Apple’s iPad Lineup Additions

Apple updated its iPad Pro models with the M4 chip, delivering improved performance and power efficiency. The iPad Pro maintained its position as a market leader for creative professionals and power users, with advanced multitasking capabilities introduced in iPadOS 18.

Accompanying its chipset upgrade, the premium flagship tablet from Apple saw its display break into the OLED space, putting pressure on Samsung’s AMOLED displays. Additionally, Apple’s iPad Air 6 upgraded to the M2 chipset, offering improved performance. Available in 11” and 13” sizes, it provides storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.

Meanwhile, the iPad mini received incremental updates, emphasizing affordability and education-friendly features. Apple’s discounting saw an increase in 2024 with much more aggressive discounts in the second half of the year with success seen on its older iPad Pro 5 and now aging standard iPad.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Series

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra was one of the standout tablet releases of 2024, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to premium design, cutting-edge hardware, and AI-driven software enhancements. The Tab S10 Ultra builds on the success of its predecessors, offering a large Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and vivid colors. Powered by the latest MediaTek chipset, this tablet delivers robust performance suitable for productivity tasks, creative applications, and immersive gaming.

The device also integrates advanced AI capabilities, such as scene optimization for photography and AI-driven multitasking features that enhance user efficiency. Its compatibility with the S Pen remains a highlight, appealing to artists and professionals alike. Samsung has expanded its

One UI ecosystem with updates that enhance cross-device functionality, making the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra a versatile tool for users deeply integrated into Samsung’s hardware ecosystem. Additionally, Samsung continues to focus on sustainability by introducing recycled materials into its tablet production process.

Beyond the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Samsung refreshed its mid-range Galaxy Tab A series in 2024, targeting budget-conscious consumers with improved displays and better battery life.

Additionally, while the Tab S10 Ultra targeted premium users, the more affordable Tab S10 FE focused on mainstream consumers. These updates ensure that Samsung retains its strong position across all price tiers in the tablet market.

Amazon’s Fire HD 8 (2024 Edition)

Amazon updated its Fire HD 8 tablet, offering it at a competitive price point. The 2024 edition features a 5MP rear camera, with configurations of 3GB RAM and 32GB storage or 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD. The tablet introduces AI features such as a Writing Assistant, Webpage Summaries, and a Wallpaper Creator, enhancing user experience. Available in multiple colors, the Fire HD 8 caters to budget-conscious consumers seeking a functional tablet for everyday use.

OnePlus Pad 2

OnePlus introduced the Pad 2, featuring a 12.1-inch 3K display, six stereo speakers, and a 9,510mAh battery with 76W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology. It includes AI enhancements like AI Speak and Recording Summary. The company continues to offer premium specifications for a competitive price point, often with aggressive discounts or bundles, but struggles with consumer brand recognition in the US, with limited retail placement depth of its own site and Amazon.com.

Acer Iconia X12 Announcement

Acer announced the release of its Iconia X12 tablet at IFA 2024 with its 12.6” 2.5K AMOLED display and 60HZ refresh rate and 400 nits of brightness. The model is expected to be globally available in January 2025 starting at $349.

Display Innovations

Manufacturers prioritized display quality in 2024, with most high-end tablets featuring high-refresh-rate screens and HDR10+ support. Samsung’s AMOLED panels on the Galaxy Tab S10 and Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR and tandem OLED displays on the iPad Pro set benchmarks for vibrant visuals and color accuracy.

Performance Upgrades

Flagship tablets adopted next-generation processors like Apple’s M4 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ensuring smoother multitasking and better support for demanding applications. Mid-range models also saw performance gains, often powered by chips like MediaTek’s Dimensity series.

Battery Life and Charging

Improved battery life became a significant focus, with devices like the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offering extended usage times. Fast charging became standard across most tablets, while some models, such as the Supernote A5 X2, prioritized sustainability with easily replaceable batteries.

Detachable Devices and Hybrid Solutions

The line between tablets and laptops blurred further in 2024, as detachable devices gained traction. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 10 offered iterative improvements, maintaining its appeal for professionals who value portability and laptop-grade performance.

Additionally, Microsoft’s Surface Pro with Copilot+ took center stage as a detachable option for consumers featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chipset and AI functionality. Samsung also expanded its detachable Galaxy Book line, integrating its ecosystem with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Sustainability and Modular Designs

Sustainability emerged as a growing trend, with devices like the Supernote A5 X2 Manta featuring repairable and upgradeable components. This shift toward modularity reflects consumer demand for devices with longer lifespans and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, there has been success with similar dedicated note taking tablets such as ReMarkable, which has its own endcap featured in-store at Best Buy.

Affordability and Accessibility

Brands like Amazon and Lenovo focused on entry-level and mid-range segments. Amazon’s Fire Max 11 targeted budget-conscious users, while Lenovo’s Tab P series aimed to deliver solid performance at competitive prices, particularly in education and entertainment contexts.

Software Ecosystems

Enhanced software integration became a priority, with Google, Apple, and Samsung building seamless ecosystems that connected tablets, smartphones, and other devices. Features like wireless file sharing, cross-device multitasking, and smart home controls gained prominence.