The best Samsung tablets of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

6 days ago 3

We get it; Not everyone is an Apple person and wants an iPad. For Android devotees, Samsung makes arguably the best Android devices, especially tablets.

Also: The best tablets you can buy

Samsung tablets range from large and powerful to small and perfect for streaming -- it all depends on how you'll use the tablet. And, unlike Apple, you have more than just four tablets to choose from.

What is the best Samsung tablet right now?

We've tested and compared the top Samsung tablets on the market, and our top pick is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, thanks to its large size, ultra-responsive S Pen, Galaxy AI capabilities, and ability to act as a replacement for your laptop. Read on to see how other Samsung tablets compare and what model you might want based on your needs.

The best Samsung tablets of 2025

If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the best Android tablets. The Tab S10 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 14 operating system, and Samsung's S Pen stylus is included in the box.

The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most. Plus, new for this generation is Galaxy AI capabilities thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. Among these AI features that the S10 Ultra can handle include Sketch-to-Image, an improved version of Note Assist, and Circle to Search.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

ZDNET's Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and said she found it a superb option for creative professionals and productivity-focused users looking to take advantage of a strong processor and reliable AI features. She added, "Even those looking for an AI-powered tablet like an iPad Pro would do well to consider the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra."

If you opt for the $350 Book Cover Keyboard, you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time. Just keep in mind the tablet isn't as portable as some other options on this list--it weighs 2.35 pounds (compared to the S9 Ultra's 1.6 pounds.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Moonstone gray and platinum silver | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 2.35lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: Up to 16 hours

Show Expert Take Show less

Samsung recently launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating to make it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender. In addition, the FE series remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help you capture documents.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

ZDNET contributor Max Buondonno went hands-on with the Tab S9 FE and said that it's "great for getting work done on the go and watching movies while you're traveling," noting that the battery life was solid.

"[Battery] standby is surprisingly great; I left this tablet unattended all night at 100 percent, and it only dropped to 96 percent by the next morning," Buondonno wrote. "It's reminiscent of the kind of endurance you can get from an iPad Air."

Reddit users note that this particular Samsung tablet is great for lighter uses like web browsing and watching Netflix, but doesn't hold up as well in gaming instances.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch, 90Hz refresh rate, TFT LCD, 1200 x 800 display | Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (S5E8835) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Memory: 6 or 8 GB | Colors: Gray, silver, mint, and lavender | Cameras: Front: 12MP ultra-wide, Rear: 8MP | Weight: 1.15 lb | Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 6 or 5G + Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: 8,000mAh

Show Expert Take Show less

Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size, and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it worthy of streaming, working, and more.

The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for some added ruggedness.

You can expand your storage beyond the 32 or 65GB allotted. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage, which is twice as much as the previous model. Overall, 91% of Best Buy customers would recommend buying this tablet, and gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Show Expert Take Show less

If you're looking for an entry-level tablet that can compete with higher-end models, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a solid option at just $230. While its performance won't blow you away, it can run your favorite apps, handle light gaming, and stream movies and shows.

It has a 5,100mAh battery, 32GB of included storage, microSD support of up to 512GB, and a quad-core processor.

Again, you will not be overly impressed with this model, but Reddit users note that it can entertain your kids and act as an e-reader. Plus, you can check your email and stream your favorite Netflix series on the display.

Show Expert Take Show less

Our pick for the best Samsung tablet is the Samsung Galaxy S9 Ultra since its large and stunning display is extremely capable and impressive, allowing it to act as a laptop replacement.

Samsung tablet	Price	Display	Storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra	$1,320	14.6 inches	256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE	$450	10.9 inches	128GB or 256GB
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite	$160	8.7 inches	32GB, 64GB, microSD up to 1TB
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	$230	10.5 inches	32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

It really depends on what size tablet you're looking for, what features are most important to you, and how much money you're willing to spend. Below, we've broken down the best Samsung tablets to help make your decision easier.

Choose this Samsung tablet...	If you want...
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra	The best overall option. It can work as a laptop replacement thanks to its large screen and powerful performance.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE	A mid-range Samsung tablet with a 10.9-inch display. It also comes in unique color options like mint and lavender.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite	A small, lightweight Samsung tablet. Its portable enough to take with you anywhere, thanks to its 8.7-inch display and its light weight of less than a pound.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8	An affordable Samsung tablet. You can expect expandable storage at a low price of $230.

We know there are many Samsung tablets to choose from, so pay attention to the following factors before making your final purchase.

Features: Not all Samsung tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there's the one's that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. Consider your own use-case before buying.

Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories. However, Samsung tablets come at different price points so there is something for every budget.

Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work or play (or both), you'll want it to last the duration of your task. Look for tablets that have substantial battery lives.

The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.

Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.
Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.

Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.

For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.

Samsung announced the new Tab S10 series last year with two new tablets: the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. New to both tablets is a new chipset powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ processors and allows for Galaxy AI capabilities such as Circle to Search, Instant Translation, Handwriting Assist, Note Assist, and Sketch to Image.

While both models support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Samsung is giving the Galaxy Tab S10+ Wi-Fi 6E support, while the S10 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7.

Also: Samsung's new Galaxy Tab S10 series may be the iPad Pro for Android users (but better)

The battery life, display and resolution, and storage options all remain the same in the S10 series. The Galaxy Stab S10+ starts at $1,000, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,200.

The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators or professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power.

In comparison, the Galaxy Tab A series comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.

Compared to their biggest competitor (the iPad), Samsung tablets have more storage options thanks to expandable storage via microSD cards. In addition, you have to buy an Apple Pencil separately with an iPad, whereas most current Samsung tablets come with the S Pen included.

Plus, where Apple only has four iPad models, Samsung currently has 11 tablets available on its website, with even more older models and generations available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

It depends on what you plan to use your device for. For example, digital artists usually prefer tablets over laptops since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies.

However, if you want to create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, a laptop is better suited than a tablet.