Group test: what's the best Android tablet?

The best Android tablets you can buy

By | PC Advisor | 08 January 13

PC Advisor reviews the best Google Android tablets you can buy in the UK today.

5. Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Amazon Kindle Fire HD
  • Reviewed on: 14 November 12
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

If you're after a 7in tablet that's very easy to use, you don't need GPS and don't want to stretch your budget to £200, the Kindle Fire HD is a good buy. However, although Google's Nexus 7 has half the storage for the same price, it's more versatile and has a better range of apps and games and is faster, too.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
  • Reviewed on: 14 September 12
  • RRP: Around £500 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Granted, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 lacks the one competitive spec that other top-tier tablets—specifically the Acer Iconia Tab A700, Apple iPad, and Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700—have at the same or lesser price. Samsung's rendering enhancements help lessen the sting of this omission somewhat, but the difference is clear, particularly with text-heavy content. But, when you factor in the handy stowaway S Pen and Samsung's pen-optimized software, and suddenly the Note 10.1 gets an edge all its own. Throw in the Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi tablet's solid performance, and the Note 10.1 is squarely back in the mix.

3. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700
  • Reviewed on: 26 June 12
  • RRP: Around £400 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 takes over from its predecessor as the top Android tablet available. You get high performance mixed with high style, and you don't have to make a lot of sacrifices to get both. Other tablets - including the Prime, which is expected to drop in price once this model gets into the market - may provide better value, but no other Android tablet will give you the full package that the Infinity does.

2. Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7
  • Reviewed on: 16 July 12
  • RRP: £159 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

Google has set a new standard for budget tablets with the Nexus 7. It's an unbelievably well-equipped device for such an affordable price. The silky smooth performance and high resolution IPS screen are the highlights for us. If you're looking for a tablet under £200 then look no further than the Nexus 7.

1. Google Nexus 10

Google Nexus 10
  • Reviewed on: 6 December 12
  • RRP: £319 for 16GB; £389 for 32GB
  • Rating: Rated 9 out of 10

The Nexus 10 is easily the best 10in Android tablet we've seen to date. It has a fantastic screen, decent cameras and software features all for a more than reasonable price. Those looking for an alternative to the full-sized iPad needn't look any further.

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Comments

Charles Salisbury1 said: just like to say well done on your reply to andrewit seems some people will never be pleased no matter what

Matt Egan said: A great deal - you must be pleased As Im sure youll appreciate we cant base our charts on special offers Also itms worth pointing out that your Note 101 was still only 1 cheaper than the Nexus 10 a very similar tablet with better display and newer OS For most readers that will be a better deal I say most readers because the Note is a unique device with its stylus and bespoke OS it will be the very best tablet for a certain type of creative Enjoy it

AndrewH said: I only paid 318 Tesco Direct for my Samsung Galaxy Note 101 And there was a Samsung 50 cashback offer too At that price it must be higher up the ratings

Jemima said: The Galaxy 7 tab it is excellent and pairs well with the galaxy ace phone Brilliant screen usability and light enough to carry everywhere

Hugh Phipps said: I too would be interested in seeing some reviews of 100 tablets lots on Amazon I will steer away from suggesting writers of these articles get evaulation devices but just out of interest how about a bub 100 tablet article httpwwwamazoncoukANDROI

Matt Egan said: Ah I see Fair point I think its fair comment though The Nexus devices are game changers in that they bring iPad build quality and performance to the Android space but you still have to contend with lack of apps The next year is going to be fascinating - so many Kindle Fire HD Nexus 7 and Nook HD devices will be sold this Christmas

Anotherplace said: You refer to the ipad as a cut above - so not purely a round-up of Android devices

igorsani said: Nice choice they are truly great devices but i would like to add Galaxy Note 101It should be top 10 android tablets there is so many good devices out there now but cant fit in top 5 DAnyway the best tablet is the one that meets your needsnice choice of 5 top either check it outhttpwwwmyandroidtabletsor

megadeth1 said: Im thinking of buying a US version of the Sony Tablet S as I have found one quite cheap but will it work in the UK

ChrisG said: I agree with Soulman loads of tablets at reasonable prices but non reviewed here For most of us best tablet means best value for money and these are not - just too expensiveWhat about Advent Vega Haanspree both very powerful machines What about the Samsung Galaxy Tab where you dont even get a USB port - major downerPlease join the real world and start testing things that most people can afford to buy This type of elitism is why people are stopping buying magazines - theywant to read about things they CAN afford not what they could have if they spend way over their budgetI dont mean to be too critical but lookatreviews in most mags and see how many deal with value products for the normal buyer rather than top of the range that most ordinary people can not afford

Matt Egan said: Hi Soulman To an extent this always has to be subjective and some people are going to feel that their favourite product is being ignored Theres nothing wrong with the Flytouch 3 but in our opinion even at 150 it doesnt represent a better deal than say a 399 Galaxy Tab And as for disposable incomes contrary to popular opinion those of us who scribe for a living dont live in gold houses not all of us anyway but Id still recommend saving for a few extra months and investing extra in a better device within reason As I say its subjective and there may be a large body of our readers who agree with you

Soulman said: Here we go again nothing below 390 What about Flytouch 3 running Android 22 with GPS wi-fi micro SD expansion HDMI output available in 4816 gb etc etc and under 150 OK its got a resistive touch screen and its not an iPad but for the money besides the HP tablet being unloaded on the public it seems good value for money However not a mention get real we dont all have big disposable incomes and for I would use it for seems ideal But would like to see an independent opinion just the same Come on Mr PC Advisor

Matt Egan said: What is it you object to Andrew Its a new one on my to be accused of Apple fanboyism on a round-up of Android devices

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