When tablets first came out, they seemed revolutionary, but over the years, their use cases have become clearer. Essentially, their screen size falls between that of a tablet and a smartphone: around 7-10 inches. This provides both portability and the convenience of a touchscreen.
So, where do these devices fit in? Here are the most common use cases:
**Content consumption:** Series, movies, books, news, social media... This is the primary use of tablets. Thanks to their portability, you can use them comfortably on the couch, in bed, or even while traveling. Although the screen may be prone to glare, adjusting the brightness can enhance the reading/viewing experience.
**Creative work:** Drawing, taking notes, preparing presentations... With touchscreens and styluses like the Apple Pencil, these devices can become mini workshops. They offer significant advantages over keyboards, especially for those accustomed to handwriting.
**Productivity:** Emails, documents, and yes, video calls. Some models come with optional keyboards. For those who don’t need a desktop computer all the time, a tablet with a stand can be practical. However, they still fall short for heavy-duty tasks like video editing, coding, or graphic design.
The price range is quite broad. The difference in price between a basic model and a premium version can be substantial. This means the choice should be based on your intended use. For example, if you're just looking to watch movies, screen quality and sound system will be key, whereas for someone who draws, sensitivity and stylus compatibility will be more important.
Ultimately, tablets aren’t just a larger version of your smartphone; they offer a different experience. Depending on how you plan to use them, you might find yourself confused. If you already have a smartphone, think carefully about what a tablet could add to your setup. Otherwise, it might just end up being a "big phone" with no real added value.
Is an iPad worth it? Are tablets really necessary?
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I think there's one area where tablets can never replace something, and that's watching movies on the couch. I used to think, "Why would I get a tablet when my phone is so much more compact?" but once I got used to the iPad Mini, I couldn't go back. The 11-inch screen was the perfect balance of size and weight—I could comfortably watch Netflix in one hand, and it wasn’t a hassle to carry around on the bus either.
I first thought of the Galaxy Tab S9+ when someone mentioned tablets. I actually bought a small Kindle years ago to read magazines or e-books while traveling, but I stopped using it because it strained my eyes. Then I thought, "Why do I need a tablet when I already watch Netflix on my Galaxy S21?"
But my son is in first grade, and he needs a tablet to follow his lessons from school. I tested it for an 8-hour class and was surprised—it’s much more comfortable to watch videos and take notes on the larger Android screen. Plus, I ended up using it for everything, from gaming on the couch to just about anything else.
Last night, I even watched a 4K movie on it, and the screen really shines compared to my S21. As for productivity, it’s not my main work device—I don’t do coding on it—but with a keyboard, I can easily reply to WhatsApp messages. People always said you can’t get real work done on a tablet, but they were wrong. Now, I’m fully in the "no tablet, no life" camp.
I’ve weighed the iPad’s entry while also considering which use cases make the most sense for it—you’ve really nailed how tablets fit into content consumption and productivity scenarios. Since I lean minimalist, tablets for me are mostly “hobby-time” devices—like reading a book on the go or jotting down UX/UI design ideas on paper. I use an iPad mini, and its size is perfect; it slips easily into my pocket but still has a screen that’s large enough.
The productivity side feels a bit out there, though. If I’m constantly tethered to a wireless keyboard, I’d rather go with a smartphone plus a big-screen monitor combo—it’s just more practical. Tablets are handy only for car rides or emergencies outside the office. What innovations or pricing strategies do you think could help tablets hold their place in this ecosystem?
Tablets may have their uses, but when it comes to productivity—even with external keyboards—their screen size and touch limitations put them at a disadvantage compared to laptops, especially for coding or heavy office work. Laptops always come out on top in those scenarios.