Android vs Windows Tablet: Which one should you buy?

We use tablets for an array of things. We watch films, send emails, check out on Tinder, engage in Twitter wars, create SOP for an interview, do an entire academic dissertation, click candid photos… the possibilities are endless.

Today, tablets have almost become synonymous with laptops for their amazing features that are upgraded after every version. With the onset of detachable keyboard, the lines between laptops and tablets have started becoming blur now.

Even though that is the case, Laptops can never be beaten. You can only have a good or high-end tablet. Now what is a good tablet?

The definition of a good tablet depends upon your budget, orientation and style sense. How often do you use your tab for illustration? Were your tablets only meant for kids? A Game Aficionado. Functionality wise

There was a time when you had only two choices for a tablet. But now you have apple pads, Amazon tablets and others too. Microsoft could make up for what it lost in smartphones using amazing tablets like the Surface Pro. So did Dell, Acer and others.

Let’s delve into the origins of the history of android and windows. Both have features to outsmart each other. They’ve been waging wars against each other since their inception.

Android is arguably the first operating system for smartphones. Created by Andy Rubin in 2003, Android, as an operating system went on to be bought by Google. Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Android 10 and Android 11 are various versions of the operating system.

However, Microsoft started earlier as an interface manager in 1981. From Windows 1.0 to Vista to Windows 11, it has been quite a journey for Windows too. Both Android and Windows have had their respective share of struggle to metamorphose from desktops/laptops to tablets.

Let us take a look at some of the advantages and features of Android:

Feasibility: One of the best attractions of Android tablets has to be its low-cost, economical feature. They are affordable. Lighter on the pockets with incredible quality. Android Tablets are time-tested and durable.

Integration with Google: Seamless integration with Google helps Android users take up online lessons. Google Play’s content is easily accessible. Content development, deployment, access, marketing and sales are easy with Android and Google play store.

Free Market: Android tablets let you buy and sell anything product, services or commodity.

Now let us take a look at some unique features of Windows:

For a very long period, Windows have been monarchs of and have ruled workplaces. There are several reasons why a Windows Tablet has a better hand than an Android Tablet.

Options to choose from:

There is no dearth to sizes and shapes and types of Windows tablets as compared to android and apple tablets. Windows continue to remain the hottest devices on the planet.

Executives, IT geeks, corporate honchos continue to clank on windows. Devices range from a seven-inch screen to 15.6 inches. You rarely see android tabs crossing over the ten-inch mark.

Office friendly and dock worthy:

Windows seamlessly integrate with and let plugging in of monitors, keyboards, mice, and hard drives. Windows are pretty good when it comes to docking stations. These tabs could be used as standalone computers.

Universal Hubs are available where you can plug in and morph into full desktop PC simulation. iPads have zero Docking Station facilities and can never be used as an enterprise system. Although several Android devices have USB ports and HDMI ports, they aren’t generally considered to be convenient.

P for Peripherals:

Considering the fact that, for a considerable number of users, docks may be redundant and an overkill; plugging in peripherals props up the immediate alternative.

Almost all windows tablets have a couple of USB ports to support hard drives and peripherals. Even Android jumped into the bandwagon and started providing.

The iPad is even worse because it has limited options. The industry standards allow windows and android tabs to deploy cross-brand peripherals whereas it is lesser practiced. Impossible in apple products.

Unlimited world of Apps:

Windows are way behind android tabs. Google Play store is a wonderful place to download and access unlimited apps. Windows are no match to Google Play store

Proprietary Software:

Windows tabs can run proprietary software on its devices, unlike android and apple products.

The game changer – Windows 10:

Microsoft launched its ultimate version Windows 10 which has been offered to the majority of the netizens free of cost. This version of Windows helps all tablets work smoothly.

Multi window efficiency:

The most appealing advantage of a Windows platform is that unlike Android, one could run multiple apps at the same given point of time without any lag. An Android tablet shall allow you to open a few apps together, but that will affect the overall performance of the tablet.

Working in sync with Team:

A Windows tablet comes equipped with all that you would need to collaborate smoothly with your co-workers. It comes loaded with the complete version of Office, and this helps you to keep all your work at the same place and easily accessible by others who might need to work on the same worksheet.

An Android tablet also has the feature of getting the various Office apps, but its sharing and collaborating abilities are much less than that of a Windows tablet.

Wider range of options:

Working on a tablet becomes much smoother when the screen space is more extensive. The Windows-based Surface tablet became a revolutionary one in this field as it works equal to a laptop.

With more screen space and a smooth flowing pen as an aide. This tablet gives its user the advantage of doing all the work in a more seamless and faster manner.

Smoother Input:

Pen support is provided by Windows as an option in the majority of its tablets, unlike Android. The pen support is embedded into the core of the Operating System, and this enables its smooth functioning and free-flowing support.

Some tablet versions being provided by Lenovo having Windows OS will allow you to use any pen or pencil to work on it.

These features make a Windows tablet much more user-friendly in comparison to an Android tablet which has only a few select options for using pen support and those also do not provide effortless assistance and are much lower in performance.

Why not a Windows tablet?

Now that we have clogged our brains with all the pros of Windows, lets also look into the aspect of why not a Windows tablet:

While there are a lot of good reasons to choose a Windows 10 tablet, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t. Let’s check out the cons of using a Windows tablet, so you know what you will be giving up when you make the switch.

Windows tablets are more expensive:

The ones which are easily affordable are not at par with the other costly versions of Windows tablets. So the amount that you are ready to shell out decides the quality and features of the Windows tablet you want to own.

In comparison to an Android tablet, any time a Windows tablet is more expensive for the same kind of features and overall package.

Protection and Security:

Just like your laptop or workstation, a Windows tablet would require you to acquire antivirus protection to secure all your data and work. A Windows tablet is a mini version of a laptop and gives all features of a full-fledged computer.

Hence, proper security enabled network needs to be provided to protect all workers from viruses of malware.

Scope of Applications:

In comparison to Android, Windows looks pale and loses out on the variety of apps that are being provided. There might be some viral games being given but you will not be able to use any Windows mobile app on a tablet as it is not compatible.

The Windows Store has a lot to develop compared to the Android App store as far as variety and user-friendliness goes.

Interface:

The Windows interface seems to suffer some lag when it switches to tablet mode. An Android tablet is much more sleek and agile as far as the touch experience goes. Every new version of Windows is improving on this aspect, but it still keeps losing out to its robust rival.

Accessory Crunch:

Windows 10 tabs offer phenomenal peripheral support but have limited accessories to adorn with like customized keyboards, individual cases etc.

It contrasts with android tablets which have tons and tons of accessories available in the market for customization. Even third-party support is limited from tablet to tablet.

Verdict

Windows tablets have a broad range of desktop applications while Android tabs are laden with apps in the Google Play store. Whether you stick to Android or switch to Windows or vice-versa, the choice is yours.

The discussion never ends. Having distinct individual features, Android and Windows tablets fight it out to control the market. Windows takes credit for giving you a more polished and customized experience as far as technology goes, but Android gives you a wider range of options as now as apps and the user-friendliness quotient is concerned.

Which is better? … As usual the depends!…. Read on for a deep dive into Android vs Windows Tablets.

Tablets have filled that niche market in mobile devices, between laptops and mobile phones. Tablets are a better choice for portability over laptops with a screen size that is a better option than that of our mobile phones. PIP even sell a range of rugged tablets which are a good idea for industry and mining.

With clients are now working from PIPs Private Hosting Farm, Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365. These cloud services take over much of the computing power thereby eliminating the need to access desktop applications solely with our desktop computers running Microsoft Windows.

Before we discuss Android vs Windows Operating systems, there are other important factors to consider before purchasing your new tablet –

• Screen Size
• 3G, 4G, 5G Connectivity
• USB Port
• Battery Life
• WIFI, WIFI 6E, 802.11ax
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Camera Resolution
• Storage Capacity
• HDMI Ports
• USB C Ports
• Pen Support

Once you have made an informed decision on the hardware specifications, the best option for an Operating System must be selected.

Currently there are 3 primary Operating Systems for mobile devices

• Windows OS
• Android OS
• Apple OS (IOS)

I have not included Apple products in this comparison as we do not sell Apple products. However we do support and provide support for all Apple products. They are compatible with all our platforms, hosted environments and devices like the Apple iPad, provide just a good a platform to supplement the traditional desktop.

Android Tablets

The first Android tablet was released in 2009 over a year before Apples iPad. However Microsoft had been developing “tablet mode” well before, with varied success. The Android Operating System project was started in 2003 as a branch of the Open Source Operating System Linux, in an attempt to improve functionality for mobile phones. Today Google is the major developer of Android and its influence can be found throughout.

The Android OS has evolved a lot since Google took it on. Google has ensured its own Cloud Services are fully integrated into all Android devices. Android devices are the most sold, mobile device by a long shot (approx. 70%). Due to the Android OS being Open Source and therefore not licensable, the cost of all Android devices is substantially less. This flexibility in software responsibility can lead professional use of this platform concerning security measures and desktop application support.

Like all new tablets. Android Apps can be access from a central “App Store”, Google Play Store. Mainstream developers tend to develop their applications for all three platforms to ensure there software is available to all tablet users. Although typically we find Android users, purchase Android Tablets more for Entertainment purposes and casual browsing than desktop applications.

Due to the nature of Android-based tablets, desktop applications and productivity tools such as the Microsoft Office Suite of products may not provide the user experience or ease of use, they are accustomed to and therefore may not be the best choice for workplace desktop computer, replacement.

Some of the best choice Android Tablets

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A8                                          Price: $479.00
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Rugged Tablet                  Price: $735.00
• Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 Rugged Tablet           Price: $849.00

Windows Tablets

We all know Windows OS ? Microsoft has been the most used operating system, dominating the Desktop Computer since the 80’s. PIP has sold and supported Microsoft since is inception. Microsoft Windows Mobile has been around in some form since 1996 with the rollout of Windows CE, Microsoft created the “Pocket PC”. Since then the adoption of a mobile windows device has been slow and cumbersome. Finally in 2013, Microsoft released Microsoft Surface Pro, this tablet was based on Windows 8, since then all Microsoft Surface Devices has followed the same Operating System line and are currently running Windows 11.

Microsoft also releases a series of devices that also run Android, so don’t think you are getting Microsoft Windows Operating System just because you are buying a Microsoft Device.

In recent years, Windows-based tablets are as close as ever to seamless integration alongside your traditional desktop computers. As are desktop computers evolving into kiosk style devices. All in an endeavor to improve user experience, support and efficiencies.

Just like Android tablets, Windows apps are available form an online windows store, “Microsoft Store”. Again all mainstream apps are developed for all the different devices and tablet markets.

The advantage of utlising a Windows OS on your tablet is the seamless integration and ease of use. The user interface is identical, with desktop icons and the familiar start button you expect to find on your desktop systems. The desktop applications, look and preform the same as they would on your traditional desktop.

For cooperate clients this platform is the better choice, for mobile devices. Having the Microsoft Windows OS on all devices, even including windows phone, provides a level of compatibly, seamless integration and security measures on the one supported platform. At the same time, the Microsoft Office Suite of productivity tools has, been tailored and bug proofed, to work seamlessly on this platform.

Of course with all this ease of use, security features and software support comes a much higher price tag. Due to the increased demands put on these devices we also find we need higher powered machines, larger hard drives and increased battery life adding further to the costs.

Some of the best Windows Tablets

• Microsoft Surface Go 3                                      Price: $880.00
• Microsoft Surface Pro 8 13″                               Price: $1299.00

So which tablet to buy ?

For casual browsing, You Tubing and game playing. A simple cost effect Android Tablet is the best choice for those entertainment purposes.

For those wanting more from a tablet and a familiar user interface, Windows OS is the right choice.

*All prices are correct at time of publishing and are used for comparison purposes only. Of course these and any other laptops can  be purchased direct from PIP. Contact PIP for details.