A tablet is a portable screen for reading, watching, creating, and staying connected

A tablet is a flat, handheld computer with a touchscreen. Unlike a laptop, it has no keyboard or trackpad built in—you tap the screen directly. Unlike a phone, the screen is larger, usually between 7 and 13 inches across. That size difference matters: it makes tablets better for certain tasks than phones are, and often cheaper and lighter than laptops.

What you can do with a tablet depends partly on which one you own—iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon Fire, or another brand—because each runs different software and connects to different app stores. But the core uses are the same across all of them: reading, watching video, taking photos, writing, drawing, working with documents, video calls, gaming, and browsing the web.

Key Takeaways

  • Tablets are best for reading books and news, watching video, and casual web browsing because the screen size is comfortable for these tasks.
  • You can use a tablet for work—email, spreadsheets, documents—but typing is slower than on a laptop unless you buy a separate keyboard.
  • Drawing and note-taking apps work well on tablets, especially if you buy a stylus (pen) that works with your model.
  • Most tablets connect to the internet through WiFi, and some models also use cellular data like a phone does.
  • Tablets run apps downloaded from an app store, not traditional software like a Windows computer uses.

Reading books, magazines, and news on a larger screen

The tablet screen is large enough that reading is comfortable for long stretches. You can hold a tablet in your lap or prop it on a stand, and the text stays readable without squinting. Most tablets come with a built-in reading app, or you can read free ones like Kindle (for Amazon books), Apple Books, or Google Play Books.

Magazines and newspapers also look better on a tablet than on a phone. Apps like Flipboard, Apple News, or your local newspaper's own app let you read articles with photos and layout intact. Many news apps are free; some charge a monthly subscription if you want unlimited reading.

Watching video and streaming shows

The larger screen makes tablets good for watching movies, TV shows, and videos from YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services. You can read shows on some apps so you can watch them later without an internet connection—useful on a plane or in a car.

A tablet is lighter and easier to hold than a laptop, and the screen is bigger than a phone. If you watch a lot of video, a tablet with a stand (which you can buy separately for $10 to $30) lets you prop it up hands-free.

Email, documents, and spreadsheets for work or school

You can check email, edit Word documents, and work with Excel spreadsheets on a tablet using free apps like Microsoft Office or Google Docs. These apps work on the touchscreen, but typing on a glass screen is slower and less comfortable than a keyboard.

If you plan to do serious typing—writing reports, answering lots of emails—buy a separate keyboard that connects to your tablet. Some keyboards come with a case that props the tablet up at an angle. A basic keyboard runs $30 to $100. With a keyboard attached, a tablet becomes closer to a laptop in how it feels to use, though it is still lighter.

Drawing, sketching, and handwritten notes

Tablets work well for drawing and note-taking if you buy a stylus—a pen-shaped tool that works with the touchscreen. Not all tablets support styluses, so check before you buy. iPads work with Apple Pencil. Samsung tablets work with the S Pen. Other brands have their own stylus options.

Apps like Procreate (iPad only), Ibis Paint, or free options like Infinite Painter let you draw, paint, and sketch. For note-taking, apps like OneNote, Notability, or GoodNotes let you write by hand and save your notes as files. A stylus costs $20 to $130 depending on the brand and features.

Photos and video recording

Most tablets have cameras on the front and back. The back camera is usually good enough for casual photos and video. The front camera is mainly for video calls. Tablet cameras are not as good as phone cameras, so if photography matters to you, a phone or dedicated camera is a better choice.

You can edit photos and video on a tablet using apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, or iMovie. These apps let you crop, adjust colors, add filters, and trim video clips.

Video calls and staying in touch

The larger screen and built-in camera make tablets good for video calls with family or friends. Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime (on iPad), or WhatsApp work on all tablets. The bigger screen means you can see the other person more clearly than on a phone.

You can also use a tablet for messaging, social media, and email—all the ways you stay in touch that you would do on a phone, just with a bigger, easier-to-read screen.

Gaming and entertainment

Tablets run games ranging from straightforward puzzles to complex 3D games. The larger screen makes games easier to play and more enjoyable to look at than on a phone. Many games are free to read, though some charge upfront or offer in-game purchases.

The performance varies by tablet model. Newer, more expensive tablets run demanding games smoothly. Older or budget tablets handle casual games and simpler titles without trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi to use a tablet?

Most tablets connect through WiFi, which you need to set up at home or find in public places. Some tablet models also have cellular data (like a phone), which costs extra per month but lets you use the internet anywhere. Check your tablet's specs to see if it supports cellular data.

Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop for work?

You can do light work—email, documents, spreadsheets—on a tablet. For heavy typing or complex software, a laptop is usually faster and more comfortable. A tablet with a keyboard attachment is a middle ground, though it costs more and is less powerful than a laptop at the same price.

What is the difference between an iPad and other tablets?

iPads run Apple's software and connect to Apple's app store. Other tablets run Android (Samsung, Google, Amazon) or Windows (Microsoft Surface). Each has different apps available and different costs. iPads tend to be more expensive but often last longer. Android tablets offer more variety in price and features.

Can I print from a tablet?

Yes, if your printer supports wireless printing or if you use an app that connects to your printer. Many modern printers work with AirPrint (Apple) or Google Cloud Print. Older printers may not support wireless printing, so check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website.

Is a tablet good for someone who is not tech-savvy?

Tablets are often easier to learn than laptops because you tap icons instead of using a keyboard and mouse. The touchscreen feels intuitive to many people. However, troubleshooting problems can be harder on a tablet than a laptop, so having someone nearby to help is useful when you are starting out.