# Perhaps Tablets Aren’t As Useless As Previously Thought
Since the debut of the original iPad in 2010, tablets have intrigued the tech community. They occupy a distinct niche between smartphones and laptops, offering a larger display than a phone while being more portable than a laptop. Nevertheless, the tablet market has experienced fluctuations over the years, leading some to doubt their relevance in today’s increasingly mobile and interconnected environment. However, recent patterns indicate that tablets are witnessing a revival, suggesting they may not be as unnecessary as some believe.
## The Rise and Fall of Tablets
In the early part of the 2010s, tablets were considered groundbreaking. Products like the iPad and the Nexus 7 captivated users, presenting a novel method for media consumption, web browsing, and even accomplishing work tasks. Tablets were regarded as the next phase of computing, with some forecasting that they might eventually replace laptops entirely.
Yet, as time progressed, the tablet market began to level off. Sales dropped, and innovation within the sector appeared to decelerate. The emergence of larger smartphones, commonly referred to as “phablets,” alongside more powerful and portable laptops, diminished the perceived necessity of tablets. By 2021, as pandemic restrictions eased, tablet sales faced a considerable decline, leading many to speculate whether the category was nearing extinction.
## An Unexpected Comeback
In spite of these obstacles, tablets are now on an upswing. A recent study by the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that the tablet market will grow by 7.2% annually, surpassing the anticipated 4.3% growth in PCs by 2025. While these figures may not appear exceptional, they suggest a continuing strong interest in tablets.
So, what’s influencing this revitalized enthusiasm for tablets? Several key elements are contributing.
### 1. **The Upgrade Cycle Phenomenon**
One contributing factor for the revival may be the natural upgrade cycle. Many individuals who acquired a tablet two or three years ago are now in the market for a replacement. Tablets often have a standard upgrade cycle of around two to three years, and as older models become outdated, consumers are seeking newer, more advanced options.
### 2. **Android’s Advancement and Extended Software Support**
Another important element is the growth of Android as an operating system. Recently, Android has advanced significantly, offering enhanced multitasking capabilities and improved performance on larger displays. Furthermore, manufacturers such as Samsung are now providing extended software support for their devices. For instance, Samsung offers up to seven years of updates for its tablets, exceeding the three years of major OS updates and five years of security patches offered by Google’s Pixel Tablet. This long-term support enhances the value proposition for consumers.
### 3. **Tablets as Multifunctional Devices**
Tablets have also progressed to become more multifunctional. They now act as an extension of your smartphone or laptop and can even serve as independent computing devices. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra, for instance, can be utilized in several ways:
– As a standard tablet for media consumption and casual activities.
– With a cellular option, they’re portable for productivity on the go.
– Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like functionality, allowing users to connect their tablet to an external display for a computer-like experience.
– Multi Control enables users to interact with their Galaxy phone, tablet, and laptop utilizing a single keyboard and mouse.
– Second Screen allows the tablet to serve as an external display for Windows PCs.
– The included S Pen turns the tablet into a digital notebook or drawing pad.
These capabilities elevate tablets beyond mere oversized smartphones, establishing them as genuine productivity instruments capable of managing an array of tasks.
### 4. **The Surge of Budget-Friendly Choices**
While premium tablets such as the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and iPad Pro lead the high-end market, there are also numerous budget-friendly options for those who don’t require top-notch performance. Amazon’s Fire Tablets, for example, are quite affordable, with models like the Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 often used as entry-level devices for casual users. Even Amazon’s premium Fire Max 11 is competitively priced against other high-end tablets.
Likewise, Lenovo provides a broad selection of tablets, from the economical Tab M8 to the top-tier Tab Extreme. With a diverse array of options spanning various price ranges, there’s a tablet suitable for everyone, whether seeking a basic media device or a robust productivity solution.
### 5. **Tablets Serving as Smart Home Hubs**
Another intriguing trend in the tablet landscape is their incorporation into smart home ecosystems. Both Amazon and Google have advocated using tablets as smart home displays. Amazon’s Fire Tablets can function as Alexa-equipped smart displays, while
