It is evident that if we do not have a budget limit, there are not many reasons not to get directly with a iPad Pro 10.5a Galaxy Tab S3 or any of the highest level Windows tablets, but even if we are willing to make a strong investment, the reality is that their prices are well above what was previously the norm, even for high-end tablets: which are the better alternatives what we have?
The problem: the strange 10-inch landscape in 2017
As we already mentioned when reviewing the best 10-inch tablets of 2017 (from what we have of it), we find that a huge polarization is taking place that is leaving us in a somewhat strange situation: spectacular tablets have been presented with prices ranging from 600 euros up and very good mid-range tablets, which cost 300 euros or less, but there is nothing in between. To that we must add the prices, normally around 1000 euros, of professional tablets, if we also take into account the best 12-inch tablets.
The point is that, as is to be expected, the difference between these two extremes is not only notable in prices, but also in technical specifications. What happens then if we want something more than what the mid-range offers us? Is it our only option to invest around 200 euros more than any other year? Of course, it will be worth it for the most demanding users, but if it is not our case, what alternatives have?
Tablets somewhat older, but still fully valid
The first option to consider is to look back at somewhat older models. It is true that it is not an option that is particularly attractive, but it is also true that tablets do not age as fast as other devices and that, in general, we tend to renew them less frequently than smartphones. It is certainly the reason why some of the more interesting high-end models have simply not been renewed in a long time, as is the case of the Pixel C.
The tablet of GoogleIn addition, it has not been lowered a penny since its launch, but for $500 and considering its technical specifications, it was already an adjusted price from the beginning. Other interesting tablets, however, have dropped in price with the launch of new models, such as the Galaxy Tab S2 or of iPad Pro 9.7. In the case of the tablet Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), It may not be so worth it, because we are talking about a tablet that still costs $600 (the best price with which it is usually found) and we lose a lot perhaps for what we save, but with the tablet of Samsung our we save more than 200 euros and it's still a great device.
Smaller tablets but at a great level
Although the format of compact tablets is somewhat questioned, we find that what we lack in the 10-inch field we do have in the 8 inchesHigh-end tablets, with great technical specifications but still reasonably priced. One of the most recommended options in this direction is the MediaPad M3, which to the Quad HD resolution, the Kirin 950 processor and the 4 GB of RAM memory (among many other virtues) adds that of having an even slightly larger screen (8.4 inches) and is for about $350.
The other great option, of course, is to get a Mi Pad 3, which will be even cheaper (as always, keep in mind that there are many variations in price and shipping conditions and guarantees, but it is usually found without problem for around 250 €s). Perhaps the only downside we can put it is that the processor is Mediatek, but we already saw in our ranking of the most powerful tablets of the moment that its records were pretty good anyway.
Import Windows Tablets
With the reference to the tablet of Xiaomi We have already taken the first step in another direction that is worth exploring if we are looking for tablets of a certain level, especially if we are interested in Windows hybrids. Although the premium version of the Miix 320, sold for $450, It is an option to always take into account, we are even more in mid-range parameters, with Full HD resolution and Intel Atom processors.
If we go back to brands Chinese low-costHowever, we can already find some models with an Intel Core m3 processor, such as the Cube i7 Book or the Teclast X5 Pro. Or if our priority more than an extra in the performance section is a higher quality screen, we can turn to the Cube iWork 3X, which boasts of arriving with the same screen as the Surface Pro 4.
The iPad 9.7 as an affordable alternative to the iPad Pro 10.5
As we said when discussing which could be considered the best mid-range tablet right now, even if right now it represents the most affordable alternative in the catalog of Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC),, it is difficult to consider iPad 9.7, sold for $400, like a mid-range tablet. In fact, its price places it precisely in that range that the high-end range has always occupied and that has now been a bit deserted.
And it must be said in its favor that the user experience it gives us corresponds quite well after all with what we expect from a high-end tablet. It cannot boast of having a refresh rate of 120 Hz or of being as powerful as a MacBook, but it does reach the best Android tablets in performance and its image quality is very good, holding the type quite well even compared to the Galaxy Tab S3. It does not have support for the Apple Pencil and it must be recognized that we very much miss the laminate on the screen, but otherwise, few problems can be put, and with iOS 11, Even less.
What we still have to see
Before finishing, we have to remember that, in any case, we still have half a year ahead of us and we do not know the surprises that 2017 may still bring us. We know, for example, that Samsung is working on new Galaxy Tab A2, and they may include a premium model that can help fill this gap. And we have the IFA already quite close, a stage in which Lenovo y Huawei they've presented us with some of their best Android tablets in other years.