How to choose a tablet and its accessories
8 Oct 2026
A tablet sits between a phone and a laptop, and the right choice starts with one question: what will you use it for? Entertainment and films, study, drawing, work or children?
1. Size
- About 8 inch: light, good for reading, travel and children.
- 10–11 inch: the best balance for films, study and general use.
- 12 inch and up: for work, drawing and typing with a keyboard as a laptop alternative.
2. System
- iPadOS (iPad): apps optimised for tablets and long updates.
- Android: a wider choice at lower prices, but how well apps are optimised for tablets varies.
- Windows: for those who need full desktop programs.
3. Screen
Full HD or higher suits films and reading. OLED and Mini-LED screens give better blacks and contrast, and a higher refresh rate (90–120Hz) feels smoother for stylus writing and scrolling.
4. RAM and storage
64GB is the minimum for light use, and 128GB or more if you download films and games. Some devices take a microSD card to add space, but not all do.
5. Connectivity
The Wi-Fi only version is cheaper and enough for most people with a hotspot from your phone. The SIM version connects anywhere but costs more and needs a line.
6. Battery
Most tablets last 8 to 12 hours of use. A bigger screen and higher brightness use more.
7. Stylus and keyboard
Not every device supports a stylus or keyboard. If you want them, check the exact compatible models before you buy.
8. For children
Choose a device with a tough cover that supports kids mode and parental controls; high specs are not needed.
Accessories you will need
- Case with a stand: protects the device and props the screen for watching.
- Screen protector (glass or film): choose the one made for your exact model.
- Charger and cable: mind the charging power and the device port, and read our fast charging and cables guide.
- Keyboard and mouse: for those who type a lot.
- Stylus: for drawing and notes, and it must be compatible with the tablet model.
- Headphones: our headphones guide.
- Power bank: for travel, see our power bank guide.
Accessories are mostly model-specific, so give your exact device name when you buy. Got an old tablet? Trade it in.
