The release of Jelly Bean has improved the functionality of Android tablets toward a more user-friendly, productive, and fast-performing experience. The new features in Android 4.2 range from interesting to useful, but all are meant to enhance the functionality of your device.
The OS includes a new interface for smoother navigating, faster access to notifications and settings, a better camera app, and Google Now, which rivals Apple’s Siri.
The tablets that run the latest version of Android are few, though slowly but surely increasing in number. The following list comprises the best that we’ve reviewed and will be frequently updated as more tablets are released or redesigned.
Hisense Sero 7 Pro
The Hisense Sero 7 Pro is an unremarkable 7-inch tablet with decent battery life that sells for the bargain price of $149. I’m assuming the odd inclusion of the screenshot hot key at the bottom of its screen is for capturing images of its most appealing feature: Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. Read the full review.
Acer Iconia A1-810
Acer’s Iconia A1-810 is a 7.9-inch tablet that features a microSD expansion slot, a Micro-HDMI port, and runs the latest, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It’s a lackluster attempt at being an iPad Mini replacement for Android fans, but sells at an appealing price of $199. Spoiler alert: There’s another $199 small tablet that outperforms the Iconia A1 on this list. Read the full review.
Asus Transformer TF300
By today’s standards, the Asus Transformer TF300 is an old fogy. Its 1,280×800-pixel resolution is a minimum standard for any tablet trying to stand out, and its Tegra 3 CPU shows its age when it fails to keep up with newer games. Despite this, it remains relevant in a highly saturated tablet market thanks to the available Android 4.2.2 update. Read the full review.
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700
The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 recently reignited its sweet tooth with Jelly Bean and has a leg up on the TF300 with its higher 1,920×1,200-pixel resolution. The 10.1-inch tablet’s thin and light design is still in vogue, but it too suffers from Tegra 3’s outdated nature. Read the full review.
Google Nexus 7
The Google Nexus 7 is still one of the best small tablets on the market. In addition to running the latest version of Android, its sharp 1,280×800-pixel resolution IPS screen and portable yet stylish design make it one of the best deals at $199. Rumors of a new Nexus 7 are circulating, an if it’s anything like the first, we might have a new contender for the top 7-inch tablet soon. Read the full review.
Google Nexus 10
The Nexus 10 tablet is one of the top tablets with its superior design and performance. It impresses with its 2,560×1,600-pixel Super PLS screen, fast touch-screen responsiveness and accuracy, and sleek design aesthetic. As a Google tablet, it’s one of the first to receive Android updates and was one of the first to sport Android 4.2.
Read the full review.