Group test: what's the best Android tablet?

The best Android tablets you can buy

By | PC Advisor |

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

5. HTC Flyer

HTC Flyer
  • Reviewed on: 26 July 11
  • RRP: From £399 inc VAT (WiFi-only 16GB version)
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

The HTC Flyer is a superb-looking tablet with enough processing power to drive its multimedia functions. Its high price tag is more of an issue than its use of the older Android 2.3 OS, given that other aspects of this likable tablet are so advanced. We await version 2 eagerly.

4. Packard Bell Liberty Tab

Packard Bell Liberty Tab
  • Reviewed on: 26 October 11
  • RRP: £289 inc. VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

The Packard Bell Liberty Tab has a slightly different look from some of the other 10in Android slates with smart silver-coloured accents along its top and bottom and a browny-red rear plate. In other words, Packard Bell has successfully disguised the Acer Iconia tablet that lies within.

3. Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101

Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101
  • Reviewed on: 17 November 11
  • RRP: £438.25 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 7 out of 10

Innovative design makes the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 tablet stand out. In spite of my minor complaints about its design, this tablet is worthy of consideration. Asus's aggressive pricing, coupled with its above-average display, make the Transformer a serious contender. Even if you factor in the extra cost of the docking station, the costs are offset by that module's expandability and functionality. The big question, as with all early-round Honeycomb tablets, relates to the unknowns of Android 3.x's evolution and its thus-far slow-to-grow app environment. If neither of those issues is a deterrent, the Transformer + Mobile Docking Station could be a winning combination of productivity tool and entertainment demon.

2. Sony Tablet S

Sony Tablet S
  • Reviewed on: 1 September 11
  • RRP: £399 inc VAT for a 16GB model
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

Sony may be late to the party, but I appreciate that the Sony Tablet S reflects that company tried to differentiate it from the cookie-cutter tablet field. I look forward to using the final product, because this pre-production model certainly shows lots of potential. Now excuse me while I return to steering Crash Bandicoot around the island, and change the channel on my DVR to catch NCIS.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
  • Reviewed on: 25 August 11
  • RRP: From £399 inc VAT
  • Rating: Rated 8 out of 10

With the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung has patently tried its damnedest to recreate an Apple iPad 2. It’s essentially matched the iPad 2 in size and weight, and can boast a screen at least as good as Apple’s. But the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is demonstrably inferior in overall speed, battery life, materials and build quality, as well as graphics performance. Potential buyers should also be prepared to always keep security in mind. It’s no coincidence that anti-virus software is now being pushed out for Android: Google Market has been home to dangerous malware, against Apple’s larger, curated App Store of screened and digitally signed apps. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 can take on internet Adobe Flash content better than we’ve seen before on any tablet. Otherwise we can think of no persuasive reason why anyone would want a demonstrably inferior copy when the iPad 2 is available at exactly the same price. If Samsung were to price the Galaxy Tab 10.1 from £299, it would be on to something. Until then, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 stands right now as arguably the finest Android tablet available, but an also-ran behind its mentor.

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Comments

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. There’s nothing wrong with the Flytouch 3, but in our opinion even at £150 it doesn’t 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 don’t live in gold houses (not all of us, anyway) but I’d still recommend saving for a few extra months and investing extra in a better device (within reason). As I say, it’s 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 2.2 with GPS, wi-fi, micro SD expansion, HDMI output, available in 4,8,16 gb etc etc and under £150. OK it's got a resistive touch screen (and it's 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 don't 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? It's a new one on my to be accused of Apple fanboyism on a round-up of Android devices!

Andrew Chalmers-Stevens said: Ah, PC Advisor reviews as unbiased as ever. Obviously written by Ipad fanboise

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