Summary of "Best Tablets from 2025 Actually Worth Buying!"
Summary of “Best Tablets from 2025 Actually Worth Buying!”
Tablets Reviewed & Key Features
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Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3
- Price: Under $400
- Display: 8.8-inch, 2.5K resolution
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Cooling: Advanced vapor chamber
- Ports: Dual USB-C with bypass charging, video out included
- Target Audience: Mobile gaming but good all-around small Android tablet
- Software Updates: Up to 4 years security updates (shorter than Samsung/Apple)
- Pros: Powerful for size, good screen quality, video out standard, good for gaming and general use
- Cons: Shorter software update support
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE & S10 FE Plus
- Sizes: 10.9-inch and 13.1-inch
- Display: Up to 90 Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1580
- Features: Included S Pen, IP68 dust/water resistance, Samsung Dex, split screen, floating windows
- Battery: Larger battery in Plus model (10,900 mAh)
- Software Updates: 7 years (best in class)
- Pros: Great value, productivity features, long software support
- Cons: None specifically mentioned
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Lenovo Yoga Tab & Yoga Tab Plus
- Price: Yoga Tab (~$450), Yoga Tab Plus (~$480)
- Display: 11-inch (regular), 12.7-inch (Plus), 650 nits brightness
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Audio: Quad speakers (regular), six speakers (Plus)
- Features: Video out, pen support, keyboard case option
- Battery: Better battery life on Plus
- Software Updates: 3 years software, 4 years security
- Pros: Good performance, excellent audio, bright screen, included accessories
- Cons: Software update duration could be longer
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Honor Magic Pad 3
- Price: Just under $500
- Display: 13.3-inch IPS LCD, 165 Hz, 1000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Storage: Starts at 256 GB
- Charging: 66W fast charging, 5W reverse charging
- Software Updates: 3 years software, 4-5 years security (hope for 7 years)
- Pros: Very bright display, fast charging, large battery, good performance
- Cons: Limited availability globally
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OnePlus Pad 3
- Price: Just under $700
- Display: 13.2-inch 2-in IPS LCD, 144 Hz, 900 nits brightness, 7x5 aspect ratio
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM/Storage: 12 GB RAM, starts at 256 GB
- Charging: Fastest at 80W
- Battery Life: ~9 hours at 100% brightness
- Software Updates: 3 years software, 4 years security
- Features: Video out
- Pros: Premium feel, excellent performance, good battery, unique aspect ratio, great value for flagship
- Cons: Software support not as long as Samsung/Apple
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Red Magic Astra
- Price: Under $600
- Display: 8.8-inch LTPO OLED, up to 1600 nits brightness
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM/Storage: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
- Battery Life: ~10 hours
- Charging: 68W fast charging
- Software Updates: 3 years software, 3 years security
- Features: Fingerprint scanner, customizable “red magic” button for gaming or shortcuts
- Pros: Bright OLED display, excellent battery life, good gaming size and comfort
- Cons: Shorter software update support
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Apple iPad Air M3
- Sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch
- Performance: Comparable to iPad Pro
- Software Updates: Typically 6+ years (not officially advertised)
- Features: Video out, Apple Pencil support (pencil sold separately), extensive accessory ecosystem
- Pros: Excellent performance, two size options, strong accessory support, long software support
- Cons: Apple Pencil sold separately
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 & S11 Ultra
- Sizes: S11 (smaller, portable), Ultra (14.6-inch, laptop-like)
- Display: AMOLED on both
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus
- RAM: 12 GB
- Features: IP68 dust/water resistance, S Pen included, Samsung Dex, video out
- Software Updates: 7 years
- Price: Starting $750 (S11), nearly $1,200 (Ultra)
- Pros: Premium build, excellent display, best software support, productivity features
- Cons: Ultra size can be awkward, high price, MediaTek chip (some users hesitant)
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros Across Tablets:
- Strong performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8 Elite processors
- High refresh rate displays (up to 165 Hz)
- Video out available on most models (considered a must-have)
- Good battery life on most tablets (up to 10 hours)
- Included stylus or pen support on many models
- Wide range of sizes and price points to fit different needs and budgets
- Long software update support notably from Samsung and Apple (up to 7 years)
Cons Across Tablets:
- Lenovo and Red Magic tablets have shorter software update lifespans
- Some tablets (Honor, Red Magic) have limited availability
- Apple Pencil sold separately for iPads
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is expensive and large, may feel awkward
- MediaTek chipset in Samsung S11 series may concern some users
User Experience & Recommendations
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Gaming: Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 and Red Magic Astra are excellent small gaming tablets with strong performance and comfortable size.
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Productivity: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series and S11 series offer great productivity features including Samsung Dex and long software support.
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Creative Work: iPad Air M3 and Samsung S11 Ultra with included or compatible stylus options are great for drawing and note-taking.
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Value for Money: OnePlus Pad 3 stands out as a premium-feeling flagship with excellent performance and battery life at a reasonable price.
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Battery & Charging: Honor Magic Pad 3 and OnePlus Pad 3 lead in fast charging speeds (66W and 80W respectively).
Overall Verdict
The 2025 tablet market offers excellent choices across budgets and use cases. For small Android tablets, Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 and Red Magic Astra are top picks for gaming and portability. Mid-range buyers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series for its features and software longevity. For premium users, the Apple iPad Air M3 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 series provide flagship performance, excellent displays, and long-term software support, though at higher prices. The OnePlus Pad 3 offers a compelling flagship alternative with great value.
If software updates and ecosystem support are priorities, Samsung and Apple lead the pack. For those seeking fast charging and bright displays, Honor and OnePlus are attractive options. Overall, the recommendation is to consider personal needs (size, budget, use case) as the deciding factor, with many tablets offering strong all-around performance and features.
Additional Notes
- The reviewer encourages viewers to comment with other tablet suggestions.
- Previous videos cover tablets under $300.
- Many tablets have been discounted recently, especially during holiday sales.
- The reviewer is Brian from Fishb Productions.
Category
Product Review