Best LTE Tablets(with SIM cards)

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks

When you buy a tablet, it sort of becomes a part of you, and you’d want to carry it everywhere. One particular bottleneck you might run into, though, is the lack of an internet connection. With the ever-increasing demand for constant connectivity, this can be a bummer.

Thankfully though, with the advancement of technology, we can now use gadgets with internet connectivity on the move. The adaption of cellular (5G / 4G / 3G / LTE) has helped tablets become more relevant and turn into actual replacements for laptops due to their portability and convenience.

Buying an LTE tablet is not an easy task for everyone out there, as we cannot just go and buy any random LTE tablet just because of internet connectivity. LTE Tablets are more expensive than WiFi models.

Related: Why LTE Tablets Are More Expensive Than WiFi Models

With that said, it can get quite tricky for you to pick out the best LTE tablet that suits your needs. So, here we are helping you understand the requirements for LTE technology, such as battery time, processing power, RAM, a better GPU, and compatible software. 

Best LTE Tablet
1. iPad Pro (2022)
  • OS: iOS
  • Processor: Apple M2
  • Storage: 128GB|256GB|512GB|1TB|2TB
  • RAM: 8GB|16GB
  • Camera: Rear: 12MP(wide) & 10MP (ultrawide) Selfie Camera: 12MP (ultrawide)
  • Display (inches): 12.9-inches|11-inches
  • Resolution: 2732×2048
  • Size: 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm)
  • Weight: 1.5lbs(682g)
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: ~10 hours

iPad Pro 6th gen was released on October 26, and I loved the 5th gen iPad Pro already, but Apple managed to improve even more. With the new M2 chip, it’s even faster than before. There aren’t that many changes, to be honest. Some small adjustments, mostly in performance. It looks almost identical to the previous one.

Wi-Fi has been updated to Wi-Fi 6. The rear camera supports ProRes, recording up to 4k at 30fps. On the back, it no longer says “iPad”. It says “iPad Pro.” The biggest update is the M2 chip and iPadOS 16.

The iPad Pro is so powerful that it’s even competing with MacBooks. Attach Magic Keyboard to it and Apple Pencil, and the sky is the limit. The new stage manager made it even closer to becoming a fully capable laptop.

The display is gorgeous, the colors very vibrant, and using it just feels great. The 12.9-inch model truly has become a great pick for any professional.

Older Version – iPad Pro 5th Generation (2021)

ipad pro 2021 5th gen

iPad Pro 5th Generation 2021.  Apple has always astonished us with its out-of-the-box thinking and great aesthetics. This slate is a living example of powerhouse processing, sleek design, and large screen size.

This tablet comes with a 12.9″ Liquid Retina display with 2048 x 2732 resolution at 120Hz refresh rate and 600 nits brightness, making it the first pick for gamers, movie buffs, and eBook readers.

Because of its outstanding SoC, this slate left its predecessors far behind in performance. It can perform 15x faster processing and handle graphics due to its M1 chip with 16-core neural processing.

If you are planning to go on a road trip, this device can be a good companion as it has a nano sim option that supports 4G LTE network connectivity to use the internet on the go.

Along with the processing power and LTE connectivity, it has a great battery suitable for the dynamic data requirements of LTE technology and provides enough time to play games, video chat, and edit photos and videos on the go.  

Specification:

OSiPad OS 14.5.1 upgradable to iPadOS 15.4.1
ProcessorOcta-Core
Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
RAM8GB, 16GB
CameraTriple 12MP, 10MP, TOF 3D LiDAR (rear), Single 12MP (Selfie)
GraphicsOcta-Core Apple GPU
Display (inches)11 inches, 12.9 inches
Resolution2048 x 2732
Size11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in
Weight1.50 lb
PortUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort; magnetic connector
BatteryLi-Po (40.88 Wh), non-removable
Best Android LTE Tablet
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
  • OS: Android 12
  • Processor: Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB 
  • RAM: 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB
  • Camera: Dual 13MP (Wide) 6MP (Ultrawide) rear, Dual 12MP (wide) 12MP (Ultrawide)
  • Graphics: Adreno 730
  • Display (inches): 14.6-inches
  • Resolution: 2960×1848
  • Size: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in
  • Weight: 1.60 lb
  • Port: USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector
  • Battery: 7-9 hours (depending on settings)

Suppose you are planning to go on a ride with your family and looking for a tablet that can entertain your family, help you conduct your online meetings, show you the correct directions, and hold everything to perform your official activities on the go. In that case, this will be your option.

Samsung Tab S8 Ultra has all that we can imagine or wish for. Its LTE connectivity makes it an excellent replacement for a laptop and gives us ease as we carry our office workstation.  

This 14.6 inches of AMOLED with 2960 x 1848 resolution and 120 Hz gives us a great viewing experience but makes this device bulky. Its powerful Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 gives it the processing power essential for LTE data transfer.

We can get various storage and memory combinations such as 128/8GB, 256/12GB, 256/16GB, 512/12GB, and 512/16GB with a dedicated microSD slot. 

Its dual front and rear camera, 4 stereo speakers, more extended battery capacity of 11200mAh, and latest OS make it the right choice for all LTE-supported operations from video calling to GPS navigation.

Best LTE Windows Tablet
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
  • OS: Windows 11 Home
  • Processor: Microsoft SQ3(5g model)/Intel Evo i5/Intel Evo i7
  • Storage: 128 GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD
  • RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
  • Camera: Front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, Rear-facing camera: 10MP with 1080p HD and 4k video
  • Graphics: Intel Iris® Xe Graphics (i5, i7)
  • Display (inches): 13 inches
  • Resolution: 2880 x 1920
  • Size: 12.22 x 1.97 x 9.06 inches
  • Weight: 3.96lbs
  • Port: 2x Thunderboly 4/ 2x USB-C depending is it’s default or 5g model
  • Battery: Up to 19 hours (5G model)

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 by Windows. In my opinion, it’s the best 2-in-1 Windows tablet on the market. The 5g model comes with Microsoft SQ3. If you don’t want 5g, you can get the Intel Evo processor. There aren’t that many updates in comparison to Surface Pro 8. It has a better battery life, 5g connectivity, and of course, a bit faster processor.

Overall it provides a great experience. Great for professionals and great for video calls, the USB-C port makes it easy to connect it to an external monitor to get some extra work done. Not that great for gaming, unfortunately. A delight to use it with the keyboard and pencil. Unfortunately, you will have to buy these accessories separately.

Older version – Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Microsoft-Surface-Pro-8

If you hunt for an LTE tablet, don’t forget to include Microsoft Surface Pro 8. It’s a tablet that you cannot afford to ignore because of its powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 13 inches pixel sense display that provides 2880 x 1920 resolution with 120Hz refresh rate, and battery life of up to 16 hours.

This tablet has the latest Windows 11 operating system, which natively supports all LTE-enabled operations. You can have a great experience with this device: video chatting via Microsoft Teams, photo editing, and playing games.

To complement the data needs of this powerful Microsoft device, we have 2 USB-C ports, even with a built-in storage capacity of up to 1 TB. It also offers multiple options for RAM, such as 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB which supports the processor well.

Other features include the pen compatibility, 5MP front & 10MP rear camera, Dolby Atmos speakers with dual far-field studio mics, and Windows Hello face sign-in that’s just icing on the cake. 

Specifications:

OSWindows 11 Home
ProcessorQuadcore 11thgen Intel Corei7
Storage128 GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD
RAM8GB, 16GB, 32GB
Camera5.0MP (front), 10.MP (rear)
GraphicsIntel Iris® Xe Graphics (i5, i7)
Display (inches)13 inches
Resolution2880 x 1920
Size11.3 × 8.2 × 0.37 in
Weight1.96 lbs
Port2 × USB-C with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm headphone jack 1 × Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port
BatteryUp to 16 hours
(2022 Model)
4. iPad Air (5th Gen)
  • OS: iPadOS 15
  • Processor: Octa-Core
  • Storage: 64GB, 256GB
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Camera: 12MP wide (rear), 12MP ultrawide (front)
  • Graphics: Octa-Core
  • Display (inches): 10.9 inches
  • Resolution: 1640 x 2360
  • Size: 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24
  • Weight: 1.02 lb
  • Port: USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort; magnetic connector
  • Battery: ~10 hours

If you are looking for power, entertainment, and versatility in a single device, this tablet is just for you. iPad Air 5th Gen is an excellent alternative to iPad Pro at affordable rates.  

So, if you want to experience the power of the M1 chip with a built-in neural processing engine and 8-core CPU/GPU, then go for this slate. Although the Pro version is premium, we cannot underrate this device completely.

This 10.9-inch tablet offers a 1640 x 2360 resolution with a liquid retina display and 500 nits of brightness that can give you a mind-blowing experience while watching movies, playing games, or attending a video call. 

It is worth noting that this device also supports LTE connectivity, so we do not need to stick to our office or home to play with this sleek beauty. Apple understands the needs of its customers, due to which they offer a storage capacity of 64/256 GB with 8GB Ram, 12MP rear and front cameras, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard support.

Best 8-inch LTE Tablet
5. iPad Mini 6
  • OS: iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 15.4.1
  • Processor: A15 Chip
  • Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Camera: 12MP wide (rear), 12MP ultra-wide (front)
  • Graphics: Apple GPU (5 Core)
  • Display (inches): 8.3 inches
  • Resolution: 1488 x 2266
  • Size: 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in
  • Weight: 1.32lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours

Don’t think that we are inclined towards Apple products, as you have seen that Apple has introduced masterpieces one after another, so here is another – iPad Mini 6.

This iPad version is powered by an A15 Bionic chip that is not powerful enough to compete with the M1 chip but still has 6-core CPUs and 5 Core GPUs with 16-core neural processing unit offerings.

It also offers a Liquid Retina display with an 8.3-inch screen size and 1488 x 2266 resolution. This slate comes in 64GB and 256GB versions but with the same 4GB memory.

The good news is even with a limited budget. We can take this device as a road trip companion due to its LTE connectivity and other features. Although this device has many downsides, it can still serve its purpose, from storage capacity to battery timing.  

Full review of iPad Mini 6

2022 Model
6. iPad (10th Gen)
  • OS: iOS 16
  • Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
  • Storage: 64GB|256GB
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Camera: Rear: 12MP (Wide) Selfie Camera: 12MP(Ultra-wide)
  • Display (inches): 10.9-inch
  • Resolution: 2360×1640
  • Size: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in (248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm)
  • Weight: 1.05lbs(477g)
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: Up to ~12h

The new classic iPad 10th gen is a delight. Love the colors, love the new USB-C port. It also has a bigger display, 10.9 inches (10.2 before).

They removed the home button and put the camera on the side(front camera). It’s convenient for video calls(zoom, skype, etc.) They removed the headphone jack. They also created new accessories for the specific iPad – Keyboard. For a budget tablet, it has become a bit expensive.

Another important factor is that it’s only compatible with Apple Pencil 1, and the Apple Pencil 1 charges through the lightning port which is removed from the 10th gen iPad, which makes it complicated to charge now.

Besides these minor errors(let’s leave it at that), it’s a great pick. The beautiful display and vibrant colors. Easy to use. Overall it’s still a great tablet with the new iPadOS 16, just feels like Apple didn’t think it through all the way.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
  • OS: Android 11, One UI 3.1.1
  • Processor: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 570) 
  • Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB
  • Camera: 8MP (rear), 5MP (selfie)
  • Graphics: Adreno 619 
  • Display (inches): 12.4 inches
  • Resolution: 1600 x 2560
  • Size: 11.21 x 7.28 x 0.25 in
  • Weight: 1.34 lb
  • Port: USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours

It is a mid-range series tablet that still possesses impressive features such as a 12.4-inch display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, S Pen stylus, 10000 mAh battery, and LTE support.

So, if you are planning to use this tablet outside the home or office premises, you won’t face any issues. It’s an octa-core Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G processor and Adreno 619 GPU further supported by 64/4GB, 128/6GB, 256/8GB Storage, and RAM combination.

Although its camera is not as good as it has to be, on a limited budget and with all the other features this is something which we cannot ignore. It also offers stereo speakers and a mic to cater to video conferencing needs over WIFI or on the LTE network.

It is a proficient tablet that can help us in productive operations and entertainment functions on the go.

Full review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Best LTE Lenovo Tablet
8. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
  • OS: Android 11
  • Processor: Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz & 3×2.42 GHz & 4×1.80 GHz)
  • Storage: 128 GB, 256GB 
  • RAM: 6GB, 8GB
  • Camera: Dual 13MP wide / 5MP ultra-wide (rear), 8MP wide (front)
  • Graphics: Adreno 650
  • Display (inches): 12.6 inches
  • Resolution: 1600 x 2560
  • Size: 11.24 x 7.26 x 0.22 in
  • Weight: 1.25 lb
  • Port: USB Type-C 3.1
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours

If you are looking for a tablet other than Apple and Samsung, Lenovo tablets could be a great option. This slate comes with a 12.6-inch AMOLED screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution.

A nano sim that can provide seamless LTE connectivity to support bandwidth-hungry applications such as video conferencing, navigation systems, and online games is part of this tablet.

The tablet is powered by Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870  and Adreno 650 GPU, further supported with 128/6 GB and 256/8 GB storage and memory combination. 

Its 10200mAh battery, 4JBL speakers, 600nits brightness, dual rear cameras, and 8MP selfie camera make it a great companion and fit for all products and entertainment activities.

Budget Windows LTE Tablet
9. Microsoft Surface Go 3
  • OS: Windows 11
  • Processor: Dual-core 10th Generation corei3
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB
  • RAM: 4GB, 8GB
  • Camera: 8MP (rear), 5MP(Front)
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
  • Display (inches): 10.5 inches
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1280
  • Size: 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33in
  • Weight: 1.22lbs
  • Port: 1xUSB-C
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours

This device from Microsoft is designed to be used on the go. It is handy, versatile, and productive for any kind of use. Windows 11-based device has a 10.5-inch screen with 1280 x 1920 resolution.

Suppose you are on vacation and want to join an urgent meeting from a remote spot, or you are driving in the car and want to see the traffic congestion or keep your little ones engaged during the journey. In that case, this device’s seamless LTE connectivity makes it possible.

To support the huge LTE data rates and bandwidth-hungry apps, it has a Dual-core 10th Generation corei3 processor with 4GB or 8GB ram that is further Intel UHD Graphics 615.

Microsoft launched this device with a 64GB eMMC drive and 128GB SSD, but keeping the data transfer needs in the account, they have provided us a USB-C port. 

Best Samsung Budget LTE Tablet
10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
  • OS: Android 11, One UI 3
  • Processor: Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz & 6×2.0 GHz)
  • Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Camera: 8MP (rear), 5MP (front)
  • Graphics: Mali G52 MP2
  • Display (inches): 10.5 inches
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1200
  • Size: 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in
  • Weight: 1.12lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C 2.0
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours

Samsung gives us another worthy tablet that deserves to be our friend outside the premises. If we want to read our eBook in the park, watch movies on the go, download an app, etc., this slate is there to help us with its LTE compatibility.

This device is a great choice to connect us for online education, video calling, entertainment purposes, and file sharing over the high-speed internet, even if the WIFI is not around us.

It also provides us 10.5″ TFT LCD with 1200 x 1920 resolution, an octa-core processor, a 7040mAh battery, and internal storage of up to 128GB with 4 GB memory. So, we can conclude that this device has all which is necessary for 4G connectivity.

Full Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Review

Best Chrome OS LTE Tablet
11. HP Chromebook X2 11
  • OS: Chrome OS
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c (up to 2.4 GHz, 8 cores, 8 threads)
  • Storage: 64 GB eMMC
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Camera: 8MP (rear), 5MP (front)
  • Graphics: Adreno 618
  • Display (inches): 11” IPS
  • Resolution: 2160 x 1440
  • Size: 9.9 x 6.9 x .29 inches
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs
  • Port: 2 x Type-C USB
  • Battery: up to 11 hours

HP Chromebook x2 11 is another good option if you are looking for a 4G LTE device. Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Octa-Core processor powers this device with Adreno 618 GPU supported with 8GB memory strips.

Great internet bandwidth requires excellent data storage, which this device lacks by only providing 64GB eMMC flash storage. It has two USB Type-C ports that enable us to traverse the data. 

Its detachable keyboard makes it portable. We can carry it anywhere because 2K display resolution, LTE connectivity, and extended battery life of 11 hours make it the perfect choice for entertainment and productive activities on the move. 

Why we ranked iPad Pro above Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra:

Both iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra are premium tablets, but the reason for which we have placed the iPad pro above the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is because of the following reasons:

  • Processing Power: The Apple M2 found in the iPad Pro absolutely smokes the competition when it comes to raw benchmarks. Moreover, it is able to provide desktop-class versions of applications like Photoshop, which no Android tablet has as of yet.
  • Ecosystem: The Apple ecosystem is simply unbeatable. The interconnected weave between the AirPods, Apple Watch, iPhone, Mac, and iPad, which include features such as AirDrop and iMessage, are hard to beat.

Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 ultra offers a gigantic screen, this feature sometimes becomes a curse instead of an advantage, as traveling with such a large device kills its portability. We might carry our laptops instead of this tablet. When you are looking for LTE tablet portability is important.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How fast is LTE compared to Wi-Fi?

LTE is generally much slower than WiFi. This is because WiFi uses your home network connection which is usually more stable and faster. And, on extreme ends, LTE can go up to 50 Mbps while WiFi 6 can go for speeds up to 1.2 Gbps.

Can I use an LTE tablet without a sim card?

Yes, you may use any tablet without a sim card as most tablets come with only Wi-Fi functionality, so when they can work without LTE or a sim card.

Will my phone sim work on my tablet?

No, generally, your phone sim does not work on your tablet since they read data in a different manner. But, in some edge cases, your phone SIM might work with your tablet SIM and vice versa.

Remember, though, that if you insert a tablet SIM into your phone, only data will work. And, if you insert a phone SIM into your tablet, you won’t be able to make calls.

Does my tablet have a phone number?

No, your tablet does not possess a phone number. While your tablet can have a SIM card slot, they lack the internal modem needed to make phone calls / send text messages. You can, however, connect your tablet to your phone in some instances and receive calls / messages using your phone’s number.

Verdict: Which Is The Best LTE Tablet?

Although we have listed down the best LTE tablets available in this article, the choice is entirely yours. Before selecting any LTE tablet, all we can suggest is to perform an unbiased assessment of your needs. 

If you ask for our recommendation, go with the iPad Pro 6th Gen, as it has all our essential features, but you should keep the budget in mind. 

Our second pick is Samsung S8 Ultra, but it has a huge screen which sometimes bothers us as it really hinders portability and comfort for longer use times. If you are on a tight budget, the Lenovo P12 Pro makes the most sense.

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I love tech and all about it. I'm interested in finding ways how they can make my life more productive, and I share my knowledge with my blog readers. I'm an iPad Pro, iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch user, so I know a thing or two about these devices and try to write helpful content around these topics.