What is the difference between wi fi and data plan

[AC Question]

I am considering buying a tablet from Amazon. Will I have to buy a data plan

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Tablets are usually wi-fi only. The ones that have the ability to access mobile data via 3G or 4G do require a data plan, but that allows you to use them where wi-fi isn't available. But it doesn't let you make conventional voice calls--tablets with telephony aren't available in the US (although it's possible to make calls over the internet using apps like Skype or Hangouts).

If you plan on using the tablet in places where you always have a wi-fi connection, or if you don't need constant internet access (e.g., you plan on using it primarily for reading books or playing non-web based games), then you don't need the 3G/4G device.