Question Looking for android tablet, please help

[Alan0354]

Hi

Again, thanks for all the helps here to buy my Samsung A15 phones. I am VERY HAPPY with it and I really learn Android thank to all the help here.

NOW!!! I am looking at a Android tablet. Again, I know nothing about tablet, this is going to be the first one ever. I look at some, they can be really cheap, I can get one for under $100. I don't expect to get good resolution, I don't need computer power. Main thing I use is to read articles online.

I like to read lying on my stomach, laptop is a little too big and the keyboard is really in the way. Then the screen of the phone is too small to really do serious reading. So tablet seems to be a very good middle of the road between laptop and phone.

First question is where's the keyboard? I don't want to buy those with external keyboard( same problem as laptop). Is it like phones that I can call it up on the screen to type? Sorry about this really stupid question, I never even look at one before. It'd be perfect if it's on screen keyboard that I just call it out like phones and make it disappear and have the full screen.

Any suggestion of a CHEAP ONE. Like I said, I ONLY use for reading articles online, no need for computer power, RAM or SSD size or screen resolution. I definitely NOT playing game( call me crazy, I hate video games). No music and any of the extras. I just need a screen so I can read when I lie on my stomach.

This is one I am looking at:

https://www.amazon.com/Android-Blue...lectronics&sprefix=tablet,aps,268&sr=1-8&th=1

Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

I would avoid any device that isn't made by a well-known company (like Google, Samsung, Lenovo, or OnePlus). Nokia and TCL are probably ok. The problems with the no-name or off-brand devices (often identifiable by the fact that the brand name is in ALL CAPS and is a weird combination of letters that generally sounds goofy) are (1) poor hardware specs, (2) zero updates and zero tech support, (3) suspicious preinstalled bloatware that often can't be removed, and (4) it's hard to be completely certain that the device isn't sending your data to some shady server in some far-off land.

Of course, devices from the bigger companies won't be dirt cheap, but you get what you pay for. My recommendation would be the Lenovo Tab M9, which I have. It's a 9" tablet, so it's easier to hold in one hand for extended periods, and hits that sweet spot of adequate screen size and portability. The SoC and GPU are actually decent (I can reasonably play Asphalt Legends Unite on it -- it isn't ultra-smooth, but it's still completely playable). (I only mention the gaming to give you an idea of the performance.) Display is 720p, but I don't really miss 1080p on a 9" screen; besides, colors are pretty vibrant, and the brightness is decent. Stereo speakers are a nice feature, especially at this price.

It comes in 3 GB RAM and 4 GB RAM versions. The 3 GB version is currently $100 on the Lenovo site, while the 4 GB version is $150. If you can swing it, I would recommend the 4 GB version, because performance will be a little better. Lenovo often has discount codes available, so do a search for them on the web -- you might be able to get 10-15% off. https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/tabl...novo-tab-m9-9-inch-mtk/len103l0016#tech_specs

And to answer your question about the keyboard -- yes, it's just like a phone. If you tap a text field, the keyboard app will pop up (and it's a little easier to type due to the larger screen).

 

[Alan0354]

I have another question. How similar in operation is Android tablet with Android phone? I just learn my phone with Android 14, if I buy something with Android 13 or 14, will they be very similar to the phone? That's I don't have to learn another device?

Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

It'll be very similar. Larger devices may have additional features as well -- for example, the Lenovo tablets have an option for a persistent task bar at the bottom of the screen. And splitscreen is much more feasible on tablets (although it can still be done on phones).

 

[Alan0354]

It'll be very similar. Larger devices may have additional features as well -- for example, the Lenovo tablets have an option for a persistent task bar at the bottom of the screen. And splitscreen is much more feasible on tablets (although it can still be done on phones).

Thanks, so there is no learning curve for me. GREAT. Thanks