Tablets handle most of the same tasks as phones and computers, but with a bigger screen and different input methods

A tablet is a portable device with a touchscreen that runs apps, browses the web, plays media, and handles documents. What you can do depends on which operating system it runs — iOS (Apple iPads), Android (Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, and others), or Windows (Microsoft Surface). The screen size — typically 7 to 13 inches — makes tablets better than phones for reading, drawing, and watching video, but less portable than a phone for carrying in a pocket.

Most tablets connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, and some models also accept a cellular connection. They have built-in cameras, speakers, and microphones. Many support a stylus for drawing or note-taking, and some accept a keyboard case to work more like a laptop.

Key Takeaways

  • Tablets run the same apps as phones on the same operating systems, so you can do email, messaging, banking, and shopping on any tablet.
  • The larger screen makes tablets better than phones for reading books, watching shows, editing photos, and drawing or note-taking with a stylus.
  • Some tablets can replace a laptop for writing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, especially if you add a keyboard case.
  • Older or budget tablets may struggle with demanding games, video editing, or running many apps at once, so performance varies by model and price.
  • A tablet alone cannot make phone calls on most carriers, though you can use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime.

Everyday tasks: email, messaging, banking, and shopping

Any tablet can send and receive email through the built-in mail app or through Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other providers. You can attach photos or documents and organize messages into folders. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage work the same way on tablets as on phones.

Banking apps from your bank work on tablets. You can check balances, transfer money, deposit checks by taking a photo, and pay bills. Shopping apps like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and eBay work on tablets and often show product images larger and clearer than on a phone screen. Payment apps like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay also work on tablets, though some require a phone to set up initially.

Reading, watching, and listening

Tablets are popular for reading because the screen is large enough to show a full page of text without zooming. E-reader apps like Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Libby (which borrows books from your library for free) all work on tablets. You can adjust text size, brightness, and font to suit your eyes. Many people prefer reading on a tablet over a physical book because they can carry hundreds of books in one device.

Video apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video stream movies and shows to tablets. The larger screen makes watching more enjoyable than on a phone. Music apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music stream songs and podcasts. You can read content to watch or listen offline on most tablets, which is useful when you do not have internet access.

Photos, drawing, and creative work

Tablets have built-in cameras and photo apps. You can take photos and videos, edit them with built-in tools or apps like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom, and share them to social media or email. The larger screen makes it easier to see what you are editing compared to a phone.

If your tablet supports a stylus — most iPads and some Android tablets do — you can draw, paint, or sketch using apps like Procreate (iPad only), Adobe Fresco, Ibis Paint, or Clip Studio Paint. You can also take handwritten notes with a stylus using apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or OneNote. Many people use tablets with styluses as a replacement for paper notebooks because you can search your notes later and organize them into folders.

Photo editing apps like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Lightroom work on tablets, though they may be slower on budget models. Video editing apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, and CapCut let you trim, combine, and add effects to videos on a tablet, though serious video work is still faster on a computer.

Documents, spreadsheets, and writing

Office apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint work on tablets. You can write documents, create spreadsheets, and build presentations. Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides are free alternatives that work in a web browser on any tablet. Apple's Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are free on iPads.

If you add a keyboard case to your tablet, you can type as fast as on a laptop. This makes tablets with keyboards a practical choice for writing, email, and spreadsheet work. However, tablets have less screen space than a laptop monitor, so working with multiple windows or complex spreadsheets can feel cramped. Tablets also cannot run desktop software like Adobe Creative Suite (the full version), accounting software, or specialized tools that only exist on Windows or Mac.

Games and entertainment

Tablets run the same games as phones. straightforward games like Candy Crush, Wordle, and Solitaire run on any tablet. More demanding games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Fortnite require a newer tablet with a fast processor and good graphics. Older or budget tablets may lag or crash on these games.

Tablets are also good for streaming games from a service like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, which lets you play console games over the internet without owning the console. You will need a controller connected to your tablet to play these games comfortably.

What tablets cannot do

Tablets cannot make phone calls on most carriers without a special plan. You can use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Meet to call or video chat, but you need internet access. Some carriers offer tablet plans that include calling, but they are less common than phone plans.

Tablets cannot run desktop software. If you need Adobe Creative Suite (the full version), QuickBooks, AutoCAD, or other professional software that only runs on Windows or Mac, a tablet will not work. Tablets also struggle with heavy multitasking — running many apps at once or switching between them quickly can slow down older models.

File management on tablets is more limited than on a computer. You can store files in cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, but organizing and moving files around is slower and less flexible than on a computer with a file manager.

Performance differences between tablet types

iPad models range from the basic iPad (around $300) to the iPad Pro (around $1,200 or more). Basic iPads handle email, browsing, reading, and casual games well. iPad Pro models are faster and have better screens, which matters if you draw with a stylus or edit video.

Android tablets from Samsung, Lenovo, and Amazon range from $100 to $800. Budget Android tablets are slower and may have lower-quality screens, but they work for email, browsing, and reading. Samsung Galaxy Tab models are faster and more expensive, similar to iPad Pro in performance.

Windows tablets like the Microsoft Surface are designed to work more like laptops. They run full Windows software and are better for office work, but they are heavier and more expensive than iPads or Android tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop?

For email, browsing, reading, and watching video, yes. For writing documents and spreadsheets, yes if you add a keyboard case. For professional software like Photoshop, accounting programs, or coding tools, no — tablets cannot run desktop software. A tablet with a keyboard is a good second device, but not a full laptop replacement for most people.

Do I need Wi-Fi or can I use cellular?

Most tablets work on Wi-Fi only. Some models support cellular (4G or 5G), which costs extra upfront and requires a monthly plan from your carrier. Wi-Fi-only tablets are cheaper and lighter. Cellular tablets are useful if you travel and need internet away from home.

What is the difference between iPad and Android tablets?

iPads run iOS and are made by Apple. Android tablets are made by Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, and others and run Android. iPads tend to have better performance and longer software support. Android tablets offer more variety in price and screen size. Both can do email, browsing, reading, and most apps, but some apps are only available on one or the other.

Can I draw on any tablet or do I need a special one?

Most iPads support the Apple Pencil stylus. Some Android tablets support styluses, but not all — check the model before buying if drawing matters to you. You can draw with your finger on any tablet, but a stylus gives you more control and precision. Stylus support usually costs more.

How long does a tablet battery last?

Most tablets last 8 to 12 hours on a single charge with normal use like browsing and email. Video streaming drains the battery faster. Older tablets may last 6 to 8 hours. Battery life degrades over time — after two or three years, you may notice the battery drains faster than when it was new.