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Are you tired of lugging around your heavy laptop everywhere you go? Do you yearn for the convenience and portability of a tablet but worry about its capabilities for programming and coding? Well, fret no more!
In this blog post, I’ll share the five best tablets for programming in 2023. From powerful processors to ample storage options, each tablet on this list is specifically designed to cater to the needs of programmers and coders.
So, if you’re ready to find the perfect tablet for coding, read on!
What is The Best Tablet for Programming?
Read on for more details about each of them.
1. Apple iPad Pro – Our Top Pick
Whether you plan to use your tablet for programming or multitasking, the Apple iPad Pro is our top pick for 2023. It has a 12.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate to make gaming even more enjoyable.
Its 6th generation M2 chip packs a powerful punch, which makes it perfect for heavy computing. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is a visual treat as well. I
It’s not just about performance, though. Weighing just 1.03 lbs, this tablet is incredibly portable compared to a laptop. Its dual-camera setup, FaceID for added security, and compatibility with the coveted Apple Pencil make it versatile beyond gaming.
Specs Overview
- Screen Size – 12.9 inches
- Storage – 256 GB
- Display Resolution – 2732 x 2048 Pixels
- Weight – 1.5 lbs
- Chipset – M2 chip
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High refresh rate
- Vibrant liquid retina
- Access to large Apple app store
- It can be used with a Smart Keyboard for typing code
Cons
- Quite expensive than other Apple models
2. Apple iPad Air
Next up, we have the iPad Air with M1 chip.
The M1 processor in this sleek iOS tablet makes it a powerful software development device. That processor, the same powerhouse found in some of Apple’s latest laptops, makes sure your programming experience is uninterrupted.
This is important since you’ll want to avoid a situation where your IDE crashes on you midway through an intense, deep coding session.
And, with 256GB storage, most users will find enough space to store their files and apps.
While the Apple 2nd generation Pencil Compatibility hints at its versatility for design and note-taking, coders might find them useful for taking notes and drawing diagrams to picture and document your coding process.
The tablet’s up-to-10-hour battery life is also pretty resilient.
Specs
- Screen Size – 10.9 inches
- Storage – 256 GB
- Display Resolution – 2360 x 1640 pixels
- Weight – 1.0 lbs
- Chipset – M1 chip
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Immersive display
- Efficient thermal management
Cons
- Limited storage options
3. Samsung Galazy Tab S8+
Overview:
Next up, we have the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, which uses the Google Android operating system.
With its slim and compact design, this tablet is perfect for coding on the go. The lighter weight makes it easy to carry the device around without worrying about bulk or extra weight.
The 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display produces some of the best visuals you’ll find on a tablet, all while providing you with a smooth refresh display.
It also boasts one of the longest-lasting batteries available on a tablet, at 10,090mAh, making it ideal for all-day use while you’re working on your next programming project.
Key Features:
- Compact and slim design
- 12.4” Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Has microSDXC card external slot
- Supports S Pen
- Uses a high-performance Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Long battery life
Technical Specifications:
- Display: 12.4″ Super AMOLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Chipset
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB + expandable storage space via microSDXC card slot
- Connectivity: Wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
My Take:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is a great Android tablet who don’t need ultra-high specs and power. It’s an excellent alternative to all the Apple tablets.
The slim design makes it perfect for taking around with you without feeling too bulky. The Super AMOLED display also gives you superior visuals compared to standard tablet displays.
The S Pen support is also a great touch, as it allows you to quickly take notes and sketch diagrams for your anatomy and physiology lectures.
I really like how there’s also expandable storage space, which ensures that you’ll always have adequate storage space for storing all your files.
The long battery life makes it ideal for all-day use, ensuring that you’ll be able to stay focused in class without worrying about the battery running out halfway through.
If you need a specific app on the Google Play Store, this is also good for you.
All in all, the Tab S8+ is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful tablet. This is also a perfect starter tablet for medical students.
4. ASUS ROG Flow Z13
When it comes to having high performance on the go, ASUS has something quite compelling with the ROG Flow Z13 Tablet.
With its 13.4-inch touchscreen, which boasts a stunning 4K+ resolution, you’ll be treated with a sharp display that’s large enough to see more lines of code text. This option is great for programmers who want a good tablet that can run their favorite games too.
The detachable keyboard is not just a design gimmick; it’s genuinely useful for typing out your code.
Specs Overview
- Screen Size – 13.4 inches
- Storage – 512 GB
- Display Resolution – 1920 x 1200 pixels
- Weight – 2.6 lbs
- Chipset – NVIDIA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Detachable design with convenient keyboard
- Gaming-centric features
- High-performance GPU
Cons
- Bulkier than tablets
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
This ultra-powerful tablet is just what you need for working on complex coding tasks on a Windows tablet. Boasting a 2-in-1 format, the Surface Pro 9 combines the convenience and portability of a tablet with all the computing power of a laptop.
This is great for Windows users who prefer the feel and use of a laptop but with a versatile tablet mode, too.
It also has two USB Type-C ports to which you can plug in your headphones or earbuds, which is also excellent for storage of your external drives. And when it comes to battery life, the Surface Pro 9 will not let you down, counting up to 15 hours!
Specs Overview
- Screen Size – 13 Inches
- Storage – 256 GB
- Display Resolution – 2880 x 1920 pixels
- Weight – 1.9 lbs
- Chipset- Intel
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile form factor
- Long battery life
- Windows look and feel
- Wide app compatibility
- Supports Visual Studio Code
Cons
- Bulky
Related Questions
Can tablets be used for programming?
Yes, tablets can be used for programming. With the right specs and features, a tablet can be just as powerful as a laptop or desktop for coding and programming purposes.
Make sure to look out for the processor type, screen size, memory capacity and other relevant specifications when shopping for a tablet that’s suitable for your programming needs.
You’ll also want to find a tablet that’s compatible with keyboards like the Apple iPad Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro, and the Google Pixel Slate.
Which tablet is best for working professionals?
For working professionals, if you need a powerful device that can handle intensive tasks like multitasking or video/photo editing, then tablets such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ are great choices.
What is best for coding: a laptop or tablet?
A laptop may work better for coding if you need more powerful specs or a larger screen size. On the other hand, a tablet can be just as powerful as a laptop for programming tasks, but it offers more portability due to its smaller form factor.
The type of operating system may also be a main factor when deciding. If you prefer a Mac or Windows PC experience, then a laptop is better. However, the iPadOS, Android OS and Chrome OS operating system is also good enough for programming.
What do most coders use?
Most coders use a laptop or desktop computer to program. However, there is an increasing number of developers who are using tablets for this purpose due to their portability and powerful specs.
No matter what device you decide on, make sure the table supports your IDE and coding interface.
Can I code on an iPad?
Yes, you can code on an iPad. There are many apps available on the App store that allow you to code in various languages such as Python, JavaScript, Swift, and more. Some popular coding apps for iPad include Swift Playgrounds, Pythonista, and Codea.
Do tablets support the use of programming IDEs?
Yes, many tablets, particularly those that run on desktop operating systems like Windows or Linux, can support full-featured Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) just like a traditional laptop or desktop. However, keep in mind that not every IDE might be available or run smoothly on tablet devices.
Are tablets good for web development?
Tablets can be used for web development, particularly for lighter tasks such as designing and coding a simple website. However, for more complex tasks that require running a local server or using advanced development tools, a laptop or desktop computer is usually more suitable.
Can I run Linux on a tablet?
Yes, there are several tablets available in the market that can run Linux. However, installing Linux on a tablet isn’t always straightforward and may require some technical knowledge.
Always do your research and make sure the tablet you choose is compatible with the Linux distribution you want to install as well as the supported programming languages.
Final Thoughts
Tablets aren’t just for reading books or watching movies; they can be incredibly useful devices for programmers and coders. With the right specs, tablets are capable of running programming applications and IDEs while also offering portability that laptops can’t compete with.
I hope this article has been helpful in deciding the perfect tablet for programming for you!
