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.