Apple iPad Air 13 Alternatives: 12-inch or bigger Android tablets for every budget
If you’re on the looking for a large-screen tablet but don’t want to plug into Apple’s ecosystem, here are some excellent alternatives. From budget-friendly models to premium devices packed with features, here’s a roundup of the best Android tablets with 12-inch or larger displays for every budget.
Budget-Friendly Options (Under 300)
1. Lenovo Tab P12
The Lenovo Tab P12 features a 12.7-inch LCD display that provides bright and clear visuals, making it a reliable choice for students, casual users, and even some creative work. With 128GB of storage, it offers ample space for apps, documents, and media. What makes it stand out is the inclusion of the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus, a stylus that enables note-taking, sketching, and other creative tasks.
Customers appreciate its affordability and the bonus of the stylus, which is often a separate purchase for other tablets. However, some users note that the LCD screen lacks the vividness of AMOLED displays, and the performance might not be suitable for heavy multitasking or high-end gaming. At just £249.99, it’s an excellent option for those seeking functionality on a budget.
2. HONOR Pad 9
The HONOR Pad 9 boasts a 12.1-inch IPS display and comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, making it a capable device for multitasking and media consumption. Powered by Android 13, it ensures a smooth and up-to-date user experience.
Users like its sleek design and robust storage capacity, ideal for media lovers. However, some report that the lack of bundled accessories like a stylus or keyboard limits its versatility. Priced at £238.00, it’s a great option for those who prioritize storage and performance without breaking the bank.
3. DOOGEE T20 Ultra
Not the most convincing if you go on name alone, the DOOGEE T20 Ultra features a 12-inch display with 2.4K resolution, delivering stunning visuals for movies, gaming, and design work. It’s powered by 32GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring smooth performance even for demanding applications. The specs alone makes it hard to beat.
Customers love its vibrant display and excellent value for the price. Gamers and media enthusiasts appreciate its performance, though some mention that its build quality feels less premium compared to higher-end models. At £219.99, it’s an unbeatable deal for those looking for high-resolution visuals and robust performance.
Mid-Range Options (300-600)
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display and 128GB or 256GB of storage with 8GB memory, making it an excellent option for productivity and entertainment. Its water-resistant design and the inclusion of the versatile Samsung S Pen set it apart.
Users praise its stunning display and durability, though some note that the price feels steep for a mid-range tablet. At £499.00, it’s perfect for users who want a balance of performance and premium features.
5. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro features a 12.6-inch Full HD AMOLED display, providing vibrant and crisp visuals. With 256GB of storage and the included Lenovo Precision Pen 3, it’s a fantastic choice for professionals and artists.
Customers love the display quality and the included stylus, but some mention that its software updates can lag behind other brands. At £561.41, it’s a premium choice for creatives and productivity-focused users.
Premium Options (Above 600)
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ may be yesterdays model, with the flagship pole now moved to Tab S10 below but it is still in the market and still a very capable flagship device that features a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and 256GB of storage. Its premium build, powerful performance, and stunning visuals make it a top choice for professionals.
Users rave about its display quality and overall performance, though the high price tag of £999.00 is a barrier for casual users. It’s ideal for those who want the best in Android tablets.
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ offers a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a massive 512GB of storage. With advanced AI features and ultra-fast performance, it’s designed for high-end creative and productivity tasks.
Customers highlight its exceptional storage and processing power, making it a favorite for professionals. However, at £1,099.00, it’s strictly for those with a generous budget.
8. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
Bigger than 12-inch or even 13-inch is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra with a whooping 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, delivering ultra-vivid visuals that are perfect for creative professionals, gamers, and movie enthusiasts. It features up to 1TB of storage, ensuring you have plenty of space for high-resolution files, apps, and more. The inclusion of the Samsung S Pen adds bonus, making it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and photo editing.
Users love the unmatched screen size and clarity, combined with its lightning-fast performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. However, some find the large form factor less portable and the price steep. With a starting price of £1,199.00, it’s a device tailored for those who demand the best in display and performance.
Going beyond Android
We are focused on looking for Apple iPad Air 13 alternatives but unless you are totally against an iPadOS product, one cannot discount the fact that Apple’s or even Microsoft’s offerings of bigger than 12-inch tablets are just as good. iPad Air 13 being the cheaper of the two 13-inch tablets from Apple makes it a good option to go for if you are on a budget. Other offerings from Microsoft, Lenovo and ASUS, tablets that run Windows and Chrome operating system are also worth a look at if you are familiar with the operating systems. These are listed below:
9. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Surface Pro 9 combines the functionality of a laptop and tablet, offering a detachable keyboard and stylus support. It’s ideal for users seeking a full desktop experience in a portable form factor.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a versatile device that seamlessly combines the functionality of a laptop and tablet. Running on Windows, it delivers a full desktop experience in a highly portable form factor, making it an excellent choice for productivity and flexibility on the go.
The device features a 13-inch screen that provides ample space for multitasking, whether you’re working, streaming, or creating. Its processor options vary by configuration, allowing users to select the performance level that meets their specific needs, from casual use to demanding professional applications. Additionally, the multiple storage configurations ensure ample room for files, applications, and projects.
Pricing for the Surface Pro 9 varies based on specifications, enabling users to choose a model that aligns with their budget and requirements. A standout feature is its detachable keyboard, which transforms the tablet into a laptop when needed. It also supports a stylus, making it ideal for note-taking, drawing, or precision tasks. With its robust features and adaptability, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent option for users looking for a device that offers both power and portability.
10. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is a sleek and versatile 2-in-1 device designed for users who value portability and flexibility. Running on Chrome OS, it offers a lightweight and efficient operating system perfect for web-based tasks, productivity, and entertainment.
Featuring a 13.3-inch OLED screen, the IdeaPad Duet 5 delivers vibrant visuals with rich colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the viewing experience for streaming, gaming, or creative work. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, it ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, making it a reliable choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
With storage options of up to 256GB, the device provides sufficient space for apps, files, and media. The base model comes with 4GB RAM memory and 128GB SSD storage. Pricing varies based on the selected specifications, allowing users to find a model that fits their budget. But at $199 down from $315 at the time of writing, you can’t go wrong.
A standout feature of the IdeaPad Duet 5 is its detachable keyboard, which transforms it from a laptop to a tablet in seconds. It also supports a stylus, adding versatility for note-taking and drawing. With its stunning OLED display and practical features, this Chromebook is an excellent option for those seeking a multipurpose device.
11. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (6th Generation)
The iPad Pro offers a high-resolution display and powerful performance, making it suitable for professionals and creatives. It supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, enhancing its versatility.
The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (6th Generation) flagship is a top-tier tablet designed to cater to professionals and creatives. Running on iPadOS, it offers seamless functionality and a user-friendly interface. The device features a 13-inch displaywith a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals and an immersive viewing experience ideal for tasks ranging from design to multimedia consumption.
Powered by the cutting-edge Apple M4 chip, the iPad Pro delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. It comes in multiple storage configurations, with the storage starting from 256GB, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their needs for apps, files, and creative projects.
Priced at approximately $1,299, the iPad Pro stands out for its versatility. It supports the Apple Pencil for precise drawing and note-taking, as well as the Magic Keyboard, which transforms it into a portable workstation. These features, combined with its robust performance and stunning display, make the iPad Pro a compelling choice for those seeking a premium tablet experience.
12. Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Finally, for the device that we seek an alternative for, the Apple iPad Air 13. The Apple iPad Air (M2, 13-Inch) is a versatile tablet designed to offer an excellent balance of portability and performance with savings to be had over its Pro counterpart above. Running on iPadOS, it provides a seamless and user-friendly experience, making it a great choice for both casual and professional users.
The tablet features a 13-inch screen that delivers crisp and clear visuals, ideal for tasks like web browsing, media consumption, and light creative work. At its core is the powerful Apple M2 chip, which ensures smooth multitasking and handles demanding apps with ease. This makes the iPad Air suitable for everything from streaming and gaming to productivity tasks and light content creation.
With multiple storage configurations available, the iPad Air can accommodate a variety of needs, whether for casual use or more intensive work. The base model comes with 128GB storage. Its price varies based on the chosen specifications, offering flexibility for different budgets.
The device also supports the Apple Pencil, making it perfect for note-taking, drawing, and editing. Additionally, compatibility with the Magic Keyboard allows users to transform the tablet into a compact workstation for increased productivity. Lightweight and powerful, the iPad Air (M2, 13-Inch) is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance tablet that doesn’t compromise on portability.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right large-screen tablet can be a challenging decision, especially with so many excellent options available across various ecosystems. If you’re looking for alternatives to the Apple iPad Air 13, Android tablets offer a broad range of choices to suit different needs and budgets. From the budget-friendly Lenovo Tab P12 and HONOR Pad 9 to mid-range performers like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and premium options such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, there’s something for everyone.
These tablets combine impressive displays, versatile features, and strong performance, making them reliable alternatives for both casual users and professionals.
For those open to exploring other operating systems, devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook stand out as excellent options. Offering the power of Windows or the lightweight efficiency of Chrome OS, these devices blur the lines between tablets and laptops, making them highly versatile.
And while this guide focuses on Android alternatives, it’s worth noting that Apple’s own offerings, such as the iPad Pro 13-inch (6th Generation) and iPad Air 13-inch (M2), remain excellent choices for users who value seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Additionally, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 provides the full desktop experience in a portable form factor, appealing to professionals seeking both flexibility and power.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption, powerful processing for professional tasks, or a combination of both, there is a large-screen tablet out there ready to meet your expectations. Explore the options above and find the perfect device to enhance your digital experience.
