When it comes to giving a useful and thoughtful present, tablets are one of the safest choices.
They sit comfortably between phones and laptops, less personal than a phone, but lighter and more fun than a laptop. They work well for students, creatives, kids, or even grandparents who want to video-call family.
This season is also a good time to buy. Many brands released new models this year with faster chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s M3.
Screens look better, batteries last longer, and several tablets now function as light laptop replacements. Holiday sales also make them more affordable.
This guide shows what to look out for and lists the best tablets for different budgets and needs.
What to Consider When Buying a Tablet as a Gift
Before looking at the specs, think about who you are buying for. A tablet for a young gamer is different from one meant for work or school.
Start with the main use. Is it for reading, streaming, drawing, video calls, or school work? Light tasks don’t need much power, but gaming, design, and video editing require a fast processor and a sharp display.
The operating system is also important. iPadOS, Android, and HarmonyOS all work well, but each has its own ecosystem. Someone who already uses an iPhone or Mac will adapt quickly to an iPad.
Android tablets provide more options and usually cost less. Huawei tablets run on HarmonyOS, which is smooth but uses Huawei’s app store instead of Google Play.
Screen size makes a big difference. An 11-inch tablet is easy to carry, while a 13-inch screen works better for movies, multitasking, and drawing. Resolution, brightness, and refresh rate determine how good the visuals look.
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage. Basic tablets handle everyday tasks but struggle with heavy apps. Mid-range chips work well for most people.
High-end chips are best for gaming, editing, and multitasking. Storage also matters, 128GB is fine for casual users, but creators may need 256GB or more.
Battery life, build quality, and weight also affect daily use. Look for tablets that last at least 10 hours of streaming. Aluminium bodies feel more premium and tend to last longer.
Top Tablets for Gifting in 2025
Best Performance: OnePlus Pad 3
If you want a powerful tablet without paying top-tier prices, the OnePlus Pad 3 is a strong choice. It sells for about $699 in the US and N275,000–N490,000 in Nigeria.
It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, so performance is fast and smooth. The 13.2-inch 3.4K display with a 144Hz refresh rate looks sharp and handles motion well. With 900-nit brightness, it is usable even outdoors.
Its unique feature is the sound. OnePlus added eight speakers, four woofers and four tweeters, which make movies, music, and games sound rich without needing external speakers. The 12,140mAh battery can last up to 18 hours, and the 80W charger powers it back quickly.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chip; 12GB/16GB RAM
- 2-inch 3.4K LCD, 144Hz
- 12,140mAh battery
- 256GB or 512GB storage
- 13MP rear, 8MP front camera
Best Budget Tablet: Redmi Pad Pro 5G
For those on a budget, the Redmi Pad Pro 5G delivers good performance for its $220–$280 (about N320,000) price.
The 12.1-inch 2.5K display with 120Hz refresh rate looks better than what you’d expect at this price. It runs on a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with up to 8GB of RAM, enough for daily tasks, light gaming, and multitasking. The 10,000mAh battery lasts all day, and the 33W charging is fairly quick.
Its aluminium build feels solid, and the four speakers with Dolby Atmos sound surprisingly good. It also supports 5G, which is rare for budget tablets.
Key Features:
- Snapdragon 7s Gen 2; 8GB RAM, 256GB storage (expandable)
- 1-inch display, 120Hz
- 10,000mAh battery
- 8MP rear and front camera
Best for Creative Work: Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025)
For artists, designers, and dedicated note-takers, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 is a standout. It starts at around N450,000.
The 12.2-inch OLED display with 2.8K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate is its strongest feature. The PaperMatte version reduces glare and gives a paper-like writing feel. It also has a 94% screen-to-body ratio, making it immersive.
With the Kirin 9020 chip and up to 16GB of RAM, it handles creative apps well. The M-Pencil (3rd Gen) supports 4,096 pressure levels, and Huawei’s Fangtian Painting Engine supports 8K canvases and hundreds of layers.
Despite the large screen, it is only 5.5mm thick and weighs 580g. The 10,100mAh battery supports up to 100W fast charging. Note that it uses HarmonyOS, which relies on Huawei’s AppGallery.
Key Features:
- Kirin 9000s; up to 12GB/16GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage
- 2-inch or 13-inch OLED, 144Hz
- 10,000mAh battery with 80W–100W fast charging
- 50MP rear, 13MP front camera
Best for Students: Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
Samsung is ensuring premium Android tablets, and the Tab S11 Ultra starts around N1,275,000.
The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a 2960×1848 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. With 1600-nit brightness, it works well even outside. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, it provides smooth performance and better energy efficiency.
Students benefit most from Samsung’s ecosystem. The S Pen works smoothly for note-taking, and DeX mode creates a desktop-like experience. Multitasking on the large screen is easy. It’s IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and made with Armour Aluminium for durability.
The 11,600mAh battery can last up to 23 hours of video playback, and Samsung promises seven years of software updates, good for long-term use.
Key Features:
- Dimensity 9400+; 12GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB/512GB storage
- 6-inch AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- 11,600mAh battery
- 13MP rear, 12MP front camera
Best Portable Tablet: Apple iPad Air (M3, 2025)
The iPad Air is an admirably strong, simple-to-use option. The 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799 (N890,000–N1,200,000).
The M3 chip brings a big jump in speed, 35% faster CPU and 40% faster graphics than the M1 model. It runs everyday tasks, creative apps, and light editing with ease. The Neural Engine is also faster, improving smart features.
The Liquid Retina display has P3 colour, True Tone, and an anti-reflective coating. The 11-inch version is very light, and with Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard, it becomes a flexible work device.
The biggest advantage is the Apple ecosystem. If the person already uses an iPhone or Mac, the tablet fits in naturally. Apple also supports its devices for many years.
Key Features:
- M3 chip; 8GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB/512GB storage
- Up to 10 hours of battery
- 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 12MP rear, 12MP front camera
Conclusion
Choosing the right tablet comes down to the person you’re buying for. The OnePlus Pad 3 provides top performance. The Redmi Pad Pro 5G gives great value for money. Huawei’s MatePad Pro is ideal for creatives. Samsung’s Tab S11 Ultra works well for students who need a laptop replacement. And the iPad Air is a simple, reliable choice for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
Holiday sales always include bundle deals with cases, styluses, or keyboards, so it’s worth checking those. Extended warranties can also be useful for expensive models.
With the wide range of tablets available in 2025, you can easily find one that matches the person’s needs and makes a thoughtful gift.
