Have you ever wondered why some people call iPads tablets and vice versa? If you’re going to buy a new tablet, it’s important to know the difference between the two — and why iPads are, essentially, tablets.
A tablet is a cross between a smartphone and a computer, with a touchscreen as the main input source. An iPad is one type of tablet that’s known for its usability, powerful operating system, and intuitive user interface. iPads are relatively expensive, however, and they offer limited customization.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between iPads and other tablets. We’ll consider the pros and cons of several popular tablets, so that you can have a better idea of which tablet suits your needs and preferences best.
What Is a Tablet?
A tablet is a cross between a computer and a smartphone. It normally has a large touch screen, can handle most smartphone tasks, and can be used as a mini-laptop. Most tablets run Android operating systems, making them more similar to smartphones than computers or laptops. However, the main difference between a tablet and a laptop is that tablets are operated with a touchscreen.
While you can attach an external keyboard to a tablet, most tablets don’t come with one. Tablets resemble smartphones in terms of functionality and can download and operate most smartphone apps. The latest tablets also support sim cards and can be used for calling or sending messages.
There are different types of tablets, but the most commonly used ones are Android tablets. Different brands such as Huawei, Samsung, and Nokia all make Android tablets.
Other popular tablet brands include iPads that run on Apple’s iOS and Windows Microsoft tablets. Amazon Kindle is a specific type of tablet used as a digital reading device.
It’s important to realize that all these products are classified as tablets, even though they’re each known by a specific brand name. For example, the iPad is another name for Apple tablets, and Amazon’s Kindle is a reading tablet.
What Is an iPad?
An iPad is a tablet that’s made by Apple and runs the iOS operating system. iPads are kind of like large versions of iPhones and can run most games and apps that iPhones can. They have a much bigger screen and can be connected to an external keyboard to double up as a laptop.
The first iPad was released in January 2010, and a version with sim-capacity was released soon after. iPads also have much bigger storage than most iPhones — and a screen size closer to that of MacBooks. However, they run on the same operating system type and have the same functionality as iPhones.
Ever since the first iPad was released, there have been many versions, each with more capabilities than the previous ones. The latest 5th generation iPad (on Amazon) resembles more of a computer in terms of functionality.
The Pros and Cons of an iPad
You’ll get some people who swear by the user experience and powerful operating system of the iPad, while others complain about the lack of customization and other issues. However, just like any device, the iPad has its pros and cons. Let’s look at some of them in detail.
iPad Strengths
There’s a reason why many people prefer iPads despite the higher cost and lack of customization. Just like other Apple devices, the iPad is designed with user experience placed first, which is its main selling point. Here are some pros of the iPad:
Intuitive Interface and Superior Usability
If there’s one thing that makes the iPad stand out, it’s the enhanced user experience. iPads run the iOS operating system, which has an intuitive interface and guarantees a better user experience. The iPad is smooth, has a superior touch screen, and has an extremely user-friendly interface.
Powerful Operating System
The operating system of iPads is more powerful than that of other tablets, which is why iPads generally have better graphics and a smoother interface.
The iPad is also less likely to overheat, and the latest ones come with the powerful M3 chip with cutting-edge operating capacity and cooling technology.
Better Smartphone Integration
Another feature that makes the iPad stand out from other tablets is the ease of integration. You can easily transfer photos, videos, and files between your iPad and iPhone with the cut and paste function. You can also transfer between your iPad and Apple laptop since they run on the same operating software.
While a downside is that this integration isn’t available for non-Apple devices, it’s still more integration than what most other tablet brands offer.
Safety
Apple devices are designed to only download apps and software from the App Store, which is why they are extremely unlikely to get damaged by malware. Apple checks all the apps for malware and viruses, and you won’t be able to download unverified apps unless you jailbreak your iPad.
iPad Weaknesses
While the iPad is rated as one of the best tablet brands, it’s not perfect in every category. Here are a couple downsides of the iPad:
Less Storage
One of the main downsides of iPads is the lack of storage and expansion options. While the iPad doesn’t lack storage space, it’s much less than what many Android tablets offer. There also isn’t an option for expanding the storage capacity on an iPad, so you’re stuck with what you have.
Lack of Customization
Another issue with the iPad is the lack of customization options. iPads have restrictions on what functions can be performed by certain apps, which makes it complicated for people looking to use alternative apps. While it offers basic customization, it’s still quite rigid compared to other tablets.
The Pros and Cons of Tablet PCs
Tablet PCs are still the most widely sold type of tablet, and many people prefer them over iPads. Here are some pros of tablet PCs:
Wide Product Availability
While you’ll have relatively limited options when buying an iPad, there are hundreds of different tablet PCs to choose from. Most tablet PCs also have the Android operating system, which can easily compete with iOS in most aspects.
Better Storage
Tablet PCs have better storage options than iPads. Even though the latest iPad has decent storage, there isn’t anything you can do to increase its storage capacity. On the other hand, many tablet PCs are compatible with microchips, allowing you to significantly increase the storage capacity as needed.
Customization
One thing that Android geeks love about tablet PCs is the range of customization options available. You can download apps from the Play Store or directly from any website. You can also choose which apps you want to perform certain functions, unlike with iPads.
To add to these benefits, most tablet PCs are cheaper than iPads.
Cons of Tablet PCs
Despite their flexibility and customization, many people still don’t consider tablet PCs superior to iPads. This is due to the cons of tablet PCs, which include:
Fewer Tablet Optimized Apps
While you’ll have more options to choose from when accessing apps on the Play Store, not all of these apps are optimized for tablets. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to play games on a bigger screen than your smartphone one.
However, as tablets are becoming more popular, more apps are being designed to fit tablet PC specifications.
Less Security
One downside of more customization is that it makes the tablet less secure. Unlike Apple, Google doesn’t check all the apps on the Play Store for malware, although they are screened to an extent. Nevertheless, this does give developers more incentive to find solutions to the malware problems and develop better software.
Many of the latest tablet PCs will also have additional anti-malware software, and you’ll need to provide permission when installing apps from unverified locations.
Which Tablet PCs Should I Consider?
When it comes to tablet PCs, there are a few big names to be aware of:
Android
Android tablets are the most common type of tablet PC, and many popular smartphone brands such as Samsung (on Amazon) and Huawei (also on Amazon) have released some of the top Android tablets. Android tablets are the easiest to customize, making them more popular amongst technology geeks, software developers, and designers.
You can swap many default apps for downloaded apps on Android tablets, and you’ll have a range of options to customize the tablet’s interface. You can also run multiple apps in the background on Android tablets, something that iPads can’t do.
Android tablets are also significantly cheaper considering the decent amount of features that many of the latest ones offer.
However, the strengths of Android tablets do come with downsides, and many people complain about the lack of checks on apps in the Play Store. Also, not all Android tablets come with expandable storage, so you’ll have to check whether it has micro SD capacity or not before buying one.
Samsung
When it comes to Android tablets, Samsung is the closest competitor to Apple’s iPad. Samsung has a wide range of tablets, and you can choose between a simple tablet with limited RAM and storage to one that competes with the best on the market. The hardware quality of Samsung tablets is also amongst the best in the tablet PC market.
Samsung tablets also support most games, can connect to a cellular network, and have software and security support. These features put Samsung tablets on par with the latest iPads.
Kindle
While the Kindle (on Amazon) started out as an e-book reader, it has since evolved into a complete tablet and has many of the same features as iPads and Android tablets. Kindle tablets have the best screen quality and are small and light, making them the ideal travel tablet.
They also have a better battery life than most tablets, and the latest Kindle tablet comes with up to 7 hours of battery life.
However, Kindle tablets still have fewer functions than other tablet brands, and the screen size may be too small if you want to have a better streaming or gaming experience.
If you want something to substitute for your smartphone, then a Kindle tablet will do, but if you need your tablet to be a mini laptop, you’re better off with an Android tablet or iPad.
Deciding Which is Right for You
There are hundreds of tablets to choose from, and most people will choose a quality Android tablet (like Samsung tablets), a Kindle, or an iPad. But how do you know which one is best suited for your needs? Here are some things to look at before buying a new tablet:
Type of Use
Before choosing a new tablet, the first thing to consider is what you’re going to use it for. Do you want your tablet to be a substitute for your laptop, or do you only need something that you can use to play a few games or watch videos?
If you need something that’s reliable, has decent computing power, and can be used for work, the Apple iPad is ideal. It’s secure, reliable, and has a better interface than most tablets. However, if you’re an artist, graphic designer, or tech geek, you may prefer the functionality of Android tablets.
Price
If you don’t mind spending on a quality tablet, you can have the iPad as an option. However, if you’re looking for something with decent functionality at a lower price, it’s better to go with Samsung or Huawei tablets.
If you’re only going to use your tablet for reading or streaming and need only basic functionality, the Kindle may be your cheapest option.
Storage Capacity
When it comes to storage capacity, Android tablets win, hands down. Most support micro SD cards, which can more than double the storage capacity. While the latest iPads don’t lack storage either, they don’t have the same storage expansion capabilities as Android tablets.
Size and Weight
In terms of overall design and size, iPads are the primary choice for most people. The latest iPad has a 10.2-inch screen, which is ideal for streaming videos. However, it’s also heavier than previous versions, and most Android tablets aren’t light either.
If you want a light travel tablet, the Kindle may be your best option, although some Android tablets do come in lightweight versions.