Tablets are the ideal device incorporating all the useful features of a laptop and smartphone. They are more portable than a laptop and provide more powerful computing features than a standard smartphone, including larger screen size and can perform almost all of the functions put together.

This includes a variety of office or business related work, attending virtual classes, editing or designing graphics and videos, participating in video conferences etc. Meanwhile, they also let you use the smartphone features like entertainment apps, sketching, reading ebooks, casual web browsing, clicking pictures, playing games and interacting with friends on social media. In fact, 4G/LTE tablets also provide the feature of normal voice calling using your SIM card.

There are several brands offering a wide variety of options of tablets with different configurations. We have compiled a short list of some of the best-of-breed (as per various online reviews), across different price ranges to help you make your choice.

Apple iPad Air - 2020 (approx Rs. 47,000 - Rs. 50,000)

We start our list with the ever-popular iPad. The 2020 iPad Air has a new design with a 10.9" screen which makes it in line with top-end premium models yet the price is mid-level, which enables it to deliver good value for money overall. It has plenty of power for apps and games, plus enhanced AI processing and security. There is a lot of customization that can be done, for example - 5 exciting colors to choose from, 64GB or 256GB of storage, and SIM-enabled or Wi-Fi-only versions. By adding the Apple keyboard, you can effectively replace your laptop.

Best suited for: IT professionals, people involved in coding or programming, and those who use tablets frequently for doing heavy office or business related work.

Apple iPad Mini - 2019 (approx Rs. 32,000-35,000)

This wi-fi only model is one of the most affordable options from Apple and comes with a 7.9-in vibrant screen with 64 GB storage. iPads are known for the top security they offer, and this model too features biometric locks like retina scan, face unlock and fingerprint sensors. Another renowned feature of the iPad is the really long battery life allowing for upto 10 hrs of continuous operations.

Best suited for: people in customer facing roles, creative or marketing professionals, and video editors.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (approx Rs. 13,000-15,000)

This acclaimed model has a 3 GB RAM with an octa-core processor and  32 GB internal storage is ample for basic operations but in case you are a heavy user, then you have the option to upgrade it as desired. Good battery life is an important feature for the mobility of the tab, and with a 5,100 mAh battery capacity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite does not disappoint. It also has a quick charging feature, which gets you back to your activity in no time.

Best suited for: users who wish to use their tablet for web browsing, audio-visual entertainment and using social media apps

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (approx Rs. 24,000-27,000)

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Samsung tablets is the diversity of price range that they offer. The Galaxy Tab S6 is one of their premium models and comes with their trademark S-pen. These electronic pens have the grip and feel of a regular pen and can be used to draw or write on your graphic tablet’s screen. With snazzy looks, sleek design and catchy colors, this tablet is sure to be a point of discussion in your social circles. It is available in 4G calling version as well and can actually replace your smartphone.

Best suited for: web/graphic designers, freelance artists, entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Acer One 10 (approx Rs. 14,000-16,000)

Widely regarded as one of the best performing tabs in its price segment, the Acer One 10 comes with an octa-core processor with 4 GB RAM, making it as fast as several mid-level laptops in the market. This makes for high responsiveness and laptop level multi-tasking abilities. The default internal storage is an admirable 64 GB but is expandable upto 256 GB. The screen is an impressive 10.1 inches using IPS LCD technology. With a 6,600 mAh battery, you can spend hours on this tablet before it runs out of juice.

Best suited for: gamers, children engaged in online learning and for watching online content.

While tablets provide multiple ways to increase productivity and provide entertainment to users, it is often their cost which ends up discouraging people from buying them. A Digital Product Loan from HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) is the ideal way to fund this purchase. Apart from low down payments and competitive interest rates, you may also be able to buy your tablet at No Cost EMI, without any interest related charges; that too without any upfront security collateral.