The best tablet in the UK for most people is the Apple iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip. It has an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, all-day battery life, USB-C and Touch ID, which makes it the easy pick. Want Android with a pen in the box? Go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, which comes with the S Pen included.
Our picks link to Amazon UK. Buy through them and we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, SuggestedTech earns from qualifying purchases. How this works
Android power and fast chargingAndroid power, a 3.2K screen and super-fast charging
Android power, a 3.2K screen and super-fast charging
This guide is for anyone choosing a tablet for streaming, browsing, study, drawing or work. It is also for anyone buying one as a Christmas or birthday present. Start with screen size, then decide between Apple and Android. Last, check what comes in the box, because pens and keyboards are often sold separately.
Pick 1 · Apple
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16, 128GB, Wi-Fi)
Best for most people
A full-size 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip. It handles streaming, browsing, homework and video calls all day long.
Who it's for: Buy it for anyone who wants one tablet that simply does everything: your mum, your partner or yourself.
The facts that matter
The A16 chip and an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone.
All-day battery life, USB-C and fast Wi-Fi 6.
Touch ID in the top button unlocks the iPad, signs in to apps and pays with Apple Pay.
Why it made the list: You get a big 11-inch Liquid Retina display, all-day battery life and USB-C charging. Touch ID in the top button unlocks the iPad, signs you in to apps and pays with Apple Pay, all with one touch. On paper it ticks every box most people need.
Worth knowing: Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Magic Keyboard Folio are sold separately.
The iPad Air with Apple's M4 chip. It gives you smooth multitasking and room for complex AI tasks, with Apple Intelligence built in.
Who it's for: Buy it for the creative, the multitasker or anyone who wants more power than the standard iPad.
The facts that matter
The Apple M4 chip for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks, with Apple Intelligence built in.
An 11-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide colour, True Tone and ultra-low reflectivity.
Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, and it works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
Why it made the list: The M4 chip is built for juggling apps and heavy AI work. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display has P3 wide colour, so colours look rich, plus ultra-low reflectivity. It also works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, and has Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1.
Worth knowing: Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are sold separately.
The iPad Pro with the M5 chip and Neural Accelerators, which run AI on the iPad itself. It is a pro studio that fits in a bag.
Who it's for: Buy it for the artist, video editor or professional who wants the best iPad screen and power on this list.
The facts that matter
The M5 chip with Neural Accelerators for on-device AI, with up to 16GB of memory.
An 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with extreme brightness, ProMotion, P3 wide colour and True Tone.
A landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera, four studio-quality microphones and four speakers.
Why it made the list: The M5 chip comes with up to 16GB of memory for demanding work. The 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display offers extreme brightness and P3 wide colour. A landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera, four studio-quality microphones and four speakers make calls and recordings shine.
Worth knowing: Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, and nano-texture glass comes only on the 1TB and 2TB models.
The iPad mini packs the full iPad experience into an ultra-portable design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. It is perfect for reading, travel and the sofa.
Who it's for: Buy it for the reader, the commuter or the traveller who wants a tablet that is easy to carry everywhere.
The facts that matter
The full iPad experience in an ultra-portable design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display.
The A17 Pro chip, with Apple Intelligence.
A 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Centre Stage and a 12MP back camera that records 4K video.
Why it made the list: Small does not mean slow: you get the A17 Pro chip, with Apple Intelligence. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera has Centre Stage for video calls, and the 12MP back camera records 4K video. It is the smallest tablet here, so it is the one to slip into any bag.
Worth knowing: The 8.3-inch screen is the smallest here, so split-screen work feels cramped next to an 11-inch iPad.
Best for Android note-takers, with the pen in the box
A 10.9-inch Samsung Android tablet with the S Pen included. You can write, sketch and take notes from day one.
Who it's for: Buy it for the Android fan, the student or the note-taker who wants a pen without paying extra for one.
The facts that matter
A 10.9-inch display with the S Pen included.
IP68 water and dust resistance, ready for days out.
An Exynos 1580 processor, Circle to Search and microSD storage up to 2TB.
Why it made the list: The S Pen comes in the box, which no iPad here offers. IP68 water and dust resistance makes it ready for days out. You also get Circle to Search, Google's tool for searching anything on screen with a quick circle, and microSD storage up to 2TB, so you can add plenty of room for films and files.
Worth knowing: This is the Wi-Fi model, so it has no mobile data of its own.
An 11-inch Samsung Android tablet with a smooth 90Hz display, which means the screen refreshes 90 times a second for slick scrolling. It is made for shared films, games and video calls.
Who it's for: Buy it for the family who wants one Android tablet for cartoons, films and calls with grandparents.
The facts that matter
An 11-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.
Dolby-engineered quad speakers, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones.
Talk to Gemini about what is on screen or in front of the camera by long-pressing the side button.
Why it made the list: Dolby-engineered quad speakers give rich sound, and a 3.5mm headphone jack lets kids plug in wired headphones. Long-press the side button to talk to Gemini, Google's AI helper, about what is on screen or in front of the camera.
Worth knowing: A 5MP front camera, fine for video calls but well below the 12MP cameras on the iPads.
The Lenovo Idea Tab is an 11-inch Android tablet with a 2.5K (2560 x 1600) display at 90Hz. It is built for lectures, reading and revision.
Who it's for: Buy it for the student heading to school, college or university.
The facts that matter
An 11-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Circle to Search, Gemini and AI writing tools that complete, rewrite or summarise text.
Why it made the list: You get a sharp 11-inch 2.5K screen, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Circle to Search, Gemini and AI writing tools can complete, rewrite or summarise text, which is ideal for notes and essays.
Worth knowing: Wi-Fi 5 only, an older standard than the Wi-Fi 6 and 7 on the iPads here.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. It handles heavy multitasking and demanding games with ease.
Who it's for: Buy it for the gamer or Android fan who wants top power and a quick top-up.
The facts that matter
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
An 11.2-inch 3.2K display, and a 9200mAh battery with 67W HyperCharge.
A full-metal unibody just 5.75mm thick, with a 3-year warranty (2 years plus a free 1-year extension).
Why it made the list: The 11.2-inch 3.2K display gives you lots of sharp screen to play on. The 9200mAh battery has 67W HyperCharge for fast charging. You also get a full-metal unibody just 5.75mm thick and a 3-year warranty (2 years plus a free 1-year extension).
Worth knowing: At 485g with an 11.2-inch screen, it is a two-handed tablet, not a pocket reader.
We started with what UK shoppers search for when they want a tablet: the best all-rounder, the best for drawing, the best small tablet, the best Android, the best for families and the best for students. Then we picked on the maker's and Amazon's published specs and listings, read on 14 October 2026. We favoured products sold or fulfilled by Amazon UK.
Every pick has one honest catch. The iPad's Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard Folio are sold separately. The iPad Air's Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are sold separately. The same goes for the iPad Pro, and its nano-texture glass comes only on the 1TB and 2TB models. The iPad mini's 8.3-inch screen is the smallest here, so split-screen work feels cramped. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is the Wi-Fi model, so it has no mobile data of its own. The Galaxy Tab A11+ has a 5MP front camera, well below the iPads' 12MP cameras. The Lenovo Idea Tab has Wi-Fi 5 only, an older standard. The Xiaomi Pad 8 weighs 485g, so it is a two-handed tablet.
Screen size: around 11 inches for films and work, smaller for reading and travel.
Apple or Android: pick the one that matches the phone you or your gift person already uses.
What is in the box: pens and keyboards are often sold separately.
Wi-Fi or mobile data: Wi-Fi models need Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot to get online when you are out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tablet in the UK for most people?
The Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) is the best tablet for most people. It has an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, all-day battery life, USB-C and Touch ID.
Which tablet is best for drawing?
For Apple fans, the iPad Air (M4) works with Apple Pencil Pro, and the iPad Pro (M5) is made for artists, though the pencil is sold separately. On Android, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE comes with the S Pen included.
What is the best small tablet for reading?
The Apple iPad mini is the small one to buy. It gives you the full iPad experience in an ultra-portable design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display.
What is the best Android tablet in the UK?
For power and fast charging, choose the Xiaomi Pad 8, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 67W HyperCharge. For a pen in the box and IP68 water and dust resistance, choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Which tablet is best for students?
The Lenovo Idea Tab is our student pick. It has an 11-inch 2.5K display, 8GB of RAM and AI writing tools that complete, rewrite or summarise text.
What is the best tablet for a family?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is made for families. It has an 11-inch 90Hz display, Dolby-engineered quad speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones.