Overview
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best for Portable Drafting, Drawing, and Design Work on Windows - Jump To Details
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best for Tablet Computing on a Budget - Jump To Details
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet for 2022 - Jump To Details
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
Best for Corporate Jet-Setters - Jump To Details
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable
Best for Fingerprint Sign-Ins - Jump To Details
Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Tablet
Best for Durability and Customizability in a Tablet
A tablet that's as powerful as a conventional laptop but still slim and light enough to hold and tap with one hand was once the exclusive province of Hollywood's imagination. But thanks to manufacturers' ability to fit more powerful hardware into ever slimmer and lighter devices, it's now possible to hold a Windows-based tablet that can do almost everything your laptop does—and, in most cases, is even more portable. Think of it as an Apple iPad or an Android tablet combined with the power and flexibility of the Windows 11 operating system.
Just as with any system, however, a Windows tablet requires you to make choices. How big and powerful do you want (or need) it to be? What sort of features are you looking for? Do you care about using it on the road, or will you only need it while you're near a Wi-Fi connection? Is gaming on a tablet something you enjoy? We'll help answer all these questions with our picks for the best Windows tablets for 2024, followed by some brief additional buying advice.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best for Portable Drafting, Drawing, and Design Work on WindowsThe Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) is the best Windows tablet in the UAE and Saudi Arabia for 2024
This Intel-based Surface Pro 9 is a technology refresh of the Surface Pro 8—now packing Intel’s 12th Generation Core chips. The only other way it differs from its predecessor is by the unfortunate loss of its headphone jack, but that’s not enough to stop the Surface Pro 9 from taking our Editors' Choice honors among high-end Windows tablets. Expensive it may be, especially with upgrades and must-have accessories, but no other Windows tablet comes close to challenging Microsoft's level of polish and engineering.
What is the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 is its most polished yet, with unmatched performance, helpful features, and long battery life among high-end 2-in-1 detachable Windows tablets.5890View on Amazon ↗Pros
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
Cons
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
Learn MoreMicrosoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) ReviewMicrosoft Surface Go 3
Best for Tablet Computing on a BudgetWhy We Picked It:
Although it runs Windows 11 and can be used with an optional keyboard, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet designed to compete with Chromebooks and the Apple iPad, not traditional laptops. A compelling starting price of $399.99, coupled with the refined styling and high-quality construction we’ve come to expect from the Surface product family, make this the best inexpensive Windows-powered 2-in-1 tablet you can buy.
But with few improvements over its predecessor and computing performance that remains lackluster, the Surface Go 3 is also a slightly disappointing third-generation revision to Microsoft’s most affordable tablet, given the advances we're seeing on other platforms. Plus, our Core i3-based tester comes in at $629.99, and that's without Microsoft's compatible keyboard accessory, which adds at least another Benjamin.
What is the price of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is the best budget Windows 2-in-1 tablet, but its performance and value are a bit below expectations for a third-generation product that competes against Chromebooks and the Apple iPad.3429View on Amazon ↗Pros
- Low starting price
- Lightweight
- Sunny display with vivid colors
- Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support
- Integrated kickstand
- SD card reader for easy storage expansion
- Long battery life
Cons
- Keyboard cover not included
- Only one USB-C port
- Optional extras pump up price quickly
- Disappointing computing performance, even with Core i3 upgrade
Learn MoreMicrosoft Surface Go 3Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet for 2022Why We Picked It:
PCMag has reviewed several convertible 2-in-1 versions of the Dell XPS 13 in the past, but we had to throw out what we know for this new format. The 2022 Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (starts at $999; $1,249 as tested) ditches the foldable-laptop style for a tablet with a detachable keyboard, which means several big changes for this product. On its own, the super-light tablet is a capable enough performer, with new 12th Generation Intel U-Series processors and two high-resolution cameras in an expectedly premium build.
What is the price of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022) in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
Dell's 2022 rework of its XPS 13 2-in-1 is a well-made, broadly useful detachable Windows tablet in the Surface Pro vein, with just a few quibbles keeping it from top marks.5316View on Amazon ↗Pros
- Lightweight tablet design
- Effective and intuitive XPS Folio keyboard accessory
- Sharp, bright 3K touch display
- 1080p user-facing webcam and 2160p rear-facing camera
Cons
- $100 XPS Folio keyboard not included
- Middling battery life
- Limited to just two USB-C ports, with no headphone jack
Learn MoreDell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
Best for Corporate Jet-SettersWhy We Picked It:
Lenovo’s flagship ThinkPad tablet (the ThinkPad X1 Tablet) was discontinued for a few years, but now it’s back in the form of the new ThinkPad X12 Detachable (starts at $1,097; $1,337 as tested). This Windows tablet is designed to compete with the Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business, and it’s ready to give Redmond some serious competition. Speedy computing performance, a keyboard that's reasonably comfortable to type on, and a sturdy chassis make the X12 Detachable worth a look if you need a Windows tablet for your business with the added flexibility of a removable physical keyboard.
Bottom Line:
Lenovo's ThinkPad X12 Detachable is an obvious choice for corporate jet-setters who need a Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard, plenty of security and manageability features, and traditional black styling.Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Optional Intel vPro
- Integrated kickstand
- Keyboard cover is reasonably comfortable for typing
- Good value
- Impressive computing performance
Cons
- No 4K display option
- Short standard one-year warranty
Learn MoreLenovo ThinkPad X12 DetachableDell Latitude 7320 Detachable
Best for Fingerprint Sign-InsWhy We Picked It:
Tablets running Windows 10, like the new Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable, are mostly aimed at business users who prioritize portability and interact with their PCs mostly via the touch screen. With IT-friendly features and an included keyboard cover for when you want to use it as a conventional laptop, the Latitude 7320 (starts at $1,559; $2,219 as tested) is an excellent option. But the similar Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business is slightly more capable for the price, and remains our Editors' Choice pick among detachable 2-in-1s.
What is the price of the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable
The Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable is a well-designed Windows tablet that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus, along with plenty of security and manageability options.13989View on Amazon ↗Pros
- Included keyboard cover with built-in stylus holder
- Integrated kickstand
- Roomy 13-inch display
- Decent audio volume
- Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support
- Three-year standard warranty
Cons
- No 4K display option
- Merely average computing performance
- Expensive as configured
Learn MoreDell Latitude 7320 DetachableDell Latitude 7230 Rugged Tablet
Best for Durability and Customizability in a TabletWhy We Picked It:
Rugged laptops and tablets are a must for some jobs. When working in the field involves grime, dust, pouring rain or water spray, or extreme temperatures, you need a portable as tough as you are. The Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet (starts at $2,443.50; $3,227.61 as tested) is built to shrug off PC-killing hazards while handling jobs ranging from collating data to controlling machinery or coordinating a team. Offering tablet and 2-in-1 capabilities (with an optional docking keyboard), customization options for whatever your use case demands, and usability in the most demanding situations, it's a formidable tablet, though its performance leaves a bit to be desired.
What is the price of the Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Dell Latitude Rugged Extreme 7230
It's not the best performer, but Dell's Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet does the job anywhere—whether down a mineshaft, on a construction site, or at the scene of an accident. You'll likely be hard-pressed to find an environment this slate can't survive.8431View on Amazon ↗Pros
- Rugged design can survive almost anything
- Sunlight-ready touch screen works with gloved hands and included pen
- Plenty of features, including 4G/5G mobile data
- Optional handle for grab-and-go use
- Dual hot-swappable batteries with long battery life, too
Cons
- Heavy and chunky
- Middling performance
- Keyboard not included
Learn MoreDell Latitude 7230 Rugged Tablet Review
Buying Guide: The Best Windows Tablets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia for 2024
Of course, just like the iPad line, with its range of sizes, computing power, and prices, we know of no single Windows tablet that fits everyone's needs. As you begin shopping, you'll note that they fall into a few different categories.
First are the inexpensive models with 10-inch screens, designed to let you browse the Web and enjoy streaming a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime. Because these budget-friendly devices usually rely on low-power processors and minimal storage, you're better off with one as a second or third device to serve alongside your laptop or smartphone. In other words, these aren't the full-powered Windows devices you can rely on to replace a conventional laptop PC.
Then you have larger 12-inch and 13-inch models designed to work in tandem with an included or optional stylus and docking keyboard. These give you a better way to take notes in class or type up an email or a term paper, and they generally provide a well-rounded Windows experience. The best example of this is the iconic Microsoft Surface Pro.
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(Credit: Molly Flores)
Finally, you'll find premium and business systems, designed as productivity tools rather than media consumption devices. Dell and Lenovo have dabbled in these, in their Latitude and ThinkPad lines, respectively, and Microsoft's Surface Pros also qualify in this space.
Windows Tablet Processors: Parsing Low-Power CPUs
With Windows tablets running the gamut from low-power entertainment devices to potent tools for productivity, how do you know which one to buy if you plan to use your device for both types of tasks? As with conventional laptops, a lot comes down to the processor.
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(Credit: Molly Flores)
Intel's Celeron and Pentium processors include several chips built for low-power usage and passive cooling. These are two necessary attributes for tablets since they house nearly all of their components behind the screen, which itself generates heat. They don't require built-in cooling fans, and they provide usable performance that lasts for several hours on a single charge, or even a day or two of light use without visiting a power outlet. Low-power processors like these have limits, though, which make them best suited for inexpensive tablets. They lack the processing oomph you might want for applications like Photoshop, but they are ideal if you want to check Facebook and Twitter, then kick back with some YouTube videos or an episode of a Netflix show.
At the other end of the tablet-CPU spectrum are Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors also used to power full-fledged laptops. While these CPUs draw more power and require more cooling hardware, they are much more capable, letting you get real work done. Tablets equipped with these processors are priced more like laptops (usually above $1,000), but you get performance to match the increased cost.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Some Windows tablets have ditched Intel chips in favor of Arm-based alternatives from companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek. They include the earlier Microsoft Surface Pro X and late-2022 Surface Pro 9 (SQ3), tablets with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. We haven't seen any recent tablets that use processors from AMD.
This year, watch out for new AI-ready processors from AMD and Intel. These contain neural processing units, or NPUs, which are core clusters designed to handle AI-specific tasks, like managing chatbots and automatic system optimizations. Windows tablets are ideal candidates for these low-power, high-efficiency chips designed to further spread workloads across three cores.
Windows Tablet Security and Connectivity
Once you've determined which processor will fit your usage pattern, it's time to move on to the features that make handheld PCs far more flexible than conventional laptops. Sensors previously seen in smartphones bring new ways to interact with your PC, with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and e-compasses providing positional awareness for both automatic screen rotation and new immersive applications.
Microsoft even has a Windows tablet version of FaceID, which lets you unlock your Apple iPhone or iPad Pro simply by looking at it. Called Windows Hello, it's also available on laptops and desktops, but it's most useful on tablets that don't have a keyboard handy to enter a complex, secure password.
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(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
And let's not forget touch screens. With capacitive screens that track five or 10 fingertips at a time, you can pinch, swipe, and tap your way through any task, even those that would have required a keyboard and mouse years ago. Many tablets also come with optional digital pens. Some are housed in "garages," tiny holes in the tablet that secure the stylus and charge its battery. Others must be carried separately or attached via magnets to one of the tablet's edges.
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(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
Then you have the question of connectivity. With eminently portable designs, it's only natural that some shoppers will want tablets that feature the same sort of mobile data that they enjoy on their smartphones. A few Windows tablets on the market have 5G and LTE connectivity and can be added to your mobile phone plan.
Don't Overlook the Convertible Hybrid
Finally, what if you simply can't live without a real keyboard, but don't want the hassle of carrying a separate one around? Some convertible laptops have keyboards that fold around the back so you can use them as traditional clamshell laptops, as tablets, or at any position in between. We've only included detachable Windows tablets here; to learn more about screen-rotating convertibles, read our roundup of the best 2-in-1 laptops.
The switch from a laptop to a tablet doesn't come without issues, though. The thin confines of a tablet make worries about heat buildup all the more important—especially when that heat is literally in hand. Touch screens add a new opportunity for frustration when taps and touches won't register properly, and the opportunities provided by docks and accessories also open up the chance to lose a valuable part of your PC while out and about. (Say what you will about tablets, but you'll never misplace your keyboard while using a conventional laptop.)
So, Which Windows Tablet Should I Buy?
We've waded through the current tablets available, and tested and compared dozens of tablet PCs to discover what works and what doesn't. Below are our top picks for Windows tablets. If you're not married to Windows, read our report on the best tablets overall, as well as our roundup of the best Android-based models.