I've been fascinated with tablets since the Windows XP Tablet Edition days, so I pay close attention to the market. Apple may have redefined the game with the first iPad back in 2010, but since then Android has built a solid app game as well. These days, getting a high-quality tablet at a low price is a bit easier, especially on Black Friday.
When I review tablets, I'm looking for some basic things. The screen must be bright, have a sharp resolution, run smooth animations, and be responsive to touch input. Performance needs to be swift enough to run your favorite apps and games, and storage should be vast enough to store all your media. I also want to see that the manufacturer will provide software and security upgrades for at least a few years.
Look for deals that offer a 20% or higher discount and stick with brands like Amazon, Apple, and Samsung. Just keep in mind that Amazon tablets don't support the Google Play Store, so their app selection is limited. Here's a look at my favorite Black Friday tablet deals so far.
And don't forget to check out our editor-curated mega-list of all the Best Early Black Friday Deals.
The Best Apple iPad Deal
Apple iPad (10th Gen) – A$486 (was $599, 19% off)
The Apple iPad (10th Gen) is an Editors' Choice winner and one of our favorite tablets at PCMag because it can perform everyday tasks exceptionally well, has a beautiful screen, and even has good cameras. Amazon offers several iPads at a discount, but the one to look for is the standard Apple iPad. Normally, it retails for A$599, but that price will be A$486 or lower on Black Friday. And since this is an iPad, you're sure to get updates for years.
A Big Discount on an Already Affordable Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – A$347 (was $399, 13% off)
The Editors'-Choice-winning Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the best Android tablet for the price, but the 128GB model is getting a big Black Friday discount ($52 off). You get an 11-inch LCD with a refresh rate of 90Hz, which means your media will look buttery smooth smooth. The Tab A9+ can handle basic tasks like browsing, shopping, and playing casual games quite well. Plus, it will receive OS and security updates until 2027, so it'll be safe for several years.
An Excellent Android Tablet at an Excellent Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – A$799 (was $999, 20% off)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, another Editors' Choice winner, is an excellent tablet that's getting a big discount this shopping season. It typically starts at A$999.99, which gets you a big 12.4-inch display, long battery life, good performance, and an S Pen stylus. It's also one of the few tablets with an IP68 rating, which means you can bring it to the pool. For Black Friday, the Tab S9 FE+ gets a nice 20% price cut, bringing it down to $799.99. The S9 FE+ justifies its near-$1,000 price with a collection of great features. At just under $800, it's a steal.
Make sure to scope out our Black Friday hub for up-to-the-minute deals on all the tech you want most.