Unlike a smartphone, a tablet’s role isn’t very clear. While a phone is small, works well, and convenient, a tablet is either a large phone or a small laptop replacement. This awkward role for the tablet combined with the new, confusing lineup of tablets from multiple top brands has led to a drop in the demand for tablets. According to a September report from the International Data Corporation, the global tablet shipments are expected to fall 6.8% in 2022.
With Apple, Google, and Samsung announcing new tablets, the tablet market seems to get more complicated. Below will be new updates in the tablet market, its issues, and what you should buy if you are considering buying one.
If you’d rather get a phone or laptop, consider checking the other links below:
The Best Phones: https://thetechieturtle.com/blog/the-best-phones-for-2022/
The Best Laptops: https://thetechieturtle.com/blog/best-laptops-2022/
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Apple’s New Lineup
Recently Apple announced the 10th Gen iPad, which does have a better design but isn’t the best bang for your buck starting at $449. Some notable features are its flat edges, fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, 10.9-inch edge-to-edge screen, and USB-C charging port. On top of that there is the A14 Bionic chip that was introduced alongside iPhone 12 series.
Apple also announced the release of the iPad Pro M2, which is powered by the same M2 processor found inside the latest MacBooks. As of now it is the most advanced and expensive iPad at $800.
While this does give more choices for iPad shoppers, it also makes Apple’s tablet lineup feel complicated and confusing. With iPad’s stretching from 400 to 800 dollars and also their lack of differences between them all make a customer’s time more frustrating.
Google’s New Tablet
Google is taking a very different approach in its entry to the tablet market. Instead of making an awkward screen that resembles either a large phone or small laptop, Google’s upcoming tablet will essentially function as a smart home display with a removable screen.
It isn’t launching until 2023, but during its fall product launch on Oct. 6, Google previewed the device. The Pixel tablet can magnetically attach to a speaker dock, turning it into a Nest Hub-like device that can play music, control smart home devices and serve as a digital photo frame. When used without the dock it behaves like a regular Android tablet.
It’s an approach that’s significantly different from those of rivals like Apple and Samsung, all of whom have focused on productivity, entertainment, or a combination of both. It’s an interesting view on the tablet that could make Google stand out from their rival counterparts, rather than direct competition. If this tablet launch is successful, the Pixel tablet could also give Google an advantage in challenging its biggest competitor, Amazon, which dominates the home speaker market.
With previous failures in the tablet market, such as the Pixel Slate 2018, Google is still showing its interest in the market with this ambitious launch.
Samsung’s Combination of a Phone and Tablet
Samsung has a vision for the future of tablets. Samsung’s investment in foldable devices suggests the company sees it as the next step. The Galaxy Z Fold was the first foldable phone design that Samsung launched commercially back in 2019, and even after shaky results the company is still pushing, recently launching a fourth generation version. This shows Samsung’s belief in the potential of foldable devices.
According to the International Data Corporation, despite Samsung’s heavy investment, shipments of foldable phones are estimated to make up just over 1% of the overall smartphone market this year. Still, Samsung has a lead over its competitors, and they don’t seem like they will give up.
So What Should You Buy?
While the tablet’s future seems speculative and confusing, there are still plenty on the market that seem to do well. The 2021 9th gen iPad is of great value, with a pretty fast processor and a 10.2-inch screen . If you need more power, but don’t want to splurge on the Pro, consider the recent 2022 iPad Air. If you want an Android for general-purpose, gaming, entertainment, and light work, the Galaxy Tab S8+ will be right for you. If you want a portable Windows tablet, the Surface Pro 9 is worth your money, as it has 5G support and a new SQ 3 chip.
2021 9th Gen iPad: https://amzn.to/3ztJ9gE
iPad Air: https://amzn.to/3fdjRg0
Galaxy Tab S8+: https://amzn.to/3fgv5jC
Surface Pro 9: https://amzn.to/3SIEJt6
