Topic: Advice needed: buying a tablet

[Beorning]

Hi there, guys!

So, I'm thinking of buying a tablet. And I could use some advice, because I'm not sure on what to choose?

Firstly - I did some research and it seems that the available options back here amount to Samsung, Lenovo and Huawei. I am *not* touching Huawei, considering their problems... When I compare Samsung and Lenovo, Lenovo tablets seem somewhat cheaper - my question is: are they safe? From what I read, Lenovo is a Chinese company, too. So, is there a risk of them getting embargoed by the US government and ending up in similar situation to Huawei?

Secondly - should I pick up a Wi-Fi tablet or a Wi-Fi + LTE tablet? I plan to use the tablet mostly to run wargaming apps (like Infinity Army), reading comics and checking the Internet. I don't plan on watching movies or taking it outside too often. Also, I have a phone that can work as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot... So, do I really need an LTE modem? It'd allow me to save about 30 EUR, if went with just a Wi-Fi option.

Thirdly - how much of a concern is the Android version? Affordable Lenovo tablets seem to run on Android 9, Samsung has a comparable (but slightly more expensive) tablets with Android 10. Is it better to invest into a newer Android version? Or is Lenovo going to release an Android 10 update for their tablets anyway?

Any help?

[Vekseid]

If a company hasn't pushed a laptop to Android 11 it probably isn't getting it. That said AFAIK most Samsung products to get Android 10 were also getting Android 11. You may want to check the list as Samsung committed to another year of updates over most competition.

Getting the LTE option is just convenient. If it isn't worth 30 Euros to you (on top of the cost of getting a new plan for it) that's that.

I've never much cared for Lenovo after what they did to the Thinkpad line, personally. That said, it is only my view.


Another option you may wish to check are touch-capable chromebooks. Many of these can run most Android apps (mine can), double as a cheap computer and are much friendlier to type on.

[Beorning]

Okay, thanks :) I checked both Samsung and Lenovo update plans and I found a sensible Lenovo tablet that should be getting Android 10 update. It seems to have everything I need and is cheaper than a comparable Samsung tablet.

Just to make sure: you haven't heard anything that would you make stay away from Lenovo - in the sense of possible Huawei-style sanctions etc.?

[Vekseid]

I mean, they've had their share of pre-installed spyware scandals. However Samsung isn't actually that much better in this regard, and presumably Lenovo has been doing better since they got caught.

Chinese companies may end up facing a large-scale reckoning, but it probably wouldn't impact you as a tablet owner.

[Beorning]

I see.

Well, in the meantime, I bought Lenovo (Tab M10 Plus). I must say that, so far, I'm extremely satisfied with it :)