Tablets are getting more powerful while laptops are becoming thinner and lighter. Both types of device can meet similar needs in terms of ergonomics and features. However, some characteristics you find on a laptop are missing from a tablet, and vice versa. How do you make the right choice between a laptop and a tablet? Find the answers in our guide.
Key criteria when choosing between a tablet and a laptop
User needs
Whether you are buying the device for yourself, for your child or for someone else, the way it will be used is crucial.
Studying
A PhD student needs a device that allows them to store their research and write their thesis. Having a keyboard is essential. They also need a device that is easy to carry around and offers good battery life.
Leisure
A teenager, on the other hand, will mostly use their device for entertainment: games, music, films, social media… They need something that slips easily into a bag and can be used anywhere (on the bed, on the tube).
Work
Professionals generally need a powerful tool that can handle office suites and work software. However, an architect’s needs will not be the same as those of a virtual assistant.
Mobility
A mobile professional uses their device to communicate with colleagues, keep an overview of their activities and work remotely. They also need a device that gives full access to collaborative tools. Portability and ease of use therefore need to be taken into account.
Family use
A family will be looking for a machine that balances everyone’s needs. In other words, one device for work, studying and entertainment.
Performance expectations
The performance of a tablet and a laptop is determined by the following elements.
The processor
To put it simply, this is the engine of your PC or your tablet. To gauge its power, check its frequency, expressed in Gigahertz (GHz). You should also look at the number of cores, which determines the device’s processing power and its ability to multitask. A Quad Core (4 cores) or more is standard if you want good performance.
RAM (memory)
This allows the device to keep current tasks in memory without saving them. In practice, higher RAM lets you run several different tasks without the machine crashing. From 8 GB upwards, your machine’s RAM will make it smoother and faster, whether it is a tablet or a laptop.
Storage
Storage determines how many files, apps and operating systems your device can keep in the long term. A storage capacity of 512 GB offers good performance.
Operating system
For laptops, Apple models run on macOS while most others run on Windows. Dell is one of the few manufacturers that produces some laptop models using the Linux system. For tablets, the most widely used operating systems are iOS and Android.
Battery life
For any portable device, a minimum of 8 hours’ battery life is reasonable. This matches a working day where the user is assumed to be away from home.
Tablet vs laptop: comparison
The tablet
What do we like about tablets?
- Compact size. On one side, there is the smartphone with its small screen (uncomfortable for browsing and viewing files). On the other, there is the laptop, which is heavier and bulkier. A tablet offers a good compromise between the two, combining light weight and performance.
- Touchscreen use. It is quick, intuitive and easy to get to grips with. If you need to do word processing, there are tablet models that come with a keyboard.
- Battery life. A tablet can run for up to 18 hours without being plugged into the mains.
- Price. A tablet is cheaper than a laptop.
What are the downsides?
- You cannot upgrade a tablet’s performance. It is impossible to add more RAM, fit a more powerful graphics chipset or overclock the processor.
- Tablet storage space is usually 32 or 64 GB, which is very modest. You will only very rarely find models with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage.
- Tablets are short on connectivity. They have fewer USB ports than a laptop, and it is rare to find an HDMI output.
The laptop
What do we like about laptops?
- Performance. A laptop’s ability to carry out computing tasks is high. Laptops are also used where specific performance is needed, for example in gaming.
- Screen size. A larger screen is much more comfortable for your eyes. With a 15‑inch screen, the size of numbers and letters is easy to read, and you can also enjoy images, videos and game detail.
- Storage capacity. It is easy to find laptops with 1 TB of storage (two times 512 GB). And if you use an SSD instead of a hard drive, you can have more than 2 TB of storage.
What are the downsides?
- A laptop is heavier and bulkier than a tablet.
- A laptop is also relatively more expensive than a tablet.
Conclusion
Your choice should be based on your needs, so you must take into account the characteristics of each type of device. A tablet is recommended for mobile use that does not require exceptional performance. Sending emails, posting on LinkedIn, managing tasks on Slack, browsing Instagram, listening to music, playing Candy Crush… You can do all of this on a tablet.
A laptop, on the other hand, is better suited to more advanced use. Its power, RAM and storage capacity make working much easier. This type of device can handle software that is demanding on resources. A laptop will also be more suitable if you need higher‑quality graphics.
