You may have noticed tablets growing progressively larger, more powerful, and closer to portable desktop replacements than oversized phones. With advanced components that rival laptops and expansive, brilliant displays, today‘s jumbo tablets provide an unparalleled mobile computing experience.
In this guide just for you, I‘ll showcase the 5 most massive and capable tablets available in 2023 for business, creative work, gaming and beyond. You‘re going to be amazed at what these ultra-large tablets can do!
Why Bigger Tablets Are Becoming So Popular
The average tablet screen size has steadily increased over the past decade:
2013 - 8.8 inches
2018 - 9.7 inches
2023 - 11.5 inches (and growing)According to TechRepublic analyst Bill Detwiler, "Consumers increasingly value large displays with slim bezels for an engrossing viewing experience."
And Jack Gold of J.Gold Associates states, "People now use tablets for productivity and content creation, which demand more real estate."
I certainly benefit from the additional flexibility and precision when using graphics apps on my 12.9" iPad. Big tablets truly excel at:
- Immersive multimedia
- Multitasking
- Creative work
- Serious gaming
They‘ve consequently seen massive sales growth, especially at the high end. Dedicated users gladly pay a premium for the increased functionality.
Now let‘s explore the 5 most impressive, maximum-sized tablets that push the boundaries of mobile computing.
#1: Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022)
The iPad Pro 12.9 remains the leader of the big-tablet pack, delivering stunning visuals, desktop-grade Apple silicon, and an unrivaled ecosystem of accessories.
Display
- 12.9" 2732×2048 Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED
- Up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content
- ProMotion (10-120Hz adaptive refresh)
- True Tone and P3 wide color support
Performance
- New Apple M2 chip: Nearly 15% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU vs. M1
- Up to 16GB RAM and 2TB storage
Battery Life
- Up to 10 hours mixed usage
- Fast-charging 50% in 30 minutes via Thunderbolt
Features
- 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras with LiDAR scanner
- 5G cellular data
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5
- Works seamlessly with Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil 2 and AirPods
Pricing
||128GB|512GB|1TB|2TB|
|—|:—:|:—:|:—:|:—:|
|Wi-Fi|$1099|$1299|$1699|$2199|
|Cellular|$1299|$1499|$1899|$2399|
I chose the latest 12.9" iPad Pro because it offers an unrivaled intersection of performance, display excellence and globally leading accessory support.
The stunning XDR display hits 1600 nits peak brightness for unbelievable dynamic range and blooming HDR highlights. Apple‘s cutting-edge M2 silicon unlocks desktop-class processing clout for demanding creative work and high-end gaming.
This tablet screams premium quality through and through. Plus, it works seamlessly with accessories like the famous Magic Keyboard with trackpad.
For power users seeking the ultimate massive tablet, look no further than the 2022 12.9” iPad Pro.
Downsides
- Very expensive, especially higher-capacity models
- Accessories like the Magic Keyboard add several hundred dollars
- Massive footprint could be cumbersome for some users
#2: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Do you demand an even larger screen? Samsung‘s S8 Ultra is one of the biggest tablets available at nearly 15 inches diagonally.
Display
- Massive 14.6" 2960×1848 Super AMOLED screen
- Buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate
- 270,560 total pixels for spectacular sharpness
- Certified for 100% DCI-P3 cinematic color
Performance
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip
- Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
- Hardware-accelerated DeX desktop interface
Battery Life
- 112Wh battery size
- Up to 7 hours video playback
Features
- Precise S Pen included
- Quad speakers tuned by AKG
- Dual 12MP front and 12MP rear camera system
Pricing
||128GB|256GB |512GB|
|—|:—:|:—:|:—:|
|MSRP |$1099|$1199|$1399|
I chose the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra because nothing else replicates its engulfing cinematic display at this size. The nearly 15-inch Super AMOLED panel has incredible contrast for true blacks and life-like vibrancy.
Samsung pairs that viewing experience with fully flagship performance via the Snapdragon 8 platform, up to 16GB of memory, smooth 120Hz visuals and even sophisticated DeX desktop integration. Plus, the included S Pen makes it phenomenal for digital art.
If you want the biggest digital canvas money can buy, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra delivers in spades.
Downsides
- Battery life somewhat limited versus rivals
- Extremely expensive
- Massive size won‘t suit all use cases
- No microSD expansion
#3: Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
Need a big screen without breaking the bank? The impressive Lenovo Tab P12 Pro brings a vibrant 12.6" OLED display and high-end parts for under $1000.
Display
- 12.6" OLED panel with Dolby Vision HDR
- 2560×1600 resolution
- 16:10 aspect ratio great for web browsing
Performance
- Snapdragon 870 chipset
- 8GB RAM
- Up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
Battery
- 10,200 mAh capacity
- 10+ hours video playback
Features
- Quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos
- micro HDMI input for displays/projectors
- 13MP rear / 16MP front cameras
Pricing
| Config | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 128GB | $779 |
| Wi-Fi | 256GB | $850 |
| 5G | 256GB | $950 |
The Tab P12 Pro stands out through its stunning OLED display that brings colors to life. An OLED panel offers perfect inky blacks too.
Hardware includes the high-performance Snapdragon 870 platform, a healthy 8 gigs of RAM and your choice of spacious 128 or 256GB storage tiers. Battery life reliably hits 10+ hours as well thanks to the over 10,000 mAh power pack.
And immersive Dolby Atmos quad speakers complement the brilliant visuals for multimedia bliss. At under $1000, this tablet massively overdelivers.
Downsides
- Accessory support less extensive than iPad
- Camera quality trails rivals
- Odd 16:10 aspect ratio
#4: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
If the S8 Ultra stretches both your budget and your bag, Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab S8+ still pampers you with a huge, cinematic 12.4” Super AMOLED screen for over $200 less.
Display
- 12.4" 2800×1752 Super AMOLED panel
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- Featuring HDR10+ high dynamic range
Performance
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- Standard 8GB RAM
- 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage tiers
Battery Life
- 10,090 mAh battery capacity
- Officially rated for up to 13 hours video
Features
- Built-in S Pen docked magnetically
- Quad speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos 3D audio
- 13MP rear / 12MP ultra-wide front cameras
Pricing
||128GB|256GB|
|—:|:—:|:—:|
|MSRP|$899|$999|
The Galaxy Tab S8+ retains the same phenomenal Super AMOLED screen technology seen in pricier Samsung models for true, inky black levels and intensely vibrant images.
You also get flagship-tier Snapdragon 8 processing technology, a generous base 128 gigs of storage, an integrated S Pen for drawing/writing and Dolby Atmos-enhanced quad speakers.
For $200+ less than the equally vast S8 Ultra, it‘s a more accessible entry point to Samsung‘s leading oversized tablet lineup if your needs lean more entertainment than productivity.
Downsides
- Battery life trails the iPad Pro
- Only 8GB RAM
- No microSD expansion
- Even pricier keyboard case
#5: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Prefer the flexibility of full Windows over iPadOS or Android on a large tablet? Microsoft‘s Surface Pro 8 brings Windows 11 versatility to a slick 13" PixelSense touch display.
Display
- 13" 2880×1920 panel at 201 pixels per inch
- 10-point multi-touch PixelSense surface
- Up to 120Hz screen refresh for smoothness
Performance
- From Intel Core i5 up to i7 processors
- Removable solid-state drive with up to 1TB capacity (+ cloud storage)
- Up to 32GB RAM on top configs
Battery Life
- Rated up to 16 hours typical usage
- Fast charging to 80% in about an hour
Features
- 1080p front-facing camera with Windows Hello
- Dolby Atmos dual far-field Studio Mics
- Full range of Windows 11 applications
- Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port
Pricing
| Model | Storage | RAM | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5/8GB | 128GB SSD | 8GB | $999 |
| Core i5/16GB | 256GB SSD | 16GB | $1299 |
| Core i7/32GB | 1TB SSD | 32GB | $2,599 |
The Surface Pro 8 earns a spot on this list by bringing full desktop-class Windows 11 versatility to a tablet chassis with ample screen real estate. Between the 13” PixelSense display, silky 120Hz visuals and serious configuration options spanning Intel 12th Gen Core i5/i7 CPUs, up to 32 gigs of RAM and 1TB SSD options, it outmuscles traditional tablets.
Deploy it with the compact Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2 for a surprisingly capable road warrior workstation. And the built-in kickstand enables easy switching between tablet and laptop modes.
If you need the flexibility of real Windows within an ultra-portable tablet design, the Surface Pro 8 is an singular choice.
Downsides
- Slightly shorter battery life versus rivals
- Accessories like the keyboard add cost
- DisplayP3 and brightness lag dedicated tablets
- Windows 11 touch optimization still imperfect
What To Look For in a Max-Sized Tablet
If these mega tablets have you ready to level up your mobile productivity and entertainment, keep these aspects in mind while comparing options:
Display Technology – Opt for OLED panels where possible for perfect contrast and HDR color. Also confirm screen size, resolution sharpness, rated nits brightness, refresh rate (60-120Hz), touch points and accessories like stylus support.
Performance – Processing clout is critical, especially for intensive gaming, video editing and 3D design work. Look for Snapdragon 8 Series Gen 1 or equivalent chips on Android models, and M-Series Apple silicon or 11th/12th Gen Intel Core configurations for Apple and Windows devices respectively. 8GB+ RAM is recommended, along with at least 128GB storage.
Battery & Charging – Look up both manufacturer battery longevity estimates and empirical reviewer testing results. Also confirm charging technology and speeds supported. Tablets charge substantially slower than phones, so plan charging times into your daily workflow.
Accessories – Accessories like keyboard cases, styli and adapters can greatly expand these tablets‘ capabilities for content creation versus pure consumption. However many accessories brand-lock you, so sticking to one vendor often makes sense.
Operating System – Your preferences for iPadOS, Android or Windows should play into your decision significantly. Each brings pros and cons regarding app ecosystems, interfaces optimiziation, multitasking capabilities and external monitor support. There‘s no universally "best" platform.
Using these aspects to narrow your options, you‘ll identify the appropriately massive tablet that upgrades your life through upgrades screen size, performance and functionality. It‘s an investment sure to pay dividends in enjoyment and daily productivity boosts.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
