your course research or watch lessons online for long hours, thanks to the long-lasting battery life of up to 10.5 hours on the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 tablet. Plus, you get to enjoy fast charging. All of the aforementioned points direct towards proving Microsoft Surface Pro 7 as a value-addition and one of the best tablets for college students. 

3. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

Processor	0.9 GHz Intel Core m3-6Y30
RAM	8GB
Storage	256GB SSD
Display	12-inch FHD Super AMOLED touchscreen (2160 x 1440)
GPU	Integrated Intel HD Graphics 515
Battery Life	Up to 10.5 hours
Weight	1.5 pounds
OS	Windows 10

One brand that continues to put innovation above everything else and brings out the absolute best contemporary technology is none other than Samsung. The range of tablets and notebooks launched by the brand has retained so many users, especially attracting college students. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S seems to be the latest favorite of many such students who realize the power of combined portability and performance. 

Observing the stylish design on this tablet, you will witness a robust structure built out of aluminum and polycarbonate material. The keyboard is detachable and a magnetic flap allows the tablet to rest in a notebook mode.

The smooth finish on the compact Galaxy TabPro S is a charm and it weighs at just 1.5 pounds, making it a good choice for college-going students. However, the port assortment is limited to only a USB Type C 3.1 port (not a Thunderbolt 3) and a headphone jack. 

Although this limitation is slightly disappointing, the performance on Galaxy TabPro S makes up for it rather well. The 0.9 GHz Intel dual-core m3-6Y30 (6th Gen) CPU powerfully runs the tablet to support multitasking. This is of interest to students who can continue work and leisure at the same time.

This is further accompanied by an integrated Intel HD Graphics 515 configuration which provides a good screen experience. You can rest assured of a smooth and quick process on the tablet because it comes with an 8GB DDR3 RAM as well as an internal storage capacity of 256GB SSD, highly compatible with the Windows 10 operating system. 

Let us take a look at the display quality of the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S. It is quite impressive that the Super AMOLED display provides you with a vibrant, immersive viewing experience. Be it class video conferences or streaming movies, the 12-inch full HD keeps you covered with vivid detail. With a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels, the touchscreen offers decent brightness. 

As for the detachable keyboard, the TabPro S gives you a good typing opportunity for short to medium-length written communication. The keys might feel a bit shallow and they are close-spaced, which can result in hindered typing during long sessions.

The touchpad is short, yet delivers excellent accuracy with respect to navigation and gesture response. The TabPro S doesn’t come with a Stylus but you wouldn’t miss much with the fundamental requirements available.

The stereo speakers on the tablet are tiny and very powerful. They provide excellent bass reverberation and the voice is crystal clear on the speakers. As for the battery life, the TabPro S has surpassed expectations with the longevity of up to 10.5 hours with continuous tasks like taking notes, browsing, and streaming videos.  

Lastly, the TabPro S also boasts of front and rear cameras with 5MP each, producing quite accurate results in terms of color vibrancy and utilizing the lens for shooting 1080p videos at 30 fps. Overall, the specifications of Samsung Galaxy TabPro S allow the device to be student-friendly in the long term, providing basic tasking ability to the user in a hassle-free manner and within range.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

Processor	2.35 GHz Snapdragon 835
RAM	4GB
Storage	256GB
Display	12-inch FHD Super AMOLED touchscreen (2160 x 1440)
GPU	Dedicated Adreno 540
Battery Life	Up to 16 hours
Weight	1.1 pounds
OS	Android 8.0 Oreo

Back in 2018, many Android tablets were utilizing the Chrome OS. Samsung, however, decided to go for a desktop-like interface, and with the Galaxy Tab S4, it launched a productivity-focused system. This tablet has since then become a top choice for college students who would want to make the most of the tablet technology.  

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 comes with a glass front as well as back, and the edges are built out of aluminum. The design is elegant and rather simple, with large screen space and thinner bezels as compared to those on its predecessors. This 1.1 pound weighing sleek tablet comes with a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition to cater to the contemporary requirements of college-going students.

You get to use the USB Type C port and headphone jack placed on the bottom, a Pogo connector on the left side to connect the external keyboard, and the power button along with volume buttons on the ride side of the tablet. 

Let us shed light on the performance of Galaxy Tab S4. This tablet boasts of a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 835 CPU, providing you a sharp space for multitasking like a boss.

Working on this tablet is fun and so easy thanks to the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system that is also powered by a DeX software giving it a desktop-like environment.

With impressive Dedicated Adreno 540 graphics, 4GB RAM and an internal storage capacity of 256GB SSD, the performance of this tablet lets you browse material online, work on offline assignments, run background music and be active without facing any lags

It’s so exciting to finally notice a high-performing display that is possibly one of the top qualities of this tablet. The 10.5-inch Tab S4 comes with a Super AMOLED display vivid, bright and immersive to say the least. The resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels does justice to this touch screen wherein the details are so well-read, without straining your eyes. You also get to enjoy wide viewing angles for when you are on-the-go and want to access reading or watching material on the tablet. 

Fortunately, the Tab S3 comes with a Samsung S Pen, which provides you a writing experience similar to that with a real pen. The ink range changes with varying pressure on the tip of the pen while drawing or writing on the screen. A screen-off memo feature allows you to take thoughts anytime, anywhere with the Pen producing ink on an all-black screen.

Other features include Live Message to customize animated messages and translation. As for the keyboard, you can add the tiny Book Cover Keyboard to the tablet. However, the keys are small and spaced closely. Also, there is no Touchpad available on the keyboard which would prompt the addition of a Bluetooth mouse if needed. 

The keyboard discrepancy aside, you get to experience ambient sound in a large room with the quad speakers of Tab S4. The vocals, rhythm, and bass combine well thanks to the Dolby Atmos Surround Sound to produce cinematic experience. But what will get college students more excited about this tablet is the fact that they get to enjoy a battery life of up to 16 long hours. 

As for the camera configuration, the Tab S4 provides you with an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera, wherein both click accurate and vivid pictures indoors as well as outdoors. Ultimately, you get to use a strong tablet with an S-Pen included in the price falling under a decent budget with this Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. The portable tablet is a steal deal.

5. Microsoft Surface

Processor	3.5 GHz Intel Core i5-7300U
RAM	8GB
Storage	256GB SSD
Display	12.3-inch PixelSense Display (2736 x 1824)
GPU	1GB Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours
Weight	1.7 pounds
OS	Windows 10 Pro

What is the need of the hour for a student attending college when it comes to e-learning? They demand a tablet with versatile features catering to their requirement of durability, affordability, and effective performance. With Surface Pro (5th Gen) tablet, Microsoft launched a device that targeted all three needs with utmost promise. 

The Surface Pro (5th Gen) has been carefully designed to follow the structure of Surface Pro 3, with a sturdy magnesium chassis. The layout looks well organized and you get to work in three different modes: laptop, tablet, and tent. The 1.7 pounds tablet is as versatile as Microsoft could get in terms of configuration.

The edges have been rounded and the radial-vent size is small to make this tablet easy to carry around. You will witness a USB Type-A port, one Mini Display slot, Surface Connect port, and a Surface Dock (optional) on the right chassis. The USB Type-C slot is absent in this model.

The gorgeous tablet comes with even more impressive specifications that enhance its performance to the next level. With the  3.5 GHz Intel Core i5-7300U CPU, you get to work interrupted on your college projects on the Surface Pro (5th Gen).

The performance is a massive motivation behind choosing this device as it also includes the power of  1GB Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620. But it gets better with the 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM and the internal storage of 256GB SSD.

You get to make the most of this tablet through its speedy switch between applications and a simultaneous accomplishment of a variety of tasks on the Windows 10 Professional operating system. 

So does the Surface Pro (5th Gen) also meet your display needs? With an IPS LCD touchscreen of 12.3-inch, this tablet provides you with a color-accurate display that can produce almost HDR-like images. The enhanced vividness on this PixelSense display will help you draw, write notes, and watch videos with an immersive experience. The screen definitely is a huge win for Microsoft. 

An interesting factor to notice, apart from the impressive display, is the Surface Pen’s tilt and rotation support that you get to avail when working on the Surface Pro (5th Gen). Its high compatibility with the GPU and display on the tablet allows it to perform with low latency, thereby producing results on the screen within 21 milliseconds of the stroke.

This means that college students will find it easier and quicker to take notes during live classroom sessions without facing any lag.

This Windows Ink experience is the best by far. Plus, the Alcantara-decked Type Cover makes the addition of a keyboard to the tablet as a style-affair with a layer of comfort during portability. The backlit keyboard provides you with a good key-travel thereby reflecting in the typing speed.

Clever speaker placement is observed on the Surface Pro (5th Gen) with the dual stereo located at the edges of the display, facing front. The fidelity is impressive and Dolby Audio makes for a powerful listening experience.

Be it a movie, live academic sessions or video calls, you will face no issue on the audio front. As for the battery life on this tablet, you get to utilize longevity up to 8 hours when working on the Surface Pro which could be improved. 

The final element to discuss is the camera specification on the Surface Pr (5th Gen). Firstly, the Windows Hello face recognition camera wakes the tablet within a matter of 2.5 milliseconds. Plus, the camera is blended into the black bezel so it is practically invisible.

A 5MP front camera and 8MP rear camera can produce good results with a resolution of 1080p. This can help you capture notes on boards in the classroom in a snap or a video format. Microsoft has ensured that through the Surface Pro (5th Gen), you can find all the solutions to your learning needs without fretting about friendly technology any more.

6. Google Pixel Slate

Processor	3.4 GHz Intel Core m3-8100Y
RAM	8GB
Storage	64GB
Display	12.3-inch Molecular Display (3000 x 2000)
GPU	Integrated Intel HD Graphics 615
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours
Weight	1.6 pounds
OS	Google Chrome OS

Google has taken the market by storm with its range of Chromebooks when they realized the significance of notebooks for the young population. But with the Pixel Slate, the brand has leveraged the power of customization and necessary upgrades to suit the needs of college students and young professionals. 

The Pixel Slate is elegant. It is durable, and the aluminum chassis makes it feel sturdy. The bezels are slightly thick for a tablet but they help you with the grip. The tablet weighs at 1.6 pounds which is decent when it comes to portability, especially for students commuting to college and from one class to another.

Attaching the keyboard, however, almost doubles its weight which might be a notable point. But a rather worthwhile specification is the inclusion of 2 USB Type-C ports that support external storage. These are accompanied by a Pogo port to connect the external keyboard, and a Type-C to 3.5 mm audio adapter instead of a jack. 

The performance on the Google Pixel Slate is something to look forward to. With a 3.4 GHz 8th Generation Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, the tablet is powerful enough to provide you with multitasking and lag-less performance. Furthermore, you can access light, leisure gaming on the tablet thanks to its integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 support.

An 8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC flash internal storage configuration allows you to work offline, write short notes, and browse study material online in an upgraded environment of the Google Chrome operating system. 

Let’s talk about the display. The Pixel Slate comes with a molecular display that loves to boast about detail on the screen. The 12.3-inch display is vivid, vibrant, and provides you a viewing experience at the resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. A wide color gamut and balanced brightness make it easy on your eyes for as long as you need to study on the tablet. 

There are a few additional expenses in the form of an external keyboard and active Pen. But it’s worthwhile since the backlit keyboard provides you with an excellent, smooth typing experience.

The key travel is good enough for you to type fast and the keys are not loud. To top it, the touchpad is good at accurate navigation and scrolls comfortably while responding well to the multitouch gestures.

The Google Pixelbook Pen is a magnificent stylus that works on almost zilch latency meaning that when you take notes or draw on this tablet, you will feel as if you are using a traditional pen. 

As for the audio on Pixel Slate, the front-firing speakers on this tablet are absolutely astonishing. They are loud and groovy enough to fill at least two rooms with sound clarity. So after you are done with your scheduled study session, you can jam to your favorite band and unwind with Google Pixel Slate. That the battery life can last up to 10 hours strengthens the reason to believe in this tablet. 

Before we forget, let us quickly take a look at the camera configuration. The 8MP front-facing camera results in good pictures for a tablet, focusing on textures in selfies quite vividly.

The rear camera with 8MP clicks pretty detailed pictures both outdoors and indoors amidst good lighting. Having mentioned all of the above specifications, the Google Pixel Slate truly feels like a machine worth considering to meet your college requirements. 

7. Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Processor	2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-6300U
RAM	4GB
Storage	128GB
Display	12.3-inch 10-point multitouch (2736 x 1824)
GPU	Intel IrisTM
Battery Life	Up to 9 hours
Weight	1.7 pounds
OS	Windows 10 Pro

Microsoft came out with the Surface Pro 4 a few years ago in hopes of replacing a laptop for daily use by students and professionals alike. Are the claims of versatility and exceptional performance true to the application? Let us give you a comprehensive look at the configuration.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has a minimal aesthetic that fulfills the requirement of portability through its ultra-slim structure and durability through its magnesium casing. This 1.7 pounds tablet is easy to carry around, place on the desk, or hold in the lap while taking class notes.

The tiltable kickstand is a good feature. You get to access a USB 3 port, a mini DisplayPort, and a3.5 mm audio jack for connectivity on the Surface Pro 4.

The tablet boasts of a smooth performance when it comes to accessing emails, browsing online, writing offline, and streaming videos. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-6300U CPU on Surface Pro 4 allows for students to multitask in a hassle-free manner. Furthermore, the  Intel IrisTM graphics support is enough to provide you with basic 3D gaming.

With 4GB SDRAM and an internal storage capacity of 128GB, you can forget about the glitches and lags when using multiple applications and continue to study or prepare your college projects without interruption on the Windows 10 Professional operating system. 

The 12.3-inch display on this tablet has increased the screen space from that on the Surface Pro 3 by 0.3-inches diagonally. The sharp display quality on Surface Pro 4 allows you to read a lengthy text without any strain on your eyes, with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. Automatic adjustment of brightness levels and a wide color gamut means that you will enjoy working on this tablet. 

The display is compatible with the Type Cover with a Fingerprint ID and a Surface Pen as well. Even with an island-like keyboard layout, you get to access a lot of key travel and backlit keys allow for a comfortable typing experience.

The Precision touchpad is excellent, responsive to Windows gestures, and accurate to enhance the working experience on Surface Pro 4. The Surface Pen is included with the tablet and allows you to access OneNote with just a double-tap on the top.

College Students can make the most use of it while taking live notes in a classroom. The response and accuracy of the Pen are excellent and provide you with a comfortable writing/drawing experience on the tablet. Plus, you can attach the Pen to the Surface Pro 4 via a magnet on the left edge.

As for the audio, the tablet lets you experience a mid-range fidelity even at top volume and the clarity in sound is evident. This provides you with a clear distinction between voice and music. So you can refresh with some ambient music while continuing to work on your college assignments. The battery life lasts up to 9 hours and is decent, if not competitive, for daily use by a student. 

Microsoft has definitely pulled up the game as compared to the previous Surface tablets. Carefully considering the aforementioned advantages of the tablet, college students must definitely consider purchasing the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for their everyday study needs. 

8. Asus Transformer Book Mini

Processor	1.44 GHz Intel Atom quad-core x5-Z8350
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB
Display	10.1-inch 10-point multitouch (1280 x 800)
GPU	Integrated Intel CherryTrail HD Graphics 400
Battery Life	Up to 11 hours
Weight	2.2 pounds
OS	Windows 10

Known widely for its affordable technology and reliable support, Asus brings a wide variety of contemporary computers. With the Transformer Book Mini, the brand has come up with an exciting portfolio of specifications within an ultra-portable device convenient for college students. 

The rigid casing on this tablet defies its reasonable price in that you get work on a sleek and advanced device in terms of design. The hinges are durable, the structure is built out of aluminum, and weighing at 1.2 pounds, this tablet is super mobile, providing you with easy portability.

The external keyboard can be attached to the tablet via a magnetic strip, without having to worry about the wear-and-tear of any latches. Port assortment is fantastic on the Transformer Book Mini. You get to ensure connectivity via one micro-USB port, one USB Type C 3.1 port, one USB 2.0 port, a micro HDMI, and a microSD card. This is far better than many expensive notebooks and allows you for greater usage. 

While the processor used on this tablet is debated for its performance in general, the 1.44 GHz Intel Atom quad-core x5-Z8350 CPU fits well with the Asus Transformer Book Mini. The speed may not be exceptional but for routine college use such as taking notes and browsing online, it works just fine.

Then again, the GPU configuration on the tablet is  Integrated Intel CherryTrail HD Graphics 400, which allows for light gaming and good screen experience for light work. The 4GB DDR3 RAM is accompanied by a 64GB eMMC flash internal storage, that allows for decent prevention against glitches while trying to work on more than two applications at once.

Note that the Windows 10 operating system on the Transformer Book Mini results in a very pleasant tablet experience, especially when students require to use the device day in day out. 

Does the display work as expected from an affordable tablet? While it may not be a 1080p display, the Transformer Book Mini comes with a 10.1-inch multitouch screen that surpasses many displays in terms of vividness and sharpness. So fret no more about the long duration of tablet use as the screen allows for a smooth viewing experience with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. 

The touchscreen is further accompanied by optional keyboard connectivity, which is not one of the most sought after features on this tablet because even though the key travel is great, the closed-space between keys may lower the comfort of typing on this compact keyboard.

The Windows 10 operating system ensures a very responsive touchscreen. So taking notes and browsing study material online will not be hindered. 

The back-facing speakers on the Asus Transformer Book Mini may not be placed very well, but the audio quality is quite clear. But the impressive specification on this portable laptop is its battery life lasting up to 11 hours, allowing students to focus on study sessions without interruption. 

In conclusion, the Asus Transformer Book Mini comes with decent features that allow you to access routine productivity in the classroom or on-the-go within a reasonable budget. If price plays a major factor in your purchase decision, this tablet will fulfill your overall requirement sufficiently.

9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Processor	2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
RAM	4GB
Storage	32GB
Display	9.7-inch HDR Super AMOLED touch (2048 x 1536)
GPU	Integrated Adreno 520
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours
Weight	0.95 pounds
OS	Android 7.0 Nougat

If there’s one brand that ensures inspiration for successful, advanced technology from one range of products into another, it’s Samsung. The brand has impressed the market with the utilization of features of its flagship smartphones into building a rather distinct Galaxy Tab S3. 

This inspiration has resulted in a premium tablet with a sturdy and ravishing design, to begin with. Built with front and back glass panels, the Galaxy Tab S3 boasts of an aluminum strength which ensures that you worry the least about its durability.

More astonishing is its rather sleek build, weighing at a mere 0.95 pounds which makes the tablet very mobile and easy-to-handle for youngsters. You get to access multiple ports on the tablet, such as a USB Type-C port, Pogo connector, microSD card reader, fingerprint sensor, and a headphone jack. 

As mentioned before, the Galaxy Tab S3 is highly inspired by the power of Samsung smartphones, especially S7. This means that the 2.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor on the tablet results in a very smooth, quick performance.

If you have to switch apps for writing and browsing in the middle of a study session you can rely on this tablet. The Integrated Adreno 520 GPU support allows you to do light gaming and watch high-resolution videos on the Tab S3.

With a decent 4GB RAM and an internal storage capacity of 32GB, you can expect basic immunity to lagging when using multiple applications simultaneously. The Android 7.0 Nougat operating system on the tablet provides you with a clean user interface.

Inclusion of Microsoft Office Suite kills students’ woes by providing them access to all the applications necessary to increase their productivity and Samsung’s Flow app can connect Tab S3 to your android phone. 

Think that’s it? The most powerful feature of this tablet is yet to be talked about. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 offers you an HDR 9.7-inch display that comes with a stupendous resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. Furthermore, the super AMOLED screen gives you an immersive viewing experience that is vibrant and full of details. The color-rich and balanced-on-brightness features of this tablet make it outshine the rest. 

This touchscreen is further accompanied by the S Pen, included with the tablet, so as to enhance its utility. With almost no latency, the S Pen works accurately on top of the screen producing impressive precision.

It is also popular amongst artists, so if you are studying arts or simply wanting to jot down important notes in a session, the Air Commands complimentary with this stylus will come to your rescue.

Additionally, you can choose to pick the external keyboard which comes with a kickstand and can swiftly be attached to the Tab S3 via a Pogo Connector. While the keys might feel shallow and small, the key travel is pleasant. Then again, it is not a backlit keyboard. 

Moving further, the quad speakers on the Galaxy Tab S3 are omnidirectional, making the audio experience one of its kind for you. The sounds are distinct and sharp, so you can enjoy dialogue and music alike. As for the battery life, you can continue to work on the laptop for up to 12 hours after one charging round.  A treat, indeed. 

Lastly, the camera configuration on this tablet comprises a 13MP rear camera with a limited but doable dynamic range, and a 5MP front-facing camera which results in quite fine pictures. So, having mentioned all of the above, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is a steal deal if you are looking to use a tablet throughout your college duration. 

10. Lenovo Yoga Book

Processor	2.4 GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8550
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB SSD
Display	10.1-inch Full HD IPS touch (1920 x 1200)
GPU	Integrated Intel HD Graphics 400
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours
Weight	1.5 pounds
OS	Android 6.0 Marshmallow

To say that you are in for a surprise technology with the Lenovo Yoga Book Android tablet is an understatement. While it is true that while Lenovo is known for its sturdy laptops, this tablet is one notch higher ranked than many in the category. And students will be delighted to carry this one around.

The Yoga Book comes with a magnesium and aluminum build resulting in a velvet-like smooth chassis. Weighing at just 1.5 pounds, this ultraslim and light tablet can be used in four modes thanks to its sleek hinge: Create, Browse, Watch, and Type modes.

Moreover, the transition between modes is so smooth, it makes you want to play with the tablet a little more, every time. The Halo keyboard (we will talk about this surprise hereunder) allows you to write and type without interruptions, and a thick bezel surrounds the display.

The thin cassis holds a micro-USB port, micro HDMI slot, microSD card slot, an audio i/o jack, and a power button. This is your personal weapon of choice when you want to indulge in college learning in a hassle-free manner. 

Honestly, the Yoga Book comes with an average processor meant to push you through routine use without pain. With a 2.4 GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8550 CPU, the performance of this tablet is decent in that it allows you to take notes, draw, browse, and watch videos.

The Integrated Intel HD Graphics 400 allows you to do casual gaming every now and then. With a combination of 4GB LPDDR3 RAM and internal storage of 64GB SSD makes the tablet speedy, letting you work uninterrupted on multiple applications and the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

The Lenovo Yoga Book boasts of a 10.1-inch display that throws a wide range of color gamut at you. Writing and watching on this Full HD IPS display is a great experience because of the resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Plus, the sharp details and balanced brightness makes you fall in love with the tablet even more. 

Here’s the deal. The Halo keyboard on the Yoga Book is a touch-capacitive keyboard that reveals itself when you need it to and vanishes otherwise. Lenovo has tried to innovate with the halo keyboard, however, they could have improved the touch-sensitivity and key space so that the typing speed could be increased.

The brightness and haptic feedback on this keyboard can be adjusted. The touchpad is small but it responds well to gestures. Lucky for students, you can transform this halo keyboard into a notepad and use the Lenovo Real Pen to write on to this space with the help of the Create Pad option. The Pen can be used as a stylus as well as a traditional pen which is an attractive feature for college students who like to have options. 

Apart from these fascinating specs, the Yoga Book lets you listen to audio rather loud and clearly thanks to the Dolby Audio support. You can customize audio for either of the six listening options: dynamic, voice, music, movie, game, and personalize. Furthermore, you get to enjoy a battery life of up to 12 long hours at one round of charging, which allows for better productivity. 

As for the cameras, a 2MP front-facing camera and 8MP rear camera allow you to capture images and videos in HDR mode, with color richness and a lot of detail. To conclude, Lenovo Yoga Book Android tablet is a very unique offering for college students that takes care of your productivity needs as well as aesthetic elements that attracts better results over time.

11. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1

Processor	1.8 GHz Samsung Exynos 7904
RAM	2GB
Storage	32GB SSD
Display	10.1-inch TFT-LCD Multi-touch (1920 x 1200)
GPU	ARM Mali-G71 MP2
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours
Weight	1.03 pounds
OS	Android 9 Pie

Since Samsung rolled out the first Galaxy Tab A in 2016, the brand decided to bring the game one notch up with an upgraded and restructured version through Galaxy Tab A 10.1 in 2019. There has definitely been an advancement in terms of performance, and the resulting tablet is a far better option for college-going students thanks to its widely acknowledged specification. Let’s know-how. 

Heavily dipped in plastic and metal, the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is designed to withstand accidental falls and is a durable device. The display on the tablet is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the structure is super slim, and it weighs at just 1.03 pounds making the tablet one of the most portable and lightweight devices.

The Tab A 10.1 also boasts of a MicroSD card slot, a USB Type C 2.0 port, a power button, a volume controller, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. 

The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is known for its smooth performance on a daily basis. So usage of this tablet for light multitasking, or working in isolation on note-making, browsing, or gaming results in good output, thanks to a solid performance of the 1.8 GHz Samsung Exynos 7904 CPU.

It is a snappy tablet, with a 2GB LPDDR4 RAM and a 32GB storage, the tablet responds and transfers files quickly on the Android 9 Pie operating system. However, larger storage space would have definitely helped further.

As for the graphics, the ARM Mali-G71 MP2 GPU support is pretty decent for casual gaming but you must stay clear from games that consider complex frames. 

The display on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 boasts of a 10.1-inch touchscreen that has an LCD finish. The overall output of the display is decent in that the color-gamut is large and the resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels provide a high-quality viewing experience.

It is easy to use outdoors as well. However, the brightness is low as compared to the other tablets in the same category.

The tablet comes with an inbuilt keyboard that can be accessed by the students to take notes, and use the same for browsing requirements. Running on One UI, the keyboard is highly compatible with the 10-point multitouch touchscreen on the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 and it can be used in either landscape or portrait modes. There is no provision for an external keyboard or a stylus pen.  

As for the audio quality, the stereo speakers present on the bottom edge of the tablet in portrait mode are loud enough to fill a room. The clarity might shudder with an increase in volume, but the speakers are good for listening to music occasionally.

The tablet can provide services for up to 10 hours which is pretty decent battery life to ensure uninterrupted work for an average duration.  

Finally, the 5MP front-facing camera allows for sharp pictures in decent lighting. You can also use it to capture 1080p videos. With the 8MP rear camera, you can capture vivid photos even in low light and shoot videos at 1080p to capture the whiteboard in the classroom in order to revisit notes. To infer, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is an affordable tablet that will function to fulfill your routine college needs in a hassle-free manner.

12. Google Nexus 9

Processor	2.3 GHz 64-bit NVIDIA Dual Denver Tegra K1
RAM	2GB
Storage	32GB
Display	8.9-inch IPS LCD touch (2048 x 1536)
GPU	192-core Kepler
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours
Weight	0.96 pounds
OS	Android 5.0 Lollipop

Google loves all things speed, performance, and ingenuity. With the Nexus 9 tablet, the brand has tried to put forth an amalgamation of powerful performance, sharp design, and an upgraded configuration. Let us take a look at how the tablet matches the college students’ requisite. 

With an aluminum build and thin bezel surrounding the display, the Google Nexus 9 tablet screams of contemporary aesthetic. The back is made of rubber and is easy for the grip. Weighing at an ultraportable 0.96 pounds, the tablet is thin and compact.

The brushed metal sides and sturdy structure allows you to work and play on this tablet with no stress. It comes with a micro-USB 2.0 port on the bottom and an audio jack placed on the top edge. That’s about the most connectivity available on this tablet which is alright if you are not dependent on adding external support. 

The Nexus 9 boasts of a strong performance with stability like never before. The tablet comes with an advanced chip in the form of a 2.3 GHz 64-bit NVIDIA Dual Denver Tegra K1 processor that speeds up the functions.

Furthermore, the 192-core Kepler GPU support makes this tablet gaming-friendly, even with highly graphics-dependent games. Adding to this robust performance, the 2GB DDR3 RAM and 32GB internal storage make sure that you can switch between multiple applications and browsing tabs without significant lag or glitches on an Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system, so as to provide you with maximum productivity on a daily basis. What a bonus for students!

You will be amazed to work on the Nexus 9 display exuding a solid configuration of IPS LCD touchscreen. This 8.9-inch display comes with a wide color gamut and vividness, thanks to the resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.

The ambient sensor added by Google is impressive in automatically adjusting the brightness levels based on the real-time environment. This will ensure that while you study for long durations and are on-the-go, your eyes face no strain while hooked to the screen. 

The Wi-Fi-only enabled Nexus 9 pushes you towards relying on Cloud storage, as the tablet doesn’t allow adding to the available, non-expandable internal storage. You don’t get any memory card slots with this tablet. The Nexus Type Cover is not available currently, so you must resort to typing on the touchscreen. 

The front-facing stereo speakers on the Nexus 9 are decent when it comes to listening to music at the top volume level. The sound may not be very crisp though. Boasting a battery life of up to 15 hours, the tablet claims productivity especially for college-going students. 

As for the cameras, the 1.6MP front-facing camera and 8MP rear camera shoot average quality pictures with decent color richness and shoot videos at 780p and 1080p respectively – better outdoors than indoors.

In totality, the Google Nexus 9 is a good option for students who are tight on a budget and know how much they need to work on the tablet to make optimum use of it. 

13. Fire HD 10

Processor	2.0 GHz Octa-Core
RAM	2GB
Storage	32GB
Display	10.1-inch FullHD IPS touch (1920 x 1200)
GPU	N/A
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours
Weight	1.08 pounds
OS	Fire OS 5.5

Lo and behold! Amazon has acknowledged the basic computer needs of college students in terms of affordability, durability, and performance, and has released the iconic Fire HD 10 tablet. This budget tablet competes very well with premium devices in the same category. Let us learn why.  

The sturdy structure of the Fire HD 10 tablet is built out of plastic, that can further be protected by adding the Amazon’s form-fitting case supported by a kickstand and magnetic closure.

Weighing at just 1.08 pounds, this lightweight tablet comes with an exciting range of features like VoiceView screen reader, screen magnifier, stereo-to-mono option, and more. The easy-to-hold and carry around in a backpack tablet provides students with a range of ports like USB Type C 2.0 port, microSD slot, as well as a 3.5 mm audio jack.

Working on a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor unit, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet comes with a power-packed performance, smooth user interface, and responsive system to support multitasking.

Students shall find it easy to switch between apps and tabs while working on this tablet. The 2GB RAM and an internal storage capacity of 32GB allow for a lag-free user experience ensuring that the productivity is not hindered. Fire OS 5.5 ensures an outstanding tablet functioning. 

At a very affordable price, you get to avail of the benefits of a Full HD display on this Fire HD 10 tablet. This 10.1-inch touchscreen boasts of impressive viewing angles with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Additionally, the Blue Shade feature reduces the blue light effect when working on this IPS display. The ambient sensor on Fire HD 10 automatically adjusts the brightness based on the environment.

Another impressive feature of Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is the access to more than 500k apps such as movies, games, eBooks, and music, as well as more than 400k Audible books. What more? You can easily access this tablet via Amazon Alexa with your voice command regardless of the tablet’s state – standby or asleep. 

The stereo speakers on the Fire HD 10 will let you refresh from your long hours of study sessions, thanks to their loud and powerful audio. Amazon has ensured that the tablet can last up to 12 hours of a one-time charge so that you can work and browse on this tablet in an uninterrupted manner. 

Finally, the 2MP front-facing and rear cameras are decent for video recording. In hindsight, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is actually a win-win situation for college students because they get to avail of many exciting features at a rather competitive price point. This tablet definitely is a value-for-money product. 

Things to Consider

Having said that, it becomes important to consider key factors that make a tablet the best suitable option for a college student. Since you are planning to practically invest in your education, you must identify your important requirements and match those standards with a viable tablet’s configuration.

The top factors that must be thoroughly analyzed while buying a tablet include the weight of the device, display type & strength, performance, connectivity, storage capacity, and the battery life. 

Since easy portability of tablets makes it a preferred device over laptops, their weight becomes a significant factor to look at. As a student, you don’t want to carry around a heavy device throughout the day to fulfill your course goals. Also, it must provide you with a vivid and easy-on-eye display configuration so that you are able to read/watch on the device without straining your eyes and while receiving accurate information in terms of screen resolution.

More importantly, the processor, memory, and internal storage of the tablet must be configured in a manner that enhances the speed of the device and prevents lags/glitches so as to provide you with a seamless learning experience.

Another factor to consider is the connectivity of the tablet including USB ports, Bluetooth, WiFi compatibility, Card reader and Headphone jack to ensure that you stay up-to-date with the latest curriculum and are able to stay in touch with your colleagues for group study sessions.

Furthermore, ensure that the tablet you purchase comes with long battery life so that you can make the most use of it throughout the day or night without having to stress about finding a charging slot even when you are on-the-go. 

With the aforementioned brief, let us move towards listing the minimum system requirements and the recommended system requirements for a college student to consider so as to purchase the best tablet. This is then followed by a thorough review of the best options that are suitable for college students.

The FAQs

Verdict

With an increasing variety of advancing technology, the form of tablets is taking a new shape periodically. Having said that, the two constants that stay for college students are affordability and portability of tablets. 

The aforementioned tablets have been studied judiciously and picked in the sequence to ensure that they cater to the everyday needs of the college students effectively. If you go through the product descriptions thoroughly, you will find specific configurations that will lead you to make an informed buying decision for your college requirements.

The tablets have been listed on the basis of their relevancy and many positive, critical as well as customer reviews. Find the best suitable tablet for your everyday college use here and power up your productivity.