13-inch tablet: 5 large models from Apple, Samsung & Co. in comparison

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Tablets with a 13-inch display are becoming increasingly popular. We present the best models with Windows, Android and iPadOS and give you an overview of which tablet is worthwhile for whom.

For a long time, large tablets were an absolute exception. However, more and more manufacturers are now bringing 13-inch tablets or even larger models onto the market. We take a look at the most important devices and reveal which tablet is suitable for whom.


13 inch tablets
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Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Large 2-in-1 with Windows 11

Microsoft Surface Pro 8
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The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is also a full Windows 11 PC.

Image: © Microsoft 2021

That Surface Pro 8 is the latest offshoot of Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet range. It has a 13-inch screen with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels in a 3:2 aspect ratio. The display offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz and support for HDR content via the Dolby Vision display format.

Extensive equipment variants

On the processor side, Microsoft offers two configurations. You have the choice between an Intel Core i5 or a Core i7 of the 11th generation and, depending on the version, 8, 16 or even 32 GB of RAM. You can also choose between 128, 256 and 512 GB or a 1 TB variant for the SSD data storage.

The Surface Pro 8 offers more ports than most current tablets. There are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a classic headphone jack and an additional magnetic connector for the charging cable.

A tablet with Windows 11

Windows 11 runs on the device, which is why the Surface Pro 8 mutates into a genuine Windows laptop with an optionally available keyboard cover – or paired Bluetooth keyboard. There is also support for the Surface Pen, which turns the device into a drawing tablet. However, this must also be purchased separately.

The Surface Pro 8 is the perfect option if you also want to use your tablet as a full Windows laptop. In terms of price, the cheapest option currently starts at 899 euros.


Microsoft Surface Pro 8
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Huge 14.6-inch tablet

samsung galaxy tab s8 ultra dex
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The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the largest tablet in comparison.

Image: © TURN ON 2022

That With a screen diagonal of 14.6 inches, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the largest and best display in our comparison. The extremely high-contrast and viewing-angle stable AMOLED screen has a resolution of 2,960 x 1,848 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. A refresh rate of 120 Hz and HDR10+ are also supported.

Fast hardware and desktop mode

The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. The storage capacity ranges between 256 and 512 GB. All variants are available as pure Wi-Fi models or with an LTE module. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers only one USB-C port in the 3.2 specification and an additional port for an optional keyboard cover.

The software used ex works is Android 12 with the Samsung One UI interface. However, this can be switched to the DeX desktop interface at any time, with which the tablet can be used like a laptop – including support for mouse and keyboard. Samsung also guarantees software updates for at least five years.

Drawing pen included

A bonus is that the supported stylus S Pen is already included in the box. This is based on Wacom technology and, thanks to over 4,000 pressure levels, offers a comparable experience to various professional drawing tablets.


Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
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Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021): The largest tablet with iPadOS

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The iPad Pro 12.9 is currently the largest Apple tablet.

Image: © Apple 2021

With a display diagonal of 12.9 inches, that’s it Although the iPad Pro 12.9 is the smallest device in our comparison, it should by no means be ignored thanks to the convincing overall package. The Liquid Retina Mini LED display has a resolution of 2,732 x 2,048 pixels and offers a strong peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits. It also supports refresh rates of up to 120 Hz and Dolby Vision.

Hardware power with optionally a lot of memory

The iPad Pro is powered by the same M1 processor that is also used in many Apple Mac computers. You can choose the storage equipment for this model between 128, 256 or 512 GB as well as 1 or 2 TB according to your wishes. All models are optionally available as Wi-Fi or LTE versions.

Like many tablets, the iPad Pro only has a single USB-C port. However, it supports at least Thunderbolt 4 and therefore also correspondingly certified peripheral devices.

Customized software and optional accessories

When it comes to software, Apple relies on iPadOS 15, which is a version of the iPhone operating system iOS specially adapted for tablets. Thanks to this optimization, the iPad Pro currently offers the best pure tablet interface on the market, but still has some catching up to do in hybrid mode with a connected keyboard. By the way, this is optional in the form of the Magic Keyboard available. The drawing pen is also optional Apple Pencilwhich with over 4,000 supported pressure levels is also suitable for professional applications.


Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
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Lenovo Yoga Tab 13: Classic tablet with a practical stand

Lenovo YogaTab 13
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The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is a rather classic tablet with a practical stand.

Image: © Lenovo 2022

That Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 13 is the most classic tablet in our comparison. The 13-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 2,160 x 1,350 pixels and supports video content with Dolby Vision, among other things. Unfortunately, the refresh rate is only 60 Hz.

Optionally usable as a laptop monitor

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 is responsible for the work performance, which is supported by 8 GB of RAM and either 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. In addition to the obligatory USB-C connection with specification 3.1, there is even a micro-HDMI port that can be used to use the Yoga Tab 13 as a second display for a laptop, among other things.

Stand as a unique selling point

A special feature is the integrated stand, which looks very robust and elegant and can be infinitely adjusted. This means that the device can be placed almost anywhere without an additional protective cover. Pen input is also supported via the optionally available pen Lenovo Precision Pen 2. However, the software support for pen inputs is significantly weaker than that of Microsoft, Samsung or Apple. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not give a long update guarantee for Android like Samsung does.

All in all, the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is best suited as a classic tablet for media content such as films and series, but also for games.


Lenovo YogaTab 13
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Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5: Tablet and Chromebook in one

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
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The IdeaPad Duet 5 is a tablet and Chromebook in one device.

Image: © Lenovo 2022

That Lenovo’s IdeaPad Duet 5 is both a tablet and a Chromebook. The display is quite large at 13.3 inches, but offers a lower resolution than the competition at 1920×1080 pixels. The brightness is also comparatively low at 400 nits and you also have to do without HDR support with this device.

The keyboard is included

A Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is used as the processor and there is a choice of 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. A special feature is that the keyboard cover including TrackPad is already included in the scope of delivery. Pen input is also supported, but the appropriate pen must be purchased separately.

A tablet with ChromeOS

Lenovo relies on ChromeOS for the operating system, which cuts a fine figure in both tablet and laptop mode thanks to support for Android apps. It is also nice that the IdeaPad Duet 5 has two USB-C ports with specification 3.2 and is therefore a bit more flexible than the competing models in this respect.

Overall, the technical equipment of the IdeaPad Duet 5 does not reach the level of the competition, but the device is also significantly cheaper.


Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
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