Best Phablets

Discover 5 best phablets: iOS and Android. Different brands: Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus. Different sizes, different features. Learn more about them. Their specs, their pros, cons, etc. Compare them and choose the one that suits you the most! At the bottom of the article you can find the most common questions about phablets!

  • Apple iPhone Pro Max 15 – Best Overall
  • Samsung S24 Ultra – Best Android
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Best Foldable

Phablets have emerged as a versatile solution for users seeking the perfect balance between the portability of a smartphone and the expansive display of a tablet. Combining the best features of both devices, phablets offer a larger screen for enhanced viewing experiences, powerful performance for multitasking, and advanced capabilities for productivity and entertainment on the go. As technology continues to evolve, the line between phones and tablets blurs even further, making phablets an increasingly popular choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In this article, we’ll explore the best phablets available today, examining their standout features, performance metrics, and why they are the ideal companions for users who demand more from their mobile devices. Whether you’re a power user, a creative professional, or someone who simply enjoys a larger screen for browsing and streaming, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect phablet to suit your needs.

5 Best Phablets of 2024

1
Apple iPhone Pro Max 15
Best Overall

Apple iPhone Pro Max 15

  • Released: 2023, September
  • Display Size: 6.7-inches
  • Display Technology: LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
  • Resolutions: 2796x1290 (460ppi)
  • Operating System: iOS
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Camera: Main: 48MP 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture. Selfie: 12 MP 23 mm, ƒ/1.9 aperture
  • Battery: 4,422 mAh (Up to 20 hours)
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The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the largest iPhone from Apple. It features a 6.7-inch OLED Retina XDR Display, which results in vibrant and true-to-life colors that really bring the videos and pictures to life. Makes a lot of difference if you watch movies and videos on your phone.

It has incredible build quality and it has gotten lighter with the titanium frame with subtly rounded edges and slimmer bezels. Overall, it looks similar to the previous model, but it's more lightweight and stronger.

It's powered by the new Apple A17 Pro chip. Allowing you to handle the most demanding tasks. You can browse, play games, edit photos and videos on your iPhone without experiencing slow downs. 

The cameras on the phone are incredible. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with three sensors: a 48-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera. Notably, a key enhancement is the inclusion of a 5x optical zoom, a significant improvement compared to the 3x zoom featured in the previous model. Main camera features sensor-shift OIS and shoots in 24MP by default now.

The 256GB model is starting at $1199 on Amazon.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Beautiful Display
  • Exceptional Battery Life
  • Excellent Cameras
  • USB Type-C Port
  • A Customizable Button
Cons
  • Very Expensive
  • Charging Is Slow
  • No Charger Included
2
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Biggest Android Phablet

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

  • Released: 2024, January
  • Display Size: 6.8-inches
  • Display Technology: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
  • Resolutions: 3120x1440(505ppi)
  • Operating System: Android
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Camera: Main: 200MP 24 mm, ƒ/1.7 aperture. Selfie: 12 MP 26 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh (Up to 13 hours)
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the largest S series smartphone by Samsung, featuring a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Display. This advanced display boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it exceptionally vivid and readable even in direct sunlight. It supports a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which helps conserve battery life while providing a smooth user experience. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Armor, ensuring durability against drops and scratches. With its always-on display feature, users can conveniently glance at notifications and time without fully waking the device.

Despite its large size, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains relatively lightweight at 232 grams, and its slim profile (8.6 mm thick) makes it easy to carry around. Powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it delivers top-tier performance, particularly beneficial for gaming and intensive multitasking. The device offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including a 200MP quad-camera system that excels in low-light conditions and supports 8K video recording. The starting price for the 256GB model is around $895, making it a premium choice for users looking to replace their laptops with a powerful, versatile smartphone.

Pros
  • Beautiful Big Display
  • Long Battery Life
  • Excellent Cameras
  • Built-in S Pen
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Charger Included
  • Charging Is Quite Slow
  • Base Model Only Has 8GB of RAM
3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Foldable Phablet

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

  • Released: 2023, July
  • Display Size: 7.6-inches
  • Display Technology: Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
  • Resolutions: 2176x1812 pixels(373ppi)
  • Operating System: Android
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Camera: Main: 50MP 23 mm, ƒ/1.8 aperture. Selfie: 4MP 26 mm, ƒ/1.8 aperture
  • Battery: 4,400 mAh (Up to 11 hours)
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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a foldable phone/phablet. When unfolded, it gets a 7.6-inch AMOLED 2X Display. It offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it great to use outdoors and in direct sunlight. 

It weighs 0.55 lbs (253g), and when it's folded, it's 6.2 inches big. You can easily put it into a pocket.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it's the same chip that's inside Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It's fast and reliable, able to handle the heaviest apps without slowing down. 

Considering the fact that this device costs $1800, I will say the camera is 'Okay' but at least you get a 5x telephoto lens.

Pros
  • Good Performance
  • Long Battery Life
  • Beautiful Big Foldable Display
Cons
  • No DeX Support
  • Extremely Expensive
  • No Charger Included
  • Minimal Hinge Wobble
  • No S Pen Included In Price
4
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best Google Phablet

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Released: 2023, October
  • Display Size: 6.7-inches
  • Display Technology: LTPO OLED
  • Resolutions: 2992x1344 pixels(373ppi)
  • Operating System: Android
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Camera: Main: 50MP 25 mm, ƒ/1.7 aperture. Selfie: 10.5MP 20 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture
  • Battery: 5,050 mAh (Up to 10 hours)
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If you want a phablet and you like Google products - Google Pixel 8 Pro is the right choice for you. It's 6.7-inches big with a beautiful OLED display, 2400 nits (peak). Very bright display with vivid colors, making the photos and videos you capture come to life. 

It has a great build-quality aluminum frame and gorilla glass display, and it's lightweight considering the size and everything that's inside. 

It operates Google Tensor G3 SoC. It's undoubtedly an upgrade over the previous model and you can run heavy, demanding apps on the device without worrying that the device will slow down or freeze up.

The camera could be better, but you can still take world-class selfies and Instagram pictures with this device. 

You can get the Google Pixel 8 Pro for $757 at Amazon.

Pros
  • Solid, Aluminum Body
  • Beautiful Colors & Sharp Display
Cons
  • Slow Charging
  • The Camera Could Be Better
  • Some Of The Software Features Are Limited To Specific Countries
5
OnePlus 12
Best OnePlus Phablet

OnePlus 12

  • Released: 2023, December
  • Display Size: 6.8-inches
  • Display Technology: LTPO AMOLED
  • Resolutions: 3168x1440 pixels(510ppi)
  • Operating System: Android (US), OxygenOS (International), ColorOS (China)
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Camera: Main: 50MP 23 mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture. Selfie: 32MP 21 mm, ƒ/2.4 aperture
  • Battery: 5,400 mAh (Up to 15 hours)
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OnePlus 12 is a 6.8-inch big-screen phone with a beautiful display with Gorilla Glass at the top for protection. It can reach up to 4500 nits of brightness, allowing you to see the screen perfectly, even in sunlight. It has a solid build with an aluminum frame. 

It runs Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset that will be able to deal with the heaviest of tasks. It's fast, with 24GB of RAM capacity and that's more than enough to never feel your device slow down. 

It's equipped with great cameras at the front for selfies and a great camera at the back for your Instagram pictures. 

The big screen, beautiful colors, fast performance, and great camera make it a great choice if you are looking for a Phablet. You can get Onepus 12 at Amazon for $709.

Pros
  • Fast Charging
  • Great Battery Life
  • Fast Performance
  • High RAM Capacity
Cons
  • Glossy & Slippery
  • Operating Systems Outside US Has Limitations

What Is A Phablet?

A phablet is a mobile device that combines the features of both a smartphone and a tablet. With a larger screen typically ranging from 6 to 8 inches, it is perfect for activities such as watching videos, browsing the web, and reading. While it offers a superior viewing experience similar to the best tablets, a phablet remains portable and functional, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and run apps just like a smartphone. It provides the convenience of a phone with the enhanced display capabilities found in the best tablets.

8 Key Advantages of Using a Phablet

Phablets, which are a hybrid of smartphones and tablets, offer several benefits:

  1. Larger Display: The bigger screen provides a better viewing experience for watching videos, browsing the web, reading e-books, and playing games.
  2. Productivity: The larger screen real estate makes it easier to multitask, edit documents, and use productivity apps, often with features like split-screen mode.
  3. Enhanced Media Consumption: With more screen space, phablets are ideal for media consumption, providing a more immersive experience for streaming movies and TV shows.
  4. Improved Typing Experience: The larger keyboard on a phablet makes typing more comfortable and reduces errors, which is beneficial for messaging and emails.
  5. Better Battery Life: Phablets often come with larger batteries, providing longer battery life compared to smaller smartphones, though this can vary based on usage.
  6. Advanced Features: Phablets typically come with high-end features such as better cameras, more powerful processors, and additional storage options.
  7. Versatility: They can serve as both a phone and a tablet, reducing the need to carry two separate devices. This makes them convenient for users who want the functionalities of both in one device.
  8. Stylus Support: Many phablets come with stylus support, enhancing their usability for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.

7 Potential Downsides of Owning a Phablet

Phablets, while offering many benefits, also come with several disadvantages:

  1. Portability: Due to their larger size, phablets can be difficult to carry around and may not fit comfortably in pockets or small bags.
  2. Usability: Their size can make them harder to use with one hand, which can be inconvenient for tasks like texting or browsing on the go.
  3. Battery Life: Larger screens consume more power, which can result in shorter battery life compared to smaller smartphones, even if the battery itself is larger.
  4. Cost: Phablets are often more expensive than standard smartphones due to their larger screens and enhanced features.
  5. Durability: Bigger screens are more susceptible to damage from drops and impacts, and finding suitable protective cases can be more challenging.
  6. Weight: The larger size and increased hardware can make phablets heavier, which might be uncomfortable for extended use.
  7. Pocketability: They are often too large to fit in standard pockets, making them less convenient to carry around compared to smaller smartphones.

FAQ’s

Is Phablet a Phone?

Yes, technically speaking, phablet is a large-screen phone with the same functionality as most smartphones these days.

Is Phablet a Tablet?

No, technically speaking, phablets is a big-screen phone with similar functionality as tablets. In other words, they are just phones with big screens, hence the name: Phablets(Phones + Tablets).

Are phablets suitable for gaming?

Yes, phablets are suitable for gaming due to their larger screens, powerful processors, and long battery life, providing an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

Can phablets replace laptops or tablets?

No. Phablets can replace laptops or tablets for many tasks, offering portability and versatility, but may lack the full functionality and processing power needed for more demanding applications.

Do Phablets have stylus support?

Yes, many phablets support stylus input, which enhances their functionality for tasks like note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. One example – Samsung S24 Ultra.

Can I use Phablet with one hand?

Using a phablet with one hand can be challenging due to their larger size, which often requires two-handed operation for optimal usability and comfort.

Founder & Chief Editor | ernests@wolfoftablet.com

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.