What is the difference between a tablet and a smartphone?

When choosing modern technology, many people wonder what is better - a tablet or a smartphone? At first glance, it seems that both devices are almost the same. But they still have fundamental differences. Let's figure out how one gadget differs from another.

Tablet: device, capabilities

A tablet is a mini-computer made in the form of a candy bar. Its main purpose is Internet surfing. Gadgets are equipped with an operating system, and by and large they can be called a type of laptop. Although most devices do not use a mouse and keyboard, they do provide the ability to connect them.

IMPORTANT! Tablets are as close to PCs as possible. You can connect input/output devices to them: printer, keyboard, mouse. That is, they can be used to make a full-fledged computer.

Most gadgets are not equipped with SIM card slots. Although today there are models on the market that have such a connector. The slots are designed to connect to the mobile Internet. It is difficult to use the device like a regular phone due to its size.

Tablet Features

• Large sizes: the screen diagonal is never less than 7 inches.
• High performance and screen resolution.
• Powerful hardware platform: powerful graphics processor for games, large amount of RAM, multi-core processor.
• The battery has a large capacity, as the large screen and characteristics are a must.

Smartphone: device, capabilities

A smartphone is a mobile phone whose main function is to make calls and exchange messages via a SIM card. The models are equipped with an operating system and have the same functions that are present in tablets.

REFERENCE! A smartphone can be considered as a regular phone, with which you can check email, use instant messengers and perform many functions typical of a mobile computer.

Features of smartphones

• Availability of slots for one or two SIM cards.
• Support for cellular networks with the ability to connect to 3G mobile Internet, and in the latest models - 4G.
• Screen diagonal varies from 3.5 to 10 inches.

What is the difference between a tablet and a smartphone

Indeed, both devices have a lot in common. But to make the right choice, you need to understand their differences.

• Most tablets do not support mobile operators. You can make calls, but only via the Internet using Viber or Skype. In this case, the Internet connection is maintained via the Wi-Fi module. As for smartphones, they support regular phone calls, calls over the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
• Screen diagonal. The most popular smartphones are 5-6 inches in size. Small dimensions are preferable, since the dialer can be used with one hand and carried in your pocket. Tablet screens are never smaller than 7 inches, and many models reach 10–11.
• Autonomy.Due to the large screen, tablets have less battery life. An excellent indicator for him is 8–10 hours of continuous surfing. At the same time, smartphones are much more mobile and easily outperform mini-PCs in this parameter.
• The functionality of tablets is higher. They are usually equipped with a more powerful graphics chipset. Large screens allow you to draw on them without any problems, watch movies in high quality, and work with graphic editors. On small smartphones, such activities are possible, but they are not fun.

ATTENTION! The latest flagship smartphones are much superior in terms of functional characteristics to tablets and even many laptops. Apparently this is due to the high demand for them.

What to choose

So, which is better to buy? The choice is entirely based on what the person needs.

• If you need a regular dialer, it is better to buy a small smartphone. It is convenient to use with one hand and can be stored in a trouser or shirt pocket.
• If you choose a device with a diagonal of 5.5–6.5 inches, you can additionally watch videos and search the Internet.
• When you need a gadget for gaming, surfing, or drawing, the choice is definitely your tablet.

In general, most people already have both of these devices in their arsenal. After all, it’s convenient to use a tablet at home, but when going out, it’s better to take a smartphone with you.