Kyle Kucharski / ZDNET
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When considering the purchase of a tablet, there are numerous elements that potential buyers should carefully evaluate. The intended purpose of the device is often the most decisive factor. For instance, some individuals may want a tablet primarily for casual entertainment, such as streaming movies or browsing the web. Others might be more focused on creative endeavors, including digital drawing, illustration, or photo editing with a stylus. Still others will use tablets for professional productivity—document editing, presentations, conferencing, and multitasking. Alongside these functional considerations, budget constraints must naturally come into play. Price can vary widely depending on specifications and brand, ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end, premium devices. Furthermore, variables like screen dimensions, operating system type, storage capacity, and accessory compatibility all weigh heavily on the final decision.

At ZDNET, our evaluations take a comprehensive look at all these dimensions. While features such as display clarity, processing power, and application ecosystem all warrant attention, there is one factor that consistently proves fundamental to the overall experience: battery longevity. A tablet with a weak battery diminishes its portability and undermines its convenience, while superior endurance makes it a true mobile workstation or entertainment hub.

To accurately assess this, our team subjected nine of today’s most notable tablets to a rigorous series of laboratory trials, conducted at our testing facility in Kentucky. A particular focus was placed on stamina under varying configurations. Among the group, several models distinguished themselves by demonstrating exceptional staying power. The standout performers included Apple’s iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, the base-level iPad, and Google’s Pixel Tablet.

Testing conditions were intentionally demanding. We played continuous audio and video at maximum and minimum volume levels, paired with brightness settings adjusted correspondingly from peak illumination to dimmest. Each device underwent repeated assessments under each of these scenarios.

**How tablets were tested**
Inside our Louisville-based laboratory, evaluations were highly structured and technology-driven. Every device was linked to a dedicated PC equipped with an NI USB-6001 DAQ interface, enhanced by eight auxiliary inputs fitted with adapters. For real-time analysis, custom LabVIEW software—coded in-house by our engineers—was deployed to capture and interpret the audio outputs, converting them into measurable electrical signals expressed as voltages.

Each tablet was tested no fewer than 12 times to establish consistency and reduce anomalies. The tests were divided into four distinct categories: (1) maximum screen brightness with maximum audio volume, (2) minimum brightness with minimum volume, (3) maximum brightness and audio while in Airplane Mode, and (4) minimum brightness and audio also in Airplane Mode. Each category was repeated three times per device to generate an accurate average. Networking modules, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, were switched on or off, depending on the trial, allowing us to measure how background connectivity impacts overall energy drain.

Because battery consumption can fluctuate dramatically depending on usage, we narrowed our parameter of focus to screen brightness combined with video playback, as this is widely recognized as one of the most consequential variables affecting power consumption. To make sure all devices experienced identical conditions, VLC Media Player was used a sole application during the tests. This application was specifically chosen because of its universal presence across operating systems, its recognition among consumers, and, critically, its capacity to allow precise control over playback settings. With VLC continuously running in the background, our team could guarantee consistent screen brightness, constant sound levels, and automated looping of a downloaded video file. Notably, because the video data was stored directly on the device, rather than streamed via live internet, external disturbances such as unstable Wi-Fi connections could not interfere with results or invalidate comparisons.

**Results of the testing**
Data analysis revealed several striking conclusions. The iPad Pro emerged as the most powerful contender in terms of raw battery life. With uninterrupted playback lasting more than 16 hours before depletion, it proved itself not only as the leader in endurance but also as a legitimate laptop alternative for professionals seeking mobility without compromise. Following behind, though at a considerable margin, was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, managing nearly 11.5 hours of use. A surprising third-place finish came from the Amazon Fire Max 11, which surpassed the eight-hour mark.

By contrast, not all Apple models matched the stellar performance of the iPad Pro. For example, the base model iPad achieved just 5 hours and 40 minutes under maximum brightness and audio settings. Similarly, the iPad Air trailed closely at 5 hours and 27 minutes. These results underscore how not every tablet from the same manufacturer should be assumed equivalent in terms of stamina.

Interestingly, another clear highlight arose during minimum brightness trials. The OnePlus Pad 3 astonished testers by sustaining an incredible 40 continuous hours, a feat that helped earn it ZDNET’s Editor’s Choice Award, particularly due to its extraordinary battery capabilities. Such results demonstrate how adjustments in settings, particularly display brightness, can radically affect perceived performance.

**Implications for consumers**
While these laboratory tests reflect tightly controlled conditions, individual experiences will inevitably vary depending on day-to-day use. Factors such as app multitasking, background synchronization, gaming, or streaming—which were not part of the standardized trials—play a significant role in determining real-world longevity. Nevertheless, our methodology provides a valuable baseline, clarifying the performance tiers among leading devices and guiding users to make informed choices.

For the average consumer, we found the 11th-generation iPad to be the most rounded option that strikes a balance between affordability, functionality, and portability. With a streamlined design, moderate weight, and storage up to 256GB, it serves many common needs such as working remotely, streaming media, or handling documents. Still, recognizing the diversity of the market, our broader recommendations highlight standout models in other categories: the OnePlus Pad 3 for Android entertainment users, Microsoft’s Surface Pro as the premier Windows-based tablet, and Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids Edition as the most suitable child-friendly option.

**Tablets versus laptops: which to choose?**
Determining whether to favor a tablet or a traditional laptop ultimately depends on individual priorities. Digital artists and designers often gravitate towards tablets, valuing their touchscreen interface and stylus support, both of which foster a natural, intuitive style of drawing. Creators in photography and video editing equally benefit from large-screen tablets combined with high pixel densities. On the other hand, for users whose workflow is centered around data-heavy spreadsheets, word processing, advanced coding, or 3D modeling, laptops are still indispensable, given their superior processing hardware, larger storage capacities, and more optimized software.

**Operating system ecosystems**
Another major differentiator lies in the breadth and refinement of applications available on different platforms. Apple, through years of sustained development and strong collaboration with third-party developers, has refined iPadOS to take advantage of expansive displays and more robust productivity requirements. The result is a rich ecosystem of apps meticulously designed for tablets. Conversely, while Android boasts a wide catalog in sheer numbers, many apps are little more than scaled-up phone versions rather than being genuinely optimized for tablet-sized screens. Google itself has shown limited long-term commitment to bolstering the Android tablet experience, which has caused developers to deprioritize optimization efforts. Consequently, end users may encounter inconsistent or unsatisfactory performance compared to iPadOS alternatives.

In conclusion, battery performance remains one of the decisive factors when selecting a tablet, and our controlled experiments highlight the stark contrasts across various models. From the superior endurance of Apple’s iPad Pro to the long-lasting potential of the OnePlus Pad 3 at minimum settings, consumers are equipped with detailed insights to choose the tablet best aligned with their usage patterns.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/we-compared-the-best-tablets-by-apple-samsung-and-others-in-our-lab-heres-the-battery-champ/