Top best tablets for reading in 2026: from simple to advanced
December 22, 2025
A tablet isn’t only about videos and social media. If you choose the right model, it can easily replace an e-reader, a paper book, and even a notebook for taking notes. Especially now, when displays are easier on the eyes, battery life has improved, and many devices have a book-like form factor.
In this article, you’ll find a list of tablets that are genuinely comfortable for reading. No vague advice or marketing sparkle — just practical devices that feel good to read on, whether it’s a bedtime novel, a textbook on the subway, or a comic with a cup of tea.
1. Xiaomi Pad 7
Xiaomi Pad 7 8/128GB is a tablet most often considered by people who want a strong balance of performance and a high-resolution display. It features an 11.2-inch IPS screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate — something you can actually feel when turning pages: the text scrolls smoothly without jitter. Thanks to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, the device runs steadily and doesn’t slow down when opening “heavy” PDF files or working in multitasking mode.
Android 15 with HyperOS gives access to familiar reading apps, while UFS 4.0 storage makes file loading fast. The built-in 8850 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day without recharging. Four speakers with immersive sound, plus Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, round it out as a versatile device — including for reading, media, and light work.
Key highlights:
High screen resolution and 144 Hz refresh rate
Wi-Fi 6E support and fast charging
Android 15 with the new HyperOS interface
Specs:
Display: 11.2", IPS, 3200×2136, 144 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
RAM/Storage: 8/128 GB (UFS 4.0)
Battery: 8850 mAh, 45 W fast charging
OS: Android 15 (HyperOS)
Cameras: 13 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)
2. Lenovo Tab M11
Lenovo Tab M11 8/128GB WiFi is a clean, no-frills device focused on everyday basics. Its 11-inch IPS display with a 90 Hz refresh rate works well for reading in any position, especially in landscape. With wide viewing angles and even backlighting, it stays comfortable for long sessions — and the included stylus lets you take notes directly on the text or highlight quotes.
It runs Android 13, delivering a modern user experience. A built-in ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness, which is handy when moving from daylight into evening lighting. The battery lasts through a typical day of reading and browsing, and the tablet stays responsive when switching between apps.
Key highlights:
Stylus included in the box
90 Hz screen refresh rate
Comfortable for PDFs and note-taking
No SIM support
Specs:
Display: 11", IPS, 1920×1200, 90 Hz
RAM/Storage: 8/128 GB
OS: Android 13
Bluetooth: 5.1
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 2025 WiFi 6/128GB is usually chosen as a general-purpose tablet: reading, web browsing, and a bit of video. It comes with an 11-inch TFT display at 90 Hz — the panel type is simpler, but text and images still look sharp. It runs Android 13 with One UI, which feels familiar and uncluttered. The Snapdragon 695 handles typical tasks well, including multitasking.
There are four speakers with Dolby Atmos, giving you nice, roomy audio — good for audiobooks without headphones. The 7040 mAh battery lasts all day for reading. There’s no 4G/5G, but it works perfectly over Wi-Fi. The 8 MP rear camera is mostly useful for quick scans, and the 5 MP front camera is fine for video calls.
Key highlights:
Simple and easy-to-use model
90 Hz refresh rate
Good sound thanks to Dolby Atmos
No mobile connectivity
Specs:
Display: 11", TFT, 90 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 695
RAM/Storage: 6/128 GB
OS: Android 13 (One UI)
Cameras: 8 MP (rear), 5 MP (front)
Battery: 7040 mAh
4. Apple iPad 2025
Apple iPad 2025 128GB is most often chosen for its stable performance and well-designed ecosystem. Powered by the Apple A16 chip and 6 GB of RAM, it handles ebooks, PDFs, and note-taking with ease. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360×1640) keeps text readable even at lower brightness. It runs iPadOS 18, meaning the interface is intuitive and reading apps — Apple Books or third-party alternatives — open smoothly without delays.
This model doesn’t support SIM cards, but it does include Wi-Fi 6. The weight feels comfortable, and the slim body makes it easy to hold with one hand. USB-C allows quick charging and easy file transfers from external storage. Built-in stereo speakers are handy if you switch from reading to podcasts or audiobooks.
Key highlights:
Crisp Liquid Retina display
Comfortable iPadOS 18 experience
Standard 128 GB storage
No SIM support
Specs:
Display: 11", Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 2360×1640
Processor: Apple A16
RAM/Storage: 6/128 GB
OS: iPadOS 18
Cameras: 12 MP (rear), 12 MP (front)
Audio: stereo speakers
Ports: USB-C 2.0, DisplayPort
5. Honor Pad 8
Honor Pad 8 6/128GB is a tablet with a large screen — great for anyone who prefers reading on a bigger display. It features a 12-inch IPS panel at 2000×1200, and TÜV Rheinland certification means brightness and color balance are tuned to reduce eye strain. The Snapdragon 680 isn’t new, but it’s absolutely enough for reading, browsing, and online courses.
It weighs around 520 grams and is just under 7 mm thick. It’s not the most compact option, but it feels stable in your hands. The metal body is solid, and the 7250 mAh battery lasts through a full day without charging. There’s no SIM slot, but you do get reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 for accessories.
Key highlights:
Large 12-inch display
Eight speakers for immersive audio
Reasonable weight for its size
No SIM support
Specs:
Display: 12", IPS, 2000×1200
Processor: Snapdragon 680
RAM/Storage: 6/128 GB
OS: Android
Cameras: 5 MP (front), 5 MP (rear)
Audio: 8 speakers
Battery: 7250 mAh
6. Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro 8/256GB focuses on display quality and battery life. Its 12.1-inch screen has a 2560×1600 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, so page turns and animations look smooth. It uses AdaptiveSync, and the glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Backlighting is moderate, and TÜV certification for low blue light is included — important for long reading sessions. Powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 with 8 GB RAM, it opens large files without hesitation.
The tablet is on the heavier side, but weight distribution feels comfortable. The 10,000 mAh battery with fast charging means you won’t be reaching for the charger often. You also get four speakers with Dolby Atmos, a microSD slot (up to 1.5 TB), plus solid connectivity via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Key highlights:
Bright 12.1" display with 120 Hz
Large 10,000 mAh battery
microSD card slot
No SIM support
Specs:
Display: 12.1", IPS, 2560×1600, 120 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM/Storage: 8/256 GB
OS: Android
Cameras: 8 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)
Expansion: microSD up to 1.5 TB
Audio: 4 speakers, Dolby Atmos
Battery: 10,000 mAh, 33 W charging
7. Blackview Tab 16 Pro
Blackview Tab 16 Pro 8/256GB is often chosen for its simple screen, 4G support, and large internal storage. The 11-inch IPS display is 1920×1200 — not extremely bright, but text remains easy to read. It runs on the Unisoc Tiger T616 chip, which is sufficient for standard apps: reading, browsing, YouTube.
Battery life comes from a 7700 mAh battery — enough for a typical day if you don’t overload it. Stereo speakers deliver basic sound; nothing special, but audiobooks are clear. Extras include GPS and 4G, which helps if you need internet outside the house. The 13 MP and 8 MP cameras are mainly useful for scanning documents or video calls. It runs Android 14 with a clean, uncomplicated interface.
Key highlights:
4G, GPS, and microSD support
IPS display with Full HD resolution
Everyday performance for basic tasks
Android 14 without heavy overlays
Specs:
Display: 11", IPS, 1920×1200
Processor: Unisoc Tiger T616
RAM/Storage: 8/256 GB
OS: Android 14
Cameras: 13 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)
Battery: 7700 mAh
Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, GPS
8. HUAWEI MatePad 11
HUAWEI MatePad 11 Wi-Fi 6/128GB is built for users who rely on a stylus and work with content. It has a 10.95-inch display at 2560×1600, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a wide DCI-P3 color gamut. It supports the M-Pencil (sold separately) and a keyboard, so you can not only read but also take notes directly on the screen. The aspect ratio is comfortable for both portrait reading and landscape viewing of documents or video.
Inside is the Snapdragon 865 chip — not the newest, but still powerful enough for smooth everyday use. The tablet runs HarmonyOS, which differs slightly from Android, but in daily use that difference is usually minimal.
Key highlights:
120 Hz display with 2.5K resolution
M-Pencil stylus support
HarmonyOS instead of Android
No SIM, but Wi-Fi 6 is included
Specs:
Display: 10.95", IPS, 2560×1600, 120 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 865
RAM/Storage: 6/128 GB
OS: HarmonyOS 2
Cameras: 13 MP (rear), 8 MP (front)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Audio: 4 speakers
9. Lenovo Tab Plus
Lenovo Tab Plus 8/128GB is aimed at multimedia and everyday use. Its 11.5-inch display at 2000×1200 looks sharp and stays readable even at medium brightness. The 90 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through text and switching between apps feel smoother. The screen format is comfortable both in portrait for reading and landscape for movies.
It runs Android 14 with a clean interface, and apps install without restrictions. There’s no SIM support, but you get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. Performance is enough for reading, video, and light tasks. Extras include auto-brightness and basic speakers for podcasts or audiobooks. The cameras aren’t a key feature here, but the front camera is useful for video calls. The tablet is slim and light enough to carry around.
Key highlights:
11.5" display with 90 Hz refresh rate
Android 14 without unnecessary add-ons
Bluetooth 5.2 support
No SIM and no GPS
Specs:
Display: 11.5", IPS, 2000×1200, 90 Hz
RAM/Storage: 8/128 GB
OS: Android 14
Audio: standard speakers
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
10. ZTE Nubia Pad Pro
ZTE Nubia Pad Pro 12/256GB is built around a high-quality display and top-tier performance. It features a 10.9-inch IPS screen at 2880×1800, and the 144 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel noticeably smoother than standard panels. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform with LPDDR5X memory, so switching between apps is fast. The metal body is thin and solid, and it feels stable in your hands during longer reading sessions.
An ambient light sensor adjusts brightness to your surroundings, making evening reading less tiring. Storage is 256 GB (UFS 4.0), which is enough for a large library of books, notes, and documents. There’s no SIM support, but Wi-Fi 6 is stable. The 20 MP and 13 MP cameras are geared more toward video calls and scanning than photography. USB-C supports DisplayPort, so you can connect it to an external monitor if needed.
Key highlights:
2880×1800 IPS display with 144 Hz
Metal body and ambient light sensor
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
No SIM, but Wi-Fi 6 and GPS are included
Specs:
Display: 10.9", IPS, 2880×1800, 144 Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM/Storage: 12/256 GB (LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0)
OS: Android 15
Cameras: 13 MP (rear), 20 MP (front)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
Audio: 4 speakers
11. OnePlus Pad Go
OnePlus Pad Go 8/128GB LTE is a tablet with a large LTPS display and mobile network support. The screen is 11.35 inches with a 2408×1720 resolution, and text stays clean and readable even at medium brightness. An ambient light sensor adjusts backlighting automatically, so you don’t have to keep changing settings while reading. It runs Android 14 with a simple interface, and apps open without delays.
4G support makes it convenient for online reading and cloud libraries without relying on Wi-Fi. Storage is 128 GB, and there’s a microSD slot for expansion. Bluetooth 5.2 is included for headphones or a keyboard. Speakers provide basic stereo sound, and the cameras are suitable for video calls or quick photo notes.
Key highlights:
LTPS display (2408×1720) with auto-brightness
4G support and microSD slot
Android 14 without heavy overlays
Lightweight body
Specs:
Display: 11.35", LTPS, 2408×1720
RAM/Storage: 8/128 GB
OS: Android 14
Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
Cameras: standard
12. POCO Pad
POCO Pad 8/256GB is a big-screen tablet with a strong focus on battery life. The 12.1-inch display (2560×1600) looks crisp, and an ambient light sensor helps your eyes adapt to room lighting. It runs Android 14 with a clean interface. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is more than enough for reading, video, and everyday tasks. Four speakers with Dolby Atmos make audiobooks comfortable to listen to even without headphones.
A 10,000 mAh battery lets you go through a long day without charging. Storage is 256 GB, and there’s a microSD slot so you can carry large libraries of books and documents. Both cameras are 8 MP and are mainly for video calls. There’s no SIM support, but Wi-Fi 6 provides a stable connection. The body is fairly slim, and it feels secure in your hands despite the large screen.
Key highlights:
12.1" 2560×1600 display with ambient light sensor
All-day battery life (10,000 mAh)
Four Dolby Atmos speakers
microSD slot and Wi-Fi 6
Specs:
Display: 12.1", IPS, 2560×1600
Processor: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM/Storage: 8/256 GB
OS: Android 14
Audio: 4 speakers, Dolby Atmos
Cameras: 8 MP + 8 MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Conclusion
Choosing a tablet purely for reading sounds simple, but in reality it depends on how and where you plan to use it. Some people want a bigger screen so they don’t have to squint at the text. Others read mostly on the go and prefer a lighter device. And for some, a memory card slot is non-negotiable — especially when PDF books can weigh 200 MB each.
Every model in this selection handles reading in its own way, but the main point is that none of them get annoying in the small details. They all have reasonable displays that don’t strain your eyes, solid batteries, and at least some form of brightness control. That means you won’t have to dive into settings every half hour or constantly fight reflections. And if the sound is good, you can comfortably switch to audiobooks or lectures. In short: pick based on your habits. There’s no single “best” answer here — and that’s probably a good thing.