Tablet buying guide
Find the perfect tablet for you and your family
Stay in touch with your digital world no matter where you are with a tablet – the perfect device for checking your email, playing games, and browsing online with a large, comfortable screen.
Tablets are reliable, family-friendly devices that give you the chance to read the news, finish off an essay, or play a game wherever you are.
Find the right tablet for you
Which tablet should I choose?
Versatile and light, tablet is a great piece of technology that will meet everyone's need in the family.
Which tablet is right for my use?
Tablets are great for many things, wherever you are. It’s your window into a world of entertainment, productivity, and overdue catch-ups with friends on social media.
If you’re not sure where to start, know what size screen you want, which operating system to go for or how much storage you’ll require, we can help you find the perfect tablet to suit your needs.
Operating system
A tablet’s operating system (OS) is designed to help you navigate around your apps and programs, and can offer the ability to customise backgrounds, menus, and icons. The main operating systems are Android, Windows, Apple’s iOS, and Amazon’s Fire. Each is designed with a smooth, intuitive interface and access to a large number of apps.
What operating system should I choose?
Each operating system offers unique qualities that appeal to different users.
Google’s Android is a versatile OS that is used by a number of different tablet brands, which means you can shop around for an Android tablet with the right look and price for you. Android provides enhanced personalisation and you can choose how to layout your home screen, select themes, and add widgets to your menus.
Apple’s iOS is designed for ease of use, with the most straightforward controls and hugely known apps like iTunes and the App Store.
Windows tablets have the same features as the familiar PC operating system, so you’ll find a similar layout and easy access to your favourite Windows programs like Word or Excel.
Amazon’s Fire OS is designed to give you easy access to all of Amazon’s products, including eBooks, music, and TV shows.
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View all Fire Tablets
Is one operating system better than the other?
Does it matter if my tablet has the same operating system as my phone?
Screen size
Tablets come in a range of screen sizes, from 7” to 12.9”. Some tablets are sized to feel comfortable in your hand, while others are large enough to be propped up and used for working and typing comfortably.
What screen size is right for me?
Picking the right screen size depends on what you use your tablet for. 13” tablets are great for watching movies as well as working, 10” tablets are ideal for playing games and using apps, while 7” tablets are great for browsing on the go and reading eBooks.
What resolution do I need?
Storage
You can save photos, videos and files on your tablet in three different ways. Internal storage is the amount of memory that comes built in, which can vary from 4 GB to 512 GB. External storage can be added with a memory card – if you want more storage space look out for a tablet with a memory card slot. And if you want to save photos, music and more online, Cloud storage provides wireless access to your files that can be accessed from any of your devices.
What's the difference between internal and external storage?
Internal storage is built into your device, while external storage can be added whenever you want more room. Most tablets have memory card slots so that you can expand your internal storage.
How much storage do I need?
8GB
16GB
32GB
64GB
Battery
If you plan on taking your tablet out with you for a long journey or your morning commute, it’s important to look at tablets with a long battery life. Even if you just shop online, play games and watch videos from home, it’s worth considering how much use you’ll get out of each charge.
How much battery life do I need?
This depends on how much you use your tablet, but most tablets come with around eight hours of battery life – so you can use it for a full day without needing to recharge.
If you want to extend your tablet’s battery life for trips away from home, power banks provide a great solution for charging back up without needing to find a plug socket.
Extra features
There are a few other things you might want to consider before choosing your tablet.
Chargers
Camera
Either for a video call with your loved ones or for a great snap, we will have the perfect tablet for you.
Tablets accessories
Make the most of your tablet with our wide range of accessories.
View All Apple Magic keyboards
You might also need
Once you’ve found the perfect tablet, there are a few more things you should consider.
Why should I add a Care Plan to my purchase?
We want you to get the best from your new tablet. Our Care Plan gives you the peace-of-mind to use it wherever and whenever you like.
Trade in
Get an instant valuation for your old device using our quick calculator below. You’ll be presented with an estimate reference, which you can print off or send to your email address.