The most powerful smartphones can easily compete with tablets for multitasking and running demanding apps, and usually have better cameras, too. New foldable models further blur the lines with spacious screens that encroach into tablet territory.
So what’s the point of getting a tablet if you already have a smartphone? The numbers don’t lie and tablets only represent a tiny fraction of the computing market compared to smartphones and laptops. It’s easy to see why when everyone wants the latest phones and needs laptops for serious work. Tablets are more niche devices that aren’t on most casual users’ radar.
That said, variety is the spice of life and tablets shouldn’t be written off because they excel in certain areas. Here are four reasons why tablets are still relevant and worth having even if you have the best smartphone.
Big screen convenience
Size matters
A tablet’s larger screen size is its biggest and most obvious advantage over a smartphone. The significance can’t be overstated, and the extra real-estate makes a massive difference to entertainment, making it the superior choice if you enjoy streaming movies, shows, and YouTube channels. Games look clearer and more detailed thanks to the increased scale. Touch controls are also more comfortable and user-friendly because they aren’t so cramped, like on a smartphone.
Working on business and productivity apps is faster and more intuitive on a tablet. The screen fits more rows and columns, and you can comfortably view entire spreadsheet or document pages without needing to zoom in. You can also view them side-by-side to compare information or copy data between them.
Simple tasks, like web browsing are better on a bigger screen.
Even simple tasks, like web browsing are better on a bigger screen. You scroll less to view more, and the larger text is more comfortable and easier to read. Split screen and pop-up view modes often feel constricted on smartphones which just don’t have enough space to run them on a smaller display. On tablets, they become handy multitasking tools running multiple apps concurrently, so you can get more work done faster. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab and while I agree with the above points, I still end up using my phone for most tasks because I have it with me and prefer my laptop for documents and spreadsheets.
Versatility
Easy laptop conversion
Tablets are perfect for certain tasks because they fit into the Goldilocks zone between smartphones and laptops. Their thin and lightweight design is practical for on-the-go users wanting a spacious display they can use while sitting or standing in transit. Tablets are also a great choice for onsite workers who need to input measurements, specs, and other data, but don’t have a desk to use a laptop.
The ability to convert a tablet into a laptop is another huge advantage because you get the best of both worlds. You can use your tablet with a keyboard to make typing emails or documents easier. You also get to keep the touch screen for scrolling and use the webcams for meetings. The conversion usually takes just a few seconds, and you just need a few things to turn your iPad into a powerhouse workstation.
The ability to convert a tablet into a laptop is another huge advantage because you get the best of both worlds.
When you’re done, you can easily stow the tablet and keyboard in a briefcase or satchel, and they’ll take up less space than most laptops. The versatility extends to battery life and charging. Even cheap Android tablets usually have a longer battery life than laptops, because of their efficient mobile-centric processors. They are also easier to charge, requiring a standard USB-C cable instead of a bulky charging block.
Drawing and note-taking
Graphics apps and stylus support
Tablets are hands-down the best option for drawing and note-taking. No other platform is as accommodating to styluses and tablet displays become canvas for artists and creatives to express themselves and showcase their talent. You don’t need a dedicated drawing tablet and can even use a regular model with a free app, like Krita.
No other platform is as accommodating to styluses and tablet displays become canvas for artists and creatives to express themselves.
Students can use their tablets to take notes during lectures, while professionals can record meetings or draft blueprints. Note-taking on a tablet beats conventional paper because handwriting-to-text software converts them to digital documents that are easily stored or shared, and they can’t get lost.
The process is more efficient and streamlined because you don’t need paper notebooks and different pen colors and can do everything on a single device.
It’s also a portable monitor
Dual-use capability
Most Android tablets can double as portable monitors. This secondary function can be useful for increasing your productivity when paired with your desktop or laptop, as you can have full page apps open on each display. It puts your tablet to good use, and you can save yourself from splashing cash on another device you don’t need.
Tablets have the added advantage of a built-in battery and touch functionality, which make them better options in some scenarios. They can run independently on their own power and won’t drain your laptop’s battery when you’re working on-the-go and don’t have access to a power socket. The touchscreen adds another dimension to functionality for easy swiping and scrolling through documents or webpages.
Setting up your tablet as a portable monitor is fairly straightforward with wired or wireless methods available.
Setting up your tablet as a portable monitor is fairly straightforward with wired or wireless methods available. All you need to do is download and run the AirDroid app on your laptop and Android tablet. Then enter the numeric code or a QR code to establish a connection via your Wi-Fi network, and you’re good to go. You can also try a wired connection if you don’t have Wi-Fi, but your tablet will need a DisplayPort-compatible USB-C port to work.
Do you need a tablet if you already have a smartphone?
It depends on your requirements
Worldwide tablet sales prove that you probably don’t need a tablet if you already have a smartphone. For me, a tablet is just a toy and I prefer using my phone or laptop for most tasks. However, your requirements may be different, and a tablet might be the right choice for you if you need the above features.
