Best Tablet For Note Taking In College

From taking notes to giving a presentation to researching for my paper, the tablet has definitely made my life easier. Nowadays, even the education system is encouraging the use of tablets in various educational institutions. Thus, all the leading names in this business are launching tablets especially made to cater to the specific needs of a college student. Now, the process of finding the right tablet for you is crucial and also time-consuming. So, if you haven't done your research right you may end up spending a huge sum of your saved money on a tablet you are going to hate. Hence, in this article, I will share with you the 13 best tablets for college students with a detailed review of each tablet and also a buying guide that will help you to choose the best tablet as per your budget and preference.

So, without further ado, here they are.

Here are the things we took into consideration while ranking our tablets – price, performance, durability, keyboard, stylus pen, screen-size, quality.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 – Most Recommended For Students

On the 5th of August 2020, Samsung announced the release of its newest tablet, which is the Galaxy Tab S7 that will be available later this year. It is a much-improved and more powerful version of the previous Galaxy S6 tablet. Therefore, this will be the perfect tablet for fast-paced student life.

Sleek Design

Galaxy S7 looks very sleek. This an 11- inch tablet. It is big enough to do writing and reading, as well as watching movies after a long day at college/ school. Galaxy S7 is compact enough to carry with you everywhere and will fit in most bags and backpacks. In fact, it is only 6.3 mm thick, making it lightweight as well.

It has a full aluminum build with beautiful metal sides that provides a high-end feel. The corners are rounded, providing a sleek and modern feel to this tablet. Additionally, it comes in 3 different colors. That is mystic bronze, mystic black, and mystic silver. Therefore, you have the option to choose which tone will suit your style the most.

Great Performance

This tablet uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865+ chipset. Currently, it is one of the best mobile and tablet chipsets available on the market.  It has an Octa-core (Kryo 585) CPU and Adreno 650 GPU. This is a brilliant and fast-acting combination.

The 11-inch model comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This is more than enough to enable you to play the newest games and apps without issues.

It can be concluded that you can expect a high-end performance for gaming and AI applications. Therefore, you will not have to worry about this tablet's performance irrespective of what task you have to do.

Specification 🔧

• OS: Android 10, One UI 2.5
• Processor: Octa-core (1×3.09 GHz Kryo 585 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 585
• Storage: 128GB up to 512 GB
• RAM: 6GB – 8 GB
• Camera: Back – 13 MP, f/2.0, Front – 5 MP, f/2.2
• Graphics: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+
• Display: 11-inch, 12.4-inch
• Resolution: 1600 x 2560, 1752 x 2800
• Size: 9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in, 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 in
• Weight: 1.1lbs, 1.27lbs
• Port: USB-C port
• Battery: up to 9.5 hours

Pros 👍

• Lightweight and travel-friendly.
• It gas Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+, which improves GPU and CPU efficiency.
• It comes with 45W fast-charging technology.
• The latency of the stylus has been cut down to just 9ms, providing a more life-like experience while using the stylus.
• Comes in 3 different colors.
• Full aluminum build.
• Available with 128GB and 256GB memory.

Cons 👎

• Galaxy S7 does not have a 3.5 mm jack.
• Keyboard not included in the price

Older version of S7 - Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

1.1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

If you are looking for an Android tablet that can replace for your laptop, then this one is definitely for you. The best feature of this tablet is the new book cover keyboard. You can split it into two parts; the keyboard and the stand. So, this 2-in-1 tab allows having a PC desktop/laptop experience just by attaching the keyboard with the trackpad (built-in). Some other advantageous features are:

Sleek Design and Great Display

This one weighs around 420 grams and has a thickness of about 5.7mm. This sleek design makes the device portable as well. The back is built with aluminum and hosts a dual camera. The 10.5-inch (1600×2560 pixels) display features the advantages of being WQXGA Super AMOLED edge-to-edge.

Great Performance and Battery Life

One of the fastest and latest processors available in the market right now is the SnapDragon 855 octa-core and this very chip can be found in this tab. This allows multi-tasking along with a great gaming experience. It also has a 7,040mAh battery capacity and supports fast charging.

S pen

The improved S pen is included with this tablet and features different great features including controlling the camera. You can attach it to the rear body of the tablet magnetically just below the dual camera. This storing nook also acts as an area where the S pen charges wirelessly.

Specification 🔧

• It features Samsung DeX.
• Available in a 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage capacity and 8GB RAM, 256GB internal storage capacity (along with MicroSD up to 1TB)
• The 4 Speakers backed up by AKG, Dolly Atmos making the sound quality great.
• The dimension is 0.22×6.28×9.63 inches.
• It also features 13MP+5MP (Rear) and 8MP (Front) along with an Ultra wide-angle lens (123degrees)
• It comes in many colors like Rose Blush, Mountain Gray, and Cloud Blue.
• The accessories also include POGO Charging Dock, Book Cover, etc.

Pros 👍

• Great camera, sound, and video quality.
• Fast performance with a promise of 15 hours battery backup with a single charge.
• The BookCover keyboard features a touchpad.

Cons 👎

• Samsung decided to not provide any headphone jack which means you either have to use the built-in speak or Bluetooth for audio.
• It is a bit on the expensive side.

Full Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Review

2. Apple iPad Pro (2021)

The 2021 released iPad Pro is one of the most amazing tablets out there(it many categories it has absolutely no competition). For years there has been a gap between a tablet and a laptop; however, the same is reduced to a considerable margin, all thanks to the features that the 2021 iPad Pro brings.

Bringing home the best built and hardware, the 2021 iPad Pro is an excellent solution for college students. No matter if you wish to take notes, draw graphs, do some art, surf the web and social media or deal with similar practices, this device will ensure everything is done in the most promising manner. Additionally, if you pair it up with the official Magic Keyboard and Apple Stylus, operations will shift to a new level of productiveness in a matter of time. Besides studies and professional activities, the 2021 iPad Pro is a great device for rendering other kinds of stuff like high-end games, HD videos, and more.

Students mostly choose it because it can handle any task a laptop can and almost every task that a smartphone can. Also, taking notes with the Apple Pencil truly feels like you're writing on a piece of paper. After getting an iPad you can throw out your notebooks, You will also be able to scan your notes among all your devices – laptop, smartphone and access them anywhere.

Amazing Display

The iPad Pro 2021 comes with a liquid Retina XDR display, which is undoubtedly one of the best screens that featured any portable device. The Pro Motion capturing display comes with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and bags elements like refresh rate of 120Hz, support for Dolby Vision, True Tone, and P3 Wide Color. In simple words, you can expect every visual to come to life.

From watching movies to taking your notes, everything will look great on this device. Also, if you want to put your artistic creativity to the test, the device pairs up with Apple Pencil to provide you with the most fantastic experience. Moreover, other activities ranging from playing games to editing videos, everything is flawless with the 2021 iPad Pro.

True Portable Solution

Besides functionality, the iPad Pro 2021 is perfect for mobility. It is considerably lightweight, making it easy to carry as well. In case you plan to buy the Apple Pencil and a Keyboard, transforming it into a tablet won't be much of a deal. Overall, the iPad Pro 2021 is an all-around on-the-go solution. No matter if you're at home, school or anywhere else, drive power with convenience.

Specification 🔧

• It features the Apple iPad OS 14 (Upgradable)
• Home to next-generation Octa-core Apple M1 Silicon
• Storage: The base version is 128GB and can be extended up to 2TB
• RAM: 8GB (base), expandable up to 16GB
• Camera: A 12MP wide-angle camera (ƒ/1.8 aperture). Another 10MP, ultra-wide camera (ƒ/2.4 aperture also 125° field of view)
• Display Size: Two models available one 11-inch, and other 12.9-inch
• Resolution: The 12.9-inch display comes with 2732×2048-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch, while the same is a 2388×1668-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch for the 11-inch model
• Weight: For 12.9-inch: 1.51 lbs., For 11-inch:1.03 lbs.
• Battery: Excellent backup of up to 10 hours

Pros 👍

• Brilliant display, best ever for tablets.
• Top-notch camera with excellent features like "Center Stage."
• Features a LiDAR Scanner
• Accurate and secured Touch ID or Face ID authentication
• USB Thunderbolt port makes pairing seamless
• Excellent speakers – if you need to take an online class or watch a movie.
• Power-packed processor for high-end tasks

Cons 👎

• Expensive
• The 12.9-inch model, along with the case, might feel a bit uncomfortable.

Older version of iPad Pro - 2020 model

2.1 Apple iPad Pro (2020)

Apple didn't let us down. They have released the new iPad Pro and oh boy, it's pretty amazing. It's not a laptop, it's a tablet, but it's almost a laptop. It's a sort of 2-in-1 tablet. If you need to take notes on it, it's great. If you need to write a lot – it's great also because you can get the new Apple Magic Keyboard and do your writing, you don't even need a laptop anymore. We feel like Apple is working hard to replace laptops in the future, we're not there yet, but we'll get there. It's not only great for students. When you're done with your studies, this device will definitely help you in your professional life. A lot of designers, photographers, and analysts are using this on a daily basis.

Stylish with a great display

iPad Pro 2020 has a liquid Retina display, which is one of the best screens on any mobile device. It's colorful, brighter, and leverages the ProMotion technology by adjusting the refresh rate automatically to up to 120Hz. Your notes will look even better on this bad boy. Also, if you want to draw some pictures, edit pictures…it's perfect for it. Let's not forget about watching movies. The display is just stunning.

Mobility

The new iPad Pro is perfect for mobility. If you buy the apple pencil with it or any other suitable S pen it's great for drawing and note-taking. The external keyboard makes it a perfect 2-in-1 tablet. When you're on a go it's a tablet, when you're at home you can turn it into a laptop, which Apple is going for in the future. Maybe it's not a laptop right now, but it's the best alternative in the market.

Specification 🔧

• It runs on Apple iPadOS 13.4
• It has A12Z Bionic processor, very powerful
  You can get it with storage 128GB up till 1TB
• RAM – 6GM
• Two cameras 12MP wide (f/1.8) and 10MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
• Two display sizes, as always an 11-inch model and a 12.9-inch model
• Resolution – 2732x2048pixels great for designers & also great for watching movies
• Has a USB-C port
• Battery lifetime – up to 10-hours, realistically 7-hours

Pros 👍

• Gorgeous Display
• High-quality Camera
• LiDAR Scanner
• Touch ID or Face ID authentication
• USB-C port makes life easier
• Excellent speakers – if you need to take an online class or watch a movie

Cons 👎

• Expensive (especially with Apple Pencil & Magic Keyboard)
• Uncomfortably large in hands for the case of the 12.9-inch model.

Older version of Apple iPad Pro 2018

2.1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9

The reason why this one from Apple is one of the best tablets for college students is that it features the powerful A12X Bionic chip along with 64-bit desktop-class architecture. As per the brand, this happens to be their most powerful chip. Hence, you as a user can expect smooth multitasking without any lag. It also has the Neutral Engine which enables the device to operate 5 trillion operations in just 1 second. Other marvelous features are:

Helpful ports

With the help of the USB-C connector, you will be able to enjoy a high-performance connection to different accessories like external storage devices and DSLR cameras. Besides, you can even charge your phone with it as well.

Amazing display

You also will get 12.9 inches Liquid Retina display which comes with unique features like True Tone (provides less stress on the eyes) and ProMotion technology (provide great color accuracy).

Great cameras

The device features front and rear cameras as well, and as expected of Apple, they feature a lot of different advantages. The 12MP back camera comes with Smart HDR. It allows 4K video recordings at 30 fps and 60 fps. Besides, with the camera, you can even scan documents and enjoy great AR experiences. On the other hand, the 7MP front camera comes with TrueDepth technology and features like Smart HDR, Portrait lighting, Portrait mode etc. Besides, with such a great front camera you can enjoy other features of Apple well like FaceTime, Memoji, and Animoji.

Specification 🔧

• It comes with an embedded M12 coprocessor.
• The dimension of this tablet is 11.04×8.46×0.23 inches.
• It is only 1.39 pounds in weight while the one with Wi-Fi and Cellular one is around 1.4 pounds.
• It is compatible with Bluetooth Keyboards and Smart Keyboard Folio.
• It provides fast GB-class LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Accessories include an 18W USB-C power adapter and charge cable.

Pros 👍

• As per Apple, with a single charge, you can expect around 10 hours of battery backup with Wi-Fi connection and around 9 hours with a cellular data network connection.
• It has a sleek design being one of the thinnest iPad and it is also portable.
• It comes with a storage capacity of 512, 256, 64GB and also 1TB.
• It has an advanced Face ID technology which is missing in its predecessors.

Cons 👎

• It is a bit expensive.
• Accessories like the 2nd generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with this tablet and they are sold separately.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

It has a keyboard, it has an S Pen, a large screen and a kickstand, which will make your reading and researching tasks a bit easier. What makes it a good tablet for students is the fact that it's portable, with the additional accessories i.e. keyboard you can turn it into a laptop. Very important is the battery life – 10-hours, since students are always on the go, continuous usage makes it convenient.

Specification 🔧

• OS: Windows 10 Home
• Processor: Dual-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-1005G1 Processor, Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4 Processor, Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 Processor
• Storage: SSD 128GB – 1TB
• RAM: 4GB – 16 GB
• Camera: 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p full HD video
• Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics (i3), Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics (i5, i7)
• Display: 12.3-inch
• Resolution: 2736 x 1824
• Size: 11.5" x 7.9" x 0.33" (292 mm x 201 mm x 8.5 mm)
• Weight: 1.70 lb (775 g)
• Port: USB-C port
• Battery: up to 10 hours

Pros 👍

• Improved performance (compared to previous model)
• USB-C Port
• Sharp display
• Kickstand

Cons 👎

• Keyboard sold separately
• Soft speakers

4. Apple iPad Air (2020)

If your studies don't require you to use high-demanding apps such as Photoshop or video editing or other data processing tasks, iPad Air is a great selection. (It can deal with these tasks, but we would recommend getting the Pro instead if that's the case) The new Apple iPad Air, has incredible performance, it's close to outperforming even iPad Pro. A modern tablet with the option to add Magic Keyboard and use the Apple Pen on it. Makes typing and note-taking convenient in class.

When school is over and time to relax – it's great for entertainment purposes due to the excellent screen and vivid colors. It's also packed with a great camera, to call your family and friends.

Specifications 🔧

• OS: iOS
• Processor: A14 Bionic processor
• Storage: 64GB, 256GB
• RAM: 4 GB
• Camera: back – 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, front – 7 MP, f/2.0, 31mm
• Display: 10.9-inches
• Resolution:1640 x 2360 pixels
• Size: 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm)
• Weight: 1.04lbs (471g)
• Ports: USB Type-C + magnetic connector
• Battery: Up to 10-hours

Pros 👍

• Supports Apple Pencil 2
• Supports Apple Magic Keyboard
• High-performance
• USB-C
• Touch ID
• Fastest ever A14 processor
• Excellent Screen

Cons 👎

• No 120Hz ProMotion display
• High-end price
• 64GB base storage
• True depth camera

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

If you want a full review and know all the differences between S7/S7+ you can read it here.

Moving forward with our list of best tablets for college students, we've got the recently launched Samsung Tab S7 FE. The new member of the S7 series comes with a whopping 12.4-inch LCD. The setup itself is brilliant enough to provide users with a great viewing experience. Alongside noticeable display size, the company does pretty well to fit in the portability factor, all thanks to the sleek design.

One thing that might leave users a bit disappointed is the use of a downgraded chipset. The device features the Snapdragon 750G processor, which seems a bit unfair for the price. Although it is not a situation to take no notice of, one thing that Samsung does well, particularly for college students, is the availability of the S pen.

Quick summary of the differences between S7 FE & S7:

We like to think of it like Apple iPad Pro and Apple iPad Air, it's sort of a budget Samsung tablet from the most powerful tablet they have created S7 Plus (so far) and the key differences is:

• Processor
• Camera
• Display
• Cost

Although we were a bit disappointed about the price.

Big Screen with Bigger Battery Life

Home to a 12.4-inch LCD that operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, dealing with everyday tasks will at least feel visually impressive. To add to the efficiency, the device offers a 10,900 mAh battery. With that being said, you can sit back for long usage sessions with no issues whatsoever.

The S Pen

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE comes with a standard S Pen out of the box. All thanks to that, navigating across the 12.4-inch screen will be as seamless as you can wish for. Also, operating various apps that are essential for students in everyday life is made easy with the stylus in hand.

Specification 🔧

• It comes with a 12.4-inch LCD.
• You can either choose from the 4GB or 8GB variant.
• The dimension of the device is 11.21 x 7.28 x 0.26 inches.
• The device comes with a stylus.
• It features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity.
• It is home to a 10,900 mAh Li-Po battery.

Pros 👍

• It promises 10- 12 hours of battery backup after a single charge.
• It comes with a sleek design with exceptional portability.
• It features an impressive display.
• The available S Pen functions really well.

Cons 👎

• The chipset is a bit outdated.
• The device usually takes a long time to charge.

6. Google Pixel Slate

The device is very well capable of providing a visual treat all the 12.3 inches of Molecular Display with an amazing 6 million pixels. Basically, you are getting a 3000×2000 display with 229 pixels each inch. Besides, you are also getting dual coil front-firing right/left speakers. These two features make the tablet great for both studies and entertainment. It's on Chrome OS so there are certain limitations, it's more adjusted to google products as for students who don't have specific needs, like photoshop or some video editing software, it's a good choice. If you can find in play store, you can get it on your pixel slate.

Other features that make it a favorite among college students are:

Good Performance and High Battery Life

The CPU is 8th Generation Intel Core m3 processor which is one of the best around and offers lag-free multi-taking. Besides, you can get around 2 hours of battery life just by charging your tablet for 15minutes as it features a 45-watt powerful charger. It comes with USB-C type ports and it can be charged up with the help of a phone charger as well.

Great Camera

You are getting both front and rear cameras with this device and they are quite great. The 8MP front camera is Duo Cam-optimized' and comes with a f/1.9 aperture. It will record video at 30fps. The rear camera is also 8MP but with 1.12um pixel size sensor. It comes with a f/1.8 aperture and record moments at 30fps.

Specification 🔧

• It comes with 8GB RAM and the installed flash memory size is 64GB.
• The dimension of the device is 11.45×7.95×0.28 inches.
• The OS is Chrome and has built-in Google Assistant.
• It features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity.

Pros 👍

• It promises 10- 12 hours of battery backup after a single charge.
• It comes with a sleek design with only 7mm thickness.
• It is lightweight as well weighing only 1.6 pounds.
• It has a touch-friendly interface.

Cons 👎

• It is a bit expensive.
• The Pixel Slate Keyboard and Pixelbook Pen and other accessories are not included.

7. Microsoft Surface Pro X

This is truly a powerful device that helped it to become one of the best tablets for college. This 2-in-1 device comes with a great advantage which is that it is being powered by a processor designed by the ARM architecture. In all fairness, there have been some complaints from reviewers and customers that 32-bit apps sometimes don't run properly and some performance issues. A lot of people have chosen Microsoft Surface Pro 7 over Microsoft Surface Pro X, we have to agree with them. We believe you get far more for your money with the Pro 7. If you're a dynamic person jumping from one task to another, Surface Pro X will just slow you down. Especially with apps like Photoshop.

Surface Pro X is great to look at, amazing design, but it just doesn't beat Surface Pro 7.If your studies don't require you demanding apps, like Photoshop, Lightroom, video editing apps, it's a good pick.

Some of the other features are:

High performance and Good Graphics Quality

The major difference which is seen in this device is that it does not have Intel CPU like its predecessor. So with this, you will get a custom-made CPU developed by the brand with Qualcomm, Microsoft SQ1. This chip, as mentioned above, is designed on the basis of ARM and you are getting the advantages that come with being clocked at 3 GHz. This device is the first of its kind to do so. All the graphic processing of the device is handled by the Adreno 685. Besides, it comes with dual Teraflops allowing great graphics processing power and SSDs as well.

Useful Design

This one features a 3:2 ratio, and this was added to this tablet to provide its users with the most workspace available. The thickness is around 7.3mm and the starting weight is around 1.7 pounds (774 grams). Thus, it is lightweight and portable as well. The PixelSense edge-to-edge display happens to be 13 inches. The versatile and ultrathin design is made possible because the processor while the kickstand helps the device to be in any orientation with ease.

The new Ports

Finally, the USB type C ports have been made available in the Surface Pro devices with this tablet. So, you are getting 2 USB Type C which can be used for high-speed data transfers and charging.

Specification 🔧

• It comes in two variants of 16GB and 8GB.
• It comes with an inbuilt SSD storage of either 512GB, 256GB, and 128GB.
• The dimension is 8.2×11.3×0.28 inches.
• The OS is Windows 10 Home.
• The rear webcam resolution is 5MP.
• It can be transformed into Laptop, Tablet and Studio mode with the kickstand.

Pros 👍

• It can provide fast LTE, Wi-Fi connectivity and start-up.
• The LTE Advanced Pro connectivity is helpful when Wi-Fi is not available.
• The tablet promises to provide 13 hours of battery back up after a single full charge.
• Slick

Cons 👎

• The device does not come with the basic 3.5 headphones/audio jack which can be a problem. However, headphones with USB Type C can be used.
• The New Type Cover and Surface Pen comes with a lot of features and will definitely help. However, you have to buy them separately.

8. iPad Mini 6 – Best Compact Pick For Studying

With Apple launching the 6th Gen iPad Mini, users from different fields already wonder if the device would fit their needs. As we're here talking about the best tablet for college-going students, it is rather evident; the students will get their answer right away.

The 2021 iPad mini is undoubtedly a great device. Whether we consider display or performance, Apple has brought in a considerable amount of improvement. However, the overall suitability for college students is still a big question mark. I mean, yes, you can pretty much deal with regular kinds of stuff like note-taking and everything else. The scene becomes even more seamless with the support for the second-generation Apple pencil. Still, if writing thousands of words is something included in your daily schedule, the device might be a bit off. Also, the keyboard…you can of course get a wireless Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad Mini, but it's not nearly as productive as writing on a bigger screen tablet.

On the other hand, if you use it for school as a secondary device it's a good choice, very compact and convenient. Also, if you don't need to write or type at school then it's great to look up things, and what we found the most convenient is to read on it. 8-inch display makes it easy to hold in one hand. Let's not forget about games whether you're a student or not – we all play them. It's a lot more convenient to play games on an 8-inch screen than on a 10-inch screen.

Overall, we believe it is a good tablet for a student if you understand that typing, writing, note-taking won't be as easy as on a bigger screen tablet, that's why it's a great choice for students that are looking for a secondary device or a student that won't require a lot of typing and writing.

But what still makes the iPad Mini a Great Choice?

Great Display

No matter if we look at the first-ever iPad Mini or the iPad Mini 5, you can't really set the devices apart visually. Thankfully, this time around, Apple managed to sneak in considerable modifications. Apart from design, get ready to run your eyes over the largest ever iPad Mini display. Scaling up to 8.3-inches diagonally, you can expect to read your daily pieces of stuff in the digital format while rooting less amount of stress to your eyes.

Improved Performance

Performance is one section that genuinely needs attention. With the new A15 Bionic Chip, the 6th Gen iPad Mini promises to provide 40% faster CPU and 80% faster GPU performance. Overall, you can expect your device to deal with mild to heavy activities pretty effortlessly.

Support for 2nd Gen Apple Pencil

While the predecessors were limited to the 1st Generation Apple Pencil, the 2021 launched iPad Mini is set to bring in more functionality, thanks for being compatible with the 2nd Gen Apple Stylus. In simple words, as a college student, you can use your iPad Mini for sketching and writing down notes in the most promising manner.

Specifications

• OS: iPadOS 15
• Processor: Apple A15 Bionic Hexa-core (2×2.93 GHz + 4xX.X GHz)
• Storage: 64GB up to 256GB
• RAM: 4GB
• Camera: Back – 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF, Front – 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
• Graphics: Apple GPU (5-core)
• Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
• Resolution: 1488 x 2266 pixels
• Size: 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in
• Weight: 10,34oz
• Port: USB-C 3.1 port
• Battery: up to 10 hours

Pros 👍

• Refreshing Design
• Great Battery
• Improved performance.
• Support for 2nd Gen Apple Pencil
• USB-C (gives options for accessories)

Cons 👎

• The button placement might feel a bit awkward for some users
• Small display for a student
• No Magic Keyboard

9. Microsoft Surface Go 2

The new Microsoft Surface Go 2 would be a great budget class tablet for students, but the fact that they didn't include the keyboard and you have to buy it separately, makes it a bit expensive, If you update it with the necessary accessories and ideal components it's quite pricy.

Specification 🔧

• OS: Windows 10 Home in S mode
• Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core m3 – Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y
• Storage: 64GB – 128GB SSD
• RAM: 4GB – 8GB
• Camera: 5MP front-facing with 1080p Skype HD video, 8MP rear-facing with 1080p HD video
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
• Display: 10.5-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1280
• Size: 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (245 x 175 x 8.3 mm; W x D x H)
• Weight: 1.22 lb (553 grams)
• Port: 1 x USB-C®, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover Port⁶,MicroSDXC Card Reader
• Battery: up to 10-hours

Pros 👍

• Solid design
• Kickstand (makes it convenient to browser content and read)
• Good mic and audio (good for group calls)
• USB-C type port

Cons 👎

• Keyboard not included in the price

Older or alternative version - Microsfot Surface Go

8.1. Microsoft Surface Go

If you are looking for portability, then this one will be the best tablet for you. In the Surface series of this company, this tablet happens to be the lightest and also the smallest. So, you are expected to enjoy the features available in the Microsoft Surface series but the size of the screen will be smaller. The other features are:

Good performance and High battery life

The device comes with Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y which is quite powerful. Hence, you can enjoy multi-tasking on this tablet. The manufacturer promises up to 8.5 to 9 hours of battery life after a single charge. Besides, it also comes with USB-C and Surface Connector chargers which charge the device up quickly.

Good Display

The 1800×1200 high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen (10 point multitouch) display allows a great working and viewing experience. It has Intel HD Graphics 620 as well.

Specification 🔧

• The dimension is 9.65×96.9×0.33 inches.
• It comes with a 128GB installed flash memory with 8GB RAM.
• The tablet is 10 inches in size and 1.17 pounds in weight.
• The OS is Windows 10 Home.
• It comes with built-in HD cameras.
• It comes with LET Advance along with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity.

Pros 👍

• Even though the device is small it still provides a great typing and viewing experience.
• It will run Windows apps and has a fast facial recognition system.
• It is durable and sturdy.

Cons 👎

• A standard USB port is not provided.
• Many users face storage problems.

10. iPad 9 – Best Budget Tablet For School

Although it majorly looks indistinguishable from its predecessor, the iPad 10.2, also known as the 9th Gen iPad, definitely doesn't shy in being listed as a promising choice for those college students who're are willing to get into the Apple ecosystem. From the 10.2-inch retina IPS LCD to the support for smart keyboard and Apple Pencil, the device can help students greatly.

Sadly, however, you'll be limited to use the 1st Gen Apple Pencil. with that being said, it will be essential for you to adjust your content requirement accordingly.

Upgraded Chipset

With every new iPad, Apple doesn't miss upgrading the SoC, and the scenes are no different with the 2021 release. The chipset of the 9th Gen iPad gets an upgrade from the A12 Bionic to the A13 Bionic. Undoubtedly it would have been a step better if the iPad series saw at least an upgrade to the A14 Bionic chipset was introduced to the iPad series, still considering the ability to render the mid-level activities of college students like media consumption, web surfing, and reading, the device won't let you down.

However, if you're after an overall performer and ready to spend a bit on the expensive end, nothing can beat the iPad Pro 2021.

Specifications

• OS: iPadOS 15
• Processor: Apple A13 Bionic Hexa-core (2×2.65 GHz Lightning + 4×1.8 GHz Thunder)
• Storage: 64GB up to 256GB
• Camera: Back – 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF, Front – 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
• Graphics: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
• Display: 10.2 inches Retina IPS LCD
• Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
• Size: 9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in
• Weight: 1.07 lbs
• Port: Lightning USB 2.0
• Battery: up to 10 hours

Pros 👍

• Solid performance improvements
• Support for smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil
• Center stage camera

Cons 👎

• Design is pretty much the same
• Although it supports Apple Pencil but is limited to the 1st Gen
• No USB-C (iPad still uses lightning connector)

11. Huawei MatePad 11

The Matepad 11 from Huawei is another promising tablet choice for college students. Right from the 120Hz refresh rate screen to the support for 2nd generation M pencil, from seamless mouse keyboard integration to limitless customization option, the Huawei Matepad qualifies itself as one of the most efficient tablets out there in 2021.

Amazing M-Pencil

Turning your regular note-taking sessions into something efficient is super easy with the 2nd generation HUAWEI M-Pencil. The stylus features around 4096 levels of pressure and tilt sensitivity. Apart from that, with a latency of around 2 ms, get ready to deal with every movement within the screen in a flash. In simple words, take notes, draw sketches, and do a whole lot of things with precision and speed.

Attention! The US audience

In case you're someone from the US, there is something you need to keep in mind. With all the US sanctions going around Huawei, the manufacturer is restricted from operating the Google Play Services Framework. To put that in simple words, using a Huawei device in the US will prevent you from accessing the Google apps suite. There are workarounds, just to be aware, but it's still inconvenient.

Specification 🔧

• It comes with an IPS LCD, operating at 120Hz.
• It offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset.
• You'll get varied ROM options(64/128/256GB).
• The device comes with the second-generation M-Pencil.
• It features Type-C, USB 3.0 Connectivity.
• It is home to an 8 MP (f/2.0 aperture, FF) front camera alongside a 13 MP (f/1.8 aperture, AF) rear camera.

Pros 👍

• Incredible build.
• Amazing display.
• Good battery life.
• Brilliant experience with HarmonyOS 2.
• Features additional microSD slot.

Cons 👎

• The device lacks a fingerprint, 3.5mm jack support.
• The device usually takes a long time to charge.

Huawei MatePad 11 in Action

12. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Why this tablet is labeled so cheap is beyond us. For this price, it's a steal.

Sure, the device isn't top of the line when it comes to performance. It won't blow you away with it's processing powers, but we are talking about the best tablets for school. When it comes to that, it's the best budget tablet out there. It's lightweight, which makes it easy to carry it from one place to another.

It's a great device for students that value mobility and ease of use. When it comes to simple tasks, it's incredibly fast.

Specification 🔧

• OS: Chrome OS
• Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
• Storage: 64 GB / 128 GB
• RAM: 4 GB
• Camera: 2 MP front and 8 MP rear camera
• Graphics: ARM G72 MP3
• Display: 10.1-inch
• Resolution: 1920×1200
• Size: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 430g / 0.94 lb (tablet only) 920g / 2.03 lbs (with full cover & keyboard)
• Port: USB-C Type
• Battery: up to 13 hours

Pros 👍

• Portable
• 13-hour battery life
• Keyboard and kickstand included
• Budget pricing

Cons 👎

• Lack of power for high-demanding tasks
• No memory card slot

13. Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

The new Tab by Lenovo was released in 2021 July. With the Yoga Tab 13 from Lenovo, you're looking at an all-around performer. The convertible ultrabook comes with a 13.3-inch display offering 2160 x3150 resolution. Featuring the powerful Snapdragon 870 processor clocked at 3.2 GHz, powered by 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, hands down, the device is meant to bring in the "performance" factor into the scene.

It got quite the attention from tablet users and many like it due to the fact that you can use it as a portable 13-inch monitor too.

The Display

Home to 400 nits of brightness, with 100-percent support for the sRGB Dolby Vision, the 13-inch screen is an excellent device for having a great viewing experience. Talking from the perspective of college students, visualizing digital things will be a more seamless task. Sadly though, the device lags in being a promising option when it comes to rendering handwritten notes. The 60Hz refresh rate has a major role to play here. Undoubtedly it resides a bit on the lower side for a tablet as capable as the Yoga 13.

You can Trust the Performance.

Performance is one section where the Lenovo Yoga 13 stands tall. Yes, the device doesn't feature the latest Snapdragon 888; still, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset powered by 8GB of LDDR5 RAM is efficient enough to provide you with a seamless experience. From Multi-tasking to dealing with even the most intensive apps, the device is capable of rendering almost anything with ease.

Specification 🔧

• It comes with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset.
• The tablet features 8GB of LDDR5 RAM.
• The device brings the USB C 3.1 port, alongside a 10,000 mAh battery
• The tablet offers 128GB of UFS 3.0 storage.

Pros 👍

• Brilliant display.
• Pretty powerful chipset.
• Good battery life.
• Supports Wi-Fi 6.
• Secondary monitor.
• Kickstand/Hanger.

Cons 👎

• The build is a bit bulky.
• Lacks a rear camera.
• 60Hz display is genuinely low for this device.

With this detailed review of specifications, pros, and cons of some of the best tablets available currently for students, finding the right one for you will not be a problem. However, to help you out further and to make sure that you have a great tablet shopping experience, here is a buying guide for choosing the best tablet for you.

How comes Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is better than Apple iPad Pro 2021 for Students?

We can't make a direct on-the-paper comparison between these devices, it wouldn't be fair. If you take an iPhone 12 as an example and any newest Andriod smartphone – iPhone would lose on paper, it would look weak standing next to Android's stats. Lower RAM, lower mAh, etc.

But because of the tight integration on the Apple devices, all the parts talking directly to each other instead of passing the information around, less efficiently. By doing that they are creating the most powerful devices out there. This is why Apple never really advertises GHz, RAM, Battery, etc.

The difference between these devices isn't that big, the biggest difference is the price. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is almost two times less expensive than Apple iPad Pro 2021. Also, as a student you will need accessories – S pen, keyboard, believe it or not, Magic Keyboard for iPad isn't cheap. Due to all these facts, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a better choice for overall students that are looking for a tablet. If price isn't a factor then you might consider iPad Pro.

Things to consider when buying a tablet for college

You can't just get the one that's the prettiest, you can't get the biggest one, you can't get the cheapest one, so what should you look for? Here are three things to consider before making your final decision.

Compare to suit your budget

Do you have a budget? Then it is best to compare the tablets in your preferred price range. This will help you to figure out which one is providing the best or most features in that price range. As you can check in our article, not the priciest tablet is the best one.

As per your needs

It all depends on your needs, most typical students' needs – S pen, keyboards, camera, performance.

You will need the S pen to do notes, eventually, or perhaps do some art, you will need the keyboard to do your mandatory papers, camera – well we all know why you will need that and of course, overall performance, so the tablets doesn't slow you down.

Quick and Hassel Free work

If you want to use the tablet to take down notes or get work done on the go, then you will need a high-performance processor with good battery life. The better the processor, the better will be the speed of the tablet. The best way to determine if the tablet won't give up on you is by checking the battery backup life ability of the tab. A high-performance device should last at least 8 to 9 hours after a single charge.

Final Verdict

If you're a student or about to come one, we know you will have to take a lot of notes, a lot! You're also going to have to write a lot, most likely. So we suggest you focus on a tablet that has the option to attach a keyboard and has an S Pen. It's incredible how easy it is to write on tablets. It will take your note-taking game to the next level and the best part – it's enjoyable.

Keeping this in mind the number one choice is the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 which is also number one on the list for a reason. It's powerful, it's stylish, it has an attachable keyboard, stylus pen, incredible display, and amazing speakers if you need to make video calls and take online courses. Also, when you're done with studying – it's a great device for catching a movie on Netflix, with a display like that and speakers like that, it's quite entertaining. You can also learn new hobbies with it – e.g. some artwork.

If Andriod or Samsung isn't really for you – of course, Apple iPad Pro 2021, is our second pick, it's a tough comparison, we love the iPad Pro, but the price is a bit over the top for that device, but if that's not a factor, definitely a good choice.

If you're going after a budget tablet – iPad 9 (2021) is made for students on the go, to take quick notes, do the research, emails, group calls. Great also for entertainment and families.

Well, we hope this article was helpful, and let us know in the comments below if you need any help, if not, let us know which tablet did you choose for your studies.

Have a good one.

Best Tablet For Note Taking In College

Source: https://www.worldoftablet.com/best-tablets-for-college-students/

Posted by: lowewincert.blogspot.com

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