If you are in the market for your first tablet you are probably weighing up whether to buy a 7” or 10” device. Whilst it might seem like a straightforward choice it is worth reflecting on what you intend to use your tablet for before making the investment. This post is not going to look at what type of device you should get (Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung and Microsoft units all have their merits) but more at the form factor and where the different machines shine.
The headings below identify which size of tablet is superior in comparison at that particular task:
Internet and Email – 10”
This one is pretty close as I personally like surfing the web on a 7” tablet but the larger screen is definitely more suited to longer durations of use. The additional real estate (and often resolution) means that you get a bit more of the webpage to play with and it is easier to see things. You might need to rest a larger tablet on your lap but this feels natural so isn’t a great hardship.
Creating Content – 10”
If you want to create content with a tablet then you are better off with a 10” device as the additional screen size makes it far easier to get things done. Whether it be writing, editing a film or doing digital doodling the extra space allows you to manipulate stuff on screen much easier and you have better fine control over the various sliders and knobs that you will inevitably get presented with.
TV and Film – 10”
If you intend to watch a lot of media on your tablet then there is no denying that the larger screens provide a better experience. Also the larger units have more weight so tend to do a better job on the sound front. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t watch iPlayer or a film on a 7” device but that the larger screen pips it to the post.
Reading an eBook – 7”
The smaller nature of the 7” tablets mean that they are far better suited to reading books. They generally weigh less and are more comfortable in hand for a longer period of time. 10” tablets feel a bit cumbersome for reading and you need to have pretty strong arms to hold them for hours on end.
Taking Photos / Videos – 7”
There is no denying that holding up a large tablet to take a photo looks and feels odd. This awkwardness is not so apparent when you hold up a 7” unit. The one thing to bear in mind here though is that whilst 7” devices are easier to hold up not all of them have back facing cameras (the Nexus 7 is such a device) so you need to pick your weapon carefully.
Out and About – 7”
A 7” tablet will fit in your pocket or can be slung in a bag that much easier. They are considerably lighter so are far better suited to being out and about. In fact I find that my iPad Mini is my only computer I take out of the house with me 90% of the time as I no longer have to worry about batteries running out or searching for plug sockets.
Listening to Music – No Winner
Both 7” and 10” tablets are well suited to listening to music or internet radio. Whilst the sound quality might be marginally better on a 10” tablet you will find the 7” tablet a little easier to carry around so cancelling out that slight advantage.
Overall
At the end of the day whether you pick a seven or ten inch tablet is down to your own particular needs and budget. Either way as long as you are clear about what is important then I’m sure that you will make the right purchasing decision.
One Response
I am reading your article on my 7″ tablet, which is perfect for my needs since I have a 15.6″ laptop for my main computing needs. The smaller tablet is perfect just carrying around the house or travelling. I don’t mind the tablet having only 8 gb storage since any files I storage on my tablet are only temporary.