Best New Tablet of the Year – Winner: Apple iPad Air (M3)
Foundry
Apple continues to lead the tablet market with the impressive iPad Air (M3), offering exceptional performance and a high-quality display in a sleek design. With its M3 chipset, the iPad Air delivers outstanding speed and efficiency, complemented by an 11- or 13-inch screen that rivals OLED displays. Despite its premium build, the iPad Air remains lightweight and portable, making it ideal for everyday use.
Apple still has the slight upper hand when it comes to tablets, and the iPad Air is the jewel in its crown
The iPad Air excels in battery life, meeting Apple’s 10-hour claim and providing all-day productivity on a single charge. The tablet runs on iPadOS 26, offering enhanced multitasking features and access to a wide range of dedicated applications. While the iPad Air lacks Face ID and requires separate accessory purchases, it delivers a comprehensive tablet experience at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
Read our full Apple iPad Air M3 review.
Best New Tablet of the Year – First Runner-Up: Xiaomi Pad 7
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The Xiaomi Pad 7 stands out as an exceptional value, offering a complete Android tablet experience at an affordable price. With features like an 11-inch, 144Hz display and quad speakers, the Pad 7 provides an immersive multimedia experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, this tablet delivers reliable performance for both work and play.
In addition to its premium design and intuitive software, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers a range of optional accessories to enhance usability. Despite lacking a fingerprint scanner, the Pad 7 remains a top choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a high-quality tablet.
Read our full Xiaomi Pad 7 review.
$329
$379.99
Best New Tablet of the Year – Second Runner-Up: OnePlus Pad 3
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The OnePlus Pad 3 redefines affordability in the tablet market, offering premium features at a fraction of the cost. With a vibrant 13.2-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a massive 12,140mAh battery, the Pad 3 delivers flagship-level performance and functionality.
Boasting a premium build, dedicated multitasking features, and eight speakers, the OnePlus Pad 3 provides an exceptional user experience. While there are some drawbacks in accessories and software support, the Pad 3 remains a standout choice for those seeking a high-performance tablet without the premium price tag.
Read our full OnePlus Pad 3 review.
$599.99
For more top tablet recommendations, check out our comprehensive guide to the best tablets available. Stay tuned for additional 2025 award winners in the categories of phones, wearables, and more.
