Android’s been something of a damp squib when it comes to tablets, partly due to the massive success of the iPad and partly because we’ve been subjected to a deluge of Android devices which for various reasons have been a disappointment.

But with the arrival of Android’s Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich system updates matters have been improving, there’s an interface suited to tablet use and the hardware has gotten significantly better with superior displays and advanced features to set Android apart from Apple.

Since the beginning of 2012 a large number of new devices have hit the shelves, but if you’re looking to buy the sheer choice can be confusing. Wouldn’t it be easier if someone just told you the best Android tablet of the year? Well you’re in luck, because in our opinion the best tablet of 2012 is the…

Google Nexus 7

Google’s Nexus line is as close as Android gets to a reference device. They use a plain version of Android without any network or manufacturer additions and will therefore receive updates sooner. The Nexus 7 is the first tablet in the Nexus family and it’s a really impressive first go.

Powering the Nexus 7 is NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 CPU, a powerful quad core chipset which allows for amazing high-end gaming as well as high-definition video. It’s accompanied by 1GB RAM and also includes GPS, Bluetooth, compass and accelerometer plus NFC for short range data sharing.

None of those features are unique to the Nexus 7, but when it’s priced from around $199 USD then it becomes seriously interesting. Most other Tegra 3 or quad core tablets are double the price so the N7 offers real value for money as well as processing power.

The low price hasn’t resulted in hit in other areas either. Its 7-inch display uses IPS technology which ensures excellent image reproduction with wide viewing angles, and remains usable in sunlight unlike AMOLED screens.

Build quality is excellent too. While its shell is plastic, it’s a high quality material with grippy rubberised back cover and the front is covered in toughened Gorilla Glass to help prevent scratches and damage from falls.

When added together the Nexus 7 is an amazing Android tablet and will prove a tough act for others to follow. It’s got the power to handle games and HD video but its small size and low price makes it the perfect travelling companion as an alternative to an ebook reader.

Buy Google Nexus 7 Tablet (16 GB)

Also consider:

Asus Transformer Prime

The Asus Transformer Prime has a unique selling point in the form of its removable keyboard dock. When plugged into the keyboard the TFP becomes an ultra-thin netbook with a battery life in the double digits thanks to both the tablet and keyboard parts having a battery each.

The keyboard dock also includes a full size USB port and SD memory card slot to go with the microSD on the tablet, which means that with the 64GB internal memory and two memory cards you can have up to 128GB of storage.

The tablet itself is of the highest quality too. It’s built from brushed aluminium which feels as good as it looks and boasts an astoundingly bright IPS display, and is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset just like the Nexus 7.

Unlike Google’s tablet though the TFP is larger and more expensive. While still very portable its 10.1-inch screen is not as pocket-sized, and the price is more of a stumbling block. But it’s in the unusual position of managing to satisfy those that want both a tablet and an ultra-book laptop, so the higher cost can be justified.

Buy ASUS Transformer Prime

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

The Nexus 7 has the entry-level sown up and the Transfomer Prime occupies its own high-end niche, but if you’re simply after an equivalent of the iPad then the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is worth considering.

Priced somewhere between the other two tablets, the 10.1-inch Tab 2 offers a great mix of media consumption, portable web browsing and gaming and includes all the extras you’d expect in a modern touch-slate.

Its 1GHz dual core CPU and 1GB RAM power an Android Ice Cream Sandwich system that’s been customised by Samsung with some of its own UI touches and a wide variety of bundled apps, including media tools and various desktop widgets.

It’s kitted out with two cameras – one rear facing 3-megapixel snapper and a front-facing VGA sensor for video chat. And in addition to the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and wired USB connectivity some versions of the Galaxy Tab 2 include mobile data support for wireless net access anywhere, anytime.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

Author Bio: Matt Powell has written this article on behalf of Smartphone Genie, the information site for tablets and smartphones.

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Android,
Asus Transformer Prime,
Galaxy Tab 2 10.1,
Google Nexus 7,
Tablet

So even Amazon finally has a tablet now and frankly speaking it looks like Amazon has done a pretty good job. The tablet named Kindle Fire runs an Android version and has a 7 inch IPS panel with Gorilla Glass coating, a 1GHz TI OMAP dual-core CPU, 512 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. A plus is that you can store your stuff for free via the Amazon Cloud Storage. While there is WiFi, the Kindle Fire lacks 3G, an embedded camera and a microphone but when it comes to pricing, it’s just wow – $199. Sure seems like a winner to me!

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Amazon Kindle Fire,
Android,
Tablet

Not everyone is a fan of gambling but tens of millions of people place a wager of some sort each and every year, whether at slots , poker, or betting on horses or their favorite sports team. For those that do enjoy gambling and are looking to place a bet on a smartphone or tablet, the options are somewhat limited but what’s available is largely on Android devices. Keep in mind that this is solely for wagering for real money; hundreds of casino and poker games and apps are available for both iOS and Android devices that let you compete for play chips.

Apple’s iPhone and iPad may dominate the market at the moment but they leave many online gamers out in the cold, largely due to a double whammy as far as Apple’s policies. Looking to steer clear of any controversy, Apple has only approved a handful of gambling apps for distribution in its App Store (and all of those are for customers outside of the US). Some online gaming sites do offer browser-based versions of their casino and poker rooms but the vast majority are built using Flash, which is another strike for owners of iOS devices due to Apple’s stubborn refusal to support Flash.

While the Android Market has begun to crack down on some types of apps, so far it hasn’t been as restrictive as Apple when it comes to online gambling apps. Full Tilt and other sites have released apps for Android devices that let users play video poker and other games for real money, with more in the works from other online operators. The choices are still fairly limited but the odds are good that the trend will continue, especially as millions of new players each year continue to discover that they can play poker and other casino games online for real money.

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Android,
Gaming,
Tablet