Times have inevitably changed since the days of the twentieth-century car journey. No longer do passengers expect to be entertained by cows, road signs, and amusing number plates. Today, car passengers demand connectivity at all times and require a screen for entertainment.
Beam or baulk as you wish, that is the reality of today’s car journeys.
For those who do want a device that is great for providing entertainment for passengers during a long drive, we have put together this guide to some of the most appropriate tablets for the task. Whether you’re on a budget or after the absolute pinnacle, our recommendations cover many bases.
What tablet is best for you?
There are a few things to consider here. One of the most obvious is size. There is considerable debate over which screen size is best and that debate will remain until the end of time. But for the traveller, one doesn’t need to go for anything beyond 11 or so inches – there is not much to be gained from a large screen. If anything, it’s less helpful because it makes the tablet bulkier.
Do you want cellular data? If you do expect to pay a bit more (the iPad Pro with cellular is over £100 more than the model with just Wi-Fi, for example), but if it’s just Wi-Fi connectivity you want (check out our guide to getting mobile Wi-Fi for your car), then a standard tablet will have you covered.
Given that the tasks you have in mind for your travel tablet will most likely be entertainment-oriented, features such as screen resolution are important when watching films and shows. You might want to consider battery life too, though this is less important because you can charge the tablet while in the car.
The best tablets for car journeys
Editoru2019s pick
Description
With solid performance, large and crisp display, and value, the Samsung T590 Galaxy Tab A is
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Great value | • Not the fastest tablet around |
• Large display |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Camera | 8MP rear, 5MP front |
Battery | 7300mAh |
Screen | 10.5 inches |
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 |
Storage | 32GB |
2. Fire HD 8
Best budget option
Description
If itu2019s value you want then look no further. The screen resolution isnu2019t as good as the
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Value | • Amazon Appstore only |
• Colour options | |
• USB-C |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Camera | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
Battery | Up to 12 hours |
Screen | 8 inches |
Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
Storage | 32GB/64GB |
Best mini tablet
Description
The screen size of the iPad mini may be essentially the same as the Fire HD 8 but thatu2019s all
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Fantastic specs | • Expensive |
• Easy to use |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Camera | 8MP rear, 7MP front |
Battery | Up to 10 hours |
Screen | 7.9 inches |
Resolution | 2048 x 1536 |
Storage | 64GB |
Best for kids
Description
This is heavily based on the Fire HD 8 above, but encased in a kid-proof protective shell and with
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Perfect for kids | • Only good for kids |
• Rugged case |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Camera | 2MP rear, 2MP front |
Battery | Up to 12 hours |
Screen | 8 inches |
Resolution | 1024 x 600 |
Storage | 32GB |
Best of the best
Description
The iPad Pro will not leave you wanting in return for your chunky investment. Where the mini gets
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
• Some of the best specs around | • Expensive |
• Great to use |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Camera | 12MP and 10MP cameras |
Battery | Up to 10 hours |
Screen | 11 inches |
Resolution | 2388 x 1668 |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1T, 2T |