GROUP TEST MID-PRICE TABLETS
If you’re after a decent but affordable slate, it’s got to be an iPad, hasn’t it? Well, there are signs that the opposition is finally getting its act together…
Amazon Fire HD 10
What’s the story?
This is a big-screened Android tablet designed to showcase Amazon’s growing suite of content, from Audible to Kindle and Prime Video. It’s also an Alexa-enabled tab that turns into an Echo Show, and supports Disney+, Netflix and others.
It misses out on the Google Play Store, so you get your apps using the Amazon Appstore. But while it won’t run as many apps as rivals running full-fat Android, it packs ace specs for the price.
Is it any good?
A chunky tab with a big, immersive screen and stereo speakers for a bargain price – that’s the Fire HD 10 in a nutshell. It looks less fancy than the other tabs on test, but the rounded corners are nicely comfortable to hold and it isn’t too heavy.
But the screen is the star of the show. This is a 16:10 widescreen display, so Full HD content carries much less letterboxing than an iPad. And it’s bright at around 420 nits, though you’ll still struggle to see what’s on screen when it’s super-sunny.
This slate runs Android, but the Amazon Appstore puts Prime Video, Audible and Kindle front and centre.
If you want to pick up your tab to watch content on, this won’t be an issue: you can easily get the likes of BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub.
But if you want to share game-saves across your phone and tablet, or work in Google Docs or Drive, a ‘proper’ Android tab with the Play Store would be a smarter choice.
As for the battery, it’s good for around 8hrs of video playback, making the Fire HD 10 a binge-watcher’s best friend.
from £150 / stuff.tv/HD10
Key specs
● 10.1in 1920x1200 screen
● MediaTek Helio P60T, 3GB RAM
● 32/64GB storage, expandable
● Up to 12hr battery life
● 247x166x9.2mm, 465g
STUFF SAYS If you’re dreaming of streaming, this is our value champ ★★★★✩
Xiaomi Pad 5
What’s the story?
At under 7mm, Xiaomi’s tablet is the thinnest on test. Its 11in screen is both ample and sharp, and it’s the only display to sport a 120Hz refresh rate. Dolby Vision and quad speakers should make this a dream for watching telly on, and the Snapdragon 860 chip is the most powerful in any of our Android contenders. With an optional Smart Pen and folio case, Xiaomi wants this to be the affordable iPad Pro alternative.
Is it any good?
Once you get past just how much of an iPad Pro wannabe this tablet is, it’s difficult to fault the Pad 5.
Its metal design makes it weighty but it is sleek, and tiny bezels frame the screen – which is bright, sharp and smooth.
The screen’s highlights go beyond t
