Best large-screen tablets: our top picks
Tablets used to be larger options over smartphones. Today, however, they have become smaller and more portable versions of modern computers. And with a multitude of new competitors in the space, they have become even stronger. These best large-screen tablets are a must for creative work and productivity, proving to be powerful enough for streaming movies and YouTube videos without breaking a sweat.
Products at a Glance
How we chose the best large-screen tablets
There aren’t too many options for the best large-screen tablet. These devices are top-quality products made for high-end productivity and creative work. However, bigger does not always mean better. We made sure to carefully compare our picks against each other and analyse them accurately. This has meant we have ended up tilting towards the best screen resolution-utility balance as a defining feature.
If this guide isn’t quite what you’re after, we’ve got more tablet guides. Check out our guide to the best 8-inch tablets, or the best 10-inch tablets.
Features and Consideration
A tablet this big is not aimed for gaming or light use. These heavy and expensive devices have to be understood more as an investment than an entertainment center. And a big screen also means a big device along with more space for specs. that is why for this list we considered the next specs:
- Battery life
- Screen resolution
- Screen refresh rate
- Portability
- Processor power
- Operative system
Best large-screen tablets: our top picks
- Awesome display and contrast
- Great battery life
- Amazing processing power
- Pricey
Big and incredibly useful. That is what the description on the iPad Pro 12.9 2022 should have plastered all over it. Apple has put in ample effort to design the best-looking screen on the market, with a 12.9-inch display, a new M1 chip processor, and 1600 nits of brightness. This tablet is made for pros.
The most appealing aspect of the iPad is its screen. Not only does it have a 2732-by-2048-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI) with ProMotion technology, but it also leverages the newest mini-LED backlit Multi‑Touch display, which you won’t even really get the most out of if you’re only going to read and take notes. However, if you’re a video or photo editor, or if you are really thinking of exploiting this tablet’s various attributes, you’ll be able to enjoy the full power of this screen.
The iPad Pro 12.9 focuses on showing its real power when it is really needed. Compared side by side, the Pro 12.9 against the Pro 11, one can see prominent differences. The first thing is the contrast: black as dark as the bezels, and lights that come right out of the screen. When considered alongside that incredible 120 Hz refresh rate, you’re looking at the screen of your dreams.
- Slim bezels
- S pen included
- Superb Battery
- Lacking some high-performance specifications for professional use
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra stands out as one of the best large-screen tablets on the market due to its massive display, which is bigger than some laptops. Samsung went with this sizing to facilitate both designers’ and editors’ on-the-go needs.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra utilizes a 14.6 inches AMOLED screen, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 2,960×1,848 screen resolution. It’s the perfect replacement for a computer or travel companion in the bulky PC’s place.
Honestly, this is not a tablet to travel with, even though the brand has made its best to do a lightweight and slim tablet at only 1.5 pounds. It proves to be just a bit too big to travel with in comfort. It’s clear by now that this is a device built for a productivity-specific market. If you’re looking to go above and beyond with your creative projects, go ahead and invest in this massive tablet.
- Great flexibility
- Impressive battery life
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor
- On the expensive side
- No headphone jack
Although Apple and Samsung are well known for making some amazing tablets, Windows remains unbeatable in terms of productivity. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the latest device from the tech giant and it makes your laptop look old and wrinkled. If you are looking to replace your computer with something a bit lighter which still packs a serious processing punch, this is definitely your best option.
The Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display (2880 x 1920) and a 120 Hz refresh rate with strong contrasts thanks to the integrated Dolby Vision and Adaptive Color technologies. It comes with either an i7 or i5 Intel Core processor It’s a convertible tablet with a built-in keyboard, but is not afraid of the full breadth of capabilities inherent in its touchscreen. However, the missing headphone jack lets it down slightly.
- Beautiful display
- Amazing battery life
- Lightweight
- Expensive
- ChromeOS isn't for everyone
If you’re a fan of Google’s ChromeOS operating system, or work in an environment where apps like Google Docs are used frequently, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 might be a good purchase option where large screen tablets are concerned. It’s a 2-in-1 tablet which comes with an attachable keyboard.
We love the 12 hour battery life and lightweight design – it’s only 2.2 lbs and measures 0.27″. The 8GB system memory is pretty decent for a tablet, although the overall performance as a tablet isn’t as good as its Chromebook mode when the keyboard is attached.
However, if you want a tablet for work purposes and that work revolves around the Chrome programs, this is a great bet. The Snapdragon SC7180 Processor is a good option for light office tasks and the connectivity is decent too. Overall, its our favorite ChromeOS large tablet.
- OLED, HDR10, and Dolby Vision compatible
- Up to 15 hours battery life
- Pen and keyboard add up to $100 to the price tag
Finishing up our guide to the best large-screen tablets is the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro 11.5″. Lenovo isn’t the first brand you’d first think of when looking for the best large-screen tablet. Better known for office workstations and their Lenovo Legion gaming brand, they have entered the Android tablet space with an almost outdated OS but still manage to make it work with some great features. Its beautiful 2.5K OLED screen provides 11.5” worth of vivid and realistic images thanks to the added power and clarity of Dolby Vision. Users of this best large-screen tablet will be treated to sharper contrasts and a massive color palette whilst making sure your eyes aren’t strained thanks to its eye comfort certification.
Under the hood, you’ll find a more than capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G SoC that helps this best large-screen tablet up to 15 hours battery life on a single charge. Looking to imitate the iPad Pro, the aluminum casing houses four JBL speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos. There are no issues with the sound quality on the P11 Pro, that’s for sure.
It’s pegged for gaming and high-performance app use but with 6GB RAM, if you want to push the limits of it on-the-go, we’d probably suggest a higher-end best large-screen tablet to cope with the resource demand. However, if you’re looking for a large-screen tablet that is a good iPad Pro Android alternative, albeit with less horsepower, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is a wise move.
There we have it, some of the best large-screen tablets on the market, including Android, PadOS, and Windows users in mind. With these additions among the best large-screen tablets, as previously mentioned, a higher price point is standard and users should be under no illusion otherwise. There are cheaper alternatives as mentioned above, but you won’t get that same high performance to match. Nine times out of ten, users will want the best large-screen tablet for a specific reason other than streaming.
Which operating system should I pick?
This is completely down to personal preference and what devices you have already. Already have an iPhone? Go for an iPad. used to Windows PCs and laptops? a Surface will probably be a good choice. They all fundamentally do the same thing but in slightly different ways, so don’t worry too much.
Will I loose picture quality with a bigger screen?
Most tablet screens over 10 inches have a 2K resolution, which means twice as many pixels and definition as standard 1080P HD. This is more than enough to provide you with crisp visuals for whatever you decide to use the tablet for.
I'm looking to use a big tablet for professional purposes, is there anything I need to look out for?
We would recommend checking the system requirements for the software or applications you’re looking to use, this should pretty much tell you which tablet you should go for. for any video, audio, or image editing, the iPad Pro 12.9 inch is a great all-rounder.
Our Verdict
To conclude, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 does not need to have the biggest screen to be the best of the bunch. With almost 1-inch less than the Galaxy, Apple’s iPad still makes use of better technology to provide the end user with a brighter and more all-around experience.