The biggest challenge in coming up with a list of the best
Android 4.0
tablets was deciding whether to include only tablets that shipped with the OS installed or to also include Android 3.0 tablets that are upgradable.
However, once I realized that a “shipped with only” didn’t fully represent Android tablets the way they should, the challenge of choosing became much easier.
So here it is. My list of the top (shipping with or upgradable to) Android 4.0 tablets (so far). Also, if you’ve no idea what Android 4.0 (also known as Ice Cream Sandwich) is, the video up top should fill in the blanks.
All tablets should be using IPS or PLS panels. The A510 uses neither and (although you can’t tell in this shot) suffers for it.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
Acer Iconia Tab A510
Still a bit expensive compared with what the rest of this list offers, but the Acer Iconia Tab A510 gets points for Tegra 3 power, expandable storage, and Micro-HDMI. Read the full review.
The first Samsung tablet to ship with Android 4.0. Hopefully, we’ll see some OS updates to its previously released tablets as well.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
Though 7-inch Android 4.0 tablets will likely soon be even cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0′s $250 price, for now, this is one of the highest value, full Android 7-inchers on the market. Read the full review.
I’ve definitely warmed up the to the folded-back-magazine look and feel of the Tablet S.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
Sony Tablet S
Sony recently bestowed an Android 4.0 upgrade onto the Tablet S while retaining the very distinct Sony aesthetic as well as its software features. Also, with its new, lower price, the S is actually one of the better tablet buys right now.
Read the full review.
Yep. GPS actually (and officially) works here. No dongle required.
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
Asus Transformer Pad TF300
The best full-size Android tablet value out there. It includes the expected extras like Micro-HDMI and expandable storage, but also a powerful Tegra 3 processor and a pretty fantastic camera.
Read the full review.
Yep, I’m still waiting for Bladeslinger…
(Credit:
Josh Miller/CNET)
Asus Transformer Prime TF201
The current big daddy of Android tablets, with fast performance, sensible and durable design, and a robust feature set, the Prime isn’t only the best Android 4.0 tablet, but is second only to the
iPad as the overall best tablet available.
Read the full review.
Looking for specs and pricing? Compare these tablets head-to-head.
