Tablets continue to grow in popularity thanks to their portability and versatile capabilities that rival many laptops. And manufacturers are responding by creating even larger tablet models with big, vivid displays and robust internals fit for work and play.
If you‘re looking to boost your productivity with a tablet that provides an expansive working area, this guide covers the top 5 largest options worth considering today. I‘ll summarize their key strengths and ideal use cases to help you determine which oversized slate best fits your needs.
Why Choose a Large Tablet?
Before diving into the top picks, let‘s discuss why you may want a plus-sized tablet instead of a smaller 7 to 10-inch model:
- Bigger canvas for creating art, editing photos/videos, graphic design work, etc.
- More immersive entertainment experience for movies, games, and browsing
- Increased multitasking capabilities by running multiple apps side-by-side
- Nearly equivalent functionality to a laptop with detachable keyboard
- Easier to share content and collaborate thanks to the spacious display
Of course, giant tablets aren‘t for everyone. They can be pricier, heavier to hold, and less pocketable than their smaller alternatives. But if portability isn‘t your top concern, a plus-sized slate brings some compelling advantages.
Now let‘s dive into the top contenders for best large tablet in 2023!
#1 Best Overall: Apple iPad Pro 12.9
The latest iPad Pro 12.9 remains the premium tablet to beat when money is no object. It crams desktop-class performance into a super slim body while featuring Apple‘s gorgeous XDR display technology.
Key Features:
- Stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED screen
- Blazing fast M2 chip matches many laptops
- Up to a massive 2TB storage capacity
- Long 10+ hour battery life
- Thunderbolt port for super fast connections
This productivity powerhouse handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and high-res photo manipulation like an absolute champ. And thanks to Apple‘s refined iPadOS software plus an optional Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd gen), the iPad Pro transforms into a capable laptop replacement for many.
It‘s also a fantastic device for creative professionals to sketch, illustrate, and edit images on-the-go thanks to that large, 120Hz ProMotion display. Yes, the iPad Pro 12.9 sits at the very top end of the pricing spectrum, but it outclasses every other tablet available today.
#2 Best Value: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
If the iPad Pro lies outside your budget, the Galaxy Tab S8+ hits a nice sweet spot between price and premium features. It retains the gorgeous OLED display and S-Pen support from Samsung‘s finest while costing several hundred dollars less.
Key Features:
- Vibrant 12.4-inch 2800 x 1752 Super AMOLED screen
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- S-Pen included for drawing and precision work
- Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM
Performance stands up well against the priciest pro tablets thanks to that cutting-edge Qualcomm chip. Whether gaming, browsing, or working, the Tab S8+ won‘t let you down. Meanwhile, the included S-Pen makes it easy to sketch or take notes naturally.
My only real complaint lies with its DeX software designed to mimic a desktop experience. It‘s handy but still lacks polish and app support compared to iPadOS. But for an Android tablet with a reasonable cost, the Galaxy Tab S8+ shines as a well-rounded package.
#3 Best Display: Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro
Tablet newcomer Xiaomi manages to outshine established brands with the Pad 5 Pro‘s stunning OLED display. Combining gorgeous colors and inky blacks, it‘s a sight to behold at this price point.
Key Features:
- 12.4-inch 2560 x 1600 AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 chip
- Quad speakers tuned by Harmon Kardon
- 8,720 mAh battery sustains 11+ hours mixed use
- Supports 67W fast charging
Everything about the Pad 5 Pro seems crafted for an exceptional entertainment experience. That AMOLED panel combined with Dolby Vision transforms supported videos into an HDR showcase. Gaming and standard app usage also impress thanks to the fast refresh rate and loud, balanced speakers.
Performance stands up admirably for most tasks with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. My only hesitation revolves around Xiaomi‘s MIUI software not being quite as refined as One UI or iPadOS. But multimedia buffs who want a cost-effective Netflix and YouTube machine should have this tablet at the top of their wishlist.
#4 Best Budget: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
Shoppers facing financial constraints should consider the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. Starting under $250, it packs a surprising amount of visual real estate and capability at a bargain price point.
Key Features:
- 11-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS LCD display
- Respectable MediaTek Helio G90T processor
- Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage
- Supports LTE connectivity
You‘ll need to curb expectations given the cost, but the Tab P11 Plus handles essentials admirably. It works great for web browsing, video calls, media playback, and even some light gaming. Just don‘t expect buttery smooth performance compared to premium slates.
Battery life also impresses at over 12 hours thanks to a beefy 7,500 mAh pack. And the ability to insert a microSD card or connect to LTE data on the go makes this an ideal grab n‘ go companion. Lenovo‘s tablet demonstrates you don‘t need to spend big bucks to get a respectable large tablet.
#5 Best Business Use: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft‘s Surface Pro lineup epitomizes what‘s achievable by taking a tablet and adding laptop DNA. The fresh Surface Pro 9 refines the formula even further to create the ultimate portable productivity machine.
Key Features:
- Sharp 13-inch 2880 x 1920 touch display with 120Hz refresh
- Powerful Intel 12th Gen or Arm-based processor options
- Removable keyboard cover and Surface Pen included
- Thunderbolt 4 + USB 4.0 ports enable speedy connections
- Model with built-in LTE for connectivity anywhere
This 2-in-1 functions flawlessly as both a Windows 11 tablet and full laptop replacement. Between its gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen, included Surface Pen, detachable keyboard, and flexible kickstand, the versatility is unmatched. Plus, performance stands up to rigorous office workloads.
My main criticisms come down to price and battery life. Configurations get very expensive past the base model, and longevity sits around 8 hours for real-world use. But for corporate road warriors who desire category-leading hardware, the Surface Pro 9 warrants consideration. Its unmatched flexibility between tablet mode, studio mode, laptop mode sets it apart from traditional slates.
Key Factors for Selecting a Large Tablet
I recommend buyers evaluate the following aspects when choosing their ideal oversized tablet:
- Display quality: Prioritize resolution, panel technology (LCD, OLED), refresh rate, brightness, and HDR support based on primary use case
- Performance needs: Determine necessary processing power, RAM, and baseline storage capacity for intended tasks
- Software ecosystem: iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, and ChromeOS all have distinct advantages and limitations to weigh
- Extra accessories: Keyboard covers, stylus pens, mouse support, and external storage can unlock more functionality
- Connectivity: WiFi-only or LTE data? Which wireless and port standards are essential?
- Budget: Carefully balance desired features against realistic spending allowance
Also make sure to read reviews about factors like battery life, camera quality, speakers, and design/build quality. Finding your perfect productivity partner means selecting a tablet tailored to your unique needs and budget.
Transform the Way You Work and Play
The sheer versatility of today‘s large tablets empowers us to leave the laptop behind more frequently. Their big, brilliant touch displays offer more flexibility for everything from media enjoyment to graphics work.
Hopefully this breakdown of the top 5 biggest tablet options provides a helpful starting point for your search. Taking the time to identify your must-have features will pay dividends down the road. Because when you find that perfect oversized slate, it can truly become an indispensable tool for enhancing productivity and fun on-the-move.
