Tablet versus Smartphone: Uncovering the Advantages and Disadvantages
- 1 What is a tablet?
- 2 What is a smartphone?
- 3 How tablets outweigh the benefits of smartphones
- 4 How smartphones outweigh the benefits of tablets
- 4.1 Integrated calling feature
- 4.2 Better connectivity options
- 4.3 Frequent updates
- 4.4 Advanced GPS
- 4.5 More bang for your bucks
- 5 Which one is better for whom?
- 6 The bottom line
Every year, the market is flooded with innovative and modernised digital devices. The reason why they are well-received is their advanced features that have made the lives of people much more convenient. Posting images and collecting information online are two prominent reasons why people use digital devices, according to a survey.
However, when it comes to choosing between a tablet or a smartphone, you often get confused about your preferences and take unduly longer time to arrive at a decision. This article discusses the advantages and drawbacks of both, so you can decide which one fulfils your needs.
What is a tablet?
A tablet is similar to a touchscreen mobile phone, with the only difference being a bigger screen. As their screens are smaller than laptops, you can accommodate them anywhere. They are ideal for browsing the web, entertainment, and making notes.
You can install apps as many as you want, depending on the storage. As a camera is an additional feature, they are perfect for taking high-resolution pictures. In addition, you can make video calls.
You can enjoy desktop features without breaking the bank. They are undoubtedly budget-friendlier.
What is a smartphone?
A smartphone can be called a miniature computer that allows you to connect to the internet and Wi-Fi. You can make phone calls without using an application like Skype. You can also use them to send text messages, take pictures, and download all kinds of apps.
The best feature of smartphones is that they can easily slide into your jeans pockets. You can even hold them in your hand. Smartphones are more affordable than tablets.
How tablets outweigh the benefits of smartphones
While you can easily pop your smartphone into your pocket, there are a variety of areas where you will find tablets that are way better than them.
Longer screen
Its big screen is why it is sought-after by many people. They are easy on your eyes when you are playing games, reading books and watching videos. You do not feel it being so compact while using a tablet.
Longer battery life
Battery life is invincibly better than that of smartphones. The constant use will not drain the battery within a day. However, smartphones consume a lot of battery because of apps running in the background.
The size of their batteries is twice the size of those in smartphones. Though they have large screens, they yet optimise the battery so you can use them for a longer time. Tablets are better if you are always on the go.
Improved productivity
You can do a lot of things at once, thanks to their large screens and operating system. You can see all the apps on your screen and switch between them. This helps you finish your job sooner rather than later, especially when you are juggling many tasks. Tablets have strong processors like smartphones but without cellular network management. It means they do not slow down while handling big tasks.
It is better for learning.
Tablets are suitable for learners. Many children and adult learners use them for their education purposes. You can download learning apps and watch video tutorials. Tablets make it easier for you to tap into interactive textbooks. You can zoom in on graphics to comprehend them well.
You can share your work with your teachers and a group of students. These are also good for professionals like fashion designers and graphic designers.
How smartphones outweigh the benefits of tablets
Though there are lots of features that make tablets better than smartphones, the latter still has a bunch of features that make some people prefer them to tablets.
Portability is the most basic feature of why smartphones are admired more than tablets. You can even carry them in your breast pocket. They are much easier to use and handle.
Integrated calling feature
You can make phone calls at any time using your smartphone. Unlike tablets, your smartphone can tap into cellular networks. You do not need Wi-Fi to call or send messages. However, nowadays, some tablets come with an integrated calling feature.
Better connectivity options
Although tablets let you be connected to others with the help of calls and text messages, smartphones provide advanced features. They are compatible with Wi-Fi, 5G, GPS, NFC, and Bluetooth.
Frequent updates
Smartphones keep receiving notifications about software updates. The frequency of receiving updates is more frequent in new handsets. You will enjoy the latest features, which are not possible on tablets. Tablets do not keep up with the latest updates. They quickly become outdated.
Advanced GPS
As smartphones use advanced GPS, you can get a line on your health. You can reach your health goals by staying on top of your workout sessions.
More bang for your bucks
Though there are some tablets that cost you less money than smartphones, compared to features that you can enjoy in smartphones, they are more expensive. Smartphones are easy to handle and carry, are integrated with a calling system and more advanced GPS, and are durable. While looking at a sticker price, you will find tablets are budget-friendly but actually are smartphones.
Smartphones | Tablets | ||
Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
Compact | Comparatively expensive | Strong hardware | Handling can be inconvenient |
Easy to carry | Battery life is no longer | Great battery life | No cellular network |
Flexible | Cannot handle heavy software and apps | Effective for video meetings | Do not have a rich app ecosystem |
Calling and SMS flexibility | Ideal for some professionals |
Which one is better for whom?
Whether you choose a tablet or a smartphone depends on your needs.
- Tablets are effective for students, some business professionals, gamers, graphic designers, and learners.
- Smartphones are effective for frequent travellers, photographers and videographers, and people in the media.
The bottom line
Tablets and smartphones can both be better, but it depends on your personal choices and preferences. Whichever is helping you meet your goals should be your preference.
Evaluate your repaying capacity so you do not end up taking on more than your affordability. It is always advisable to have a sinking fund so you do not fund the entire cost of a tablet or a smartphone. Loans are ideal to fill the gap.