Should I give up on Android Tablets?

EspressoDan on 14/05/2025 - 09:05
Last edited 14/05/2025 - 09:16

I'm an Android user through and through, and I’ve never had the slightest desire to switch to an iPhone.

Tablets, though… that’s where things get complicated. I’ve always stuck with Android tablets—granted, usually on the budget end—but the experience has consistently been underwhelming. Laggy performance, buggy custom interfaces, and updates that vanish faster than my motivation on a Monday morning. I still don’t get why Motorola can’t just slap the G84 internals into a tablet and call it a day. Why can I get an amazing phone for $300 in 2025, but a $300 tablet is just awful?

I know a higher-end Android tablet, like something from Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup, would probably solve a lot of my gripes. But the price tag for anything decent seems to start around $700, which is… less than ideal.

And here’s the plot twist: I’m actually considering buying an iPad. It goes against everything I stand for, but it seems Apple’s got the whole tablet thing down to a science, and with the iPad 11 now sitting under $500, it’s hard to ignore. If only it didn’t run iOS, which I still can’t bring myself to love.

So here’s the question: do I swallow my pride, grab an iPad, and (begrudgingly) enjoy a smooth experience? Or is there actually a fast, well-supported Android tablet around the $500 mark that won’t make me regret my life choices?

Computing Tablet Android

Comments

  • 87percent on 14/05/2025 - 09:07
    +19

    there's a short of educators and you want to bury principals??

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/05/2025 - 10:03
      +7

      At first I was like… am I tripping or are you … then I checked the revision history lol

      • ATangk on 15/05/2025 - 10:15
        +1

        Impressive for an 11 min revision. Rewrote the whole thing.

  • DingoBilly on 14/05/2025 - 09:17
    +11

    I adore the Galaxy Tab line and think it's spectacular value personally. I haven't used Apple products though to be fair, they always seem way too expensive for what they give. If you hate the Apple ecosystem not sure why you'd buy into it.

    For further context, I was using the Galaxy Tab S3 up until last year and it was working fine, and that is a 7 year old tablet. I cracked the screen and some apps were not working well so decided to upgrade to the S9 and it's a similar fantastic experience.

    So I think your issue is just that you've been buying low-end tablets to be honest. The Galaxy Tab line is fantastic and worth the $700, but if $200 cost savings is worth it to move to an ecosystem you hate then by all means go for it.

    • Dr Phil on 15/05/2025 - 23:06
      +1

      Agree 100%
      And with Samsung android devices its always best to do a clean install of an android update once every year.
      The software exists online to do that.
      A clean install seems to clean up all the garbage that slows such devices down and frees up storage space
      I learnt a long time ago!

      Same with Apple devices actually

      • SydStrand on 17/05/2025 - 10:54
        +3

        Literally never done a 'clean install' once on an iOS device.

  • mskeggs on 14/05/2025 - 09:20
    +16

    I use both, and use android for phone.
    Android tablets are as you describe. iPads work very well.
    The only hesitation I have is installing 3rd party software, and there are emerging ways to do that on iOS.
    I gave up on some principled stance on tools years ago and now use the best tool for the job, including Linux, windows, macos etc.

    • jetblack on 15/05/2025 - 07:54
      +3

      Can't upvote this enough.

      It's pretty niche use cases you can't use either OS for the same thing, and it's usually people complaining they don't like it because they're not used to it.

      These days if anyone hands me an iPhone I'm so lost on how to use it, but I also know if I bought one itd take about 10 mins to learn, and about a day and a half for the muscle memory to kick in and be second nature switching between the two.

      Just buy whatever does what you need it to and move on with your life imo

      • Jackson on 17/05/2025 - 01:04
        +1

        Yeah but if you have bought a bunch of apps in one ecosystem, who wants to buy them all again?

  • Drakster on 14/05/2025 - 09:30
    +10

    Have you tried a Lenovo? They're a popular deal here.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/905635

    I have an older Lenovo Pad Plus. It has been great for me, far better than my previous Android tablet device.
    I don't find it laggy at all.

    I don't recall any firmware updates that Lenovo has pushed out to it, but it does receive Google's updates. There's a few custom OS with a later Android version, but I haven't felt the need to upgrade to them ATM.

    • Mechz on 14/05/2025 - 13:45
      +4

      Yeah definitely look at Lenovo. Great tablets.

    • Bill48 on 15/05/2025 - 11:56

      Aren't Lenovo and Motorola the same thing? In tablets?

      • AeymothSky on 16/05/2025 - 06:58
        -2

        AI Overview
        Learn more
        Yes, Lenovo owns Motorola. Lenovo acquired Motorola Mobility LLC (which is the company that designs and manufactures Motorola phones) from Google in 2014. Motorola Mobility is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Lenovo.

        they're still sorta different though

        lenovo has a big market in china and stuff

        funny thing though is back in the day my first android tablet was a

        "Motolora Xoom 2" That bad boy ran android 4.4 haha

        I've got a lenovo pad pro 2020 / xiaoxin pad pro 2020 and it has a snapdragon 730g and works great for the years I've had it.

  • ESEMCE on 14/05/2025 - 09:54
    +4

    I made this observation a few years ago.
    Interacting with iOS still shits me, but the hardware is worth the marginal extra cost.

  • Gdsamp on 14/05/2025 - 09:54

    Everyone else has

  • plmko on 14/05/2025 - 09:55
    +6

    You pay peanuts, you get peanuts. Not hard to understand.

    What are you doing on a tablet that specifically needs the iPad? When I had the iPad Pro it was the worst thing I had a purchased, non-sensical functionality and a reality far from what has been praised on. Would only get it if you have a specific app or use case.

    Sold the iPad within 3 months and bought the Samsung Ultra. Never looked back 3 years later.

    • rumblytangara on 15/05/2025 - 16:02
      +15

      You pay peanuts, you get peanuts. Not hard to understand.

      Not 100% convinced that's the correct idiom.

      • jackspratt on 15/05/2025 - 18:07
        +1

        Why would you pay for peanuts, with peanuts? 🤔

        • darkdinkum on 16/05/2025 - 19:04
          +1

          I think there's something to do with monkeys 🐒

  • toomuchdogfur on 14/05/2025 - 09:57
    +16

    Did you revise your entire post with ChatGPT?

    • Gdsamp on 14/05/2025 - 10:12
      +2

      Ffs

    • Ozbar Gain on 14/05/2025 - 13:04
      +1

      Yes and it shows

    • Forenti on 16/05/2025 - 20:47

      Those em dashes…

  • foxmulder on 14/05/2025 - 10:22
    +2

    Have you considered older model of tab s?

  • trustnoone on 14/05/2025 - 10:29
    +5

    grab an iPad, and (begrudgingly) enjoy a smooth experience?

    If you have a chance please try it out first. I always figured ios would be smoother as well, but found some things that I was so used to on Android that made IOS really hard for me to use. Not saying that IOS is bad but its more of that "oh that feature isn't there" or "Oh I'm used to working this way I can't believe I can't anymore". type of thing.

  • try2bhelpful on 14/05/2025 - 10:56
    +1

    You could buy from Apple so you can return in the first month if you don’t like it. If you are a Costco member you have three months to return it.

  • tac459 on 14/05/2025 - 10:59
    +1

    S9 FE (5G) here for same price as iPad 11 - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/901291

    Keep in mind the iPad 11 will run rings around the S9 FE performance-wise. Not too important unless you play games or do something similarly intensive.

  • bargaino on 14/05/2025 - 11:03
    +2

    What are you using it for?
    How about a Windows tablet? e.g. 2nd hand Surface Pro?

  • p1 ama on 14/05/2025 - 12:55
    +5

    Tablets, though… that’s where things get complicated. I’ve always stuck with Android tablets—granted, usually on the budget end—but the experience has consistently been underwhelming. Laggy performance, buggy custom interfaces, and updates that vanish faster than my motivation on a Monday morning. I still don’t get why Motorola can’t just slap the G84 internals into a tablet and call it a day. Why can I get an amazing phone for $300 in 2025, but a $300 tablet is just awful?

    This always happens - I've had so many friends and family use cheap, nasty Android phones, have a shit experience, then decide to splurge on an iPhone and then proceed to dunk on Android and making the iPhone out to be the best thing since sliced bread. Obviously ignoring the fact that the Android phone was less than a quarter the cost.

    If you want to stick with Android, there are plenty of good options around a similar price to the base-model iPad.

  • EspressoDan on 14/05/2025 - 16:22
    +3

    Thanks for the comments.

    Yes, I thought I'd accept Co-Pilots helpful input 'to improve the tone and readability' - never again!

    I though somebody might have an experience that allowed them to say "Yes, the XYZ is great and I can really recommend it" but the vibe I get is "A recent Galaxy Tab is OK, but nothing Android comes close to an A16".

    I'm not using it for media, just boring remote field work with an app that is available for Android or iOS, so I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go Apple for the tablet (and absolutely nothing else).

    On the plus side, at least I will be able to use an airTag, which I also secretly think are pretty good.

    • try2bhelpful on 14/05/2025 - 16:30
      +1

      We used the AirTags on our last trip and they were great. Sitting on the plane before takeoff knowing your bag was close by was a comfort. We also used it to track back to our accomodation. We’ve now placed one in a secluded part of our car. Partly to track back to our car in parking lots but also in case it gets pinched.

    • geekcohen on 14/05/2025 - 17:08

      I'm not using it for media, just boring remote field work with an app that is available for Android or iOS, so I think I'm going to bite the bullet and go Apple for the tablet (and absolutely nothing else).

      I didn't see in your original post that it was for work, which probably changes the whole thing. Depending on your work and how long you are using the device for, definitely invest in a good tablet (like an iPad).

      For my side hustle, I have 2 Android Tablets and they are pretty good. $199 each (down from $249), and I sometimes use one for streaming the news instead of my laptop. If I was using them full time, it would probably give me the sh*ts and I would buy an iPad (I am an iPhone user anyway). But I am using them for maybe 15 mins per job and thats maybe 2 to 4 times a week.

    • idonotknowwhy on 15/05/2025 - 13:33
      +2

      never again!

      Just prompt it better. "Please reword my ozbargain post, keep it concise but fix my shitty english"

      Reworded Post:

      "Android user here, no plans to switch to iPhone. Android tablets, however, have been a letdown—laggy, buggy, and poorly updated, especially on the lower end. Not sure why Motorola or others can’t just pack decent hardware (like G84) into a tablet.

      Considering a better Android tablet like the Galaxy Tab, but decent options start at $700+. Meanwhile, the iPad 11 is tempting at under $500—Apple’s optimization seems unmatched, but iOS isn’t my jam.

      Should I swallow my pride and get an iPad, or is there a reliable, zippy Android tablet under $500 worth recommending?"

      Anyway I haven't used a tablet for years, but the Xperia Z4 tablet was amazing. One thing with iOS is to look up if it can do everything you need.
      There are a lot of limitations / hoops to jump through if for example, you like Firefox+Adblock, Sponsorblock, playing MKV files, etc.

    • toomuchdogfur on 16/05/2025 - 09:52

      Yeah unfortunately the Android tablet world is underserved in the mid-range area - there's countless budget tablets that are just awful, and a few high-end ones geared towards media consumption. The mid-range exists, but it just can't match up to the base iPad for the money.

      Apple has had great chipsets across their range for several years now, and they often will just use a previous version of these chipsets on their budget range - just a bit older but still great. An additional advantage to this strategy is that iPads stay supported with software updates for much longer too, as they use the same chipsets as flagship iPhones and thus benefit from the continued support of these chipsets from Apple.

      Whereas Android suffers from having "budget segment" chipsets that OEMs scrape from the bottom of the barrel (mostly from Mediatek) and throw into anything that isn't high-end. And since these budget chipsets were only ever used in budget devices which OEMs have little interest in supporting long-term… no one bothers to develop Android updates compatible with them beyond perhaps one generation, so ongoing software support is woeful.

      If you're using it for work and just firing up a particular app, 100% stick with the iPad. I'd only consider an Android at this range if it was for media consumption (where the iPad's odd aspect ratio causes almost all videos to have black bars).

  • CaptainJack on 14/05/2025 - 20:25

    Think it really depends on the use case. I just use mine for reading books and reports where the phone screen would be too small, plus occasional movies on the airplane. For that the $200 Chinese android is perfect. I'm sure for more intensive tasks it would struggle.

  • Chmmr on 15/05/2025 - 07:53

    The ONLY reason I used an iPad at work is on my Samsung Fold 2, using our ticketing website, entering a space character will delete the previous word.

    Found out years later that it was only on Samsung Keyboard. Google Keyboard worked.

  • jhaley3180 on 15/05/2025 - 08:51

    I quite like the pixel tablet now. Some release with updates I think it's worth consideration. I have an older iPad but migrated to the Pixel Tablet as I like the ability to use it as a Home Hub.

  • Fuzzy Toaster on 15/05/2025 - 09:09
    +5

    You said it yourself, you're comparing budget Android with Apple devices that are more expensive. People do this with phones and laptops too, it's maddening.

    If you pay iPad prices for a nice Android tablet, you'll be very happy I think. Same goes for iPhone prices for a premium Android, or Macbook prices for a premium Windows laptop.

    • ESEMCE on 15/05/2025 - 12:51

      If you pay iPad prices for a nice Android tablet, you'll be very happy I think.

      Nope. (JB HiFi prices used as a reference)
      The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is priced around $100 more than an iPad, but has a mid-range SoC.
      The iPad has a former flagship SoC (albeit released a year earlier).

      The performance difference is, unsurprisingly, substantial.

      Even jumping up $400 over an iPad Price bracket to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE you're still only getting a more recent mid-range SOC meaning you're still nowhere near iPad performance levels.

      Going up to the Galaxy Tab S9 finally gets you a flagship SoC approaching the iPad's, but you're now approaching 3x the cost of an iPad at $1499!

      For whatever reason, Android tablet Price:Performance is trash compared to iPad and has been for many years.

  • PurchaseAnxiety on 15/05/2025 - 09:54
    +2

    I'm an Android user, but I can't fault the baseline iPad. It's a reasonable price, great build quality, iPad OS is pretty good at what it does and it has a good range of optimised apps. Unless you want to side load anything, it's a tough to recommend Android in this space.

  • SupermanPrime on 15/05/2025 - 13:10
    +1

    I was given this last father's day… https://www.bigw.com.au/product/samsung-galaxy-tab-a9-64gb-w… and for the price and specs, it's been great.

    I did want one of the higher end samsung tablets, but their price is stupid and for this one, it is enough for what I want and need to do. My one, the "kids bundle" is sold out, but this one https://www.bigw.com.au/product/samsung-galaxy-tab-a9-wi-fi-… without the case is available and from other places than Big W.

    All personal choice but just putting out an option for you. And it goes on special regularly for under $300.

  • nosey on 15/05/2025 - 13:50

    Yeah ill be doing better research for my next tablet. My samsung was decent priced (approx $300 reduced from 400ish) but its shite, and all i do is ocassional epub reading.

  • honest-gary on 15/05/2025 - 14:33
    +2

    what do you guys use tablet for ? Is it mainly for video games ?

    • geekcohen on 15/05/2025 - 14:43

      Reading Books, News, Streaming just to name a few.

      My daughter has a tablet for YouTube Kids Stream. I use my tablet every now and then for a game, but that is only Sudoku.

  • AEKaBeer on 15/05/2025 - 14:37
    +1

    I've enjoyed my Xiaomi mi pad 4, it's battery has finally given up and am looking at moving to a Lenovo tab, preferably the y700 because of the smaller size, but it's priced like an iPad.

    I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything on android. I used it to read books, watch shows and stream my steam games to the tablet using a telescopic controller and all worked without any performance or stability issues.

  • Oztx on 15/05/2025 - 15:17

    In theory, you could buy a nice OLED small display with USB-C Video In and connect your Motorola video out (does it support it?) to the display and have android on bigger screen.

  • Poor Ass on 15/05/2025 - 16:38

    Xiaoxin pad?

  • TimApple on 15/05/2025 - 17:06
    +2

    do I swallow my pride

    This right here is the problem. Pride has nothing to do with buying shit that you enjoy and will make your life easier. Just buy it, if you don't like it, return it. It's as simple as that.

    I do agree that the Android tablet experience is sub-par though, and I haven't bought one in many years.

    To get it even cheaper, in the spirit of Ozbargain, check out the refurb store, you can get base iPad for $419. It's got all the same warranty, support, etc. https://www.apple.com/au/shop/refurbished/ipad

  • R4 on 15/05/2025 - 17:21

    I'm the same as you and don't really like Apple products. However, I do flying for a hobby and the best tablet to run Avplan EFB (navigation) software is the iPad Mini Cellular (you can use any iPad cellular but the Mini is the right size for the tight Jabiru cockpit, so I recently got the latest Mini 7 Cellular. It's a fantastic device with a beautiful display and I'm very happy with it. Only problem is it cost close to a grand - which is a lot of money to spend on a small tablet.

  • syousef on 15/05/2025 - 18:00

    You're really confused about why a $300 device with a smaller screen isn't as good as a $300 device with a much larger screen?

    Spend what you would have spent on an iPad, research your models well, and you'll be fine.

    The "it just works" myth created by Apple marketing is epic and still influences people today. In reality Apple also has bugs and limitations. Android use to be for those who wanted to tinker but security concerns have largely stopped much of that. Still the variety of 3rd party apps available for Android is a major plus.

  • Some Random Guy on 15/05/2025 - 21:18

    get a second hand S series (S8's are like $500 bucks at cashies or marketplace, I got my S8 Ultra with case and keyboard etc (top model with 5G) for $700 bucks 2 years ago). Or there's models like the xiaomi pad 7 or lenovo pad with similar names on aliexpress.

    like again as many have stated this is a you problem. if you pay for junk and get junk and get mad that its junk thats your doing

  • DeeTrance on 15/05/2025 - 22:07
    +1

    I have an iPad and pixel tablet, and without doubt the Google Pixel tablet is my preferred device for everything.
    Google photos, Chrome a browser, VLC, YouTube, Google Photoframe and auto memories are incredible. I can't think of a dingle thing the iPad is better except for maybe battery life.

  • Drakesy on 15/05/2025 - 23:29
    +1

    Im an android fanboy through and through but you have to give it to Apple with the ipad, nothing really comes close to it battery life an performance wise.

    • belongsinforums on 16/05/2025 - 22:58

      My Samsung tab barely drains any battery when idle. The trope of android being crap with batteries only seems to extend to phones, unless you turn on battery saver mode

  • jedimaster on 16/05/2025 - 00:23

    check cex

  • jerjergege on 16/05/2025 - 07:30

    +1 to Galaxt Tab Line, I have a Galaxt Tab S8+ from 3 tablet generations ago, still going strong as a daily user.

  • Human Bean on 16/05/2025 - 08:45

    nothing but good experience from my xiaomi pad 6. i've flashed it with pixel OS, only use it for wifi/hotspot or offline media (pirated) storage is not expandable but i have a 256gb usb c drive which i can play media directly from. if your needs are anything like mine then i suggest you look into it.

  • treeman on 16/05/2025 - 14:17

    I can relate to this. I went through about 3 different tablets before moving to a Samsung tab.
    The only one that was half decent was an ASUS tablet but the rest were fairly difficult to get along with.
    Since getting a samsung one i've not had any issues.
    I'd wait for a sale or use gift cards to purchase at a discount of course.

    I'm assuming you want a 10 inch one?
    Or even second hand could be the way to go.

    Good luck!

  • UFO on 16/05/2025 - 17:36

    Been there tried that.

    Yes you have to sign your soul over to Apple, but it just works. Apathy tax and being called an Apple Fanboi be damned… just sign yourself over and forget about your worries.
    Don't worry about impressing all the tech guys and avoiding their scorn. Stuff'em! I turn on my iWatch, my iPad, and my iPhone and it all just works 100% every time.

  • aekt on 16/05/2025 - 18:01

    I'm pretty happy with Pixel Tab. It pretty much replaced my personal laptop for everything except parametric CAD for 3D printing.

  • teaBagger on 16/05/2025 - 20:02

    Definitely, I didn't look back getting from an iPad mini.
    Great device - much better hardware than typical Android Tablets.

  • drprox on 17/05/2025 - 08:44

    Android user for life, not much I can stand about Apple but… the ipad is an awesome device. Have had one for years and it basically never freezes, has excellent battery life and I would buy another if I lost it or it ever stopped working. My experience with android tablets has been very poor.

  • liongalahad on 17/05/2025 - 09:21
    +1

    Apparently, Pixel Tablet is really good.

  • wagonweel on 17/05/2025 - 11:51

    I've had 3 Samsung Tabs over the years. The original, the 2 and then a hand me down 4. All were able to take sim cards and I used that feature especially when overseas as a hotspot. All have been brilliant. On the opposite side I have used or had to use different ipads over the same period, top of the line ones and saw no difference in performance.

    But, when it comes to ease of use and features there is no comparison for me and hands down ot goes to the Tab. An added bonus is I can and do put a large microsd card in the Tab and use it for photo backups when travelling …. or plethora of picture books for the kids.

  • markb28 on 17/05/2025 - 13:33

    I love my galaxy s10 ultra, its ridiculously huge and as it has a better screen and battery than my laptop using it for everything now. Ipads have barely changed in years although the uniform apps and performance are good. I had an s4, and s6 tab previously.

  • YellowDieselGolf on 17/05/2025 - 14:08

    I’m still running an iPad Pro from 2018. The battery is starting to get a little weak, but it still edits high-res/HDR/panorama stack images quickly. I don’t feel the need to upgrade because it’s still really snappy.

    While it was expensive at the time, it’s been great value over the past 7 years.

  • BarginBrah on 17/05/2025 - 18:11

    I only use android tablets. Had the first google tablet, was great. My lat few have been Lenovo's, X2. One was sold I Australia. The other from Ali express. The Ali express one was buggy and slow. But may have just been a faulty product that was returned.

    Currently using a pixel tablet. Great buy. Fast and.minimalistic.

    I only browse and use YouTube though. Although I did install an emulator and been playing Pokemon on this one.

  • TheThoughtFraud on 17/05/2025 - 21:10
    +1

    ~200 words and you have not explained why you need a tablet and what you intend on using it for. Maybe tell us more so we can give better advice.

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