Top Android Tablets

Android is an open source platform designed for mobile devices. A large number of Android devices can run the same applications and therefore bring on more alternatives to consumers. These devices are less expensive and provide better mobile experience with various customization options. This article is about the top Android tablets in the market right now which use the latest operating systems: Android 4.1 and 4.2 Jelly Bean. Google’s Android supports large number of apps available from Google Play Store.

Our selection of the top Android tablets is based on authentic reviews across the web which present the opinions of the topmost gadget reviewers. The rankings awarded to the tablets are based on  ReviewGist Score, which combines the wisdom of all gadget experts to give you a single quality score from 1 to 100.

1. Sony Xperia Tablet Z

With Xperia Table Z, Sony has introduced its slimmest and lightest tablet, appreciable for its unique waterproof capability. Xperia Z’s battery life is not as long when compared to other tablets of the same size but still this 10.1 inch is a strong contestant because its processing power. Xperia Tablet Z owns a body made from scratch-resistant glass and has a better camera resolution of 8MP. The tablet has got a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor running at a speed 1.5 GHz, and provides great gaming performance. The tablet comes with storage capacities of 16GB and 32GB and has room for expanding it further.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z could be a reasonable option if you are more into gaming since this tablet offers a good level of performance accompanied with an impressive screen. CNET applauses the tablet for its refreshingly thin and light design, great gaming performance, and a sharp screen. In words of TechRadar, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a triumph, a tablet that genuinely deserves consideration when you’re in the market for a new top-end gadget. PCMAG review says, it’s supremely thin and light, exceedingly fast, has a sharp full-HD display and with extras like waterproofing, a built-in IR-emitter, expandable memory, and PS3 controller compatibility you have a seriously loaded Android tablet.

No doubt the price is high for this tablet from Sony, but what you are getting is a faster processor and light design in a 10.1 inch size. Sony Xperia Tablet Z makes the top place in our list with a ReviewGist Score of 99%.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Samsung introduced its tablet Galaxy Note 8.0 when the market was already reigned by the Apple iPad Mini and few price performance devices like Google Nexus 7. Apart from some software enhancements from earlier Galaxy line of products, Note 8 includes extra features such as multi-windows, compatibility to more apps and the ambient light sensor for adjusting to the reading environment.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ships with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is more responsive and allows smooth application transfer. The tablet comes with a 1280×800-pixel-resolution capacitive screen fitted on a strongly built body. Galaxy Note tablets are famous for S Pens, which are pressure sensitive styli. S Pen allows you to scribble fine lines on the high resolution screen of the Note 8. Furthermore, you will find that Samsung Galaxy Note 8 works so well altering backgrounds of pages when you want to read your favorite books on the device.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is a lightweight and well designed tablet which comes quite handy. CNET finds Galaxy Note 8’s screen to have better clarity with 189 pixels-per-inch (ppi) when compared with 163 ppi on the iPad Mini. But, the review also points out that the Note 8’s battery life fails to come close to the Nexus 7’s or especially that of the iPad Mini. According to TechRadar,  the Galaxy Note 8.0 is a light, highly portable device and there’s no denying that its display is far better than that of the main competition, the iPad Mini. PCMAG review says that the Galaxy Note 8.0 is really fast and runs a heavily skinned version of Android 4.1.2 on a speedy quad-core Exynos processor at 1.6GHz, with 2GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 secures a ReviewGist Score of 99% and could be a viable choice if  you are an artist or in a profession which involves designing and drawing. Besides, it proves to be a good medium for reading ebooks with much clear fonts on its 8 inch screen backed up with a good battery life. The tablet is quite pricey but the overall utility which you get is worth it.

3. Google Nexus 7

At present, Google Nexus is the best mini tablet in the market with the least price tag. Compared to other 7 inch tablets like Amazon Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7 is lighter and can download more apps from Google Play and Amazon store also. Nexus 7 houses faster quad-core 1.3 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and 1GB RAM. Its IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels is comparable to other 10 inch tablets and better than iPad Mini.

When you are looking for the benefits of Android in a small device, Google Nexus 7 offers you that at a very cheaper rate. CNET sounds to be impressed by its low price, great battery life, sharp screen, and complete and open Android 4.2 environment, and declares that the Nexus 7 is the best small tablet you can buy. TechRadar says, coupled with the Tegra 3 processor and additional headroom afforded by 1GB of RAM, the Google Nexus 7 made a great initial showcase for Jelly Bean. PCMAG critically reviews that the Nexus 7’s cellular performance is disappointing on both AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks. On the other hand, it praises the Nexus 7 too finding it to be well-priced, well-built, and user-friendly, with the latest version of Android and plenty of apps.

Nexus 7 has a lot to offer with its good gaming performance, speedy web browsing and benefit of an eBook reader. With additional features being included in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and great battery life, Google Nexus 7 bags a ReviewGist Score of 99% and is the budget offering in the league of top tablets.

4. Asus Fonepad

Asus, which also manufactures Google Nexus 7, enters the mainstream tablet market by introducing a 7 inch Asus Fonepad tablet having voice calling facility. Asus Fonepad resembles the Nexus 7 in dimensions and is similarly portable. The tablet  further includes built-in earpiece for easy voice calling, text messaging facility and power saving utility to provide longevity.

Asus Fonepad runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS and  includes 1.2 GHz Intel Atom processor. The tablet accommodates 1GB RAM and storage of  8GB or 16GB. It has an IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, same as the Nexus 7.

Asus Fonepad can be recommended for day to day activities of browsing through photos and enjoying music and videos. Its stock Android web browser adds to the browsing experience with easy navigation and zooming options. According to CNET, the tablet is let down by its unimpressive power and a lacklustre screen but finds that its affordable price and good battery life add to its appeal. In views of TechRadar, the Taiwanese company has fitted the FonePad with a 4270 mAh battery which is calculated to take into account the 3G usage of the device. PhoneArena states that the tablet’s sufficient resolution of the screen and the support for multiple tabs enhance the browsing experience further.

The Fonepad does not match Nexus 7 when compared in terms of processing power but the functionality of voice calling along with entertainment which it offers is worth a thought. In addition, this 7 inch tablet is comfortable to hold and has an appreciable battery life to work throughout the day. This new comer achieves a ReviewGist Score of 98% declaring that it can be an alternative too.

ReviewGist keeps checking the reviews for gadgets to bring out a comprehensive list of the new products in the market. The Android tablets featured in this article were chosen in July 2013 and for more options you can check here.