2025 proved to be an exciting year for tablets with a plethora of new devices entering the market. From compact models with flagship specifications to established Ultra options from brands like Samsung, as well as a variety of budget-friendly choices, this year did not disappoint.
While Apple maintained its dominance in tablet shipments, the Android landscape also flourished with competitive offerings. It's challenging to identify a single best device among so many releases, but we have compiled a list of our top picks for the best tablets of the past year, presented in no particular order.
iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 13 (2025)
The latest generation of Pro iPads may not significantly differ from their predecessors, but they remain at the forefront of the segment. The M5 chip is arguably the most powerful System-on-Chip (SoC) available, even though iPadOS still has room for improvement to fully utilize its capabilities.
Nonetheless, there are noteworthy upgrades, such as the ability to output at up to 120Hz to an external display, along with support for Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate). Each model now comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, and enhanced connectivity includes Apple's in-house N1 networking chip featuring the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The cellular versions also utilize Cupertino’s proprietary C1X modem, a long-awaited addition.
The Ultra Retina Tandem OLED displays on the iPad Pros are still among the best for any mobile device, and their premium build quality and sleek design are hard to match—especially if you're willing to spend $999/€1,099/£999 for a tablet that doesn’t quite replace your laptop.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
For those seeking impressive alternatives to the iPad, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra stands out as perhaps the best large tablet available.
With a stunning 5.1mm aluminum unibody design and a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display, combined with exceptional quad speakers, this tablet is perfect for media consumption. A bundled S Pen stylus enhances its value for creative tasks.
The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra runs on One UI 8, based on Android 16, and with Samsung DeX, it enables a true desktop workflow. The MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset delivered excellent performance during our testing, while the 11,600 mAh battery provided over 13 hours of use, one of the best among the tablets we've reviewed.
Like the iPad Pros, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra commands a premium price similar to that of laptops, even though it may not yet fully replace a laptop's functionality.
OnePlus Pad 3
The OnePlus Pad 3 is another standout device from the past year, priced competitively against many flagship tablets. Starting at $700/€599/£529, it features a high-resolution 144Hz LCD, notable brightness for a non-OLED panel, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a robust 12,140mAh battery with rapid 80W charging.
The OnePlus Pad 3 runs on OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, and supports Oppo O+ Connect, allowing users to control their Mac or Windows PC remotely as long as they have an internet connection.
Though the feature had some quirks during our review, OnePlus deserves credit for making a genuine effort to create a tablet that can potentially replace a laptop, a gap that many other tablets struggle to fill.
RedMagic Astra
The RedMagic Astra was one of the pleasant surprises of 2025, merging flagship specifications with a compact aluminum unibody design. Featuring a 9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, it houses a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an impressive 8,200mAh battery with 80W charging, positioning it as a prime option for mobile gamers.
Additionally, it includes a dual vapor chamber cooling system and a spinning RGB-lit fan, along with a side-mounted USB 3.2 Gen2 port that supports bypass charging during gaming.
In benchmarks, it performed exceptionally well, ranking among the best in its category, and its compact form factor elevates it as an excellent device for gaming and media consumption.
Infinix Xpad GT
The Infinix Xpad GT is another intriguing tablet equipped with a sizable 13-inch LCD panel, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and utilizing the once-popular Snapdragon 888 chip from 2020.
Although this chipset is infamous for its overheating issues in flagship smartphones of its time, the larger build and adequately sized vapor chamber in the Xpad GT allowed it to perform admirably, rivaling modern upper midrange chips.
This means you can play most current games comfortably, resulting in notably better performance compared to entry-level SoCs. Additionally, its sleek aluminum body, impressive eight-speaker system, and a solid 10,000mAh battery create a compelling device priced at $400/€355.
Redmi Pad 2 Pro
For those seeking a budget-friendly option under $300/€300/£300, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro is a commendable choice. It features a high-resolution 12.1-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, a capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, and an outstanding 12,000mAh battery that excelled in our endurance tests.
Similar to many other devices on our list, it boasts a premium aluminum unibody design, combined with Xiaomi's feature-rich HyperOS 2 software and a selection of first-party accessories, enhancing the overall user experience.
Notably, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro includes features often missing in many modern tablets, such as a headphone jack and a microSD card slot. It is well-suited for a variety of tasks, including light productivity with split-screen multitasking, media consumption, web browsing, and capable of handling gaming needs.
