The Tech Advisor Best of 2024-25 Awards have unveiled the finest tablets of the year, spotlighting the cream of the crop among those tested by the publication throughout the year. These accolades recognize exceptional tablets that stand out in terms of performance, design, usability, and value, helping consumers make informed decisions in an increasingly crowded market. As tablet technology rapidly progresses, this annual award shines a light on innovative devices that cater to diverse needs, whether for professionals, students, or casual users.
Apple iPad Air 6: The Best Tablet of the Year
The Apple iPad Air 6 has emerged as the Best Tablet of the Year, solidifying Apple’s unparalleled reputation for excellence in the tablet industry. This year, Apple has expanded its iPad Air lineup to include two sizes: the classic 11-inch model and a new 13-inch version, both encased in a sleek aluminum body available in four different colors. These variations cater to a broad audience with distinct preferences for screen size and aesthetic.
The iPad Air 6 is driven by Apple’s powerful M2 chip, which significantly outperforms its Android competitors, offering remarkable efficiency and speed for running complex applications and demanding games. Whether users are engaged in photo and video editing or engaging in high-end gaming, the M2 chip ensures the tablet performs seamlessly. Another highlight is its formidable 10340mAh battery, providing ample usage time without the need for frequent recharges, a crucial feature for users on the go.
Supporting the latest iPadOS 18 software, the iPad Air 6 is equipped with AI features from Apple Intelligence, producing a streamlined and intuitive interface that Apple enthusiasts will find familiar. The operating system further enhances the device’s usability by optimizing many apps specifically for the iPad, delivering a smoother and more efficient user experience compared to its Android counterparts. Priced at £599/$599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi version and an additional £200/$200 for the 13-inch model, the iPad Air 6 offers high-end performance without reaching the premium price bracket of the Pro variant, making it an attractive choice for those seeking quality and value.
OnePlus Pad 2: The Best Android Tablet of the Year
The OnePlus Pad 2 has claimed the title of the best Android tablet of the year, presenting a formidable option for users who prefer an alternative to Apple’s ecosystem. Continuing its tradition of offering a clean and efficient version of Google’s OS, OnePlus extends this philosophy to its tablets, ensuring a clutter-free and user-friendly experience.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Pad 2 is the innovative ‘Open Canvas’ interface, which allows users to run up to three apps simultaneously and extend the usable screen area beyond the display’s edges. This multitasking capability is particularly beneficial for professionals and power users who need to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The tablet boasts an elegant glass and aluminum design, complemented by a 12.1-inch OLED display with a remarkable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, significantly higher than the iPad Air’s 60Hz, offering smoother visuals and a more immersive viewing experience.
Beneath its stylish exterior, the OnePlus Pad 2 houses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring the tablet can handle various tasks with ease, from productivity applications to intensive gaming. Priced at £499/$549, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers a premium Android experience with robust performance and multitasking prowess, making it a compelling choice for consumers seeking an exceptional tablet outside of Apple’s offerings.
Xiaomi Pad 6: The Best Budget Tablet of the Year
Consumers searching for a budget-friendly yet high-performing tablet need to look no further than the Xiaomi Pad 6, which has been recognized as the best budget tablet of 2024-25. With an initial launch price of £369, which has since decreased, the Xiaomi Pad 6 offers impressive features at a fraction of the cost of premium tablets, although it is not available in the US market.
The design of the Xiaomi Pad 6 closely mirrors that of the iPad, featuring an 11-inch screen that surpasses the iPad Air with a 144Hz refresh rate. This feature, along with quad speakers, enhances the device’s suitability for music lovers and podcast enthusiasts, offering rich audio and smooth visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, the Xiaomi Pad 6 performs admirably across a range of activities, including streaming, gaming, productivity tasks, and social media engagement, ensuring minimal lag and a smooth user experience.
Despite its affordability, the Xiaomi Pad 6 comes with MIUI 14, an interface layered over Android that brings with it some bloatware and occasional software hiccups. Nevertheless, the intuitive navigation system featuring floating windows and split-screen controls compensates for these minor drawbacks, making the tablet user-friendly. Overall, the Xiaomi Pad 6 delivers excellent value for money, combining high-end features with a budget-friendly price tag, although users should be prepared for some software quirks.
Trends and Insights from the Awards
The Tech Advisor Best of 2024-25 Awards have showcased the top tablets of the year, highlighting the best among those reviewed by the publication throughout the past year. These awards celebrate outstanding tablets that excel in performance, design, usability, and value, assisting consumers in making well-informed choices in an increasingly crowded market. As tablet technology advances at a rapid pace, these annual awards focus on innovative devices that meet a variety of needs, catering to professionals, students, and casual users alike. This recognition places a spotlight on devices that push the envelope in terms of what tablets can achieve, providing an ideal blend of speed, aesthetics, functionality, and affordability. Whether it’s for work, study, or entertainment, these award-winning tablets have proven to deliver exceptional experiences, making them stand out from the competition. As the market evolves, these awards serve as a valuable guide for anyone looking to invest in a new tablet, ensuring they choose devices that offer both cutting-edge features and reliability.
