3 Best Tablets for Video Calls

In today’s day and age, tablets have almost become a necessity. They help with so many basic tasks and add a lot of functionality to your life. The sleek devices are capable of many things, but one of the most impressive is video calling.

Old friends can reconnect, long-distance relationships can thrive, and grandparents can watch their grandkids grow from across the globe.

Tablets can be hit or miss when it comes to video calling. With so many choices out there, it’s hard to know which ones are reliable and which ones miss the mark.

This article will sift through the pile, show you a list of the best tablets for video calls and give you an idea of what to look for when choosing the one that fits your needs.

Who Should Get This

A tablet is a great investment for anyone. They can inform, educate, and entertain.

The video calling option can be done on desktops, laptops, and cell phones too, but the tablet pairs mobility (see ya computers) with a screen display that rivals small laptops with better picture quality.

These are great for seniors and coworkers to make video calls with you anywhere in the house or catch up on the go at a coffee shop.

Best Tablet for Video Calls: Top Picks

Here’s a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each video call tablet so you get to know its pros and cons before making the final decision on which one to buy.

1. Apple 11-inch iPad Pro

If you’re willing to fork out some extra cash, the iPad Pro is the best way to make mobile video calls. It boasts an impressive 12 MP camera and an 11-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display while also maximizing your screen and picture quality.

You also get four speakers and five microphones so that everything you say and hear comes out crystal clear. Those features, along with Apple’s innovative M1 chip, give this machine unrivaled speed.

What We Like:

• Impressive four-speaker and five-microphone audio system
• The lenses offer ultra-wide shots and 4K video options
• 9-hour battery life

What We Dislike:

• Expensive Apple-related add-ons rub some the wrong way

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4-inch

Similar to the iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 takes their screen space seriously. Their screen-to-tablet ratio is high with minimal bezel (the display area around the screen) to go with its already impressive 10.4-inch screen.

The Dolby AtmosSurround sound speakers give the tablet a larger-than-life feeling and the tablet’s picture quality isn’t too shabby either.

What We Like:

• Beautiful 2000×1200 picture display
• Weighs only one pound
• 8 MP rear camera provides great picture during video calls

What We Dislike:

• No auto brightness option

3. Facebook Portal Smart Video Calling 10” Touch Screen

I know, the Portal isn’t technically a tablet. It’s also not portable and needs a chord for use. However, it’s one of the best video call options on the market. It works through Facebook so you can video chat with anyone on their platform.

The Smart Camera is a nifty feature that allows you some movement during your video call without your face leaving the frame. Cook a meal, fix a drink, or show off your newest dance move without having to adjust the camera.

The Portal also allows you to surf Facebook or stream music from Spotify and Pandora through several built-in app options. You can also get the latest news through CNN or Fox News.

People are completely blown away at the speaker quality on the Portal as well, with their music and the voices and laughter of their loved ones jumping out of the Portal to massage their ears.

What We Like:

• 12 MP rear-facing camera matched with beautiful sound quality
• Camera/speaker turn-off option for privacy while not making calls
• Landline-quality calls with the added bonus of video
• Acts as a digital picture frame when not in use

What We Dislike:

• Could be limiting if the person you wish to call isn’t versed with Facebook Messenger

How to Choose a Tablet for Video Calls

There are many tablets out there with a variety of features that meet specific needs. If you’re getting a model for video calling, there are a couple of benchmarks that it has to hit in order to be deemed worthy.

Battery Life

The importance of a long-lasting battery can never be underestimated. Our picks give you a full day’s worth of battery under heavy use.

That ensures your calls with friends and family can last as long as you like without the threat of losing the moment due to a low battery.

Speakers

Not being able to hear your loved ones properly can put a real damper on your call. Background noise is a big factor on both ends, and every moment matters in today’s current global situation.

Sure, you could pop in some headphones to hear better, but such devices come with their own pitfalls. Make sure you have the right sound to enjoy your video calls to the fullest extent.

Picture

The picture sort of speaks for itself. Like anything else in life, if movies, pictures, and videos look good, then you will enjoy them more. The same can easily be said about your video calling experience.

Our picks check all the boxes but be sure to do your research on picture quality before sinking money into a tablet.

Final Thoughts

Video calls are the future when it comes to communicating in both personal and professional circumstances. Even grandparents are hopping on the train to stay connected with their loved ones as the days of landline telephones are long gone.

Some still use cell phones, but they don’t give you the full picture during your call. Choose your video calling tablet wisely and you too will be enjoying the chats with anyone in the luxury of your own home.

What is your experience with video calling on a tablet? Do you have any recommendations? Let us know below in the comments section!