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The best large tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

ZDNET experts tested the best large-screen tablets from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and more to help you choose the right one. The top pick is the 13-inch iPad Pro for its fast M5 processor and bright display.

By Allison Murray, Senior Editor·Aug 21·zdnet.com·4 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

ZDNET Recommends the 13-inch iPad Pro as the best large-screen tablet due to its impressive performance and bright display. Other top picks include the KTC 25-inch Android Display, Microsoft Surface Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.

Why it matters

Choosing the right large tablet is crucial for those who need a device for work, entertainment, or both. The best large tablets offer a balance of performance, display quality, and portability.

Imagine you have a big piece of paper that you can use to draw, write, or watch movies. That's basically what a large tablet is. It's a device that's big enough to use as a laptop, but it's also portable and can be used for entertainment. The best large tablets are like the Apple 13-inch iPad Pro, which has a fast processor and a bright display. They're perfect for people who need a device for work or entertainment.

Analysis

Best Large Tablet Overall: Apple 13-inch iPad Pro (8th Generation)

The Apple 13-inch iPad Pro is the best large tablet overall, thanks to its fast M5 processor and bright display. In our testing, it outperformed every other iPad and two Samsung tablet models by a landslide in our Geekbench 6 testing. The design is much slimmer than previous Pro models and includes Apple's powerful M5 processor. This chip provides a significant boost in performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D modeling.

Best Massive Screen Large Tablet: KTC 25-inch Android Display

The KTC 25-inch Android Display is the best massive screen large tablet, offering an impressive 25-inch display. This tablet is perfect for those who need a large screen for work or entertainment. The display is bright and vibrant, making it ideal for watching movies or working on projects.

Best Large Tablet for Those Who Want a Real Computer: Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Generation)

The Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Generation) is the best large tablet for those who want a real computer. This tablet offers a 12.3-inch PixelSense display and is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor. It also features a detachable keyboard and stylus, making it ideal for those who need a device that can replace their laptop.

Best Large Tablet for Value: Apple 13-inch iPad Air (6th Generation)

The Apple 13-inch iPad Air (6th Generation) is the best large tablet for value, offering a balance of performance and price. This tablet features a 10.9-inch display and is powered by an A14 Bionic chip. It also includes a range of features such as a 12MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating.

Best Samsung Large Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is the best Samsung large tablet, offering a 14.6-inch display and a range of features such as a 12MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating. This tablet is perfect for those who want a large screen and a range of features.

Best Budget Large Tablet: OnePlus Pad Go 2

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the best budget large tablet, offering a balance of performance and price. This tablet features a 10.9-inch display and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. It also includes a range of features such as a 13MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating.

Best Budget Alternative: Amazon Fire Max 11

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is the best budget alternative, offering a balance of performance and price. This tablet features a 10.1-inch display and is powered by a MediaTek MT8167D processor. It also includes a range of features such as a 2MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating.

Best Alternative for Note-Taking: Amazon Kindle Scribe

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is the best alternative for note-taking, offering a 10.2-inch display and a range of features such as a 2MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating. This tablet is perfect for those who want a device for note-taking and reading.

Best Android Alternative: Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus

The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is the best Android alternative, offering a 13.3-inch display and a range of features such as a 13MP camera and a fingerprint-resistant coating. This tablet is perfect for those who want a large screen and a range of features.

Key points

  • The Apple 13-inch iPad Pro is the best large tablet overall, thanks to its fast M5 processor and bright display.
  • The KTC 25-inch Android Display is the best massive screen large tablet, offering an impressive 25-inch display.
  • The Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Generation) is the best large tablet for those who want a real computer, featuring a detachable keyboard and stylus.
  • The Apple 13-inch iPad Air (6th Generation) is the best large tablet for value, offering a balance of performance and price.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is the best Samsung large tablet, offering a 14.6-inch display and a range of features.
The Upside

The best large tablets of 2026 offer a balance of performance, display quality, and portability. With the right device, users can enjoy a seamless experience for work, entertainment, or both. The future of tablets looks bright, with manufacturers continuing to innovate and improve their products.

The Downside

The high cost of some large tablets may be a barrier for some users. Additionally, the complexity of some devices may make them difficult to use for those who are not tech-savvy. However, overall, the best large tablets of 2026 offer a great balance of performance, display quality, and portability.

Originally reported at

zdnet.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagstechcomputingtabletsapplesamsungmicrosoftoneplusamazon

Author

Allison Murray, Senior Editor

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 21, 2026

Source

zdnet.com

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techcomputingtabletsapplesamsungmicrosoftoneplusamazon

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