12 Best Tablets for College Students in 2024

Tablets have become an essential part of today’s increasingly digital world. From school to work and everywhere in between, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are, however, more than just a trendy piece of technology.

Tablets are powerful tools with the processing power of a computer and the versatility of a smartphone. College students, in particular, can benefit from owning a tablet. With a tablet, students can do everything from taking notes in class and researching information for papers to uploading lecture notes and watching videos.

Got admission in one of the leading colleges within your vicinity? You must be thrilled. Packing your bags and essentials including your notebook and pen? Well wait what, not really. It’s the 21st century and gone are the days when people used to take notes and educate themselves using the traditional pen and paper.

Best Tablet For Work

Whether you are a college student or studying at University, the need for a Laptop or a Tablet PC is necessary for you. That why we brought you the list of the 2-in-1 Best Tablets for College Students.

So, Why do you even need a Tablet PC?

As we know books and notepads are the two most essential things for a college student. However, you can eliminate both with the help of computer technology.

Listed below are some of the best 2-in-1 tablets which you can easily turn into a laptop at your expense. 

NOTE: The best Student Tablet for you will depend on your preferences, so don’t skip our buying guide.

Tablet For College Students List

Why do Students prefer Tablets for College?

The answer is simple! Tablets are the best option instead of notepad and books. It allows you to store thousands of books in the form of eBooks. Students can easily organize their daily notes and collect study material with apps. Also, check our guide on gaming tablets.

1. Apple iPad ProBest tablet for notes taking

2. ASUS ChromeBookBest 2-in-1 Touch Chromebook

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3Best Android Tablet

4. Microsoft Surface Pro 6Best Tablet/Laptop

5. Google Pixel SlateBest 2-in-1 Google Tablet

6. Apple iPad ProBest Tablet For College Students

7. Amazon Fire HD 10Best Under-Budget Tablet

8. Fusion 5Ultra Slim Windows Tablet PC

Tablets are not as heavy as compared to school bags and carrying heavy books. Still looking for a tablet that is best for business then checkout out our top picks of business tablets.

Check out our list of 13 Best Tablets of 2024 for College Students. We have chosen the products according to the durability, performance, battery life, and price tag.

Do you feel confused about which tablet to choose? Well, here are a few options that you can ponder upon. Also, check our round up on 10-inch tablets as well.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

Best WiFi Tablet For Students

Quick Features

  • Display Resolution: 2560 x 1600
  • Processor: Octa-core(2.8+3×2.4+4×1.8GHz)
  • Internal Memory: 128GB / 256GB
  • Super AMOLED display
  • All-new S Pen included
  • Operating System: Android

Searching for a reliable 2-in-1 tablet which provides you the extreme liberty to multitask at your expense? Look no further than Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, an all-in-one tablet to serve all your computational requirements. Not feeling like taking a class and wanting to sit outside and draw some beautiful scenery? It comes with a sketch pen so you can easily draw your favorite characters. Attach a keyboard with a built-in trackpad & transform it into a fully functional laptop.

The tablet is extremely lightweight in design which makes it very much portable. Whether you are heading off somewhere outside the institution’s premises or you’re just heading off to the next class, you can carry the gadget along with you just about anywhere you want.

S6 features an AMOLED display which gives you extreme viewing liberty to watch your favorite shows. As far as the battery life is concerned, you get up to 15 hours of battery on a full charge. The tablet comes with full support for fast-charging which makes it quite an interesting option. 

What more could you ask from a tablet right? Check out the specifications on Amazon and purchase.


2. Apple iPad Pro

Apple iPad Pro is good for College and Schools?

Quick Features

  • Display 12.9 inches in size.
  • Resolution is 2732 x 2048 pixels.
  • The operating system is iOS 9.
  • 8 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP Facetime camera.
  • Dual-Core A9X Chip with Quad-Core Graphic
  • Natural as touching, swiping, or writing with a pencil

When you talk about the best tablets for college students, the first company that comes to your mind is bound to be Apple. After all, it is the one that introduced this technology in the form of iPads. The Apple iPad is the best for college students because of its large display and lag-free performance.

This Apple iPad Pro is equipped with a dual-core processor. This helps the tablet deliver smooth and fast performance. Thus, you don’t need to worry about the iPad freezing up during lectures or when you are making presentations.

Another feature that makes this apple iPad an excellent choice for college students is its slim design. The tablet barely takes up any space and isn’t too heavy, allowing for enhanced portability.

Apple is one of the best and foremost desires of every student to have in their student life. This is one the best tablet for college students on a budget in 2024. Don’t hesitate to go for this one because this one also our most recommended choice on the list of top 13 tablets. If you are typing person and love to type with a keyboard then check out these keyboards for tablets.

Pros

  • Slim design and easy to carry.
  • Smooth performance.
  • Excellent touch for typing notes

Cons

  • Price is a bit high

3. Microsoft Surface Go 2

Tablet For College Students

Quick Features

  • Display: 10.5” Touchscreen with pen input
  • Processor: Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y 8th Gen Intel Core m3 Processor
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
  • Storage: 128GB SSD, 64GB
  • OS: Windows 10 Home in S Mode[4]
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours

If you are searching for another convertible tablet which can easily convert into a fully functional laptop, then New Microsoft Surface Go 2 is one of the best options. Here’s a laptop that features a full HD display for best video viewing. Whether you wish to watch a college professor’s tutorial online or you want to watch your favorite show on Netflix, the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the best option for you.

It is powered by Intel Core M3 Processor 8100Y which makes it quite the reliable option for multi-tasking. With 8 GB RAM and up to 128 GB Storage, the 2 in 1 tablet/laptop gadget is quite a remarkable option for all the interested college students. Are you searching for the right device to experience the best online learning? Well, look no further than the New Microsoft Surface Go 2. A one-stop-shop for all your online education requirements. To learn about all the specs, visit the Amazon website.


4. Apple iPad Air

Best 11-inch Gaming Tablet

Quick Features

  • A12 Bionic chip
  • Touch ID fingerprint sensor
  • 8MP, 7MP Camera
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • 10 hours of battery life
  • Apple Pencil

Powered with an efficient A12 Bionic chip, Apple iPad Air serves the purpose of a 2 in 1 laptop at a reasonable price. The Apple iPad Air has everything which a college student just might require before starting his/her freshman year at college.

The iPad Air features a 10.5-inch retina display with true tone and wide color which makes it quite an appealing option for enthusiastic learners. It offers great processing efficiency just like every other Apple device on the market. If you are a regular user, which you will be as a college graduate, it brings sufficient battery life of as much as up to 10 hours.

The device is compatible with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and supports Apple Pay. It is available in the three traditional colors of Apple which are Silver, Gold, and Space Gray. If you’re an Apple fan and starting out college as a graduate student, here’s a really cool 2 in 1 tablet which you can use to study and play at the same time. 

Want to check the price listing on Apple iPad Air? Have a look at the product on the Amazon store.


5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

Use of Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 for Students

Quick Features

  • Super AMOLED display
  • Built-in 32 GB memory included, can be expanded
  • 13 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera
  • Dimensions of the tablet are 10.76 x 6.65 x 0.24
  • Easily switch from touch to type

Samsung has succeeded in leaving its mark in the smartphone and tech niche. One of its popular tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, is a best android tablet that is equipped with the right features for students.

For those of you who prefer writing notes than typing them out, you might like the inclusion of the infamous Samsung S Pen in this tablet. Thus, you can use your tablet as a notebook. The only difference is that you won’t have to carry multiple tablets for different courses.

The quality of the pen is exceptional. It is very precise and extremely responsive to pressure. The fact that the pen doesn’t need to be recharged, unlike other options in the market, means you are always ready to jot down notes.

Pros

  • A stylish and convenient design.
  • The functionality of the stylus pen is exceptional.
  • Powerful performance

Cons

  • You need to buy the keyboard separately which costs a lot

6. Microsoft Surface Pro 6

Best Tablet For Homework

Quick Features

  • Intel Core i5 processor and a 12.3-inch screen
  • Featuring latest 8th generation processor
  • Laptop-to-tablet versatility
  • HD graphics are included
  • Screen resolution is 2736 x 1824 pixels
  • Up to 13.5 hours of video playback

Yet another Microsoft surface pro tablet that might satisfy you is the newest version of the Microsoft Surface Pro. While it has managed to retain all the quality features, there are various value-added additions to the tablet as well.

A power outlet is not always accessible to a college student. The last thing you would want is your tool dying when you need it the most. This is why you will appreciate the extended battery life of this Microsoft surface pro 6. It can last up to 13.5 hours.

Since it has an Intel Core processor, the performance of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is very powerful and smooth running on windows 10. The chances of experiencing lags are slim.

Pros

  • Better battery than the previous version.
  • The display size and resolution are satisfactory

Cons

  • There is a problem of backlight bleed in landscape mode


7. Huawei MediaPad M5

Huawei gaming tablet

Quick Features

  • Processor: Huawei Kirin 659 Octa-core 2.36GHz
  • RAM & ROM: 3G+32G (Expandable)
  • Operation System: EMUI 8.0 (Based on Android 8.0)
  • Stylus: HUAWEI M-Pen lite Stylus
  • Audio: Quad Stereo Speakers Tuned by Harmon/Kardon

If you are seeking a gadget with a well-distributed weight which can easily fit into your hands, then look no further than Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite Tablet. Here’s a 2 in 1 tablet which offers you excellent design, high-end durability and a remarkable display for having the best viewing experience.

As far as the sound is concerned, the tablet features dual speaker grills which are located on both sides, the top and the bottom of the tablet. Creating a 5.0 stereo audio, the tablet offers you a great sound experience fine-tuned to precision. The total charging time for the gadget is 3 hours where the device charges up a 7,500 mAh battery within no time.

Another engaging feature of the device is that it comes with Smart Power-Saving technology. With this technology, you can easily extend your FHD video watching time up by 12 hours and more. Huawei MediaPad M5 isn’t just your regular tablet for studying but it is a complete entertainment package. Searching for a feature-packed smart tabloid for working & entertainment, here’s one to choose. 

Are you a fan of Huawei products? Try checking out this awesome Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite Tablet now

Pros

  • The lightweight and sleekness of the design make it extremely portable.
  • The performance of the keyboard and pen is excellent.
  • An affordable tablet.

Cons

  • The overall performance of the processor can be improved

8. Google Pixel Slate

Google Pixel Slate for College use

Quick Features

  • 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor
  • 12.3-inch full HD display, resolution 2160 x 1440 pixels
  • Come with Built-in Google assistant
  • keyboard and pen are included
  • The dual speaker delivers a premium audio experience

Not everyone would be satisfied with a small screen. This is why Google has delivered a larger version as part of its 2-in-1 Google Pixel Slate.

When you think of 2-in-1 products, you can expect them to look more like laptops and less like tablets. However, this is not the case with this product. It feels as if the product is a tablet first and the laptop function is merely an add-on.

The tablet has been designed keeping in mind the need for portability. In fact, it is one of the slimmest options out there. When you add this to the lightweight of the product, you can rest assured that you can easily fit the product in your handbag without much hassle.

The processor speed and performance along with the touchscreen display have also managed to satisfy the masses.

Pros

  • Highly portable design.
  • The battery life is long.
  • The screen features a good contrast.

Cons

  • Keyboard and Pen/Stylus are sold separately
  • There aren’t enough ports

9.  Microsoft Surface Pro 7

New Surface Tablet For Student

Quick Features

  • PixelSense Display: 12.3” Touchscreen with pen input
  • Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7, i5, & i3
  • Memory: 16GB 8GB 4GB
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics (i7, i5) Intel UHD Graphics (i3)
  • OS: Windows 10 Home

If there’s one particular tablet that stands a class-apart from the rest of the tablets in the market, it’s none other than Microsoft’s very own Surface Pro 7. In comparison to Apple’s iPad Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is versatile and offers a wide range of accessories. Fast processing speed coupled with dynamic graphics, the gadget stands a class-apart from the rest of its competition.

As a college student, this device adds great value to your education alongside offering you the ultimate comfort of enjoying your favorite shows on Netflix and other similar platforms. You can connect docking stations, connect both USB type-c and USB type-a ports, add accessories such as a keypad, mouse, even a USB controller to use on it. The device also has a decent battery life which easily extends up to 10.5 hours. Just like the other 2 in 1 tablet for college students, you can also charge it up to 80% in just an hour. 

Do you trust Microsoft when it comes to online gadgets? In case you do, then check it out on Amazon.

Pros

  • A bigger screen than older ones
  • Smooth and reliable performance.
  • A sturdy build.

Cons

  • No Major cons

10. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Samsung Gaming Tablet

Quick Features

  • Display Resolution: 2560 x 1600
  • Processor: Octa-core(2×2.0GHz + 6×1.7GHz)
  • Audio: Quad + AKG + Dolby Atmos
  • Super AMOLED Display
  • OS: Android 9 Pie
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

Can you imagine bringing an ultra light tablet to your college class? Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a unique gadget that weighs significantly less than a pound. This particular galaxy tab has an eye-catching metal design attached with a super AMOLED display unit for clear and crisp video viewing.

One of the features which make this tab truly remarkable is its life-like color and detailing. So, just in case, if you like to watch a lot of videos, the following gadget can provide you the best video watching results. This multi-purpose tab also works great with the Internet of Things and allows users to control a variety of connected devices. You can easily control TV, lock electronic locks, control thermostats, adjust the lights and do a whole lot more. So, just in case, if you’re the dormitory leader at your college and you wish to control lights & room temperature, here’s a tab that can offer you the perfect features to do so. 

Do you wish to check out the features on your Samsung Galaxy Tab? Check it out on Amazon.

Pros

  • The processor is very strong.
  • The display performance is great.
  • The battery is quite decent on playback

Cons

  • Android OS not latest version

11. Fusion 5 Ultra Slim

Affordable Fusion5 Tablet Review

Quick Features

  • Intel processor with 2 GB RAM
  • Intel BayTrail-T Quad-Core Processor (1.22-1.83 GHz)
  • 2GB RAM +32 GB Nand Flash extendable
  • Comes with detachable keyboard and case
  • Mini HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0

The Fusion5 might not be popular, but it does get the job done in terms of the best tablets. It is a good choice for college students because it has all the required features and has a reasonable price as well.

The wide viewing angle delivered by Fusion5 manages to be a great addition. This is because students require tablets that provide an easy reading experience, and this feature ensures that. Fusion5 is an ultra-slim user-friendly windows 10 PC tablet for students.

The Wi-Fi speed supported by the tablet is extremely fast. This allows students to avoid any interference in the connection, which is the last thing you want when working on projects. This makes it a perfect tool for group discussions since it lets you easily view the content of the tablet.


12. CHUWI UBook Tablet with Keyboard

Affordable Table For Students

Quick Features

  • Base Frequency 1.10 GHz, Burst to 2.40 GHz
  • 14 nm, 4-cores 4 -threads, 4M Cache, 12EU
  • Low power consumption, low heating technology
  • UHD Graphics 600 GPU integrated
  • Graphics Burst Frequency 700 MHz
  • 4K video support 60fps

Searching up for a tablet with a solid design and the perfect form factor? Look no further than the CHUWI Ubook tablet. Here’s a global best tablet that is widely accepted & greatly used by many enthusiastic 2 in 1 laptop users. Why is it the preferred choice among young college students? It’s because this tablet comes with a Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core Processor. The display resolution goes a little beyond the FHD quality with a 1920 x 1280 pixels. It also features an SSD unit for fast & efficient storage processing.

It is quite the versatile tablet option for young users and it features a detachable keyboard for easy typing. As far as the connectivity is concerned, it supports the USB Type C which allows the student to easily attach a variety of accessories with the CHUWI UBook tablet. Do you also prefer to write on your tablet? This tablet also features a pen which you can use to write and draw things on your gadget easily. 

Need a reliable tablet with an attached keyboard for note taking at college? Check this out on Amazon.

Pros

  • The screen is vivid and highly responsive.
  • The keyboard works perfectly

Cons

  • The speakers are sub-par

Features to Consider before Buying Student Tablet

So before you make up your mind to purchase a 2-in-1 tablet for your college days, there are a few things you need to consider. To list them down, here’s a brief insight about what you should be seeking. 

Check the Processor & Specifications

While some tablet users don’t require much of a processing speed, others desperately need to make sure that their tablets can perform at optimal efficiency. In order to do so, one must check the specifications of their 2 in 1 tablet before they decide on making a purchase.

However, the speed and version of the CPU isn’t everything. RAM also plays an equally important role. When it comes to RAM speed, the standard configuration contains 4 GB but if you can get your hands on an 8 GB device then it’s better. 

Check the Size of the Device

Some people like to keep things light and easy, so they prefer lightweight and small tablets; whereas others prefer to have a large screen so they can also give presentations in the college class rooms. What is your preference? Normally, the 2 in 1 tablets range from 10 inches and extend up to as much as 15 inches easily. Choose the one that fits your student requirements. 

Check the Screen Panel & Resolution

Some tablets include the IPS panel which is a relatively older technology compared to AMOLED display. The Super AMOLED display is the new technology that normally turns off the pixels to represent the original black display unit. Whereas, the IPS panel keeps the pixels on even if there’s a black display and consumes more energy compared to a Super AMOLED display.

Also, the high-resolution results on the Super AMOLED display are relatively better in comparison to the IPS display units. If it falls below the FHD, then here’s something that is definitely not worth the purchase.

Price

You don’t want to overspend when you are already on a tight budget. However, at the same time, don’t compromise on quality. Try to look for the desired features in a reasonable price range.

Battery Life

The longer the battery life, the better. Don’t opt for anything less than 8 hours. You need a portable tablet, not a wired computer.

2-in-1 Feature

An excellent additional feature is a 2-in-1 tablet. This helps you avoid the cost of buying a laptop and increase the use of the tablet itself.

Keyboard/Touchpad Quality

The touchpad should be extremely responsive to the slightest of pressure to allow for easy navigation.

Durability

Unless you want to invest in a tablet every now and then, it is best if you opt for a durable option that is resistant to spillage, impact, and scratches.


Which is the Best Tablet for College Student?

Which tablet is the best for you depends on your needs and budget? However, we personally found the Apple iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 to be excellent choices. Compared to other tablets for college students features and their prices are reasonable. They also succeed in delivering all the features mentioned above.

You are free to select whichever tablet you think is the best for you. Just make sure you make the decision after researching your options thoroughly. Select the best tablets for college life and let go of the hassles associated with carrying around heavy books.

By James Klett

James Klett a senior editor at GeekyMag focused on computer hardware and gadgets, offers a wide range of information in this field. Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

One reply on “12 Best Tablets for College Students in 2024”

I prefer to use Google Pixel Slate tablet. I have 2 years experience with this iPad and this iPad is just amazing. If you wanted to long-life battery and best screen features then must buy this iPad.

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