Far from what one might assume, the Argentine tablet market maintains its sustained growth rate, with new launches that aim at the generation of content and also at entertainment. The 5 models available in the country and their main differences.
According to preliminary data from IDC, global tablet shipments had a year-on-year growth of 22.1% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching 34.4 million of units.
This technical analysis coincides with that of the consulting firm Counterpoint Research, where it also highlights that the major tablet brands improved their year-on-year shipments in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year.
In this sense, Apple continues to lead this area with a share of 37%, while Samsung follows with 20%, the same as last year. Huawei took third place with a share of 7% and an improvement of 1% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The renewal rate
And although the renewal rate of this sector is lower than that of cell phones, the spectrum of alternatives includes high-end equipment, screens that integrate the hardware of mid-range cell phones and common components of laptops.
Those who opt for an advanced configuration will be able to make use of multitasking, play more graphically demanding games, edit photos in a few clicks and also process videos. These teams exceed the million pesos.
The plurality of sizes is another of the characteristics of the new models. The balance point – since a balance is established between portability and comfort – is at 10 inches diagonal.
And although there are many tablets in both directions (the gap ranges from 9 to 12.5 inches), a larger screen translates into more information and better resolution, but also, greater energy consumption and less comfort when carrying it.
The five models that make up this guide are: TCL NXTPaper 11, Huawei MatePad 11.5″S, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, iPad Air Blanco Estrella and Xiaomi Pad 6.
TCL NXTPaper 11
If the search is aimed at a device for sporadic use and navigation, without great pretensions, a simple processor such as a quad-core MediaTek can be more than enough.
The average consumer buys a tablet to watch series, browse with multiple tabs simultaneously, manage Microsoft Office and Google Docs documents, edit photos, participate in video calls and play casual games.
In terms of differences, TCL, which presented this model last week, has a screen that can be viewed from any angle and, thanks to an anti-glare treatment and a brightness level of up to 500 nits, it is easy to follow the content in broad daylight. .
It comes with a 10.95-inch IPS panel with 2K resolution that reproduces up to 16.7 million colors. It is compatible with the T-Pen (optional) with a pressure sensitivity of 4,096 levels and is combined with the reading mode, which puts the display in grayscale for an experience close to an eBook.
It includes MediaTek’s Helio P60T processor, an SoC manufactured in a 12-nanometer process with 8 cores at a maximum frequency of 2 GHz. The GPU is an Imagination PowerVR GE8320. With keyboard included it costs 449.999 pesos.
The firm also presented the TCL 50 Pro Nxtpaper, a mobile that simulates the paper texturel with the aim of protecting visual health by reducing light reflections by 90% and combating blue light.
Unlike the Kindle’s e-ink, it uses a filter that is applied to the screen to give it a paper-like appearance. It incorporates a “black and white paper” mode that is very realistic.
Huawei MatePad 11.5″S
Touch screens have a limit. To take notes or draw, optical pencils are a good option, as are magnetic keyboards. But since they are not usually included in the box, these accessories will have to be considered as an additional.
The Huawei is a productivity tablet that reduces reflectivity to below 2% and eliminates 99% of light interference. This barrier guarantees its handling in brightly lit environments or outdoors.
Its 11.5-inch IPS LCD panel with maximum refresh rate at 144 Hz, 2.8K resolution (2,800 by 1,840) and maximum brightness for HDR content of 1,000 nits. The memory is divided into 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
The firm managed to carve out a niche in this market, despite not including Google services, such as Gmail, Maps or Photos. Its large surface can function as a workstation, encompassing productivity and leisure.
Regarding the hardware, it must be said that it includes a Kirin 9000WL processor that offers good performance, without reaching the quotas of a high-end model. It is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
It has an 8,800 mAh battery, fast charging is 22.5 W, although it does not include the charger. It comes with a four-speaker sound system. It goes on sale at the end of the month.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
The useful life of these devices is linked to updates. For example, iPads receive between five and seven years of the operating system, including security patches.
Android models are between two and four years old depending on the brand. One of the most committed is Samsung, which provides four years of OS updates and at least four of security.
The South Korean firm is one of the few manufacturers that renew its line annually. Their devices are so powerful that the description of “XXL cell phone” fits perfectly, since they have many components from their Galaxy S23 family. The new version premieres in the country in a few months.
The S9 screen is 12.4 inches with Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, (1,752 by 2,800), 550 nits brightness and HDR10+. The dynamic refresh rate is calibrated from 60 to 120 Hz to balance smooth responsiveness.
To prevent the energy from the Snapdragon 8 Generation 2 chip, which powers this tablet, from impacting its temperature, Samsung devised an internal vapor chamber and a bidirectional dissipation system.
The Galaxy Tab includes a keyboard with Book cover, which allows it to stand on its own, allowing you to adjust the device in vertical or horizontal orientation. This 2.709.999 pesos.
iPad Air: Star White (2022)
It is an entry model to Apple’s range, 10.9″, with a resolution of 2,360 by 1,640 pixels (264 dpi). It is laminated, includes True Tone technology but not ProMotion, 500 nits brightness and color reproduction very faithful.
This iPad incorporates USB-C and a magnetic connector for compatible accessories, a fingerprint reader placed on the power button and integrated support for charging the second-generation Apple Pencil.
The M1 chip is supported by 8 GB of RAM. The base model only has 64 GB of internal memory. The eight-core CPU provides up to 60% more performance over the previous generation.
There are also no modifications to the standard 20W charger. The fast charging, which this tablet boasts, leaves the device ready in less than two and a half hours. It is obtained by 1.750.000 pesos.
Xiaomi Pad 6
With an attractive design, reduced thin frames (6.51 mm), a light weight of 490 grams and a completely metallic and one-piece finish.
It mounts an LCD panel with an 11-inch diagonal (2,880 by 1,800 pixels) to achieve a maximum brightness of 550 nits. The refresh rate is variable, with 7 levels and a maximum of 144 Hz. It is compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10.
The base of the device is made up of the Snapdragon 870 processor – a chip found in some mid-range cell phones – accompanied by a minimum of 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of space. Keyboard and pen sold separately.
As for autonomy, it comes with an internal battery with a capacity of 8,840 mAh, a figure that guarantees a full day of intensive use. With a discreet 33 W charger. It is available at 1.129.900 pesos.