Tablets are wonderful gadgets that provide a variety of features. You can still take surprisingly good photos with the best tablet cameras when you don’t have your phone or camera nearby or are using it for something else in 2022.
Okay, tablets won’t ever compete with the best camera phone or the best cameras. However, they are becoming much more adept at taking pictures, so if you plan to purchase a tablet anyhow, you might as well get one with a good set of lenses.
In this article, we examine in detail how well the newest tablets perform in terms of photography, and we present the best 12 tablet cameras available right now.
Related Reading: Best Camera For Podcasting
Table of Contents
List Of Best Tablet Cameras
- 1. iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021)
- 2. iPad Air 10.9″ (2022)
- 3. iPad Pro 12.9″ (2020)
- 4. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- 5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
- 6. Samsung Galaxy S8 Tab Ultra
- 7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
- 8. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
- 9. Microsoft Surface Go 2
- 10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018)
- 11. iPad Mini (2021)
- 12. iPad 10.2 (2019)
Best Tablet Camera Review
1. Ipad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021)
The best tablet camera overall
Specifications
- Wide: 12MP, f/1.8, 1/3″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
- Ultrawide: 10 MP, f/2.4, 125Ëš;
- Depth: TOF 3D LiDAR scanner
- Front camera: 12 MP, f/2.4, 122Ëš
- Screen size: 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
- Weight: 682g
- Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm
- OS: iPadOS 14
- CPU: Apple M1 chip
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Pros
- Brilliant rear cameras
- Fantastic front camera Smart HDR 3 software
Cons
- Not that different from the 2020 version
The iPad Pro 12.9 M1 (2021) offers the best tablet camera experience currently available. In addition to a time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR scanner for depth, the rear of the device has 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide cameras. With this configuration, you can capture videos in Full HD (1080p) at up to 240 frames per second and up to 4K at up to 60 frames per second.
It’s important to note that these statistics match exactly with the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020), the model that came before it. However, performance has been slightly enhanced. The 2021 iPad Pro, for instance, offers an extended dynamic range for video up to 30fps and boasts Smart HDR 3 software compared to Smart HDR on its predecessor.
Overall though, if the only thing you were worried about was the rear camera, you might choose the less expensive 2020 model (number 3 on our list). Where the 2021 Pro truly trumps its predecessor, however, is in the front-facing camera. From 7MP on the model from the previous year to 12MP, the quality has increased. Additionally, it now has an ultrawide view, which means that when making a video call or taking a selfie, you will be automatically cropped into the frame thanks to the new “Center Stage” feature.
2. Ipad Air 10.9″ (2022)
The best tablet camera for value
Specifications
- Rear camera: 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/3″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
- Front camera: 12 MP, f/2.4, 122Ëš
- Screen size: 10.9-inch
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
- Weight: 661g
- Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm
- OS: iPadOS 15.4
- CPU: Apple M1 chip
- Storage: 64GB/256GB
Pros
- Good front camera
- Thin and light
- Affordable price
Cons
- Cameras are not as good as iPad Pro 2021
The 10.9-inch iPad Air 2022, which was released this March, offers many of the same features as the iPad Pro 2021 (our top pick), but at a much lower cost. For instance, you get the same M1 chip, 5G support, a 12MP selfie camera, and the Centre Stage feature.
The iPad Pro 2021’s ultrawide lens and LIDAR scanner are absent from the back of the device, which only has a single 12MP wide sensor. The latter’s digital zoom (up to 5x) and Smart HDR 3 for photos are matched by the former, which is a plus. 4K video is supported at up to 60fps, and 1080p maxes out at 240fps.
Overall, the iPad Air 2022 is a less powerful tablet than the iPad Pro 2021, offering only 64GB or 256GB of storage compared to the Pro’s up to 2TB, and only 8GB of RAM as opposed to the Pro’s 16GB. In terms of specs, though, that’s not much of a climb down. In conclusion, this is a great option for anyone looking for a modern iPad with a great camera.
3. Ipad Pro 12.9″ (2020)
The best tablet camera for most people
Specifications
- Rear cameras (3): Wide: 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/3″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF;
- Ultrawide: 10 MP, f/2.4, 11mm;
- Depth: TOF 3D LiDAR scanner
- Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/4″, 1.12µm
- Screen size: 12.9-inch
- Resolution: 2732 x 2048
- Weight: 639g
- Dimensions: 280.4 x 214.8 x 5.8 mm
- OS: iOS 13.4
- CPU: A12Z Bionic
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Pros
- Brilliant rear cameras
- 4K video at 60fps
- Good value
Cons
- Lacks auto-centering feature
On a tight budget but still, want an iPad with a respectable tablet camera? As we mentioned above, the latest iPad Pro is the absolute best there is; but the more affordable 2020 model comes a very close second.
You still receive the same time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR scanner for depth, 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide rear cameras, as well as the ability to record videos in 4K at up to 60 frames per second and Full HD (1080p) at up to 240 frames per second.
The front-facing camera’s loss of automatic centering and reduction in resolution from 12MP to 7MP is the main compromise. The 2021 iPad Pro is also significantly faster, which could affect your productivity if you’re working on tasks that demand a lot of resources, like video editing.
If that’s not the case, however, and the front camera is not important to you, we would probably suggest choosing the less expensive 2020 iPad Pro.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The best tablet camera for Windows users
Specifications
- Rear camera: 10MP
- Front camera: 5MP
- Screen size: 13-inch
- Resolution: 2880 x 1920
- Weight: 891g
- Dimensions: 287mm x 208mm x 9.3mm
- OS: Windows 11
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-i7
- Storage: 128-1TB
Pros
- 10MP rear camera
- Vibrant display
- Runs Windows 11
Cons
- Not a budget model
Looking for a Windows tablet with a respectable camera? The newest Microsoft Surface Pro is what we advise next. This 2-in-1 tablet/laptop combines a front-facing 5MP camera with 1080p full HD video and a rear-facing 10MP autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4K video.
The rear camera takes crisp, clear pictures, and the additional 2MP from the Surface Pro 7 significantly improves the level of detail you can record. As long as your room isn’t too dark, the front camera performs surprisingly well for video calls.
That’s because Microsoft upgraded the Surface Pro’s front camera with an Ambient Color Sensor to provide better brightness and color. Additionally, it enables face-only Windows Hello login.
Other upgrades over the Surface Pro 7 include a RAM increase from 4GB to 8GB, a larger, brighter 13-inch display, a longer battery life, and the ability to run the most recent version of Windows 11. This makes it the best tablet for Windows users, period, not just the best tablet camera for Windows users.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
The best budget option
Specifications
- Memory: 64GB
- Screen Size: 10.5 Inches
- Display: 1920×1200
Pros
- High-quality main camera
- Great system specs with a powerful processor
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Not the best for night photography
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is your best option if you’re looking for a low-cost tablet with excellent performance and camera capabilities. This is the most recent model of the A series, and it is very reasonably priced.
It has two cameras on it: an 8 five MP front and back cameras. This compares favorably to the majority of the other tablets on this list. Both cameras can record in FHD at 30 frames per second, and the rear camera even has a respectable autofocus system and an optional flash. Although they struggle in low light, both cameras provide consistent image quality.
An Octa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM are also features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. If you intend to travel without access to electricity, it’s a great choice because of its excellent battery life.
6. Samsung Galaxy S8 Tab Ultra
The best tablet camera for Android users
Specifications
- Rear cameras (2): Wide: 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm;
- Ultrawide: 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, AF 6 MP, f/2.2
- Front cameras (2): Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm;
- Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 120Ëš
- Screen size: 14.6-inch
- Resolution: 1848 x 2960
- Weight: 726g
- Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5mm
- OS: Android 12
- CPU: Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
Pros
- 13MP & 6MP rear sensors
- Wide & ultrawide front sensors
- Support for 4K video
Cons
- Premium price
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, which will go on sale in 2022, has the best tablet camera for Android users that we have yet to see. Two cameras—a wide and an ultra-wide—are located on the back. The first has a 26mm focal length, an f/2 lens, and a 13MP sensor measuring 1/3.4 inches. The second one boasts a 6MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture.
Additionally, two 12MP selfie cameras are available. You can move your tablet around in front of it and position it however you like; auto-framing will select the best framing for you. Additionally, 4K at 60 frames per second is supported by both the front and back cameras.
This tablet is excellent overall as well. It has a massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen that is excellent for watching movies and using creative software like Photoshop, and it is ultrathin at just 5.5mm thick. With a resolution of 1848 x 2960, deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a quick refresh rate of 120Hz, it provides excellent picture quality. Android 12 runs extremely well on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor with 8–16GB RAM. The S-Pen has undergone redesign and enhancement. A strong 11,200mAh battery also guarantees up to 14 hours of video playback.
7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
The best value tablet camera for Android users
Specifications
Rear cameras (2): Wide: 13MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, AF; Ultrawide: 5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4″, 1.12µm
Screen size: 12.4-inch
Resolution: 1752 x 2800
Weight: 575g
Dimensions: 185.0 x 285.0 x 5.7mm
OS: Android 10
CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus
Storage: 128/256GB
Pros
- High-res cameras
- Great shooting modes
- Beautiful screen
Cons
- Lacks audio jack
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ isn’t quite as powerful as the S8 Ultra (ranked number 4 on our list). However, it is very close in terms of the cameras. Therefore, if purchasing this slightly older tablet can help you save money, it is definitely something to think about.
You have a 13MP wide-angle and a 5MP ultrawide camera on the back, and you can record 4K video at 30 frames per second. You also have an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Additionally, this tablet is really great all around. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, which is extremely fast. The 10,090mAh battery can last for hours. When editing photos, the S Pen stylus is a delight to use, and the 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display offers beautiful high-resolution images.
8. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
The best high-performing tablet with lots of camera options
Specifications
- Brand: Lenovo
- Memory Storage: 4GB
- Screen Size: 11.5 Inches
- Display Resolution: 2560×1600
- Operating System： Windows, Android
Pros
- Four cameras for capturing images
- 13 MP rear camera
- Full sRGB color gamut
Cons
- Can’t access lots of editing software
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro offers a fantastic fusion of power, style, and respectable camera specifications. Additionally, the P11 performs better than other Lenovo tablets due to its 6 GB of RAM, 8-core processor, and 128 GB of storage.
The tablet comes with an 11.5-inch OLED screen that uses Dolby Vision technology and covers the entire sRGB color gamut. This means that when you go to view or edit your photos after you take them, they will look fantastic.
Totaling four lenses, the Tab P11 Pro includes two 8 MP cameras on the front and 13 MP and 5 MP cameras on the back. You can use the P11 Pro to take pictures of anything, from landscapes to selfies, thanks to the wide range of options. Furthermore, the battery life is respectable (general use extends the battery life to up to 15 hours).
9. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The best cheap tablet camera for Windows
Specifications
- Rear camera: 8MP
- Front camera: 5MP
- Screen size: 10.5 inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1280
- Weight: 553g
- Dimensions: 245 x 175 x 8.3mm
- OS: Windows 10 S
- CPU: Dual Core Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y
- Storage: 64-128GB
Pros
- Good cameras
- Shoot in HD
- Excellent value
Cons
- Not the most powerful
Look no further than the Surface Go 2 if you’re searching for a reasonably priced Windows tablet with a good camera. Despite the low price, you receive a very good 8MP autofocus rear camera that can record 1080p video.
The 5MP front camera also allows for 1080p streaming, giving it an advantage over many laptops with comparable prices that are more often than not stuck at 720p.
More specifically, the Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 device that, when paired with Microsoft’s Type Cover (sold separately), can be used as a laptop. It runs by default in Windows 10 S Mode, which limits you to using only apps from the Windows Store, as it is not the fastest or most powerful device. However, battery life is good, and overall this is a fantastic low-cost option for children, students, or just about anyone who wants to keep their costs low.
10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018)
The best cheap tablet camera for Android
Specifications
- Rear camera: 8MP, f/1.9, AF
- Front camera: 5MP, f/2.2
- Screen size: 10.5-inch
- Resolution: 1200 x 1920
- Weight: 529g
- Dimensions: 260 x 161.1 x 8mm
- OS: Android 8.1
- CPU: Snapdragon 450
- Storage: 32GB
Pros
- Good cameras
- Nice camera app
- Great value
Cons
- A little outdated now
Check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018) if you’re looking for a low-cost Android tablet with a good camera. Even though it is older and therefore cheaper, it still performs well.
On the front is a 5MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and on the back is an 8MP f/1.9 camera. These perform as well as you would expect from an older model, and the camera app has some nice features, such as Night Capture, Panorama, and a Pro mode that allows you to change the white balance and ISO. Both devices can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
With only 3GB of RAM and an older operating system (8.1), it is obvious that this Android tablet is not the most advanced or powerful one available. You won’t find a better product for this price, but it handles the majority of situations fairly well.
11. Ipad Mini (2021)
The best compact tablet camera
Specifications
- Rear camera: 12 MP, f/1.8, AF
- Front camera: Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.4, 122Ëš
- Screen size: 8.3 inch
- Resolution: 1488 x 2266 pixels
- Weight: 293-297g
- Dimensions: 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm
- OS: iPadOS 15
- CPU: Hexa-core
- Storage: 64/256GB
Pros
- Ultra-portable
- Surprisingly powerful
Cons
- Small screen size
Tablets are typically quite large and heavy, which makes them less than ideal for taking pictures. We suggest the most recent iPad Mini if you prefer to choose a smaller device for this reason.
Its rear camera has the same 12MP sensor as the iPad Pro, making it the best tablet camera you’ll find in a compact size. This can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Meanwhile, a top-notch 12MP selfie/video call camera is located on the front. Using the Center Stage feature, this can record 1080p video at up to 240 frames per second and automatically centers you in the frame.
The 8.3-inch screen offers a stunning high-quality display with vibrant colors elsewhere. The quick Apple A15 processor gives you excellent performance. Additionally, it is lightweight and portable.
12. Ipad 10.2 (2019)
The best value tablet camera from Apple
Specifications
- Rear camera: 8MP, f/2.4, 31mm, 1.12µm, AF
- Front camera: 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm
- Screen size: 10.2-inch
- Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
- Weight: 483g
- Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm
- OS: iPadOS 13
- CPU: A10 Fusion
- Storage: 32/128GB
Pros
- 8MP rear camera
- Great value
Cons
- Low-quality front camera
- Basic for an iPad
Want an iPad but lack the money? The iPad 10.2 (2019) has a lot to offer photographers and is the best budget iPad currently on the market. With good, strong colors, its 8MP rear camera produces sharp, clear images. It can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second and has HDR.
The front-facing camera, which is only 1.2 MP, is a drawback. Additionally, compared to the most recent, priciest iPads, this model is overall more basic. But as long as you’re not using it for crucial voice calls and you’re not concerned about taking selfies, this is the best iPad currently offered at a low cost.
How Should We Choose The Best Tablet With Camera?
Nowadays, almost all manufacturers aim to create a tablet that can be used for any purpose. It follows that, when choosing between them, you are essentially selecting an ecosystem. For instance, if you choose the Kindle Fire, you’ll join Amazon’s ecosystem, which has its own app universe in addition to the densely populated Android App Store.
You must rely on Google and the Play Market if you buy an Android tablet. However, since Google is more interested in promoting its Chromebook, which can also be used as a tablet, the latter hasn’t been producing as much content for tablets lately.
Last but not least, if you buy an iPad, you’ll become a member of the Apple product family. Your relationship with Microsoft will be strained if you use a Windows tablet.
It can be difficult to select the best tablet for taking pictures. But you’ll be able to choose wisely if you do some research, use the information in this article, and thoroughly assess your needs. Each manufacturer has strengths and weaknesses, which is something you should be aware of. For kids, Amazon is the most dependable option, whereas Apple provides the best security. Users of Android tablets may find them to be wonderful devices or a major hassle. There aren’t many high-quality Windows models available. The best camera is dependent on the tablet, not the brand. Therefore, if that’s your top priority, read our reviews of each model before making a decision rather than basing it solely on the brand.
Your Perfect Tablet Is Waiting For You
As you can see, there are many outstanding tablet cameras to take into account. All of the tablets on this list are capable of taking stunning pictures and can also organize and edit photos.
What tablet camera is best for you, then? Powerful hardware with multiple 12 MP cameras can be found in the Apple iPad Pro 2021. As an alternative, you could choose the less expensive Apple iPad Mini 2021, which has a portable design and excellent camera technology.
Take Away
Uncomfortable as it may be, taking out a tablet to take selfies and family photos are not recommended. A convertible tablet does have some value, though, for those who want a single device that can do it all—create videos, take some usable photos, edit, browse the web, and watch movies.
After reading our article, decide what suits you the best.
