The Difference between a Smartphone and a Tablet: Which one is right for you?
Are you confusing between choosing a tablet or a smartphone? You’re not alone.
Today World Technology has become an essential tool for communication, sharing knowledge, and entertainment.
From kids with tablets to teenagers with the latest smartphones, it’s clear that technology has come a long way since the first-generation room-size machines.
But with so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. While tablets and smartphones may seem similar in terms of use, there are significant differences between them that you may not know about.

If you want to open up your mind to understanding the differences between smartphones and tablets, then read this article.
Tablet vs. Smartphone – What is the difference:
There are many varying characteristics of these two compact devices; popular in the 20th century. The major one is the size of course. Tablets size is bigger as compared to Mobile. This size variation is because of the screen which embeds in these two.
The screen size would be 7 to 10 inches or more for tablets whereas it is most probably 4 inches for Mobile. This size difference is what makes smartphones much more portable as compared to tablets.
It will not be wrong to say that majority of the people go for smartphones as they are easy to take in pockets or clutches. There is also a contrast in the applications that run on these two.
It is not necessary that all tablets have Wi-Fi or 3G facilities whereas they are in smartphones. You can make Calls/SMS with your phones not supported by all tablets.
Brand:
Tablets and smartphones are available everywhere these days with their own capabilities and brands. Tablets are usually popular in Samsung and Lenovo like we have Lenovo Tab M10, Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 2020 LTE.
Smartphones, on the other hand, are now issued by almost every other brand, you name it and it’s there with differences in specs as a whole. We have Apple, Huawei, Motorola, Oppo, Nokia, and much more.
So, as for brand, we have smartphones with multiple choices.
Operating System:
An operating system being the core and manager of handling programs and applications is a must for any smartphone or a tablet to function.
Both tablets and smartphones come in Android and macOS. We have seen Microsoft Windows running on tablets. OS X is also popular in Mobiles however; iOS is more often present.
It depends on other features mostly when comparing the differences between a smartphone and a tablet. The difference, however, lies in terms of applications that OS supports.
Battery Life:
The battery is a very important aspect when looking for a reliable device. Both the Mobiles and tablets are giving good batteries as per their own design and models.
In terms of difference, we can say that tablets’ battery is lesser as compared to smartphones. But it has also been seen that several tablets are outclassed in their battery timing and the average life is from 3 – 10 hours.
As a whole, it depends on your usage and quality.
Camera:
The camera is one such important accessibility that can be used for several useful purposes. If you have a reliable camera you can assure of saving many memories.
Usually, smartphones come up with high-resolution and quality-oriented cameras with a variety of megapixels for each brand. There are both front and back- ones in these.
Tablets on the other hand may come with a single one. Mostly a superb camera is needed in a tablet for making a video and data conference.
Applications:
Applications are needed to fill up the space in your phones or tablets to make them more effective and user-friendly.
Though we have play stores for approaching unlimited application installations, it is not necessary that the apps running on phones will all run on tablets.
Organizations are looking to develop tablet apps so that people who have them can enjoy using it fully. Smartphones being more useful in terms of supporting thousands of applications are more in demand, comparatively.
Usage:
In terms of usage of tablets and smartphones, it depends on what applications and services you need to run. Tablets are useful and so are Mobiles with the major difference of being portable enough to carry in your pockets.
If your use is to play games and compose some amazing music then tablets are for you. If you are looking for a device that can help you use the internet all the time and facilitate calls, SMS then smartphones are reliable.
Price:
Price is a matter of concern for people who prefer going with the budget fulfilling their important needs rather than having a fancy design in hand.
Tablets are comparatively low in price as compared to smartphones. Several brands have their own different prices when smartphones are considered which makes tablets more worthy to purchase.
The needs depend exactly on what you are looking for in a tablet or a Mobile which correlates with the pricing overall which helps in making the decision.
Smartphone – Advantages and Disadvantages
A smartphone is a handheld device with a touch screen display and typically runs a mobile operating system. Mobiles can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, navigation, and entertainment.

Pros:
- You can communicate and make emergency calls.
- It can help to make videos and take photos with variety of cameras with different mega pixels.
- It allows to use GPS and internet as and when needed.
- Can work as a mini laptop and serves all useful features that are performed through systems.
- You can do e-banking and online shopping easily.
Cons:
- Addiction and excessive use of screen is harmful.
- Less social activities.
- Radiations.
Tablet – Advantages and Disadvantages
In general, a tablet is a touchscreen electronic device that has a larger screen than a smartphone and is designed to be used primarily for consuming digital media, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and websites. A tablet can also be used to play games, view photos, and do other things.

Pros:
- Provides bigger screen for graphics.
- Video conferencing or meeting calls are easier.
- Touch screens or stylus makes it more effective.
- A tool for learning and presenting.
- Makes reading easier for aged.
Cons:
- Not very portable.
- Needs an extra keyboard to attach.
- Does not allow fast multi-tasking.
- Usually not compatible for all games and apps.
- Prone to damage easily.
- Lack of ports.
- They can give poor processing performances.
Final Words:
Tablets and smartphones both have their own pros and cons but the need of the client determines the use and actual purchase between these two.
Tablets can provide a comfortable view of items on your screen along with a touch screen facility. It can offer good battery life and a low price.
Smartphones being easily carried anywhere can help you make calls or do texts to whom so ever you want at any time. Internet capabilities help to do almost everything.
FAQS:
Does a tablet work like a cell phone?
A tablet can function almost like a cell phone with two major differences. It is actually a mini laptop or a mid-range computer that can help with all those features that you would need daily.
These differences include screen size and calls/SMS facility. Keyboards are also not supported by many tablets.
Why have a tablet and a smartphone?
You can look for a smartphone if you want more internet connectivity anywhere and you need to communicate more often.
A tablet is bigger and better in size and is unable to make calls but some new versions also support SIM cards. You can opt for a tablet if you are looking for a more fun-loving source.
Do you need a tablet if you have a smartphone?
Ans. A smartphone is smart enough to perform all that you need from a daily laptop or a computer system apart from connecting you with people worldwide.
You would probably need a tablet only if you want a stand-by source in your home for a bigger readable screen that can lay flat on any surface or for making your children learn new things.
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