Best Tablets for Aviation Use – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

By: Pick Tablet

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People working in aviation have very tough and stressful jobs. Pilots are one of them; they have a stringent routine all day long. Let’s give them the best tablets for aviation use. They don’t want the sluggish tablets that would consume their precious time while checking VFR sectionals, A/FD sheets, airport diagrams, IFR en route charts, etc., in all the hectic daily routine.

We will tell them the best tablets with outclass internal specs, including their speed and durability. That’s not all; these tablets will also cater to various budgets.

Suggesting the pilots with the best tablets for the electronic activities in aviation will help them access the maps instantly, finding out the flight manuals within microseconds and the navigational charts.
We have the best tablets for aviation use on our list, which would also run the essential aviation apps. The tablets that we have chosen are the IOS tablets and android tablets.

If you’re in a hurry, check out
our top choice

Apple iPad Pro (5th Gen)

Check price at Amazon

Best Tablet for Aviation – Buyer’s Guide

It’s crucial to consider some factors before deciding to buy a tablet.

First, you should set your criteria to get the best tablet that fulfills your requirements.

Well, if you aren’t able to do that, then don’t worry, we’ve got your back. The following are the most considered factors while choosing a tablet for yourself, especially if you are in the aviation department:

Screen size or display:

Well, screen size or display depends upon the choice of the consumer. But when it comes to aviation, generally, small size is preferred by the student pilots. The reason behind this is the lack of space in the cockpit.

The minimum size should be “7.9”; if the size of the screen is less than this, then it would very much lay the impression of holding a smartphone with a big screen.

Cutting to the chase, if you are a pilot and a lover of watching video on a big screen, then a tablet with a big screen is also preferred.

Otherwise, small screen tablets are the rational choice for aviation use.

Internal storage:

Internal storage is also an essential factor to consider before buying a tablet, especially when you work in the aviation industry. The minimum requirement of internal storage should not be less than 64 GB.

You must have enough space to store the necessary files and documents that you often save. And more storage means that you can also use the tablet for other purposes like watching Netflix and playing video games.

Pen type:

If you have a tablet, but no digital pen with it!! If you are a person who doesn’t want to use his fingers to type on a tablet, then you are at a disadvantage. It would be best to consider those tablets with battery-free digital pens because you won’t have to face any inconvenience regarding changing the battery.

Processor:

Consideration of the processor also holds prominence in selecting a tablet. Mainly, the selection of the processor revolves around the budget you have. The more budget you have, the bigger the processor and the faster the activities will be on your tablet.

Whereas, in aviation, tablets with big processors are preferred because you don’t want your tablet to lag during your work.

Pressure sensitivity:

Pressure sensitivity is also a factor that holds significance when selecting a tablet for aviation use. Because you don’t want to face the problem of pressing one tab multiple times, the higher the sensitivity level, the more efficiently the output given by the tablet for your input.

Compatibility:

Ensure the compatibility of the tablets you are using in the aviation industry. Always check the specifications and features of the device before making a purchase. Do check the operating system in your PC’s and Mac computers that either they are compatible with the OS of your tablets or not.

You need to make sure that you use Windows 7 and above and Mac OS 10.12 and above. Otherwise, you won’t be able to connect your tab to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Android tablets the best choice for aviation apps like Garmin Pilot?

Well, there is an exception to it. Generally, android tablets are not sufficiently optimized well for Garmin Pilot. However, some Android models are perfectly designed for the Garmin Pilot. It would be wise to purchase the tablet models of recent years, like 2019 and 2020.

Is a high-tech tablet preferable for an Electronic Flight Bag?

A high-tech tablet is not preferable for EFB (electronic flight bag). The EFB is a flight crew management system used by pilots for their daily flight routines. Typically, a new model of Android with approximately a $200 to $300 budget is enough, and you are good to go.

Which operating system is preferred when it comes to selecting tablets for aviation use?

Well, that is a universal question whose answer cannot be explicitly given. Many individuals working in aviation’s engineering department, pilots, etc., prefer the MacOS over Linux and other operating systems because of its simplicity and easy-to-understand system.
But still, it entirely depends upon the consumer’s choice, with which operating system he is compatible.

BEST AVIATION TABLETS AT A GLANCE

Apple iPad Pro (5th Gen)

BEST IPAD
  • Wi -Fi
  • 12.9-inch. Liquid Retina 2732×2048
  • Apple M1 chip 8/16, GB 128 GB – 2TB
  • Up to 10 hours
  • iPadOS 15

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7+

BEST ANDROID
  • Wi -Fi / Wi -Fi + Cellular
  • 12.4-inch Super AMOLED 2800 x 1752
  • Qualcomm SDM865 Octa Core, 6/8 GB, 128/256/512 GB
  • Up to 14 hours
  • Android 10

Fire HD 10

CHEAPEST
  • Wi -Fi
  • 10.1-inch, IPS, full HD
  • Octa-core, 3 GB, 32/64 GB
  • Up to 12 hours
  • Fire OS

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Best Windows
  • Wi -Fi
  • 12.3 inches, PixelSense display, 2736×1824 Pixels
  • Core i3-1005G1,48GB, 128GB
  • Up to 10.5 hours
  • Windows 10

Apple iPad Air (4th Gen)

PORTABLE
  • Wi -Fi / Wi -Fi + Cellular
  • 10.9-inch IPS 2360×1640
  • A14 Bionic chip, 4 GB, 64/256 GB
  • Up to 10 hours
  • iPadOS 15

Best Tablets for Aviation Use – Recommendations

Here are the five best options for you if you are an aviator:

Overall Best Tablet for Aviators

  • Type: Wi -Fi / Wi -Fi + Cellular
  • Weight: 16.48 Oz
  • Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina, 2732 x 2048, 600 nits
  • Cameras: 12 MP Wide + 10MP Ultrawide, 12 MP Ultra Wide
  • Processor: Apple M1 chip
  • Memory: 8/16 GB
  • Storage: 128 GB – 2TB
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours
  • OS: iPadOS 15

Coming from one of the best tablet manufacturers, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9″ is the best tablet for aviation use. It is the top-of-a-line iPad from Apple, coming with a futuristic M1 chip. This will be your ideal choice if you want the top tablet money could buy and a notepad that can do whatever you want a laptop to do.

Design and Features
There’s a new 2TB storage option, as well as a new Center Stage camera function that keeps you in the picture during video conversations and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility in the USB-C connector. These are all excellent features, but they pale compared to the game-changing improvements to the display and processor.

It’s still a fantastic-looking tablet with a sleek look that looks elegant and robust at the same time. If you’re searching for a tablet that’s both useful and stylish, this is the one to go.

Performance
The performance of the iPad Pro is its selling point. It is the most powerful chipset in any tablet or even laptop around the tech industry. It comes equipped with an M1 chip which is a performance beast.
It can handle all your tasks related to aviation without a nanosecond of lag. Moreover, it comes with a Wi-Fi+Cellular variant. So, you can work on it even during the flights.

Battery
Apple hasn’t disclosed the battery capacity of the iPad Pro 2021. However, some rumors claim that its battery is more significant than the previous-generation iPad. The previous one had a 9970 mAH battery.
Its power-efficient chipset can make the iPad last 10-12 hours on heavy use.

✓ PRO

  • Amazing display
  • Game-changing chipset
  • It comes in 7 different variants
  • Long battery life
  • Big screen

✗ CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Not available in any exciting color

The Best Android Tablet for Aviation Use

  • Type: Wi -Fi / Wi -Fi + Cellular
  • Weight: 20.48 Oz
  • Display: 12.4-inch Super AMOLED 2800 x 1752
  • Cameras: 13MP Ultrawide + 5MP, 8MP
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM865 Octa Core (3.09+2.4G+1.8GHz)
  • Memory: 6/8 GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512 GB (Expandable up to 1TB)
  • Battery: 10090mAh
  • OS: Android 10

The Galaxy Tab S7+ is the best android tablet you can buy today. It’s not just the first phone to enable a 5G connection, but it’s also a powerful beast capable of multitasking. The best part about this tablet is that it comes in multiple variants, and every variant is unique.
So, you can choose the variant which best fits your needs.

Design and Features
Little distinguishes the Galaxy Tab S7+ from other high-end tablets like the iPad Pro in terms of design. The Galaxy Tab S7+ chassis and back are made of aluminum and are usually black, silver, or bronze.

A 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate dominates the front. The display is bright enough to use outdoors and in direct sunlight without difficulty. It comes with an S-Pen.

Performance
Qualcomm Snapdragon’s 865 chipsets can easily handle multitasking and all your aviation-related tasks. It is extremely capable of heavy gaming because it’s equipped with a 120 Hz display. A higher refresh rate provides a smooth swiping and scrolling experience.

A solid combination of 6 GB RAM makes your day-to-day tasks even more effortless.

Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ has a 10,090mAh battery, which can surely keep you going throughout the day with some battery life left at the end. A 25W fast charger can charge the battery within 70 minutes.

✓ PROS

  • Robust build quality
  • High-resolution super AMOLED display
  • It comes equipped with an S pen
  • 5-G enabled chipset
  • Budget-Friendly
  • Marathon battery

✗ CONS

  • S-pen isn’t too responsive
  • Bugs in User Interface

Cheapest Tablet For Aviation Use

  • Type: Wi-Fi
  • Weight: 16.40 Oz
  • Display: 10.1 Inch, IPS, 1920×1200
  • Cameras: 5MP, 3MP
  • Processor: Octa-core
  • Memory: 3GB
  • Storage: 32/64GB
  • Battery: up to 12 hours
  • OS: Fire OS

The Amazon Fire HD 10 has proven among the most affordable and value-for-money 10-inch tablets for aviation use. It gives you access to a large number of popular applications and services, as well as a strong voice assistant and nearly all of the stuff you’ll ever need.

This 1080p tablet has held its own among the few true tech deals today.

Design and Features
Although the design and build are plastic, it comes with polycarbonate material in the back to eliminate finger smudges. Moreover, Amazon makes its UI known as Fire. It does not contain the best features of a tablet, but considering its price point, its design and features are justified.

Fintie makes the keypad case, but it’s tailored to the Fire HD 10’s requirements. Part of it is a removable Bluetooth keyboard that connects to the tablet through Bluetooth.

Performance
The new Fire HD 10 is powered by the same 2GHz octa-core MediaTek MT8183 CPU as the previous generation. This time, though, it’s combined with 32/64 GB storage and 3GB of RAM (a 50% boost), which significantly improves the tablet’s speed for all your aviation needs.

Apps load faster, moving between home screens and settings is quicker, and overall, it’s less sluggish to use from the predecessor.

Battery
Its battery can easily accompany you for 12 hours during long flight hours. Although its chipset is a bit power-hungry, its big battery can still evenly distribute the power. A 15-W charger with Type-C connectivity can charge the battery quickly.

✓ PROS

  • Affordable
  • It comes with a Bluetooth Keyboard
  • Supports external memory up to 1TB
  • Available in 4 exciting colors
  • Good battery life

✗ CONS

  • The software feels a little outdated
  • Chipset is not powerful enough

Best Windows Tablet for Aviators

  • Type: Wi -Fi
  • Weight: 17.28 Oz
  • Display: 12.3-inches,PixelSense display, 2736×1824
  • Cameras: 8MP, 5MP
  • Processor: Core i3-1005G1
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: Up to 10.5 hours
  • OS: Windows 10

Even though the Surface Pro 8 is now available, the Surface Pro 7 remains a compelling offer. With the Surface series of 2-in-1 PCs having gone through seven generations, it should be a well-polished piece of equipment well worth the price increase.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a flagship-level device of Microsoft with all their best features.

Design and Features
The Surface Pro 7 includes a USB-C connector and some new features. Its design is solid and attractive, while its reliability is unquestionable. It also comes with a solid book cover. On the plus side, the Surface Pro 7 boasts a stunning QHD+ display, is lightweight, and typing on the keyboard flap remains superb.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 also has a high-resolution crispy display with intel’s integrated UHD graphics. Although, the Bluetooth keyboard and other accessories are sold separately.
Although the display is flawless, the only problem comes with the screen. The screen has thick bezels around the edges, making it look outdated.

Performance
With a core i3 10th generation processor, Microsoft surface pro 7 can pull off a fantastic performance. It is more than enough to run any aviation-related app. Moreover, if you wish to use any third-party aviation app, it can easily handle it.

Although it is not the most high-tech or flagship processor, it can still do wonders. 128 GB SSD helps to speed up the boot process. The 4 GB RAM makes multitasking easier and does open a ton of apps in the background.

Battery
Even though the battery capacity of Microsoft surface pro 7 isn’t specified. But, many users claim that it lasts for more than 10 hours. That’s the standard battery timing in the tech industry.
It comes with a USB Type-C, but it isn’t thunderbolt-3, so don’t expect too fast charging.

✓ PROS

  • Ultra-HD display
  • Long battery life
  • Fast Processor
  • Good RAM and ROM combination
  • Good value to money

✗ CONS

  • Keyboard and other accessories are sold separately
  • Thick bezels around the screen

Portable and Powerful Tablet for Aviation Use

  • Type: Wi -Fi / Wi -Fi + Cellular
  • Weight: 16 – 17.6 Oz
  • Display: 10.9-inch IPS, 2360×1640
  • Cameras: 12 MP, 7 MP
  • Processor: A14 Bionic chip
  • Memory: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64/256 GB
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours
  • OS: iPadOS 15

The iPad Air accomplishes more than a computer in more manageable, more impressive ways. Thanks to new features and capabilities, it’s more adaptable than ever before.

The iPad Air 10.9″ is the most excellent tablet for Personal usage. It’s Apple’s top-of-the-line iPad, featuring a cutting-edge 14 bionic processor.

Design and Features
The iPad Air has the same 12MP back camera for higher definition photographs and 4K video capture. It also has a 7MP front-facing HD camera. In landscape mode, the redesigned iPad Air includes stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience and allowing users to enjoy the broader stereo sound when viewing a video.

These are all wonderful additions, but they pale in contrast to the game-changing enhancements to the display and CPU. The iPad Air also has a USB-C connector enabling up to 5Gbps data transmission, which is ten times quicker.

It’s a great iPad with a sleek design that’s attractive and durable. This is the Apple Ipad for you if you’re looking for a device that’s both functional and fashionable.

Performance
The iPad air’s selling point is its performance. It has an A14 Bionic chip with a Neurological Engine, a powerhouse of a processor. The most potent 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with Real Tone and P3 broad colors supports it. Also, it has a touch ID for secure identification, a USB-C Charging Cable (1 meter), and USB-C Power Adapter included in the package. It is available in the WiFi+Cellular option. As a result, you may work on it even while flying.

Battery
Apple has not revealed the battery capacity of the 10.9-inch iPad Air. However, Approximately 10 hours of online surfing or video streaming on Wi-Fi. Using the cellular data network, you may surf the web for up to 9 hours.

✓ PROS

  • Best liquid retina display
  • 4K video recording
  • Available Apple pencil
  • USB C-connector
  • Long battery life

✗ CONS

  • Pretty expensive
  • Not many vibrant colors are available

Conclusion

It was all about the best ways you can opt while selecting a tablet for aviation use and how you can operate the EFB (electronic flight bag) in it. Well, the best preferable tablets can be those that fulfill the consumer’s requirements to the criteria that have been set.

Whereas the mentioned tablets are the best selection and under budget tablets preferred for aviation use. We hope you have chosen your tablet that fulfills your requirements.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

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