5 Common Mistakes Made When Buying a New Tablet

Tablets are one of the most versatile computing options on the market because they offer the portability of a mobile device and performance that can rival Chromebooks and laptops. They can be used for everything from note-taking to mobile photography, social media browsing, and professional video editing. In fact, there’s enough crossover between what a tablet can do and what smartphones and laptops can do to create confusion about which device a user actually needs.

The wide range of tablet options available on the market adds to the complexity. Big brands like Apple, Samsung and Google offer flagship tablets that grab headlines, but names like TCL, Amazon and Lenovo offer budget tablets that stay close on their heels. All in all, there are many mistakes that can be made when purchasing a tablet. If you don’t know your needs early in the process, it can be easy to end up with a model or build that doesn’t quite meet expectations.

In addition to understanding your own tablet needs, it can be helpful to understand some common mistakes people make when purchasing a new tablet. Things like screen size, connection options, and even whether an Android tablet or iPad is best for a user are often overlooked. Being aware of these mistakes can mean the difference between a tablet that’s used regularly and one that’s usually forgotten in a backpack sleeve or desk drawer. So let’s explore some common mistakes tablet buyers make.

Storage capacity may seem like just a simple spec on the side of a box, but it can be easy to underestimate how much digital storage you need in a tablet. Base model tablets come with modest storage options, and if you’re shopping on a budget, it can be easy to talk yourself out of what may seem like an unnecessary expense.

Apps and accompanying media must be installed directly on the tablet’s internal storage, and connecting your tablet to an external drive would limit your mobility while using it anyway. That’s why it’s important to identify exactly how you plan to use a tablet. Downloaded apps, photos, videos, music and offline content will quickly accumulate. One way to determine how much storage you’ll need is to look at your current devices. Check how much space you’re using and compare it to how you plan to use a tablet.

While some tablets offer expandable storage via a microSD card, for most buyers the storage capacity chosen at checkout is the one you’ll have to work with. Budget tablets may come with as little as 64 GB of storage space. This may make sense for those who plan to do a little more than browse social media and check emails and other communications. But a tablet’s operating software takes up a lot of that space, so upgrading to at least 128GB is often worth it.

Although there are only a handful of operating systems available for tablets, choosing the right operating system for one’s needs is often done without thought. But the software you plan to use, as well as the hardware you already use, should have a say in your new tablet. iPhone and Mac users will find features and benefits in the iPad line that allow it to integrate seamlessly with these devices. iPadOS also provides access to the Apple software ecosystem.

And while Apple’s iPad is the best tablet you can buy according to Amazon users, Android tablets are known for being more versatile. Brands like Google, Samsung, and Lenovo all use Android on their tablets, and budget options include brands like Onn, TCL, and Xiaomi. Those on a budget also don’t want to make the mistake of overspending based solely on one operating system. The Amazon Fire tablet line builds on the Android-based Fire OS, with refurbished Fire tablets starting as low as $50.

A tablet operating system is also important to ensure that you have access to the tools you need, as missing this software is another mistake to be wary of. Productivity-minded tablet users, for example, may want to consider something from the Microsoft Surface line. It runs on the Windows operating system, and just as iPad users can expect native integrations of Apple software, Surface tablet users with Microsoft software can also expect them.

Knowing where you’re going to use it is just as important as knowing how you’re going to use it. While most users are likely to choose a Wi-Fi-only tablet during setup, many should consider opting for a model capable of connecting to cellular networks. With only Wi-Fi connectivity on board, users can only connect to the internet when within range of a Wi-Fi connection. For those who only plan to use a new tablet at home, this won’t be much of a problem. But for those who work on the go a lot, remaining reliant on public Wi-Fi can leave you suffering for fast internet access when you need it most.

Opting for cellular connectivity with a tablet can definitely be expensive. The base model of the iPad goes from $349 for the Wi-Fi only model to $499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, for example. Prices will also increase across the board for Android tablets with 5G connectivity, and that doesn’t even include the cost of a monthly carrier plan. But anyone who has to travel while working may be making a major mistake in avoiding additional expenses. A tablet with some sort of cellular data plan opens the door to maximizing the device’s capabilities from just about anywhere.

There’s no shortage of flagship tablets on the market, with Google, Samsung and Apple all making models that rival laptops in terms of performance. Tablets even rival laptops in terms of screen size, with models like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra boasting a 14.6-inch screen. Apple also includes a 13-inch option among its iPad Pro models. But for the majority of users, the daily reality of owning a tablet won’t require the performance of a tablet like the Apple iPad Pro M5, the screen of expensive Samsung tablets, or the flagship features available from other major brands.

Even mid-range tablets can exceed what some users need, and the mistake of overbuying can eat up a lot of the budget that could otherwise be spent purchasing apps, a Bluetooth keyboard, a stylus, or other accessories that can enhance the tablet experience. This is another mistake that can be avoided simply by being honest with yourself about how you plan to use a tablet. Those who want to spend quiet evenings with an e-book won’t need the same level of processing power as a video editor. Likewise, those who work remotely may want to place more emphasis on ensuring a tablet has a quality front-facing camera rather than purchasing enough storage space to host a suite of creative apps.

A tablet is a piece of technology that can be greatly improved with the right accessories. There are plenty of cool USB-C gadgets for the iPad, and an accessory like a stylus can make creative work much more efficient on any type of tablet. Plus, since many tablets blur the line with laptops in terms of performance and screen sizes, pairing the right accessories can be an inexpensive way to fully transform your tablet into a laptop replacement. For those who have big ambitions for the work they plan to do on a new tablet, not budgeting for the right accessories is a major mistake.

In fact, most tablet buyers should spend some money on accessories, as items like cases, covers, and screen protectors can go a long way in extending the life of the tablet. It can be a little overwhelming to go through the payment process only to get the new tablet in your hands and realize that it needs more to truly become an everyday device. Before you buy a new tablet, make sure you’ve specified it well enough so that it meets your expectations as a computing device while still leaving enough budget to accessorize it if necessary.