Best Tablet For Engineering Students: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

If you are heading out for college to venture into engineering, books and pens will certainly feature somewhere in the list of what you need for the mission ahead. But since we are in the 21st century, you will equally need to conform to the digital trends by acquiring the best tablet for engineering students.

You will probably ask why not phones or laptops in the place of a tablet. But wait!

The screen size of a smartphone isn't big enough for viewing the array of the wide-format designs synonymous with engineering. At the same time, a laptop is too big, bulky, and less portable. These reasons make smartphones, and laptops less cut out for engineering tasks.

Engineering tabs are powerful and versatile computing tools. They go beyond the general optimization for everyday tasks. So, apart from gaming, streaming movies, watching videos, and general web browsing, tablets for students feature specific features to help you meet the desired objectives.

Top Tablets for Engineering Students in 2023 by Editors

Comparison Table For Top 10 Tablets For Engineering Students

IMAGE Name Display Size RAM Processor price
2020 Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Gold (8th Generation)
New Apple iPad 10.2 Inches. 3 GB. Hexa-Core
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - 12.3
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12.3 Inches. 8 GB/16 GB Intel Core i7
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8" 8 Inches. 2 GB Quad Core 2.0GHz Qualcomm SDM 429
Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, HD display, 32 GB, our best 8
Fire HD 8 Plus 8 Inches. 3 GB. 2.0 GHz Quad-Core
2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (4th Generation)
New Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Inches. 6 GB. Octa-core (4×2.5 GHz Vortex + 4×1.6 GHz Tempest)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 10.5 Inches. 8 GB. ‎2.84 GHz AMD_Kabini_A6_5200M_Quad_Core

Samsung - Galaxy Tab A - 10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10" 10.1 Inches. 3 GB. Octa-Core Lassen O+ (Exynos 7904A)
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, 10.3
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus 10.3 Inches. 2 GB. Octa-Core 2.3 GHz
Lenovo Smart Tab P10 10.1
Vankyo MatrixPad Z1 10.1 Inches. 2 GB/3 GB/4 GB Qualcomm Snapdragon
Fire HD 10 Tablet (10.1
Amazon Fire 10 10.1 Inches. 2 GB. Octa-Core 2 GHz.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12.3 Inches. 8 GB/16 GB Intel Core i5/i7

Top 6 Best Tablets For Engineering Students Reviews in 2023

 Top 6 Best Tablets For Engineering Students Reviews in 2023
Top 6 Best Tablets For Engineering Students Reviews in 2023

1.Apple iPad Mini

Engineering students and professionals will find the Apple iPad Mini an incredible means to own a professional iPad without breaking the bank. Apple never goes wrong when it comes to delivering top-performing devices. The fantastic features that the company includes in the Apple iPad Mini say a lot about the device.

The gadget is a compact version of the popular Apple iPad. It features a fabulous 7.9-inch retina display. And at 0.16 pounds and sleek design of a meager 6.1 mm, the device is the most lightweight and portable in the luxurious line of iPad devices. The device is, therefore, perfect for students who prefer to go small.

But despite the miniature design, the iPad Mini packs terrific features. The 7.9-inch retina display features an amazing resolution of 2048 x 1548P and an equally fabulous pixel density of up to 324 PPI.

The quality of the images that the tab produces is, therefore, not subject to debate. You are assured of stunning colors and detailed images.

You will marvel at the improvements that the device has seen in recent years. It currently runs on an iOS 12 operating system and a powerful A12 Bionic processor. This combination delivers a fast and reliable gadget that you will find incredible for nearly all engineering and architectural tasks.

2019 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray
2019 Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray

Highlighted Features

  1. You can conveniently choose between the 64 GB and the 256 GB models.
  2. The back and front cameras allow for high-quality capturing options.
  3. The Apple Pencil gives students a chance to sketch and take notes.
  4. It features a sleek, compact, and lightweight build.
  5. The battery can last for up to 10 hours.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Latest Model) - Best Tablet PC For Engineering Students

For engineering students who need to be working on electronics circuit diagrams and modeling while they study might find that a tablet with extra features would be beneficial.

Many engineering students who excel in electronics, use their tablets as mini-computers or modules to complement their laptop while doing their work. These engineers often use a combination of both the tablet and the laptop while studying, which makes them very efficient. They can also take notes at the same time.

Being skilled at circuit diagrams, electrical engineering students need to be able to transfer information from the tablet easily to the laptop and vice versa. This means the tablet should be able to perform these functions without any problems.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is such a tablet. When it came out, it was one of the top selling tablets and has continued to perform well with its latest releases.

The Surface Pro series runs Windows 10, which means it is compatible with all modern software that runs on Windows; these include Android applications, Office productivity applications and many more.

This tablet is available in 12.3 inches, with a 2256 x 1504 resolution. It has a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM memory and 1TB hard drive.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - 12.3
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - 12.3

Highlighted Features

  1. Has a touch screen interface which is fully integrated into the Windows 10 operating system.
  2. Very responsive, with an 8 Megapixel front camera and 5MP back camera.
  3. It can run Android applications as well as traditional office software.
  4. The screen display is sharp and crisp.
  5. Comes with a stylus which helps in precise drawing and writing.
  6. Octa-Core processor that operates at 3.6Ghz
  7. 8GB of RAM memory

3.Sony Xperia Tablet S

The Sony Xperia Tablet S is a device that is an engineering tool with an incredible story. At one time, the tablet was recalled from the market for further fine-tuning. The second release and launch delivered a device that has remained a force to reckon with.

The tab features a premium and rugged build with a folded book design that is striking and eye-catching. Interestingly, the device stands out from every other Android competitor and features a finish that gives an iPad a run for its money.

While the entire design looks stylish and pretty luxurious, the Sony Xperia Tablet S is not all about the looks. It all comes with high-end characteristics and specs that faultlessly match the upscale design.

It features a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3.0 processor with processor speeds of up to 1.4 GHz. While this is not the finest in the market, it comes with enough power and speed for general engineering tasks. Besides, these features make a perfect purchase for a tablet within the price range.

More convenience comes with the fact that you can choose the right storage. It comes in three different internal storage capacities. You get to choose between the 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB models. Of course, your choice will depend on your storage needs and your budget.

Sony Xperia 16 GB 9.4-Inch Tablet S SGPT121US/S
Sony Xperia 16 GB 9.4-Inch Tablet S SGPT121US/S

Highlighted Features

  1. It is an affordable option for students on a budget.
  2. The tab looks sleek, lightweight, and portable.
  3. It features just two buttons on the side for convenience.
  4. You can choose the right storage capacity for your needs.
  5. The powerful processor enhances performance and reliability.

4.Microsoft Surface Pro 6 | Best Laptop Or Tablet For Engineering Students

Microsoft brings the much-needed competition in the tablet market with an incredible range of powerful devices. Engineers and other professionals should not, in any way, feel left behind. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 sorts out the requirements of engineering students and designers.

While the device features a close resemblance with its immediate predecessor, it is one of the company's latest models that comes with an excellent range of improvements. Both models feature an impressive 12-inch HD display, a beautiful kickstand, and amazing front-facing speakers.

The real differences between the two versions lie in the specifications. The surface Pro 6 is no doubt the best convertible tablet that runs on Windows 10. Together with the reliable Intel Core 8th Generation processor, the device goes beyond its attractive platinum look to deliver exceptional performance.

The Core i5 processor is fan-less hence delivers a silent operation. But that shouldn't make you underrate the consistent performance of the Microsoft convertible tab. Besides, it features just the right ports for versatility.

Finally, among the notable improvements that the device gives its users is the more robust and more reliable battery. The battery lasts for a minimum of 9 hours but will take up to 13 hours on the recommended tablet brightness.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB)

Highlighted Features

  1. The device runs on the performance-oriented Windows 10.
  2. Long battery life will last you for up to a whole working day.
  3. It weighs a paltry 1.7 pounds hence considerably lightweight.
  4. The 8th Generation processor delivers better performance.
  5. It features a Surface Pen that allows you to exercise your creativity.

5.Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

There are three things that tech nerds look for in a tablet. They include screen size, performance, and portability. These features set out a tablet from both a laptop and a smartphone. But what's the essence of going for a big screen at the expense of portability?

Samsung gives its lovers a slim and lightweight tab in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e. It is lighter than a single pound and features a pretty slim design. You will find the device perfectly portable and convenient for engineering students who want to keep it lightweight. But there's more when it comes to features and specs.

The 10.5-inch display delivers incredible vividness. You will also cherish the display that comes with a resolution of an incredible 2560 x 1600 pixels. Such a resolution ensures excellent detail and clarity. Besides, the device features incredible contrast for an enjoyable viewing experience.

The Tab S5e features a fast-charging mechanism. But despite the fast charging feature of just about 2 hours, the device will provide a continuous video watching for up to 15 hours.

Finally, if you love photography, you will find the 13 MP rear camera an incredible addition. The primary camera gives you an exclusive opportunity to capture moments the way they are and in great detail.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e- 64GB, Wifi Tablet - SM-T720NZKAXAR, Black
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e- 64GB, Wifi Tablet - SM-T720NZKAXAR, Black

Highlighted Features

  1. The device is perfectly lightweight and portable.
  2. It is ideal for all students, irrespective of your major.
  3. The display is bright, captivating, and crisp.
  4. It features a battery life of up to 15 hours.
  5. A high-capacity camera delivers detailed videos and cameras.

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5″ 256GB, WiFi Tablet- SM-T860NZALXAR, Mountain Gray- Best Tablet For Engineering

Looking to get the most out of your engineering degree? This tablet from Samsung is a great option.

It's reliable, has high-quality components and can help you excel in your studies. Plus, it has so many applications that you'll never be bored!

The Galaxy Tab S6 is designed to be used for work and play. It's powered by Android 9.0 (Pie) so you can get the most out of your device. Plus, it has 256 GB of memory and it's 4G LTE compatible.

It has a large 10.5″ screen that's particularly great for watching videos or reading e-books and documents onscreen at a convenient viewing angle.

Also, it's got a gorgeous stylus that you can use to write messages or draw onscreen. You'll be able to take notes more effectively with the S Pen because it offers more sensitive tracking than most other similar products.

It's available in a range of colors so you can get exactly what you want. This version is a striking Mountain Gray color that will look great in any school setting.

Another feature that makes this tablet special is its keyboard case. It's designed so that you can use your tablet as a laptop. Then, when you want to use it in an easier and safer manner, you can use the keyboard case.

It has a large battery that you'll be able to rely on for hours on end so that you can get your work done with ease. You can multitask in any way you want because it has an incredibly fast processor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5

Highlighted Features

  • The Octa-core processor is incredibly fast.
  • Has a great 8MP front-facing camera.
  • The battery is long lasting.
  • It's got a large 10.5″ screen that's great for seeing images in high quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Tablet For Engineering Students

Apart from brand and price, there is a range of other factors that you need to consider when shopping for an ideal student tablet. We highlight the most vital factors in this brief buyers' guide.

Standalone Or Convertible

Tablets are either standalone or convertible. The choice isn't just a matter of personal preference but also depends on personal preference and the desired performance.

Standalone devices are perfectly compact and more portable as they don't feature the additional weight that comes with the keyboard. However, you'll find the touchscreen mode of input inconvenient if you want to feed in a lot of Word or Excel content.

Convertible tablets, also known as 2-in-1 tablets, are impressive devices for killing two birds with a single stone. You can quickly transform them into laptops or use them as standalone tablets. The detachable keyboards help you to conveniently type in content as you'd do on a full-featured computer.

Screen Size

The display size of a tablet is one of the most vital features to look out for. As you should probably be aware by now, tablets come in a variety of display sizes. The most compact options are as small as 7 inches in size. That's just slightly bigger than most smartphones.

The central conflict when it comes to screen size is the need to balance screen size and portability. While most students always desire to opt for pocket-friendly tabs, we often advise that a proper tablet for engineering be big enough to display all the designs without much zooming. Any tab of about 10 inches is good enough for any student.

Storage Capacity

As an engineering student or any student, for that matter, you need a device with sufficient storage to meet your high storage demands. You'll need storage for a significant volume of classwork that includes lessons, presentations, and notes.

You will undoubtedly need such content throughout your stay in college and even long after. And you will always add more as time progresses. Simultaneously, photos, videos, and music will also take up a considerable amount of space.

You don't want to fumble with this requirement as you don't want to delete some content to store new ones. The trick is to choose the best engineering students tablet with a large storage capacity to avoid the possibility of the space running out midway through your coursework.

Connectivity Options

College work involves a lot of research and content sharing; the road to being an engineer is no exception. Often, the college environment usually has a stable Wi-Fi, which implies that a Wi-Fi connection is required for nearly all student tablets.

But what about if you will travel to sites outside the confinement of the Wi-Fi-connected areas? There is always that possibility hence the need to consider devices with alternative connectivity options. A cellular-enabled device comes in handy in such situations.

Types of Tablets For Engineering Students

When it comes to tablets for engineering students, there are a few different things to consider. The first is what type of tablet you need. There are three main types: Windows, Android, and Apple. Windows tablets are powered by the Windows operating system, Android tablets are powered by the Android operating system, and Apple tablets are powered by the iOS operating system. The second consideration is price. Tablets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. The third consideration is features. Tablets come with different features, so it's important to decide which features are important to you. For example, if you need a tablet that can be used for work and school, then you'll want one that has a good processor and plenty of storage space.

If you're looking for a Windows tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a good option. It has a powerful processor and a lot of storage space. It also comes with the Microsoft Office software suite, which is great for students who need to do work on their tablets. If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is a good option. It has a powerful processor and a lot of storage space, and it also comes with the Google Play store, which is full of apps and games. If you're looking for an Apple tablet, the iPad Pro is a good option. It has a powerful processor and a lot of storage space, and it also comes with the Apple App Store, which is full of apps and games.

So, which tablet is right for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you need a tablet that can do a lot of work, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a good option. If you're looking for an Android tablet that has a lot of features, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is a good option. And if you're looking for an Apple tablet, the iPad Pro is a good option. Whatever your needs, there's sure to be a tablet that's perfect for you.

FAQs about Tablets For Engineering Students

Is The Surface Pro Good For Engineering Students?

The Surface Pro can be used by engineering students depending on the model they pick. It is a good pick for general design use and AutoCAD, and since it comes with a touchscreen, maneuvering diagrams are made simpler.

Users do however need to keep an eye out for the processor, which should not be below an Intel Core i5, and should have a good graphics card for high-quality design.

Which Tablet Is Best For Autocad?

Some of the top tablets that are good for AutoCAD include the Apple iPad Pro and the Google Nexus 9.

However, the Microsoft Surface Pro line is considered one of the best for this purpose. One can pick either the Surface Pro 3 or the Surface Pro 7, depending on their budget and requirements. But both are well suited for AutoCAD thanks to their high-resolution displays, spacious screen spaces, and top-notch graphics.

Are 2 In 1 Laptops Good For Engineering?

While most 2-in-1 laptops are not suited for engineering, a handful with the right features are. This includes models like the HP Spectre x360 which boasts a 10th generation quad-core processor to meet all sort of software needs.

The Surface Pro series from Microsoft is the other choice if you want to have the 2-in-1 feature while being able to host engineering software. Models like the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 7 make good choices thanks to their top-notch processors, large screens, and good graphics.

Is A Tablet Better Than A Laptop For Engineering Students?

Answer: The answer to this question is actually a little more nuanced than it would seem. Tablets are famous for their portability, and unlike laptops, they can be taken virtually anywhere.

Apart from that, tablets don't need to be charged as often as laptops. On the other hand, not all engineering software has been optimized for tablets yet (but a lot of them have).

The resolution on tablets is also usually lower than on laptops; meaning that engineers will have to squint just a bit more when designing larger projects.

What About The iPad Then?

Answer: The iPad has been the default choice of many students around the world and for a good reason. It is very easy to use, and it offers users a large variety of software that work well with it.

However, with today's market, having more options than you could ever think possible, there are other tablets like the Surface Pro 3 that might be more worthy of your attention.

Will Storage Space Ever Be An Issue For Tablets?

Answer: Storage space has been an issue for tablets even before the iPad was invented. While most of the storage on tablets is cloud based, users can usually store some files locally as well.

Generally speaking, a tablet with 128 GB or 256 GB storage should be enough for an engineering student. If the user wants to keep a lot of information or files locally, then they can get an external hard drive as well.

Buy them at Walmart, Etsy, eBay (quality guaranteed)

Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (Previous Model) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - 12.3" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop, 14 Inch FHD Touchscreen Display, AMD Ryzen 5 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Lenovo Miix 630 2-in-1 12.3" FHD WUXGA Touchscreen Laptop, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 up to - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6- 10.5" 128GB, Wifi Tablet - SM-T860NZBAXAR, Cloud Blue - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Conclusion for Engineering Tablet Buyers

Newcomers and continuing engineering students need a computing gadget to get work done more efficiently and effectively. You will find out that the most viable computing devices for engineering assignments are tablets. They are versatile, compact, lightweight, and conveniently powerful.

Interestingly, the best tablet for engineering students comes in handy for classwork and entertainment applications.

You can use the device to document issues, view building plans, examine site photos, or access BIM data. On the other hand, an ideal product like the ones that we have included in this review has the right connectivity and power to access social media and other entertainment sites like Netflix and YouTube.

About Dror Wettenstein

Dror Wettenstein is a software engineer and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. He is the founder of TechTreeRepeat, a company that enables technical writers to publish their work faster and share it with readers across the globe. Dror has a master’s degree in computer science from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in physics from UC Irvine.

When he’s not working on software projects, Dror enjoys writing articles and essays on various topics. He also likes playing guitar and spending time with his wife and two young children.

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