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What is the difference between a tablet and a phone? Which is better, tablet or smartphone? — Differences and comparison

Another detail that literally catches your eye is the diagonal of the screen. Modern smartphones have a diagonal, on average, from 4.5 to 5.5-5.7 inches (larger models are less common), while the screen diagonal of tablets only starts at 7 inches, and the maximum bar, if you take into account professional touch panels, consider it not. And yet here are the most popular tablet display diagonals: 7, 8 and 9.7 inches.

The downside of a large screen is that the device itself no longer seems so mobile. If we can put a 5.5-inch smartphone in our pocket, albeit with difficulty, then even with a relatively small 7-inch tablet this trick is unlikely to be repeated. But it is more convenient to watch videos, read books or play games.

Of course, tablets are heavier than smartphones, often several times heavier.

Ease of use for calls, for using the Internet

Looking through catalogs of smartphones and tablets, we often look for the most comfortable and convenient model for some of our own purposes. At the same time, the goals may be different, and sometimes we combine several requirements for the same gadget. Let's figure out which device will be more suitable for calls, because, as we found out, you can make calls from both a smartphone and a tablet. In this matter, the dimensions of the device are extremely important, because we need to hold it to our ear with one hand, so most often compact smartphones are more comfortable. However, in this case, the tablet can be used using a headset.

We also use our gadgets for the Internet. We read information on websites, watch videos online, and so on. In this case, we are more interested in the large screen sizes that a tablet computer has. Thus, both devices, a smartphone and a tablet, are more convenient for certain purposes.

Tablet or smartphone: which is better?

If we globally understand the differences between a tablet and a smartphone, then in terms of functionality we can distinguish:

The tablet is laptop, where the communication function is in the background.
A smartphone is a multifunctional phone, similar to a computer. It combines a communication device, an Internet access point, entertainment, a library, and an audio and video player.

What to choose between these two devices? There is no exact answer to this question, since a lot depends on individual preferences. Some people don't like bulky devices like a smartphone. And some, on the contrary, need the display to be large. Experts say that the most effective way to determine which is better is to hold both gadgets in your hands. Since “your” technique is felt immediately, you won’t be able to make a mistake.

Working with application software

What is better to buy to work with specialized programs? Smartphones and tablet PCs are widely used by users for work.

With these gadgets you have the opportunity to:

Promptly conduct business correspondence using postal services;
Manage business and take notes;
To Work with office programs to create documents;
Create presentations and tabular reports;
Work with cloud storage and gain access to general editing of the same document and other features.

If you often work with documents, it is better to use a tablet for this purpose. Firstly, it is able to fit more information on the screen. Secondly, the text is easier to read, and working with reporting becomes simpler.

A tablet PC can easily be converted into a small laptop. To do this, you can connect to it special keyboard and a manipulator.

A smartphone is not entirely suitable for working with office software, although there is a lot of software for displaying and working with documents on phones.

Work with business correspondence and conducting other business from a device that has a small screen is a rather complicated process.

How to choose a tablet with a SIM card: main criteria

In principle, the criteria for choosing a gadget with a SIM card are almost the same as for a regular tablet.

You should pay attention to:

The screen diagonal is selected according to your needs and your vision. Now it makes almost no sense to buy a model with a diagonal of 7 inches, since there are already smartphones with a diagonal of 6. But 10 inch tablet Perfect for watching movies, playing games, working and other functions. If you are more accustomed to counting in centimeters, then one inch is 2.54 cm.
Resolution and aspect ratio – if you are going to use the device only for watching movies, then you can, in principle, buy a model with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio. But it’s better to take a 3:4 screen, as it is more versatile. Resolution affects the clarity of the picture, so under no circumstances take a 10-inch tablet with a resolution of 640x320, the image quality on it will be simply disgusting. The minimum for 7 inches is 1024x600. It’s better not to save on your eyes, and take a model with FullHD resolution, that is, 1920x1280.
The case material is plastic, which feels more comfortable in the hand, but is easier to damage. Metal is stronger, but heavier and weakens reception wireless network. Also, the plastic heats up more during operation of the gadget, which can be a plus in cold winters, but, in general, is a minus.
The battery is the most important characteristic for those who spend a lot of time with the tablet away from the outlet. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the device will work, but there are a number of caveats. Firstly, the use of a 3G module, GPS and a number of applications “eats up” the charge very quickly. Secondly, the battery discharges faster in the cold. Fortunately, many models support so-called economical and super-economical modes, allow you to disable the most energy-consuming functions and generally take care in every possible way to conserve charge. If the battery capacity is still sorely lacking, then you should get Power Bank. By the way, over time, the battery loses its ability to hold a charge, so if you want to be able to replace it with a fresh one, choose a model with a removable battery.

Judging by the reviews about choosing a tablet, these are the criteria most users pay attention to when purchasing. But there are a number of other parameters that are of great importance

Hardware power

Speed and performance are very important to us when choosing modern gadgets and devices. Therefore, it is very good if smartphone and tablet applications launch without delays, “lags” and other troubles. What is the difference between a smartphone and a tablet when considering their hardware power and performance? Of course, if we need good gadget for social networks, surfing the Internet, then we may not need a high-performance processor and endless amounts of memory.

However, if we need high characteristics and parameters, then when comparing smartphones and tablets, smartphones often win

If you pay attention to the same price of two devices, then the smartphone is usually more productive. For them, budget devices with 8-core processes are already becoming the norm, and volumes random access memory at the 4-6 GB level few people are surprised

Tablet computers with similar parameters are, as a rule, exceptions.

What is better: tablet or smartphone?

Relying on design features of our electronic gadgets, let’s try to figure out where it’s better to use a tablet and where to use a smartphone.

mobile connection

For mobile communications smartphone will do much better than a tablet. The smartphone is specially designed for mobile telephone communication. Of course, you can sometimes use the tablet for telephone conversations, but holding a massive device near your ear is not very convenient, and even using wireless headset will not simplify the task, since you cannot put the tablet in your pocket.

Surfing the Internet

The appearance of the browser on tablets is practically no different from that installed on a personal computer or laptop. Much more information fits on a tablet screen than on a smartphone screen. Therefore, “browsing the Internet” is much more pleasant on a tablet.

Working in several programs simultaneously

The larger screen size gives priority to the tablet over the smartphone when working with running programs, more precisely, makes it more convenient to switch between them.

Photo and video shooting

Smartphone for photography and video recording better tablet but, since the quality of its optics exceeds that installed on tablets.

Viewing videos and photos

If the higher-quality photo matrix of smartphones allows you to take excellent photos and videos, then viewing even these same photos and videos is definitely better on a much larger and high-quality tablet screen, not to mention HD content and interactive television.

Work with documents

Proposed software for working with documents on smartphones and tablets, it is focused on more powerful hardware, intelligently loading all processor cores. Therefore, the tablet has a noticeable advantage here, complemented again by a large display.

Games

If you decide to play graphic games, then a more powerful processor and larger screen size definitely give the tablet an advantage. This is especially true for games in which small details are decisive in the game.

How is a tablet different from a smartphone?

To understand the difference between a tablet and a smartphone, let’s look at the key differences between these devices. The smartphone combines the functionality of a mobile phone with the options of a pocket computer. After modern OS, it became possible to install various software on smartphones, thereby significantly expanding the functionality of the gadget.

Thus, a smartphone can be considered as an ordinary “dialer” with which you can check email, as well as use various instant messengers and a host of other useful applications, thereby turning the device into a small computer. But still, a smartphone remains, first and foremost, a phone, albeit a very advanced one, and has not yet become a full-fledged computer.

Tablets also run modern operating systems found in smartphones. There are models equipped with a SIM card slot, which allows them to be used as a cell phone. But in terms of its capabilities and functions, a tablet is still closer to a computer than a smartphone.

Screen size and overall dimensions

The screen diagonal of the tablet ranges from 7 to 12 inches. With a high-resolution display on the tablet, it is convenient to watch movies, videos, read e-books, digital newspapers and magazines, surf the web, draw in design programs and play mobile games.

Take any modern smartphone and you will see that in nine cases out of ten you will have in your hand a gadget with a screen diagonal of at least 5 inches. Smartphones with a diagonal of 5.5 inches are especially popular among users. The gadgets are called phablets or tablet phones.

On the 5.5-inch screen, you can easily surf the Internet, play games, work with various applications, read books and watch films, work with documents.

The screen diagonal is related to the dimensions of the gadget, and therefore ease of handling and transportation. A tablet, be it square or rectangular, can only fit into a bag or backpack. To use it you need a surface or a special folding cover. You have to hold it with both hands, which may not always be convenient, for example, in transport or on the street.

A smartphone with a screen diagonal of 5.2 to 5.5 inches can be easily held with one hand. Interface elements are within the reach of the thumb. The smartphone is compact: it can be put into a pocket, case or holster, or attached to a special holder on the forearm during fitness classes.

If the smartphone does fall out of your hands, repairs will cost much less than for a tablet.

What is the difference between tablets and smartphones

Smartphones and tablets personal computers have a number of differences, as well as similar features. First of all, it should be noted that a smartphone is a device that acts as a mobile phone and can also perform all the basic functions of a computer.

There are also flagships - smartphones with very good characteristics, which in their performance are not inferior to some powerful computers.

The smartphone has a pre-installed operating system. As a rule, OS versions for smartphones are updated regularly. This allows users to gain a wide range of new capabilities to work with powerful software.

At the same time, the smartphone can only be used as cellular telephone, if you do not need to work with PC functions. The device can be easily configured to receive and transmit calls and SMS messages.

Tablet personal computers also have their own pre-installed operating systems.

As a rule, they differ little from those installed on smartphones. We can say that tablets are closer to PCs and laptops, because you can connect a basic input/output device (mouse, keyboard, printer) to such a device and get almost full-fledged computer.

Also, most modern tablet models contain the function of mobile phones, some even support two SIM cards at once. However, talking with an interlocutor via a tablet is not always convenient on the street, but video calls are more convenient to use on a tablet - you will get best review interlocutor.

It is impossible to say with certainty what is best to use, because it depends on the personal requirements of each person for the device.

To understand which gadget is best for you, decide how you will use it most of the time: as a compact pocket device or as a computer.

Let's look at the main functions of smart gadgets and on which devices these functions will be more convenient to use.

Which device is better to buy for the Internet? In this case, it is impossible to give a definite answer, since it depends on many factors. First of all, decide where and how often you need to use your Internet connection?

For home Internet, it is more advisable to buy a tablet, because this will allow you to view web pages on a large display, watch movies and videos in best quality.

At home, you can always connect the device to the router and get good speed connections. A larger screen can display more data on the page. The tablet is also perfect for reading magazines and news online.

If you constantly need to use the Internet outside the home, it is better to choose compact device, which is always convenient to put in your pocket and take with you for the whole day - a smartphone.

In addition to its compactness, the gadget is more convenient to use, because Wi-Fi coverage is not available everywhere and if the tablet does not support a SIM card, connecting to the Internet will become impossible.

Almost all smartphones on the market today can support multiple SIM cards from mobile operators. This means that you can choose the maximum favorable tariff to connect with global network.

Smartphones support 3G and 4G connection technologies - this will allow you to get a high-speed connection wherever you are.

The screen is the determining factor when purchasing

The first thing that catches your eye is the diagonal of the screen. A tablet is physically larger than a smartphone. Therefore, the first device has wider scope for work and entertainment:

with a seven-inch diagonal (and higher) it is more convenient to view web pages, scale them, group them, “collect” them into a feed;
on big screen you get more pleasure from watching movies, cartoons and other videos;
edit photos, presentations, messages easier;
use increased on-screen keyboard easier.

Although it is still better to work fully on other devices. What is the difference between a tablet and a laptop, for example.

Smartphone manufacturers are trying to increase the size of screens. Latest models They come in five inches. But this is less than 7, 8 or 9 inches. But the smartphone fits easily into your pocket and looks more natural on your face during a mobile conversation.

Screen size is not the main difference between a smartphone and a tablet. The difference is also in resolution:

"smart phones" on Android based support a maximum of 800×480 pixels;
the same Asus Transformer Pad Infinity has a resolution of 2560x1600 (and for tablets this is not the limit).

What gives high resolution?

Firstly, the picture is more pleasant - the eyes get less tired when looking at the screen for a long time.

Secondly, more information fits on the tablet screen. You can use it more rationally by creating shortcuts, widgets, and bookmarks.

Thirdly, fine details are displayed more clearly at high resolution. This indicator is important when playing the same strategic games.

Some consumers joke: “Big screen means big problems.” With regard to tablets, this statement is partly true:

they are heavier than smartphones;
they are inconvenient to use as a cell phone;
the screen gets dirty quickly and is easily damaged;
You will have to pay a considerable amount to repair the front part of the device.

Device characteristics

This point is very important, because if you choose a device at random, you will get who knows what. These include: processor, battery capacity, amount of RAM and internal memory, the presence of auxiliary functions, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, fingerprint scanner and much more.

There are three types of processors on which smartphones are built: MediaTek, Qualcomm and Exynos. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Apple uses its own A-series chips.

Naturally, the processor has a clock speed, which mainly determines the performance of the device, the higher it is, the better, and the number of cores.

For example, let's take my Galaxy smartphone s5 and consider its technical characteristics.

	Smartphone
operating system
	Classical
Control	Sensor+Buttons
SIM card type
Number of SIM cards
Screen type	SUPER AMOLED color
Sensor type	Capacitive, multi-touch
Image Size
Diagonal
	16 megapixels, flash
	Max. 4K (3840×2160)
Front-camera	2 megapixels
CPU
Number of cores
Built-in memory
RAM
Battery capacity	2800 mAh, removable
Peculiarities	Protection against dust, dirt and water IP67

These are not all the characteristics, the main ones can be viewed on the website where you buy.

Advantages of smartphones

Of course, it’s hard to imagine modern life without a smartphone. Therefore, in our article we are most likely talking about an additional smartphone - with a large screen, ideal for watching movies. After all, you should definitely have a compact device, since it’s impossible to take a tablet with you everywhere - it’s too big.

If you buy yourself a smartphone, you automatically get the ability to make calls. A tablet, even if it has a slot for a SIM card, can only be configured for an Internet connection. And is it necessary to mention that it is more convenient to talk on a smartphone, even if it has a 5.5-inch display?

For some reason, the cost of producing smartphones is very low. Therefore, now budget smartphones are appearing in full swing, which have good characteristics. They often have an IPS display and a light sensor, which makes their use quite comfortable. But inexpensive tablets are equipped with less advanced characteristics, which is why they regularly experience slowdowns. We can conclude that to buy a good tablet computer you will most likely spend more money than purchasing a smartphone.

If you are a gaming enthusiast, then only an expensive “tablet” will suit you. Cheap models are simply not able to provide modern games adequate frame rate. But smartphones cope much better with launching them - even relatively inexpensive devices. Moreover, if the device includes a gyroscope, then it can also be inserted into a VR helmet! There is no way you can place a tablet in it.

Now in stores you can easily choose a smartphone with a protected case. What can I say, even super popular Samsung Galaxy S8 is not afraid of water! In this regard, you can easily buy a device for traveling. You can take it with you outdoors. You will be confident that falling onto rocks or into water will not have harmful consequences. As for “tablets,” they rarely get a shock-resistant and waterproof case. Of course, such models still exist. But their cost is inadequate, and their characteristics are outdated.

By the way, when traveling, your smartphone will also delight you with its navigation module. You'll open the Maps app and immediately see your location. Tablets often also have a GPS chip. But think about it: will you want to take such a bulky device out of your backpack every time?

Advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet

Before deciding whether you need a tablet or not, you need to analyze its advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the advantages:

Light weight. This is a very significant parameter, because when compared with a desktop PC or laptop, this device very light, easy to take with you everywhere. True, the comparison with a smartphone turns out to be worse.
Practicality. You can't argue with this advantage. The lack of a keyboard is a definite plus. Despite the fact that for some users this is very inconvenient, compactness takes precedence over this insignificant disadvantage.
Versatility. Manufacturers offer devices of this type running on different operating systems, which allows you to significantly expand the range of its capabilities. Using special outputs on the case, you can connect a keyboard or computer mouse for the convenience of performing the operations you need. In fact, in this case you get a compact laptop.
Time battery life. The devices are made with very large screens, which makes it possible to place capacious batteries behind them. It is thanks to this that the tablet compares favorably with a smartphone or laptop in its autonomous operation.

Among the disadvantages of choosing a tablet, it is worth noting the following:

Small amount of memory. Typically, these devices have a small amount of memory, like a smartphone. You can't even compare it to a personal computer.
Mediocre camera. As a rule, in most models the camera quality leaves much to be desired, because these devices mainly have a different purpose.

Modern smartphone models are distinguished by large screens, precisely because of this, the described gadgets have lost their popularity, because why buy two devices if all the functions can be combined in one, more mobile one. Everyone has the right to personally decide for themselves whether they need a tablet or not. In any case, manufacturers are developing new, better ones, powerful models, which for some are irreplaceable, while for others they are simply useless. Should I buy or not? It's up to you to decide.

cellular

Even when we choose a gadget that can make calls, we may still be faced with the question of whether to choose a tablet or a smartphone. Of course, when it comes to smartphones, they simply don’t exist without the ability to make phone call or send SMS

But if you choose a tablet, we will need to pay special attention to this issue

The fact is that some editions tablet computers may not support working with a SIM card due to the fact that they simply do not have a slot for it. Then the purchase may turn out to be a huge disappointment, because such a device is not capable of making calls, sending SMS notifications, and what is most sad, we will not have the opportunity to use 3G or 4G Internet. And even if a SIM card slot is provided in the tablet, this is not a guarantee that we will be able to make calls using it, because sometimes a SIM card is only needed for mobile Internet.

Main difference

Even if the devices are similar in some ways, there are also differences. They are as follows:

The tablet is more intended for entertainment, for example, watching videos, surfing the Internet, and to a lesser extent it is suitable for communication;
A smartphone is a compact device designed for communication, and only then for other needs.

Screen and dimensions

These are the main differences in the appearance of the devices. The average smartphone has a diagonal of 5 inches. A fairly small device of 4 inches is quite suitable for communication, but if you prefer entertainment and like large screens, then 5-6 inches will suit such users. As for tablets, the minimum screen size is 5 inches and above. For lovers of large screens - 12 inches.

I think you won’t have any problems with the screen in the future. By the way, in the next article I will write about what in effective ways Can .

Device characteristics

There are three types of processors on which smartphones are built: MediaTek, Qualcomm and Exynos. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Apple uses its own A-series chips.

Naturally, the processor has a clock speed, which mainly determines the performance of the device, the higher it is, the better, and the number of cores.

For example, let's take my Galaxy s5 smartphone and look at its technical characteristics.

Type	Smartphone
operating system	Android 6.0.1
Frame	Classical
Control	Sensor+Buttons
SIM card type	Micro SIM
Number of SIM cards	One
Screen type	SUPER AMOLED color
Sensor type	Capacitive, multi-touch
Image Size	1920×1080
Diagonal	5.1 inch
Photo	16 megapixels, flash
Video	Max. 4K (3840×2160)
Front-camera	2 megapixels
CPU	2500 MHz
Number of cores	Four
Built-in memory	16 GB
RAM	2 GB
Battery capacity	2800 mAh, removable
Peculiarities	Protection against dust, dirt and water IP67

These are not all the characteristics, the main ones can be viewed on the website where you buy.

operating system

Also an important component. Just a couple of years ago, we saw devices only running operating systems - iOS - from Apple. Now devices are being created on Windows 10, in particular tablets, which makes them very compact and functional.

Connection

There are tablets equipped with GSM communication modules, some can support 2 SIM cards. You can also find a device that supports 3G and 4G in order to access the Internet. Unfortunately, due to its size, the tablet cannot be used for cellular communication not very comfortable. Ordinary small smartphone cope with this task much better.

Internet access

As I already said, there are users who prefer large screens for entertainment, in particular for watching videos, being in in social networks, and just on the Internet.

The good thing about tablets is that they can be used as e-book. Download a collection of stories and a reading program, for example, FBReader on Android and enjoy.

Video and photo

As for the function of shooting videos and photos, smartphones are equipped with better equipment for this matter. The user usually always has a smartphone at hand, so he can photograph whatever he wants. Now there are devices that can even shoot video in 4K. Now these won't surprise anyone.

Tablet PCs (that's what we'll call them) have a worse camera, but in the future, I think this will be fixed.

Using games and programs

This is quite controversial, but only in terms of characteristics. For a more comfortable game, you can use tablets to make the picture larger, but the content makes the difference. If the tablet has little RAM, a bad processor and everything is bad in general, then you won’t be able to play games on it, the same thing with a smartphone.

Hardware requirements programs are more lenient, but there are also powerful ones. For example, on a tablet running Windows 10 you can install everything that you usually install on a computer: text editors, graphic and much more. I think if you try to install on a tablet After Effects or The Witcher 3, then it will make you smoke.

Smartphone and tablet repair

Repairs are different and usually cost more for tablets.

Energy efficiency

Typically, tablets are equipped with a more powerful battery than smartphones, but in tablets it is not removable, while in smartphones it can be easily removed and replaced.

Of course, the battery of tablets can also be replaced if something happens, but this requires appropriate knowledge, which some do not have, so they have to go to the service center and pay a certain amount.

The larger the device, the easier it is to break its screen. After an unfortunate fall, replacing the screen on a tablet is more expensive than on a smartphone. It’s understandable, the tablet is bigger.

Conclusion

As is clear from everything discussed, tablets and smartphones have their own advantages and disadvantages. It's impossible to say for sure which is better. I think you should focus only on your interests and preferences, and then look for the product you need.

Think carefully about what you need the device for. If you surf the Internet, watch videos, play games, then a tablet is quite suitable. A smartphone is suitable for communication and Internet access.

Modern mobile gadgets can almost replace the functionality of a personal user computer, however, what is better than a tablet or a smartphone? Which gadget is better to choose? Let's try to figure this out in this article.

Gadgets such as smartphones and tablets first appeared in 2007 at the annual presentation of new technology from Apple.

Today, almost all manufacturers produce such gadgets. computer equipment, the choice of models is very wide and it is difficult for a potential buyer to decide on the right gadget and its model.

To choose the ideal device for yourself, you first need to understand the main differences between a smartphone and a tablet. So what is the difference between a smart phone and a tablet PC?

What is the difference between tablets and smartphones?

Smartphones and tablet personal computers have a number of differences, as well as similarities. First of all, it should be noted that a smartphone is a device that acts as a mobile phone and can also perform all the basic functions of a computer.

There are also flagships - smartphones with very good characteristics, which in their performance are not inferior to some powerful computers.

At the same time, a smartphone can only be used as a cell phone if you do not need to work with PC functions. The device can be easily configured to receive and transmit calls and SMS messages.

Tablet personal computers also have their own pre-installed operating systems.

It is impossible to say with certainty what is best to use, because it depends on the personal requirements of each person for the device.

To understand which gadget is best for you, decide how you will use it most of the time: as a compact pocket device or as a computer.

Let's look at the main functions of smart gadgets and on which devices these functions will be more convenient to use.

For home Internet, it is more advisable to buy a tablet, because this will allow you to view web pages on a large display, watch movies and videos in the best quality.

At home, you can always connect your device to your router and get good connection speed. A larger screen can display more data on the page. The tablet is also perfect for reading magazines and news online.

If you constantly need to use the Internet outside the home, it is better to choose a compact device that is always convenient to put in your pocket and take with you for the whole day - a smartphone.

Almost all smartphones on the market today can support multiple SIM cards from mobile operators. This means that you can choose the most favorable tariff for connecting to the global network.

Smartphones support 3G and 4G connection technologies - this will allow you to get a high-speed connection wherever you are.

Working with application software

What is better to buy to work with specialized programs? Smartphones and tablet PCs are widely used by users for work.

With these gadgets you have the opportunity to:

Promptly conduct business correspondence using postal services;
Manage business and take notes;
Work with office programs to create documents;
Create presentations and tabular reports;
Work with cloud storage and gain access to general editing of the same document and other features.

A tablet PC can easily be converted into a small laptop. To do this, you can connect a special keyboard and a manipulator to it.

A smartphone is not entirely suitable for working with office software, although there is a lot of software for displaying and working with documents on phones.

Working with business correspondence and conducting other matters from a device that has a small screen is a rather complex process.

Shock resistance

This aspect is also very important to consider. Gadgets are regularly used by users, they are mobile and easy to move from place to place. This is why there is a risk of the device accidentally falling.

If you want to buy a device that will be comfortable to hold in your hand, choose a smartphone - it is quite difficult to miss, because the phone is very easy to completely clasp in your palm. The tablet must be held with both hands at once in order to securely fix the device.

As a rule, users hit tablet screens more often. In addition, a smartphone is a more profitable device, because replacing a small phone screen is much easier and cheaper than repairing a fairly large tablet.

Taking photos and videos

As a rule, manufacturers equip smartphones with better main and front cameras. Even if the same number of megapixels is declared, the quality of the received frames on two devices may differ in favor of the smartphone.

This happens because a smartphone is more similar in structure to a camera than a tablet. It's easier to focus your phone on the subject of a photo or video. The camera on the tablet is more designed for video conferencing.

By the way, some smartphones do not support video communication even though they have a front camera.

Games

If an important factor when choosing equipment for you is the level of work with games, take a closer look at devices with powerful processor and a large amount of RAM.

Also, to display a high-quality picture of the gameplay, the device must have good resolution display. As a rule, these characteristics have good tablets middle and expensive class.

You can also play games on a smartphone, however, it is much more convenient to use a wide display. Games with big amount small details (for example, strategy) will be better displayed on tablets.

Notice! If you are a fan of regular games: simple runners, arcades, gambling and logic programs, buy a smartphone. It will be more convenient to play such games on such a gadget.

Video editing

If you often edit footage and want to choose a device that would do the job well, it is better to choose a tablet. On its large screen it will be much easier for you to process every frame of the video.

The necessary installation software can be installed on both a tablet and a smartphone. Also, if you want to process videos on the go, it is better to purchase a smartphone with powerful specifications.

It will also allow for quick and high-quality installation. One of the most powerful programs for rendering and editing is Final Cut software, which is available on all Apple devices. For OS Android is better install Video program Maker Pro.

Phablet is a great alternative for those who find it difficult to choose a gadget

If you still haven’t been able to decide on the ideal device, turn your attention to next option. Not so long ago, manufacturers of mobile gadgets began to produce phablets - devices that combine the functions of tablets and phones as much as possible.

How does a phablet differ from conventional smart devices? There are no special differences. The phablet combines all the basic features and characteristics of both a tablet and a smartphone.

This is a kind of golden mean, because the size of the phablet is too large to call the device a full-fledged smartphone and too small to call the gadget a tablet.

Phablets combine powerful characteristics with compactness and mobility. As for the prices for such devices, they are much more expensive than smartphones and their cost approaches, and in some cases even exceeds, the cost of a tablet.

Also, some users note that the phablet is not very convenient to use and hold in the hand, however, its screen displays the ideal amount of information from web pages.

Phablet owners can easily work with office applications and watch videos on their phone. Like smartphones, these devices are equipped with a high-quality camera.

Conclusion

When choosing a suitable gadget, focus on your personal needs and preferences. Compare the price you are willing to pay with the devices on the market and, based on the price-quality ratio, buy the gadget.

A comparative table of the advantages of two gadgets is based on the basic characteristics of the devices and their operation with basic functions.

The table looks like this:

	Smartphone	Tablet
Average weight	Maximum up to 170 g	from 250 gr
Dimensions (display diagonal)	Up to 7 inches	From 6.5 inches
Working with videos (editing)	+	+ (mostly)
Working with the camera	+ (mostly)	+
Games	+	+ (mostly)
Office programs	-	+
Working hours	Up to 8 hours	Till 12 o'clock
Shock resistance	+	-
Surfing the Internet	+	+ (mostly)

Thematic video:

Portable smart devices have become widely used modern man. Functionally mobile devices can replace a computer. Many users wonder what is better - a smartphone or a tablet, and which device to choose to solve certain problems. Due to the similarity of functions performed and integration trends in the development of mobile technology, it is difficult to understand what the fundamental difference is between the gadgets under consideration. Nevertheless, it is there.

The word “smartphone” is formed from two English words smart and phone ( smart phone). The name was assigned to the cell phone mobile phone with an operating system equipped with the functions of a portable PC. Based on the definition, it follows What main function smartphone - providing communication.

The term "tablet" comes from the French word planchette ("tablet"). They call it a subtype of computer, made in the form of a compact monoblock in a “plank” format with touch screen. Thanks to its compact size, the tablet belongs to categories of mobile computers.

On a note! The most common operating systems for the gadgets in question are Android, Windows and iOS.

Main distinctive features

Since a tablet is a portable PC by definition, and is not intended for calls over a cellular network, not all models provide support for carrier cards and an earpiece. The exception is certain tablet models with phone function, in which the developers have provided the possibility of voice communication. But such devices are separated into a separate subgroup called “tablet phones.”

Important! The portable flat PC supports IP telephony and conferencing via Skype or other similar applications. In this case, you may have to talk through headphones. Smart mobile phones support similar functionality; a headset is not required for communication.

An important point when answering the question of how a tablet differs from a smartphone is the screen size, and, as a consequence, dimensions and weight. A 7-inch screen diagonal is the smallest possible and most common size for tablets. On sale you can find devices with screen sizes of 8, 9.7, 10.1 inches. Smartphones can be compact with a display diagonal from 4 to 5.5 inches, or with a large screen from 5.5 to 7 inches. The latter belong to a subgroup called phablet (from the English words phone and tablet). The small mobile phone can be held in one hand and easily fits into your pocket for transport. To hold the tablet, you need both hands; you will need a bag to carry it.

Another distinctive nuance - screen orientation. The display of the smartphone is oriented vertically, while the screen of its opponent is located in the horizontal direction. Of course, the orientation can be changed, but by default it is this way, and the basic functionality is “tailored” to this arrangement.

Ease of use of functionality

To understand the difference between a smartphone and a tablet and determine which is better, let's consider various scenarios for using gadgets.

Surfing the Internet

Both devices in question provide the user with access to the World Wide Web. For home Internet obvious advantage tablet in front of the smartphone is a large screen.

The gadget allows you to comfortably watch movies and videos.
It is more convenient to view the found text information on a large screen.
A tablet monitor displays more text when reading publications online.
In order to improve the speed of your Internet connection, Wi-Fi networks At home, it’s easier to connect the device to the router.

The advantage of a smartphone for accessing the Internet is that it greater mobility when there is a need to access the network outside the home.

Always at hand as it easily fits in your pocket for transport.
By installing SIM cards, modern mobile phones can connect to the Internet using 3G/LTE technologies. The connection is high-speed almost anywhere, while Wi-Fi coverage cannot be provided everywhere.
You can use the device as Wi-Fi router for other mobile devices.

Working with text documents

Both gadgets can work with various office applications:

allow you to conduct business or private correspondence via mail programs or chats;
create, edit and store documents, spreadsheet reports and any other notes for office work;
provide access to cloud storage data.

A tablet PC is more suitable for working at home in multitasking mode with text information. To the device you can connect peripheral equipment: mouse, keyboard, MFP. The smartphone supports office applications; if necessary, you can do some urgent work outside the home with its help, but viewing the information displayed on the small screen is not so convenient.

Taking photos and videos

Photo and video shooting functionality is supported by both portable devices in question. But the cameras in tablet PCs are inferior in performance to those found in smartphones.

Based on the experience and reviews of owners, a mobile phone is better suited for this function:

it’s easier to hold the gadget in your hands and easier to focus on the subject;
The frames are of higher quality due to the better characteristics of the main camera.

On a note! It is more convenient to edit captured footage and edit video on a larger monitor.

Games

Playing games on a tablet is more interesting than from a smartphone. Users love high-quality images on a widescreen screen. This is especially important for games with a lot of small parts. For lovers of simple arcade and puzzle games, the screen of a modern mobile phone is quite suitable.

Hardware differences

The functional features of comparison opponents are determined by the hardware component. In the mid-price category (12-15 thousand rubles), the computing platform of tablets is almost as powerful as budget smartphones for the same money:

central processor 4-8 core with a frequency of 1.5-2.5 GHz;
RAM 1-3 GB.

The main differences between the tablet lie in the following nuances.

Other options

Both devices can be used to work in a taxi with a customer base support program. Important conditions for successful operation of the gadget in this capacity are as follows:

presence in the configuration modules for navigation(GPS and/or GLONASS);
powerful built-in antenna for communication;
capacious battery;
personal preferences regarding screen dimensions.

On a note! There are supporters of both devices among taxi drivers. Many people pay attention to two-in-one models: tablet phones and phablets.

Final conclusions

Each of the opponents discussed above is good: it has its own advantages in certain areas of application, but is also not without its disadvantages. What to buy is determined by each buyer himself, based on his personal needs. It is worth remembering that for the successful operation of any mobile device it is important to choose the optimal tariffs.

Smartphones and tablets are similar to each other in both appearance, and according to technical characteristics. Therefore, when going to the store, users cannot decide which is better: a smartphone or a tablet. This article was created just for them.

The essence of the problem

These two types of devices are similar in appearance, technical characteristics and purpose. The fundamental difference is this:

A smartphone is, first of all, a gadget for mobile communications, and only after that – a pocket mini-PC;
tablet is mobile computer, and only then – a means of communication.

Dimensions and screen size

The main difference between the devices is the screen size and dimensions. The display diagonal of an average smartphone is 5 inches. In the case of tablets, the minimum screen diagonal is 6 inches, but for comfortable use it is better to use models with a screen diagonal of 9.7-10.11 inches.

Specifications

Manufacturers use the same components when creating smartphones and tablets. The market offers models with initial, medium and high technical characteristics, so every user can find a suitable option for themselves. But there are differences.

Smartphones mainly use Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. Recently, Exynos series chips have become popular. The tablets are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek and Intel processors.

Apple uses its own A-series chips for both types of devices.

Regarding the number of cores or clock frequency, here there are no advantages for any type of gadget.

operating system

Tablets and smartphones work under Android control, Windows or iOS. The difference lies in the prevalence and popularity of these operating systems among users.

Android OS is the most widespread Google, because it is simple, accessible and distributed almost free of charge to manufacturers. The main advantage is the large range of applications available in Google Play. They make your Android device multifunctional.

Windows OS with the release of Windows 10 has gained great popularity in the tablet segment, because the user receives a full-fledged computer in compact body. In its turn, Windows smartphones Phones did not become popular for a number of reasons.

Interesting! Recently, Chinese companies have been releasing tablets with two pre-installed OS: Android 5.1 and Windows 10.

iOS is installed exclusively on Apple devices, so tablets and smartphones running it are equally popular.

cellular

Modern tablets are equipped with a GSM module for connecting SIM cards. But to accomplish with their help voice calls uncomfortable. This is due, first of all, to the dimensions of the device, since their screen diagonal starts from 6 inches and above.

Even if you connect a headset, the tablet still weighs much more than the average smartphone. Therefore, for everyday communication via mobile communications, it is better to use a smartphone.

Surfing the Internet

For searching information on the Internet, communicating on social networks and viewing media files, a tablet is more suitable due to the large screen diagonal.

A larger device displays more information, makes it easier to manage search and website settings, view pictures, videos, etc.

Taking photos and videos

Smartphones are better suited for taking photos and videos because manufacturers install better cameras on them. The fact is that a person always has a smartphone at hand, so he can capture any moment of his life. And in order for the pictures and videos to turn out excellent, you need a high-quality camera.

Tablets are not intended for these purposes at all. Due to their size, they are difficult to put in a pocket or quickly take out when necessary. Therefore, the quality of their cameras is minimal. For a tablet, the main thing is front-camera, which is used for video communication.

Working with programs

Tablets are more suitable for working with several programs simultaneously. This is due, again, to the dimensions. Moreover, tablets Windows control 10 is a full-fledged computer in a compact case, which is not inferior in performance to a laptop or desktop PC.

With Android, things are more complicated, because this OS is less adapted for parallel work with several programs.

Just like when working with programs, it is better to use a tablet for games. But this time he prevails over his opponent due to the diagonal of the screen. This allows the player to enjoy a high-quality picture, and the gameplay itself becomes easier.

Repair

The cost of tablets is on average lower than smartphones. But repairing these devices is more expensive.

Battery

To replace the battery in your smartphone, just remove back cover and install a new one. In the case of a tablet, everything is more complicated: they use a built-in battery, so it is impossible to replace it without disassembling the device. If the user does not have the skills to disassemble digital equipment, he will have to contact service center. This will incur additional costs.

Some manufacturers offer smartphones with a built-in battery, but so far there are very few such models. These are mainly flagship devices.

Interesting! In the case of Apple products, it will not be possible to do without contacting a service center. The battery in their smartphones and tablets is built into the case and replacing it yourself is problematic.

Screen

Breaking a tablet display is theoretically easier due to its size. The screen itself is also more expensive due to its size. In addition, smartphones are often equipped with anti-aliasing mechanical damage glass, reducing the risk of damage.

Battery capacity

Due to their large dimensions and display size, tablets are equipped with a more capacious battery. Thanks to this, their operating life without recharging is longer than that of smartphones. But this increases the weight of the device.

comparison table

A comparison table will tell you the advantages and disadvantages of gadgets in different areas.

	Smartphone	Tablet
Screen diagonal	up to 7 inches	from 6 inches
Specifications		entry/mid/premium segment
operating system	Android/Windows/iOS	Android/Windows/iOS
GSM communication	There is	optional
Battery capacity	1000 – 5000 mAh	from 3000 mAh
Service maintenance	inexpensive	expensive
Scope of application (degree of comfort of use)
Surfing the Internet	average	high
Job	low	high
Multimedia creation	high	low
View media	low	high
	average	high

conclusions

It’s impossible to say which is better – a smartphone or a tablet. Each device has advantages in a particular area of use. Therefore, the buyer must decide what he is primarily buying a gadget for: for mobile communications, surfing the Internet, working with programs or playing games. Although the author of the video below has a slightly different opinion.

26.07.2020

Computer

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