So, you’ve decided to splash out and buy yourself or a loved one a brand new piece of tech. You’ve narrowed down your choices and you’re torn between two options: tablet or smartphone? It’s a tough decision. Both types of devices are incredibly powerful and enjoyable to use. However, they shine in different areas, and the way you are planning to use it will decide which is most appropriate. In this article, we’re going to help you with your decision by highlighting the key differences between smartphones and tablets. Let’s take a look at some categories and see how the devices compare.
The Screen
The most obvious difference between a tablet and a smartphone is their size, most notably, the size of their screens. Tablet screens are often around 10 inches from corner to corner, whereas phone screens tend to be just over 5 inches. This makes a huge difference to your user experience. Virtually all tasks and activities are simpler and more enjoyable on a larger screen. Videos are more immersive, writing emails is easier thanks to an almost full-sized on-screen keyboard, reading is more comfortable, and gaming is much more fun.
Also, the larger screen of a tablet makes its a more accessible device. Those with poor eyesight, large hands, or poor coordination may find a smaller smartphone screen too fiddly to use. A tablet, on the other hand, is much easier to use and you’re far less likely to press the wrong button!
Battery Life
As we mentioned in our article on how to improve your iPhone’s battery life, battery life management is the bane of the modern tech user’s existence. When it comes to batteries, as with screens, bigger is better. In this respect, tablets have the advantage yet again. They physically have more space in them to allow for bigger batteries. Of course, they have a larger screen that will drain more power than a smartphone screen, but their batteries are so large that tablets will easily outlast smartphones.
However, battery life may not be much of an issue for you; for instance, you may not be a heavy user of your device, or you may always be near a plug socket so you can top up your battery relatively easily. However, for longer stings away from a power source, such as on a road trip or short break, then the larger battery of the tablet makes it the better option.
Portability
Here, smartphones have the upper hand. For being on-the-go and out-and-about, a smartphone that fits in your pocket is far superior to a large tablet which will likely require its own carry case. Both smartphones and tablets are relatively light. But frequent use of your smartphone or tablet whilst on the move makes smartphones are the better choice.
Of course, this is only relevant if you’re planning to use your device on the go. You may be in your own home more frequently than others, or like to use expensive technology while out in public. Perhaps you are looking for a device that is a source of entertainment, and you may only require this entertainment at home. If this is the case, then portability isn’t much of a factor. It really depends on how you intend to use your device.
Features
When it comes to features, both smartphones and tablets share a great deal. They’re so similar that you’d be forgiven for thinking of tablets as large smartphones (or smartphones as small tablets). They’re both internet-connected touchscreen devices with a range of apps available for both platforms. The only feature that significantly varies in quality between smartphones and tablets is the camera they have. Smartphone cameras are significantly better than tablets, and that doesn’t seem likely to change in the foreseeable future. Smartphone cameras have become the most-used cameras in the world, and smartphone manufacturers know this and push to be the best.
Tablets, on the other hand, are rarely used as cameras. They’re less practical to take with you to photographable places, and so manufacturers have a slightly different focus. Tablet makers focus on having the best screens possible since they’re most commonly used to watch videos, so cameras take a backseat. The only way most people would ever use the camera on their tablet would be when video-calling. If photography is important to you, then a smartphone would hands-down be the best choice.
Price
Last, but by no means least, is the issue of price. Tablets and smartphones are expensive devices, but smartphones have always been more expensive (on average) than tablets. This is partially due to smartphones using cellular and Wi-Fi connections compared with tablets often using Wi-Fi only. It’s also somewhat to do with supply and demand (people are willing to pay more for smartphones than they are tablets).
As we’ve said before, the choice between the devices depends on how you intend to use it. If you want to use it on the go, then it’s worth paying more for the smartphone. However, if you’re only going to use it at home or in areas where you have access to Wi-Fi, such as hotel rooms, university campuses, coffee shops etc, then choosing a more affordable tablet will suffice.
It’s impossible for us to definitively recommend one device over the other; they’re so different and have different applications, so it all comes down to how you plan to use it. What we can recommend, however, is one of our device stands. They work with both smartphones and tablets, so regardless of which one you decide to buy, you can use it with comfort and style. Our table stand in particular makes the perfect addition to any room, subtly blending in with your existing decor while holding your device at an optimal viewing angle. Browse our collection today.