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If your android tablet is facing lag issues & you want a new one, this article is for you. I’ve checked several tablets & discussed with Pilots to bring up this best android tablet for pilots article.
Whether you’re a student learning flight or a professional pilot dealing with the unfair Garmin Pilot (towards Android) – you’ll find this tablet helpful. Don’t worry; I won’t suggest buying a $700 tablet for your cockpit.
Best Android Tablet For Pilots in 2021
Before getting started with the reviews, let me show you the minimum requirement you should keep in mind while purchasing a tablet as a Pilot:
- Display: Display Shouldn’t Be Larger Than 10inches
- Processor: Newer & Latest Processor is Preferred (Buy Renowned For Cheaper Rate)
Have a quick glance over the tablets I’ll be reviewing later in this article:
| Name | Platform |
|---|---|
| 1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | |
| 2. Fire HD 10 | |
| 3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | |
| 4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E | |
| 5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 |
1. Best For Garmin Pilot: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Tab S6 Lite comes with one of the best Exynos processors from Samsung & it is compatible with Garmin Pilot.
Processor & Performance
Garmin Pilot isn’t optimized well for Android & high-spec Android is needed for fluent usage. This tablet is powered by Exynos 9611 processor. This 10nm octa-core processor is powerful enough to handle GP without any issue.
Other than Garmin Pilot, you can comfortably use other apps such as – FltPlan go & iFlyGPS. If you wish, you can do an average amount of gaming on this tablet after your flight (training or actual flight) period.
Connectivity
It’s a 4G enabled tablet, meaning you can use your SIM card along with WiFi. Besides a powerful internet connection, transferring files will be more convenient through Bluetooth 5.0.
You’re getting all these facilities just for a fraction of the tab S7 price.
RAM, Storage & OS
This tablet comes with 4GB RAM & 64GB Internal Storage. This 4GB RAM might seem low compared to our latest androids, but trust me – this tablet can do its EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) job well.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 6 Lite is running on Android 10 & it’s upgradable to Android 11. If you’re thinking of the OneUI version, it’s 3.1. You will get a smoother experience even if you’re doing tough data management work.
I’ve been using this tablet for two months now. Didn’t notice any lagging issue while zooming or inspecting the map. Thumbs Up from my side.
–Noman, User Review
The Display & Battery
Tab 6 Lite features a 10.4 inch TFT display. Though the display won’t be premium AMOLED but you can enjoy YouTube & NetFlix to the fullest. Despite having a 10inch+ display, this delivers a decent battery life.
The 1200 x 2000 pixel display works great in both indoor & outdoor conditions. You’ll have to go through several PDFs (documents) & this tablet will help with that.
Camera & Speakers
If you’re interested in photography, this tablet won’t be a good fit for you. This tablet comes with a single 8 MegaPixel rear & 5MegaPixel front camera. It’s worth mentioning that you won’t get the 4K recording feature either. Consider checking Tab S4 or S5E for better camera configuration.
It has an AKG Stereo Speakers setup. The sound quality of this tablet is decent & you won’t be disappointed for sure. Overall, considering every feature & limitation of this tablet, I can say it’s one of the best tablets for pilots.
2. Best Budget Choice:Amazon Fire HD 10
If you’re looking for the best pilot tablet in the $200 budget range, check this all-rounder tablet from Amazon.
Processor & Performance
Amazon has done a great job with its Fire HD Series. Their HD 10″ is powered by a 2.0 GHz Octa-Core processor. You will get leveled performance with all the apps.
This variant of Fire HD is called the productivity suite as it boosts user productivity. From navigation to Office work, you can do everything smoothly & fruitfully.
Connectivity
It’s an LTE-enabled tablet & you can use your SIM card for internet connection or calling. Besides, this tablet features Bluetooth 5.0 & WiFi 5.0.
If you’re using wired earphones, congrats – this tablet also comes with our very own 3.5mm Headphone Jack. Other necessary ports like USB-C 2.0 are also available.
RAM, Storage & OS
A 3GB RAM will be supporting your apps to run fluently. Moreover, you can add & store your necessary data in the 64GB Storage. If you want to be a little bit cost-effective, buy the 32GB variant & add your microSD card to it.
Talking about the Operating System (OS), it’s running on Android 9.0. This might not be the latest Android version, but it still works perfectly fine. You can do your emails & other general stuff without any problems.
The Display & Battery
This tablet comes with a moderate-sized 10.1 inch Full HD display. The large 1080P display will help you take online classes if you’re a student pilot. Be worry-free for a whole day, thanks to the optimized battery life of this tablet.
Camera & Speakers
It’s another “Okay” camera setup tablet. You’ll be getting a 5 Megapixel rear-facing camera that you can use for scanning documents.
The Front-Facing 2 Megapixel Camera Gives Noticeably Good Performance Compared To Other 2 MegaPixel Camera Tabs.
The speakers are very loud & crisp. You can hear Alexa talking in high pitch & you’ll enjoy that. The plus point of this tablet is the double microphone set up to deliver an excellent calling experience.
3. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
This tablet will be a great choice if you’re using any android based app.
Processor & Performance
Tab A7 is powered by Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 processor. This 11nm 2.0Ghz processor is powerful enough to tackle your day-to-day life as a pilot.
Talking about the GPU, it’s Adreno 610 that will help you with gaming and other recreational stuff that requires GPU power. Though it won’t be as good as the S series, you’re getting the best of this price point.
Connectivity
One of the limiting factors of this tablet (compared to S6 Lite), it doesn’t support cellular connectivity. Yes, it’s a WiFi-only tablet & that’s why the price is also very much convenient.
Other than the sim-card slot issue, this tablet is just like any other premium tablet from Samsung. Consider checking this tablet if you’re going to use this tablet just for home & cockpit use.
RAM, Storage & OS
You’ll be getting 4 GB RAM & 64GB of internal storage. Combining the Adreno 610 GPU brings a good value when it comes to the best tablet for aviation usage.
This tablet is running on Android 10 & One UI 3.1. You can upgrade it to Android 11 if you want.
The long-lasting 7040mAh battery is something you will be glad of purchasing this tablet.
The Display
You’ll get a crisp 10.4 inch TFT display panel with this tablet. Like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, it doesn’t have an AMOLED display panel.
Still, it delivers excellent images & video quality. You can enjoy Netflix, Youtube & other streaming media with total satisfaction.
Camera & Speakers
Though it’s hard to fit a quality camera setup at this price point, Samsung has made it with their A7 lineup. You’ll be getting an 8MegaPixel rear camera & a 5 MegaPixel front-facing camera.
The quad stereo sound setup delivers balanced sound – not too loud nor dim. You can enjoy your movies & songs without losing sweat searching for earphones.
4. Best For GP & Avere: Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E
It’s one of the best android tablets for Garmin Pilot & Avere with a Super AMOLED Display panel.
Processor & Performance
Samsung Galaxy S5E is the best tablet for Avere & Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 processor powers it. This 11nm 2.0Ghz processor performs well under every circumstance.
Coupled with the Adreno 615 GPU, you’ll get an optimum user experience no matter what application you use. This tablet is relatively compatible with Garmin Pilot. You can try it too if you find the S6 Lite very limiting.
Connectivity
This tablet comes in two variants: WiFi Only & WiFi+LTE. I suggest getting the WiFi-only variant as you’ll be saving up to 50 to 100 bucks. Moreover, it won’t hamper your performance.
If you’re planning on using this tablet for general use, I recommend using the LTE version as that will be more convenient. That being said, this tablet gives you more flexibility in choosing connectivity than most others.
RAM, Storage & OS
You’ll be getting 4GB RAM & 64 GB of storage. This much storage & RAM is the right combination (price & specs) for any student pilot. Besides workload, you can use this tablet for recreational purposes as well.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E is running on Android 9 & OneUI 3.1. Like other Samsung Tablets of this price point, you can upgrade the OS to Android 11.
The Display & Battery
This tablet comes with a stunning 10.4 inch Super AMOLED display. If you’re concerned about not having an AMOLED Panel in other tabs of this article, consider checking this tablet.
Also, a 7040mAh battery will provide a decent amount of power to survive a full working day. But, you know – you’ll keep it connected to the power adapter anyway while flying.
The Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner Works Faster Than I Expected.
Camera & Speakers
If you’re passionate about photography being a Pilot, this tablet will surely satisfy you. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5E features a 13MegaPixel Rear camera that supports 4K video recording at 30FPS.
The front-facing 8MegaPixel camera is also great for vlogging & video conferencing. Talking about the speakers, they are loud & clear – thanks to the AKG Quad Speaker Setup.
5. Best For ForeFlight & DroidEFB: Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
If you’re fond of the pure S series & don’t want to be a 600 dollar tablet, consider checking this budget tablet.
Processor & Performance
This tablet is powered by Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835. It’s a 10nm Octa-Core processor that handles any flight navigation apps such as DroidEFB, Garmin Pilot, ForeFlight & so on.
The Adreno 640 GPU performs great even if using it as a daily driver. Whether you’re a student or professional pilot, you’ll love this tablet for the specs it offers within the budget.
Connectivity
It’s a WiFi tablet with LTE features, meaning you can use both WiFi & 4G connections in this tablet. You’ll be getting a nano-sim card slot to insert your SIM.
Other connectivity features such as Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type C 3.1 are also available. Overall, you won’t feel any failings from the connectivity side.
The Magnetic Connector feature will prevent your tablet from accidental drop while charging or using any USB cable.
RAM, Storage & OS
This tablet comes with 4GB RAM & 64GB of Storage. You can upgrade both RAM & Storage by purchasing higher variants. Honestly, I don’t see a need for that as this tablet will be placed in the cockpit most of the time.
Android 8.1 OS & One UI 2.0 are fueling this tablet. Yes, it’s an old tablet but can satisfy your needs. Moreover, you can upgrade the operating system to Android 10.
The Display & Battery
This tablet features a 10.5″ Super AMOLED display panel that delivers a crisp & awesome viewing experience. You won’t struggle to navigate through the display as it’s super clear & responsive.
Talking about the battery, it has a 7300mAh Li-Po battery. You’ll be getting a good amount of battery life out of this tablet. On top of that, power adapters will be there to support your EFB.
The Iris Sensor Has Leveled Up The Security Of This Tablet & It Works Very Smoothly.
Camera & Speakers
Though it’s an old S series model, you can use the cameras to satisfy your photography desire. This tablet comes with 13MegaPixel that supports 4K@30fps. The front-facing 8MegaPixel is also an excellent camera.
Tuned by HARMAN/AKG, the quad-speaker setup sounds great. Whether you’re listening to music or enjoying a movie, you won’t feel lackings in the sound system.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Are Android Tablets Good For Garmin Pilot?
Though Garmin Pilot is not optimized well for Android, some android tablets are perfect for Garmin Pilot (GP). Keep in mind to buy a recent android model (late ’19, ’20) & you can operate Garmin Pilot without severe issues.
What is The Optimum Screen Size For Pilot Tablets?
A large display might seem a good option, but it’s not. Student pilots don’t have enough space in the cockpit. That’s why a 10-inch display is the optimum screen size for pilot tablets.
Do I Need A High Spec Tablet As an EFB?
You don’t need a high spec tablet as an EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). Consider buying a relatively new model of Android within a $200 to $300 budget & you’ll be good to go.
Final Thought
It was all about the android tablets you can use for your Flight navigation purposes. Getting an android tablet as EFB is easier than carrying various paperwork.
I hope now you’ve already found the best android tablet for you. If you struggle to get it, feel free to comment below & any executives of BTD will gladly help you.
