Do you need to buy a laptop, but a smaller model that can sometimes double as a tablet? A tablet with a keyboard is the best compromise for you. This hybrid model is easy to take with you everywhere. However, due to the wide variety of models available on the market, you might find it difficult to choose the ideal product. We invite you to consult our comparison and buying guide of the best tablets with keyboards on the market in 2020.
Comparison of the best tablets with keyboards in 2020
1. Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with keyboard: a screen with vibrant colors
Features and Reviews
Microsoft designed the Surface Pro 7 tablet with a keyboard to conquer the hybrid computer market. This sleek tablet offers exceptional power and performance, which is precisely why it remains at the top of our rankings. Thoughtfully designed, this tablet features a tilting kickstand on the back and a stylus on the side for added comfort while writing, drawing, and even browsing the web.
Versatile, it will allow you to tackle all kinds of tasks, from the most basic to the realization of your professional projects. Graphic designers who are always on the go can use it for their various projects. Its featherweight 800g makes the Surface Pro 7 tablet with keyboard a compact device that slips easily into a small bag. The manufacturer raises the bar above expectations with its 12.3-inch screen and 2K resolution (2736 x 1824).
The display quality is enhanced with crisp, precise details. Regarding connectivity, the manufacturer aimed for a slimmer design by incorporating USB-C and USB-A ports. The drawback is that the package doesn't include a keyboard, but you can invest in an inexpensive tablet keyboard and attach it to your device. We explain how to attach and detach a tablet keyboard in the FAQ section of this guide.
2. DuoduoGo P8: Inexpensive, but effective
Features and Reviews
If you're looking to buy a keyboard and tablet combo but are on a budget, the DuoduoGo P8 is for you. With a very satisfying Full HD finish, this tablet boasts a decent build quality. It features a 10-inch screen, a stylus, a mouse, a keyboard, a mini LED light, and a faux leather case for added protection during transport.
The included keyboard is nothing special, but the typing experience is similar to that of an entry-level laptop. The tablet runs on Android, but you can use it to run Microsoft Office without any problems. For under €100, this keyboard offers 64GB of storage, expandable with an additional 64GB SD card.
In terms of performance, this tablet is remarkably smooth, with apps opening quickly. It features a keyboard and 4GB of RAM, making it ideal for downloading games from the Play Store or streaming on Netflix. It also comes with 64GB of internal storage and 128GB of expandable memory. Its 1280 x 800p resolution allows you to watch movies and videos with a clear display. The device also supports 1080p HD video playback.
3. The Samsung Galaxy Book tablet with keyboard
Features and Reviews
For this Galaxy Book tablet with a keyboard, Samsung has gone all out. The manufacturer offers a well-made tablet with a high-quality design. In addition to nearly complete connectivity, performance is top-notch. Furthermore, a keyboard and stylus are included for better value. This Samsung Galaxy Book boasts an Intel Core i5-7200U processor with a clock speed of 2.5 to 2.71 GHz, supported by 4GB of RAM. It also features 128GB of SSD storage.
It's still unfortunate that the device won't allow you to play the latest generation of games with the best graphics. This is also true for Windowsultraportables. You'll be somewhat disappointed if you want to play trendy games with an Intel HD 620 graphics chip.
The device performs best with less demanding games and those from a few years ago. Choosing this tablet with a keyboard guarantees you'll benefit from a 12-inch Full HD touchscreen, an S Pen stylus, and a keyboard case. The presence of sensors enhances performance, including an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, and a Hall effect sensor.
4. The Chuwi Ubook tablet with keyboard: undeniable quality
Features and Reviews
This Chuwi Ubook tablet with a keyboard boasts a high-quality design. Positioned in the mid-range category, the tablet features a solid aluminum casing and is perfectly assembled. Weighing just 780g, it's a device you can easily take with you, despite its relatively substantial thickness. And the Ubook Pro tablet's considerable thickness isn't without reason. Its thickness allows for a wide range of ports.
While most high-end devices are limited to one or two USB-C ports, the Ubook Pro includes USB 3.1 and micro HDMI. This product features an 8th-generation Intel Core m3-8100Y processor. With such a processor, you don't need to be overly demanding. You'll be able to use it for browsing the internet and watching HD movies.
Video editing will be virtually impossible, however. This Chinese hybrid is primarily designed for basic uses such as text production thanks to its 3:2 aspect ratio screen. Indeed, a recurring slowdown is noticeable when opening applications or simply browsing Windows 10.
5. Philpad Xidu Tablet
Features and Reviews
If you're looking for an ultraportable tablet with a keyboard that offers excellent value for money, you've come to the right place. The Fipad Xidu tablet is a great choice. Lightweight yet long-lasting, it features an innovative processor that delivers impressive performance. During our testing of the Fipad Xidu tablet with a keyboard, we were delighted by its high-contrast matte screen and ultra-comfortable keyboard.
A true hybrid between a tablet and a computer, this device features a 13-inch screen and a detachable keyboard. Its Windows operating system makes it a versatile computer that you can use for office work, video games, or graphic design projects. Equipped with 128GB of SSD storage, the tablet also offers the option of adding a microSD card or an external hard drive if you wish to expand your storage space.
Furthermore, while the screen works perfectly with a stylus, it remains very sensitive when using your fingers. It's an excellent touchscreen. Let's applaud this ultraportable computer equipped with a Celeron processor and 6GB of RAM.
6. iPad Pro (2020 version)
Features and Reviews
If you're looking to buy a tablet that can double as a computer for work, you could opt for the 2020 iPad Pro, to which you can attach a keyboard and mouse. The device features an Apple A12Z processor, reminiscent of the architecture of the 2018 iPad Pro. It also has 8 cores clocked at 2.48 GHz. As for the GPU, it's the same model as its predecessor.
Despite everything, it remains fluid and fast, allowing you to perform office tasks and download demanding games with relative speed. This performance is comparable to that of a low-power Intel Core chip. Like the iPad Pro tablets, the 2020 iPad Pro features IPS technology. The 11-inch screen offers a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, while the 12.9-inch screen boasts a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels.
Furthermore, the device offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations. Regarding battery life, Apple states that the device can operate for ten hours continuously, but the actual battery life of your iPad will depend on your usage. It's important to know that the device consumes almost no power in standby mode.
Here you will find the keyboard suitable for the iPad Pro
7. Lenovo Miix 630
Features and Reviews
Those looking for a Windows 10 2-in-1 laptop with a Qualcomm processor, most likely for the impressive battery life these machines boast, would do well to check out Lenovo's offering. The Miix 630 is powered by a Snapdragon 835 chip, which gives it just about enough power under the hood; more than previous, rather weak Snapdragon laptops.
This is a cleverly designed 2-in-1 tablet with a superb 12.3-inch screen, and Lenovo equips the Miix 630 not only with a detachable keyboard cover but also a stylus. There are caveats with Qualcomm-powered Windows 10 machines, in that you can't expect full-throttle performance, but the 630 is solid enough for everyday general computing.
Furthermore, it runs Windows 10 S mode by default, but this can easily be changed. Finally, note that you can purchase versions of this machine with a traditional Intel Core i3 or i5 processor.
8. Google Pixel Slate: Best tablet running Chrome OS
Features and Reviews
We should say from the outset that Google's Pixel Slate is a nice niche offering, but if you want a tablet and keyboard combo running Chrome OS, then this is the best choice. The Slate is a well-designed device with a beautiful screen that really makes colors pop. It also boasts good battery life, and the keyboard cover itself is a pretty decent accessory.
So, at first glance, this is a solid tablet offering, but one of the main drawbacks is the price: you pay a lot for undeniable performance. The device features an eighth-generation Intel Core i5 processor. The processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage make it a high-performance device.
You can buy the Pixel Slate bundled with the keyboard from some online retailers, but the price is, frankly, quite exorbitant; even for the base model, which only has a Core m3 processor. So that's something to keep in mind: to spend that much, you'll need a serious desire to have Chrome OS on a 2-in-1 tablet.
Why choose a tablet with a keyboard?
More and more tablets are appearing on the market. Many of them are proving to be as powerful as computers. Equipped with a backlit keyboard or not, they are definitively hybrid devices designed for more comfortable use. Buying a tablet with a keyboard offers numerous advantages. The first benefit is that you will be able to use your tablet with a keyboard not as a conventional touchscreen tablet, but as a traditional laptop.
For added comfort, you can place it on a desk with a keyboard, just like a laptop. Alternatively, you can hold it in the palm of your hand to take notes with a stylus or even play a game on the touchscreen while comfortably lying in bed. There are plenty of ways to use a tablet with a keyboard. While this device is a practical work tool, it's also a fairly complete entertainment device.
Unlike a PC, a tablet with a keyboard is compact, making it incredibly practical for people who enjoy outdoor activities or for mobile workers who are always on the go. Its compact size makes it undeniably easy to take with you everywhere. In addition to its easy storage, a hybrid tablet with a keyboard takes up less space than a traditional laptop.
Unlike a standard tablet, a tablet with a keyboard offers a more comfortable working experience. Gone are the days of typing emails using the touchscreen. With a keyboard, you save time and can type anything with ease, thanks to the available keyboard, just like using a computer.
If you do photo editing, drawing, or video editing, you'll be delighted by all the possibilities a tablet with a keyboard offers. The added bonus of a keyboard tablet is that you can use it with a mouse or switch to a stylus without having to change devices, making it even more convenient.
What about the disadvantages?
While tablets with keyboards offer a high level of portability, their main drawback is the screen size, which is limited to a maximum of 12 inches. For many, this size is insufficient for everyday use. However, for those who need a compact and portable device, a larger screen is perfectly acceptable.
Furthermore, laptops offer better processing performance than tablets with keyboards. The processor in laptops is also more powerful than that in tablets with keyboards. In terms of storage, tablet memory is more expensive than laptop memory.
How to choose the best tablet with a keyboard?
A tablet with a keyboard is primarily aimed at people who need to use a laptop without the bulk. Its key feature is its lightweight design. Furthermore, a tablet with a keyboard is equipped with a touchscreen to help you perform all the tasks you would normally do on a PC: games, image editing, video editing and playback, web browsing, and more.
However, innovative models are constantly emerging in an ever-growing market. Brands are continuously designing new models, making choosing the best tablet with a keyboard a complex task. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a tablet.
The screen
When you want to buy a tablet with a keyboard, the screen is the first thing to consider. There are two main types of screens on the market: OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode). These screens offer better responsiveness and image quality.
Revolutionary keyboard tablets feature state-of-the-art "Super AMOLED" screens. This type of screen is offered exclusively by Samsung. These tablets are quite expensive, but they benefit from technology with vibrant colors and exceptional brightness.
Screen size is also a crucial factor to consider when choosing a tablet with a keyboard. Tablet screen sizes typically range from 7" to 12", a size very close to that of a computer. The market offers a wide variety of choices and options, but 8" and 10" are generally considered the most common.
However, it's essential to choose a screen size based on how you intend to use it. A very small screen is best if you plan to use your tablet as a complement to your smartphone or laptop. However, for those who want to use their device for reading, writing, or watching videos, a 10- to 12-inch screen is preferable.
Operating system
Choosing a tablet with a keyboard shouldn't be rushed. While you're at it, it's important to pay close attention to the operating system. On the market, you'll find tablets with keyboards running windows, Android, or iOS. The choice will largely depend on your level of expertise with the operating system you're considering, as well as your personal tastes and preferences.
It's important to note that Android tablets benefit from technology developed by Google. However, if you're set on an Android tablet, it's best to choose a cutting-edge model rather than an older one.
While Android tablets are designed by Google, Windows tablets are designed by Microsoft. In this regard, the manufacturer offers its latest version, which is none other than Windows 10. The major advantage of the Windowsoperating system is the ability to install a wide range of apps. The interface is user-friendly with appealing visuals. Ergonomic and with a Windows keyboard, the tablet is significantly improved for touchscreens.
As for iOS tablets, they are primarily aimed at Apple fans. Tablets with an iOS keyboard are also called iPads. Apple is a brand that appeals to people for whom security is paramount and who want to keep their data online and safe from hackers. However, the iPad doesn't offer much flexibility when it comes to downloading apps.
What storage capacity should I choose?
Storage capacity on a tablet with a keyboard refers to the amount of information it can store in its memory. This can include applications, videos, photos, or documents. For this type of device, storage capacity can range from 16GB to 1TB.
It's also important to remember that all tablets store information using flash memory or SSDs, while others use hard drives. However, your choice of storage capacity will depend on how you intend to use your tablet with a keyboard.
32 GB is more than enough storage space for people who will only occasionally read and back up files. If you plan to store movies and drawing applications, you're better off with 64 GB or 128 GB.
A great tip for storing more documents on your tablet is to get an SD card designed for tablets with a keyboard. With a memory card, you can maximize your storage capacity without having to buy a newer tablet model. It's an effective and less expensive solution. However, you must ensure that the tablet you choose has an SD or microSD card slot; otherwise, you won't be able to add an SD card.
Autonomy
Battery life is one of the essential aspects to consider when choosing a tablet with a keyboard. As a mobile device, you'll need a tablet that can last around 7 hours, especially if you're constantly on the go. However, if you use your tablet at home, you can plug it into a power outlet and therefore opt for a model with less battery life.
Typical tablet use, whether for browsing the internet, watching videos, or typing, requires batteries that can last more than 6 hours. Tablets that connect to a keyboard dock can offer up to 12 hours of battery life, as the keyboard includes a backup battery that can take over.
Connectivity
When choosing a tablet with a keyboard, connectivity is also a key consideration. Most tablets have three main types of connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G/4G.
- Wi-Fi: This technology allows you to connect your tablet to the internet wirelessly. You simply need an internet router that you can use wherever you are. The device connects to it, and you can browse the web with ease.
- Bluetooth: As a wireless connection, it allows you to link your tablet to a keyboard, mouse, or headset. This technology also enables you to send and receive audio, video, and image files to any device connected to the same Bluetooth network.
- 3G/4G: With this technology, you can use the internet on your tablet without relying on Wi-Fi. However, you will need a specific data plan for this type of use.
Power and performance
Performance levels generally depend on the type of processor used, but also on the amount of RAM. If you're looking for a tablet with a keyboard for sending emails, typing texts, and playing basic games like Candy Crush, a device with 3GB of RAM should be sufficient.
However, you'll need above-average power if you want to open multiple pages simultaneously or run several applications in the background. In this case, an Intel Pentium Gold processor and 4GB of RAM will likely suffice. Furthermore, if you plan to use your tablet with a keyboard intensively or install video editing software, you should opt for a higher-performance hybrid tablet.
Accessories and design quality
Entry-level tablets with keyboards typically feature an all-plastic chassis. Their screen protectors are always more prone to scratches than those on more robust models. Beyond the fragility of the connectors, the lifespan of these low-end devices is quite limited. In contrast, mid-range tablets are much more commonly made of aluminum and offer a more acceptable lifespan.
Of course, at this level, the keyboard performs quite well. People who use it daily will need responsive keys with a typing quality similar to that of a traditional laptop. Keyboards sold with Samsung or Microsoft tablets are undeniably high quality. That said, it's not impossible to get a tablet and then adapt it with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Backlight
Buying a tablet with a keyboard isn't something to be done haphazardly. While some have a backlit keyboard, others don't. Backlit keyboards allow you to work even in dim or dark environments.
Stylus or not?
The stylus on hybrid tablets makes note-taking, drawing, and photo editing easier. Even a tablet with a keyboard is already touch-sensitive; the stylus offers more options for use.
FAQs about the best tablet with a keyboard
Should we still consider a 3G/4G tablet?
YES, absolutely! This type of tablet is ideal for browsing the internet, especially in places where you don't have access to Wi-Fi. Examples include public transport, restaurants, and shops.
Using a tablet with a keyboard will allow you to watch videos, download files or reply to emails, regardless of your geographical location.
Which case is right for your tablet with a keyboard?
A tablet, whether equipped with a keyboard or not, is never completely safe from scratches. To better protect it, it's best to use a sleeve or case. This will also protect it from frequent use by children. For a tablet with a keyboard, you'll find it easier to use your device if you choose a case specifically designed for the model.
In this case, you'll have to forgo "back cover" cases, which only protect the back of the tablet. Cases with an integrated keyboard will be your best bet. With this accessory, you'll be able to type long texts. It's a practical accessory if you want to use your device on trains but don't want to carry a traditional laptop.
Conclusion
You now know how to choose a tablet with a keyboard. In our buying guide, we've given you all the helpful tips to get started. If it still seems difficult, you can always opt for the models presented in our comparison. This will save you a lot of time and allow you to choose a model that suits your needs.
