Android Recommendations

Top 5 Features to Consider When Buying an Android Tablet

Tablet computers are popular with consumers who want a device with more features and functions than smartphones offer, with the convenience of less weight and more portability than a laptop computer provides. Tablets with the Android operating system are in high demand due to the system's reputation for reliability and the many options available to consumers for purchasing apps. As with any computer, consumers have many options, including tablet size and processor speed, when choosing a tablet computer, and the way they intend to utilize the tablet determines which product best suits them. There are several features that consumers should consider when buying an Android tablet, and knowing about the best features to look for helps consumers make informed decisions.

1. Processor

The processor is the most important feature to consider when buying an Android tablet. For consumers who intend to use their tablets primarily for gaming, a slow processor can ruin their gaming experience. In addition, steaming HD videos with a slow or weak processor causes lags in the streaming, negatively impacting the user's ability to view them properly. Even if consumers do not plan on viewing videos or playing games, they should choose an Android tablet with a processor that is strong and fast enough to allow for multitasking and running various applications simultaneously.

With the various options available for processors, including many that are dual or quad core, consumers should aim for purchasing an Android tablet with the most recently released processor that fits their budget. The technology of a tablet computer, as with most electronic devices, quickly becomes obsolete; buying the tablet with the fastest and strongest processor available at the time of purchase helps ensure that users have a top product that is not going to be outdated a month after purchase. As a general guideline, consumers should aim for a tablet with at least a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor.

2. Display

The second most important feature to consider when buying an Android tablet is the display. There are several things to look for when choosing the best display. One factor is the screen resolution. When comparing Android tablets with the same size screen, pay attention to the number of pixels for each; the one with the larger number of pixels, such as 1280x840 as compared to 1024x600, has a higher resolution, which equals a more crisp and clear image. This factor affects the quality of video, images, and games.

Most Android tablets have touch screens, and the type of touch screen is another factor to consider. Two types of touch screens exist, with the most responsive type being the capacitive. The other type, resistive, works well for those wanting to use a stylus as opposed to a bare finger, which is usually necessary to operate the capacitive type of touch screen. In addition to the type of touch screen, the most responsive displays utilize multi-touch functionality, which registers at least three points of touch, versus a display that is capable of registering only two. Multi-touch ability makes the tablet more responsive, which is beneficial for many tasks and apps.

3. Connectivity

Another important feature to consider when choosing which Android tablet to buy is the connectivity of the device. Connection options include 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. The term 3G refers to the third generation of technology for mobile communications, and many cell phones are on the 3G network. Furthermore, 4G is the fourth generation of technology for mobile communications; however, not all wireless providers have upgraded for 4G. This means that although a device may be 4G capable, the user's network may not be. Before purchasing a tablet with 4G, consumers should make sure that their carrier is capable of utilizing the technology. The 4G on any given network is faster than the 3G on the same network, but the two vary considerably in the maximum speed for data transfer, depending on the network.

Unlike 3G and 4G, a tablet that utilizes Wi-Fi does not require a data plan, which saves the consumer money. However, to access the Internet, the user must have a Wi-Fi connection. For users with a smartphone on a 3G or 4G network, the user can tether an Android tablet to the smartphone to utilize the 3G or 4G network. Data transfer is not as fast with Wi-Fi as with 3G or 4G, but provided the user has a strong signal, game playing and music or video streaming are not a problem. Some Android tablets offer multiple options for connectivity, such as 3G or 4G paired with Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth connection.

4. Camera

Another feature that distinguishes the various Android tablets is the camera, or cameras in the case of some tablets. A rear-facing camera allows users to take pictures or film video, while a front-facing camera allows for Skype chatting and other types of video conferencing. Which is best for any given consumer depends on how they intend to use the tablet. Some Android tablets have both front and rear cameras, so users can take advantage of all of the various camera and video functions. In addition to the position of the camera, the number of megapixels varies as well. Cameras with more pixels produce images that are more clear and detailed. Most rear-facing cameras have more megapixels than the front camera, with the rear camera on some tablets offering as many as 8 MP. Front cameras typically have fewer megapixels, with the maximum amounts averaging between 1 MP and 2 MP.

5. Size

A final factor to consider when buying an Android tablet is its size. As with the other features, how the consumer plans to use the tablet is the determining factor in regard to size. Generally speaking, Android tablets are divided into three categories: small, medium, and large. Small tablets range in size from 7.0 inches to 8.1 inches. These tablets are a good choice for consumers who mainly wish to use it as an e-reader, as a small tablet is lightweight and compact enough to easily carry in a medium-sized purse or tote bag. The processor of a small tablet is typically less strong and fast than a medium-sized tablet.

For those who primarily intend to stream videos or play games, the medium-sized Android tablet is a good option. Medium tablets range in size between 8.9 inches and 10.1 inches. The larger size allows for a better viewing experience than a smaller tablet offers, and gameplay with a larger display enhances the ability to see details and a larger field of play.

Although there are not as many options for a large screen as for small and medium tablets, Android tablets with a size larger than 10.1 inches are another option. These tablets have operating systems and CPUs comparable to laptops and PCs. The tradeoff is that they weigh more and cost more than small or medium Android tablets.