Budget 30-40k Tablet for note-taking [College]

OneTapHero

Disciple
1. Budget?
A: INR 20k - 40k

2. Preferred display size, type and resolution?
A: 11 inches, Fine with LCD but AMOLED would be better, FHD and above

3. Preferred operating system? (Android (with version), iOS, etc).
A: Android due to sideloading support and easy file management system. Slightly concerned about the update cycle and longevity

4. Preferred connectivity options? (4G, 3G, 2G etc).
A: WiFi is fine without cellular

5. Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them.
A: Inclined towards Samsung due to the SPen, Samsung Notes and update cycle.

6. What is your intended use for this phone (internet, camera, multimedia, mails etc.)?
A: Note-taking with little media consumption

7. Single SIM/ Dual SIM?
A: WiFi is fine

8. New or Used? Online or Offline?
A: New. Don’t mind buying online

9. Any other requirements?
A: Great writing experience, longevity, not too expensive when it comes to repair, good update support

10. If you have already considered a phone, then please mention the model
A: Samsung Tab S8, iPad Air 4/5, iPad 9th Gen
 

powervgx

Reseller
Samsung tablet only. S pen feels like a generational leap over Apple pencil.
I think Samsung default notes app is also very good. iPad air/pro makes sense only if you edit videos and do digital art.
 
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JMak

Adept
Haven't had any experience with Samsung tabs along with s pen,
But I would suggest basic wifi ipad, been using since 2.6 years and it does the job..
I write quite a few pages daily and I am satisfied with it.
If you can subscribe to notability or good notes then you ll have a plethora of options to take notes and share them...

Alternatively any higher variant of ipad as in pro or air will be more sophisticated and polished as they use apple pencil 2.... Whereas ipad the normal one uses apple pencil 1.
 
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OneTapHero

Disciple
JMak said:
Haven't had any experience with Samsung tabs along with s pen,
But I would suggest basic wifi ipad, been using since 2.6 years and it does the job..
I write quite a few pages daily and I am satisfied with it.
If you can subscribe to notability or good notes then you ll have a plethora of options to take notes and share them...

Alternatively any higher variant of ipad as in pro or air will be more sophisticated and polished as they use apple pencil 2.... Whereas ipad the normal one uses apple pencil 1.
Click to expand...
I have heard that SPen gives a more natural feel while taking notes when compared to Apple Pencil. I primarily use an Android, so I'm very used to its file management system, sideloading, and the open-source apps available. Galaxy Tabs also come with SPen in the box.

Apple Pencil Gen 1 has a weird charging style (SPen doesn't need to be charged for writing, only for button actions iirc). The only reason I am considering iPads are the app support and longevity (updates, smoothness). But I think I would have no use for it after 4 years of college (Samsung provides 4 years of Android updates). There is also the non-laminated display on base iPad and outdated design, 60hz, no expandable storage

Hence, mostly leaning towards the Tab S8 (39k during sale)
 
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FXGalvatron

Disciple
In the same boat. Was considering an Air 5 and S8 for more or less similar purposes, (mostly college purposes) and a ton of reading. Not sure which one to go for. Have a MacBook and a Samsung phone, so sort of best of both worlds. I prefer Android to iPadOS cause sideloading and the S8 has better display but the aspect ratio of it, compared to iPad is a turn off and coupled with the fact that an iPad (maybe M1, something around there) would last for at least 5-6 years in terms of Software Updates. What do I go for?
 
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