Getting a tablet for work, study, or just for entertainment can be confusing with so many brands, specs, and prices. But here’s one tip to make it easier: start by thinking about your daily routine. Once you know what you need it for, it’s much easier to narrow down your options. These basics can really make a difference in your daily experience. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to choose a tablet that fits your lifestyle and budget.
So let’s get started!
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Tablet for Your Daily Use in Malaysia
1. Know What You Need the Tablet For
What do you want to use the tablet for? Are you a student? A business user? Or just looking for something to watch YouTube and scroll TikTok?
Here’s a quick guide:
- For study & work: Go for tablets with good performance and a big screen. A stylus or keyboard support is a bonus!
- For entertainment: A tablet with a nice display and long battery life is enough.
- For kids: Choose a budget tablet with parental controls and a strong body (in case it drops lah!).
Knowing your main use helps you decide what features are most important when thinking about how to choose a tablet.
2. Set Your Budget
Budget plays a big part in buying anything from the many choices of tablets in the market. Do we have the budget?
- Below RM800: Entry-level tablets. Good for simple use – reading, browsing, Zoom calls.
- RM800 – RM1,500: Mid-range tablets. Perfect for school and some multitasking.
- Above RM1,500: Premium tablets. Best for power users, designers, or anyone who wants high performance.
Tip: Always check if there’s a sale on Shopee or Lazada. Sometimes you can get a good deal!
3. Choose the Right Screen Size
Screen size matters. Not too big, not too small – just right for your daily use.
- 7” – 8” tablets: Compact and easy to carry. Great for reading or traveling.
- 10” – 11” tablets: Perfect balance. Good for school, work, and entertainment.
- 12” and above: Ideal for creative pros or those replacing a laptop.
If you're unsure how to choose a tablet screen size, think about your routine. Do you use it while lying on the bed? Or do you bring it out often?
4. Performance and RAM – Don't Skip This
A laggy tablet is the worst, right?
So, make sure you look at:
- RAM: At least 4GB if you plan to multitask.
- Processor (CPU): Go for newer chipsets. Brands like Apple M-series, Qualcomm Snapdragon, or MediaTek Helio are solid choices.
If you want a smooth experience with no lag when switching apps or playing games, make sure to check these specs.
5. Battery Life – Power Up for the Day
You don’t want to charge your tablet every few hours. So always check the battery capacity (measured in mAh).
- 5000mAh and above is ideal for all-day use.
- Also, see if the tablet supports fast charging. Trust me, it helps!
6. Operating System – iPadOS, Android, or Windows?
(Image from Sketchfab)
Each system has its pros:
- iPadOS (Apple): Smooth, stable, and great for creative work. But more expensive.
- Android: Flexible, many brands to choose from, and budget-friendly.
- Windows: Good if you want a laptop-like experience.
If you’re wondering how to choose a tablet based on the OS, think about your other devices. Got an iPhone? Maybe go for an iPad. Use a Windows laptop? A Windows tablet might be better for you.
7. Storage – Enough Space or Not?
Storage affects how many apps, videos, and files you can keep.
Here’s a quick guide:
- 32GB: Basic use only. Will fill up fast.
- 64GB – 128GB: Good for most users.
- 256GB and above: For pros or heavy users.
If you download a lot of movies or games, go for more storage. Or choose one with a microSD slot to expand later.
8. Extra Features – Worth It or Not?
Sometimes, a few extra features can really upgrade your experience.
- Stylus support: Great for drawing or taking notes.
- Keyboard attachment: Perfect for working or typing long emails.
- 4G/5G connectivity: If you want to use the tablet on the go without WiFi.
Always ask yourself – will I use these features or not?
Final Thought
So now you know how to choose a tablet that matches your lifestyle. Just remember why you need it, how much you can spend, and what features are important for your style. Take your time, compare the specs, and make sure you check online reviews (especially on ProductNation). And remember, the best tablet is the one that fits your needs, not the most expensive one.
We hope this guide on how to choose a tablet helps you find the perfect companion for your daily adventures in Malaysia.
If you’d like a guide on the best tablets in Malaysia this year, check out our top picks here: