Specifications and Features of Tablets
When evaluating tablets, a wide range of general features may be included in each standard design or variations in brand
models, providing consumers with a wealth of options to meet their needs. Here are some featured categories that
consumers can find in tablet specifications and marketing pieces packaged with the tablet.
Screen Size & Shape - The standard tablet screen size is about 7 inches. However, variations, including the phablet and
mini tablets, might be as small as 5.5 inches. The measure of a screen, like a television, is determined by the diagonal
length of the visible screen and does not include the actual size of the device or its frame or chassis. When held in
landscape mode, most modern tablets have the short, wide shape of a wide-screen television (16:9 aspect ratio). It is
important to note that not every model has the standard size screen. Screen sizes that are square in design may
provide a smaller viewing screen when watching HD video that is formatted for the 16:9 aspect ratio.
Wireless Connectivity - Most models offer WiFi connectivity as a standard feature. This allows the dive to connect
wirelessly to a local area network (router). The connectivity allows downloading, livestreaming, and updating the
operating system or applications. Although connecting wo WiFi is most common, that does not work for all when
connectivity is required but there is no available WiFi. Many models include cellular network connections. These
models tend to be more costly and may add charges to your cellular network bill. However, it remains a valuable
feature for those with insufficient WiFi. Keep in mind that some cellular plans allow the user to share smartphone
internet service with their tablet.
Display - The tablet display specifications are characterized in different ways.
One important factor in evaluating tablet displays is resolution. Higher resolutions make images and text appear
sharper. Resolutions at the 800x600 level will present lower quality viewing than HD resolutions or 3180x2160 UHD
screens. However, UHD resolutions on a 7-inch screen may not be visibly better than lower resolution screens.
Some displays have an anti-glare coating that makes it easier to view in bright light. Shiny, uncoated screens can
require higher screen brightness settings to view clearly, which uses more battery power than lower screen
brightness settings. Be aware that some anti-glare coating may require special cleaning products, which the shiny
glass uncoated screens require.
Viewing angles is another important display feature. Wider viewing angles allow the device to be held in different
positions for viewing. This may also affect multiple viewers' ability to see the screen clearly from different angles.
Depending on the circumstances, this may be a benefit or not. Users may not want the person in the seat next to
them to be able to see their screen.
Tablets can include ambient light sensors that adjust brightness and contrast automatically. This improves viewing
ability and can also prolong battery life.
Operating System - All tablets come with an operating system like those installed on laptops. They are scaled-down
versions that conserve battery life due to the smaller processors required to run apps. Google's Android, Apple iOS,
Chrome OS, and Windows operating systems dominate the tablet market and are, in large part, the features that affect
the tablet's capabilities the most. The ability to update the operating system is critical to allowing the tablet to use the
newest apps while improving the security of the device. There are other operating systems depending on the tablet. A
direct correlation exists between the operating system and available apps that a device can use.
Hardware - All computing devices have a processor. The processors (measured in gigahertz) affect the speed at which
processing occurs over the device. The larger the gigahertz (GHz), the faster and better performance. Performance and
processing speed can also be affected by the amount of memory on the device, both hard drive and random-access-
memory (RAM). As with the processor, the larger the better. Hard drive space can be as little as 16GB and increase
from there to as high as 64GB or 128 GB. Of course, I/O ports can extend hard drive space. As it relates to RAM, tablets
can range from 512MB to at or above 2GB.
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