Technology has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. Medical appointments are quickly scheduled online, education resources have transitioned to digital platforms, and communication has been revolutionized by the pocket-sized computers we carry everywhere. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, access to the global network is just a tap away.
How you choose to access this network is a personal choice. A staggering 92.3% of people opt for smartphones, 65.6% prefer computers, 27.3% use tablets, and 36% possess all three devices.1,2 Despite appearing as the less popular choice, tablets offer a range of advanced features that one may not expect – often positioning them as an upgraded version of smartphones, ready to accompany you anytime, anywhere.
Here are ten aspects where tablets outshine smartphones:
1. Price
While tablets often pack the same features as smartphones, their smaller counterparts typically cost twice as much as the typical budget tablet! This is because mobile phones usually have better cameras and require more advanced technology to fit into a smaller chassis. This comparison, of course, depends on what tablet and smartphone you are considering – but for the most part, getting a tablet is a great way to cut smartphone costs.
2. Battery Life
Tablets feature longer-lasting batteries than phones, and their battery life surpasses that of laptops too! While smartphones usually last around ten hours, tablets can last up to half a day or as long as 14 to 15 hours. Even when running battery-intensive applications and being used continuously, tablets can hold their own.
3. Gaming Experience
Video games are meant to be immersive and interactive, often transporting you into different worlds to tell a story through gameplay. However, without the perfect screen to showcase the game’s gorgeous graphics and action-packed animation, there’s a good chance you’ll be too busy squinting to feel immersed. When it comes to gaming, a large, high-quality display is crucial for a successful gaming experience – which is why tablets undoubtedly take the win when it comes to mobile games.
4. Work on the Go
Tablets are slowly becoming the more evolved versions of smartphones due to their increasing versatility and functionality. Predictions suggest that as technology advances, tablets will significantly sideline laptops in the future.
Aside from their ability to shoot video, take photos, and facilitate conferencing and video calling, tablets can run multiple applications and tabs simultaneously, much like a computer can. As a combination of smartphone portability and basic laptop computing power, tablets offer the best of both worlds! You can even utilize the split-screen feature, which allows you to separate a tablet’s screen into two to increase productivity. You may also switch your tablet to laptop mode whenever needed (especially if you have a keyboard attachment), providing a stress-free working experience on the go.
5. Reading (Articles, Books, and More)
Even with early tablets like Kindles or Nooks, providing an experience akin to reading physical publications is an attribute that tablets have always excelled at. In addition to tablets’ screens resembling the size of actual books, high-capacity storage and access to the web have allowed tablets to not just be the perfect reading tool but also have constant access to a library’s worth of books at any time. Once a distant dream, this convenience is now possible thanks to tablets’ large screens and font-size adjustments, offering the effortless reading of books and articles.
6. Specs and Computing Power
According to GameMine, modern tablets boast over 30% higher processing speeds than their cellular counterparts. Aside from having more powerful processors, tablets beat phones in other ways. This is how both, on average, compare in terms of technical specifications:
| Aspect | Tablets | Smartphones |
| Storage | 32GB to 2TB | 16GB to 1TB |
| Screen Size | 9 inches | 6 inches |
| RAM | 6GB (up to 32GB) | 4GB (up to 8GB) |
The numbers speak for themselves!
7. Misplacement
This might not seem as note-worthy as technical specs or unique features, but having a larger device makes it much harder to misplace. Tablets (depending on their size) are about twice or thrice as big as smartphones. Size may be a significant factor to consider if you lose things often!
8. Art and Design
Say goodbye to carrying a bulky bag of art supplies or a cumbersome drawing pad – with a tablet, all you need is a compatible stylus to create striking, intricate masterpieces. Tablets allow for the fusion of technology and imagination, making all sorts of brushes, textures, and hues available to artists who want to breathe life into their pieces without purchasing every material. If you are an artist, graphic designer, or animator, there are no limits to what you can make. Similar drawing applications are available on smartphones – but with such a small screen, it may be challenging to achieve the same level of creativity possible with a tablet.
9. Education
As education shifts towards paperless learning, regular access to a tablet is highly beneficial for students at all levels. Many applications like Canvas and Blackboard Learn allow students to complete (and turn in) their assignments in one place. In fact, many schools have begun to provide lessons on these platforms, making these gadgets extremely convenient to own.
10. Entertainment/Streaming
When it comes to YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms, your viewing experience would be much more worthwhile on a device with a larger screen. Not only does this reduce eye strain, but larger tablets tend to have displays on par with small laptops – making entertainment much more enjoyable and immersive.
BONUS: SIM Card Compatibility
In recent years, tablets have found a way to catch up in the main area smartphones dominate: network accessibility, regardless of location. Many tablets (especially Android™ models) support SIM cards and allow internet connection even in places without Wi-Fi. Although not all tablets have calling and texting capabilities, numerous calling and messaging apps are completely free on both the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Combining these with your SIM card allows you to stay connected no matter where you are.
So when you think about it, unless you are looking for a 5-inch screen, there are hardly any reasons why a tablet couldn’t replace a smartphone.
Pro Tip: Always remember to weigh a device’s pros and cons before making any significant decisions, and as always, consider your personal needs when looking for your next device.
Have any tablets or other alternatives you want to suggest? Leave your thoughts in the comments and start a discussion with our 1wireless community!
References:
- Exploding Topics (2023, July 27). Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices (Aug 2023). Explodingtopics.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic
- Pew Research Center (2015, November 25). Smartphone, computer or tablet? 36% of Americans own all three. Pewresearch.org. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/11/25/device-ownership/