Your complete roadmap to choosing the right tablet at TommieKelly.ie

 

Introduction: Why Tablets Matter More Than Ever

Over the past decade, tablets have grown from niche gadgets into everyday essentials. They now bridge the gap between laptops and smartphones, offering portability with power, entertainment with productivity, and creativity with connectivity.

Whether you’re a student scribbling lecture notes, a professional giving client presentations, a parent entertaining kids, or a creative artist sketching on digital canvases, there’s a tablet for you.

But here’s the challenge: the market is overflowing with choices — Apple iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Microsoft Surfaces, Lenovo tablets, and Amazon Fire devices — all shouting about speed, power, and features.

So how do you know which ones actually matter?

This Tablet Buying Guide from TommieKelly.ie breaks everything down into simple steps. By the end, you’ll know exactly which specs fit your needs, what to avoid, and how to buy a tablet that won’t just last a year — but will stay useful for years to come.

 

🖥️ 1. Screen Size: The First Big Decision

The screen is the heart of a tablet. It determines portability, usability, and even how long you can comfortably hold it.

📐 How Are Tablet Screens Measured?

Just like TVs and laptops, tablet screens are measured diagonally from one corner to the opposite. But remember: numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Aspect ratio, weight, and intended use matter just as much.

 

🎯 Real-Life Use Cases

  • ✈️ Frequent Traveller → A lightweight iPad Mini slips easily into handbags or backpacks.
  • 📺 Netflix Binger → A 10-inch Galaxy Tab is perfect for streaming in bed.
  • 🎨 Designer or Student → iPad Pro 12.9″ with Apple Pencil feels like carrying a sketchbook.
  • 💼 Laptop Replacement Seeker → The Samsung Tab S9 Ultra doubles as a workstation with its massive 14.6″ display.

👉 Pro Tip: Bigger isn’t always better. If you’ll be holding your tablet for hours, weight matters as much as screen size.

 

🎨 2. Screen Resolution & Display Quality

A large screen means nothing without a sharp, vibrant display.

📊 Resolution Tiers

  • HD (1280×800) → Entry level. Fine for casual use.
  • Full HD (1920×1080) → Sweet spot for affordability and clarity.
  • Quad HD (2560×1600) → Crisp detail, ideal for gaming and movies.
  • 4K UHD (3840×2160) → Premium clarity, though rare and expensive.

 

Why Display Quality Matters

  • 📖 Readers → Higher resolution = less eye strain.
  • 🎮 Gamers → Refresh rates of 90Hz–120Hz make gameplay smoother.
  • 🎨 Artists & Designers → HDR10+ or wide colour (P3 gamut) ensures accuracy.

👉 If you’ll be staring at your screen daily for work, invest in the best display you can afford.

 

💾 3. Storage: How Much Do You Need?

Storage is often underestimated. Apps, photos, and files pile up quickly.

📊 Storage Options

  • 32GB–64GB → Fine for light users (email, browsing, streaming).
  • 128GB–256GB → Good balance for most users.
  • 512GB–1TB → Best for gamers, photographers, and video editors.

 

🔑 Expandability Differences

  • Apple iPads → No SD card slot. Buy more upfront.
  • Samsung & Lenovo → Expandable storage via microSD (up to 1TB).

👉 Rule of Thumb: Always go one tier higher than you think you’ll need.

 

⚡ 4. Processor & RAM: Performance That Lasts

Your processor and RAM dictate speed, responsiveness, and multitasking.

📊 Popular Tablet Processors

  • 🍏 Apple A-series (A14, A15, A16) → iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini. Great for everyday use.
  • 🍏 Apple M1/M2/M4 → iPad Pro. Laptop-level performance.
  • 📱 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 → Powering Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
  • 📱 MediaTek & Unisoc → Budget-friendly, light tasks.
  • 💻 Intel Core i5/i7 → Windows tablets like Surface Pro.

 

📊 RAM Levels

  • 3–4GB → Web browsing, emails.
  • 6–8GB → Smooth multitasking.
  • 12–16GB → Heavy apps, gaming, video editing.

👉 Investing in a faster processor = better performance today and longer software support tomorrow.

 

💻 5. Two-in-Ones & Convertibles

These hybrids combine the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet.

  • Key Features: keyboard accessories, stylus support, desktop modes (Samsung DeX, Windows).
  • Best Picks:
    • iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard (Apple ecosystem).
    • Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra + DeX (Android power users).
    • Microsoft Surface Pro (true Windows laptop-tablet hybrid).

👉 Perfect for professionals, students, and remote workers.

 

🌐 6. Connectivity

How your tablet connects determines where you can use it.

  • Wi-Fi Only → Best for home/office.
  • Wi-Fi + 4G/5G → Internet anywhere with SIM card.

Modern Standards: Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C/Thunderbolt.

👉 Travelling for work? A cellular model can be a lifesaver.

 

🔋 7. Battery Life

What good is power if your battery dies halfway through?

  • Budget → 6–8 hrs.
  • Mid-range → 8–10 hrs.
  • Premium → 10–14 hrs.

👉 Look for fast charging (20W–45W) — many tablets can hit 50% in ~30 minutes.

 

📸 8. Cameras

Tablet cameras are better than ever:

  • Rear → Notes, AR, scanning.
  • Front → Zoom, Teams, FaceTime.
  • Pro Features → iPad Pro LiDAR for AR, Apple Center Stage auto-tracking.

 

🎧 9. Bonus Features

  • Speakers → Quad = immersive sound.
  • Stylus support → Apple Pencil / Samsung S Pen = game-changer.
  • Security → Face ID, fingerprint unlock.
  • Ecosystem → Stick to brands you already use (Apple, Samsung, Windows).

 

👩‍👩‍👧 10. Matching Tablets to Your Lifestyle

  • Families → Affordable mid-size tablets.
  • Students → Lightweight, stylus-compatible.
  • Professionals → Two-in-one with 5G.
  • Creatives → Large OLED, stylus, strong processors.
  • Gamers → High refresh rate + flagship chip.

 

🛒 Where to Buy Tablets in Ireland

At TommieKelly.ie, we stock the latest tablets from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft.

📍 Visit us in person for expert advice:

  • Ballinasloe – 090 9644093
  • Roscommon – 090 6634465

 

Choosing a tablet isn’t just about specs — it’s about finding the one that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you need a compact device for travel, a family-friendly tablet, or a laptop replacement for work, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Don’t just buy a tablet — buy the right tablet for you at TommieKelly.ie.

Tommie Kelly Euronics – Tablets, made simple.