The Best Tablets to Purchase in 2018: An In-Depth Guide
Explore the top tablets of 2018 with comprehensive insights into leading brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo. Discover features, prices, and suitability for different users to make an informed purchasing decision. This detailed guide highlights the evolving tablet market and its significance in personal and professional life.
The Best Tablets to Purchase in 2018: An In-Depth Guide
In recent years, tablets have seen a significant rise in popularity across the United States, transforming from niche gadgets into essential tools for entertainment, productivity, and education. The year 2018 marked a pivotal point where consumers increasingly favored tablets over traditional laptops due to their portability, versatility, and technological advancements. Industry analysts projected that tablet shipments in the US would grow from around 60 million units in 2013 to over 80 million units by 2018, reflecting a steady demand surge. The trend was driven by continuous innovations from leading manufacturers and the expanding ecosystem of apps and services optimized for tablet use. As we moved closer to 2019, forecasts indicated that more than 180 million consumers worldwide would be regular tablet users, confirming the devices' growing importance in daily life.
Market dominance in 2018 was primarily held by globally renowned brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Amazon, and Lenovo. These companies competed fiercely, offering a diverse range of tablets to meet different consumer needs, from high-end models for professional tasks to budget-friendly options for casual use. Here, we delve into the top tablets from these industry leaders, exploring their features, price points, and suitability for various users, helping you make an informed purchase decision.
Apple: Leading the tablet market segment, Apple’s iPad series continued to innovate and set standards in 2018. The iPad Pro, famed for its robust performance and stunning display, was available in a 10.5-inch model with a generous 512GB storage capacity, retailing at approximately $1000. This device was perfect for creative professionals and power users thanks to its powerful A10X Fusion chip and support for the Apple Pencil. Alternatively, the standard iPad and the compact iPad mini catered to everyday users, students, and those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. The standard iPad, with its 9.7-inch display and starting price around $329, became popular among educators and casual users. Apple’s consistent software updates and ecosystem integration ensured a seamless experience across all its devices, further solidifying its market leadership.
Samsung: As Apple’s primary competitor in the tablet sector, Samsung continued to manufacture premium tablets with innovative features. The Galaxy Tab S3, priced around $500, packed a stunning AMOLED display, S-Pen stylus support, and powerful hardware that rivaled Apple's offerings. Also notable was the Galaxy Tab S4 and S2 models, catering to different budget segments and user needs. Samsung's Galaxy Book series, a versatile 12-inch 2-in-1 device retailing at about $1300, was designed for users seeking a hybrid experience combining tablet portability with laptop productivity. These devices ran on Windows, offering a familiar interface for those in enterprise and creative industries. Samsung’s focus on display quality, stylus integration, and multitasking capabilities made their tablets a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Huawei: Emerging as a significant player in the global tablet market, Huawei had made remarkable strides in 2018. Despite being less mainstream in Western markets initially, Huawei's innovative approach and competitive pricing helped it gain a substantial share. In early 2018, Huawei ranked third among tablet vendors globally, surpassing even familiar names like Apple and Samsung during some quarters. The company's MediaPad series offered a range of models, like the MediaPad M3, priced around $468, featuring high-resolution screens, sleek designs, and solid performance. The MateBook series of tablets and 2-in-1 devices, such as the MateBook X, combined portability with power, targeting professionals and casual users seeking affordability and quality. Huawei’s focus on superior hardware, affordability, and emerging market strategies helped it establish a formidable presence in the competitive tablet landscape.
Lenovo: Known for its versatility and value-oriented approach, Lenovo presented a broad spectrum of tablet options in 2018. Their devices ranged from Android-based models to powerful Windows tablets suitable for productivity. The Lenovo Yoga Book, retailing at roughly $580, was acclaimed for its innovative design, including a 360-degree hinge transforming it into a laptop-like device, making it ideal for multitasking and creative work. For users seeking affordable Android tablets, the Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus, priced at approximately $280, provided a large display, decent performance, and long battery life. Lenovo's commitment to combining functionality with affordability allowed it to appeal to students, professionals, and budget-conscious consumers. The company continually updates its Android and Windows product lines to enhance performance, build quality, and usability, making Lenovo a trusted brand in the tablet market.
In conclusion, 2018 was a significant year for tablets as technological advancements and fierce competition drove the market forward. Whether you preferred Apple’s seamless ecosystem, Samsung’s display technology, Huawei’s affordability, or Lenovo’s versatility, there was a wide array of options suitable for every user. Understanding the features, price points, and target audiences of these top tablets can help consumers make smarter choices aligned with their needs and budget constraints. As tablets continue to evolve, they remain versatile gadgets essential for both work and leisure, promising even more innovative features in the years ahead.
