To be an efficient remote worker, it is important to have a portable computing device. While many use laptops, tablets are easier to carry around, and in most cases, also offer better battery life. Most tablets also include better cameras and networking capabilities, including cellular connectivity, making them more practical than laptops for professionals on the move.
We have shortlisted five tablets, all priced under Rs 50,000, which can be remote workers’ buddies:
iPad Air (5th Gen)
The iPad Air 5th Gen is powered by Apple’s M1 chipset. (Express Photo)
This is hands down the best tablet both in terms of form factor and performance and currently costs Rs 49,999. The M1-powered 5th Gen iPad Air (review), featuring a 10.9-inch screen, with support for Apple Intelligence, is a highly capable computing device that can handle multi-tasking without any issue. With an expansive set of accessories, including external keyboards and support for Apple Pencil 2, this is a perfect machine for anyone who needs a large-screen tablet that can also be paired with an external monitor. The one major drawback of this iPad is the fact that the base model just offers 64 GB of internal storage.
OnePlus Pad 2
OxygenOS 14.1 is optimised for multi-tasking. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
This is one of the best Android tablets, currently retailing at Rs 37,999 for the base model with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage and Rs 40,999 for the high-end model with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. There is also an official keyboard folio with a stylus, which can transform this tablet into a laptop in a jiffy. OnePlus Pad 2 (review) runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14 and it is expected to receive the Android 15 update soon.
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad mini with Apple Intelligence. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
While most prefer a big-screen device while working remotely, some will prefer compact tablets, and the newly introduced iPad mini is easily one such product. Priced at Rs 49,900, this tablet is powered by the same chip that powers the iPhone 15 Pro, and it is as capable as any other high-end iPad. It also supports Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro. Unlike the 5th Gen iPad Air, the latest iPad mini (review) offers 128 GB of internal storage in the base model.
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro comes in a Storm Grey variant (Image source: Lenovo)
Featuring a massive 12.6-inch AMOLED screen, this is a premium tablet that offers an almost laptop-like experience. Despite being a few years old, it still offers solid performance and the stock Android ensures that the tablet can easily handle multitasking without any issue. Again, there is support for an external keyboard and stylus. This is best suited for those who don’t like to compromise on-screen real estate even while working remotely.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is great for both professionals and digital artists. (Express Photo)
Another big-screen tablet with a 12.4-inch screen, especially for those who have invested heavily in the Samsung ecosystem. This one costs Rs 46,999. Although this isn’t the most capable tablet in this segment, features like an IP68 rating, 90Hz display, a dual-camera setup and support for S Pen (included in the box) make this a compelling product. The Tab S9 Fe+ can either be paired with first-party accessories or there are plenty of third-party accessories that work flawlessly with this big-screen Samsung tablet.