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Looking for a tablet for yourself or a senior loved one? It is an excellent idea. A well-chosen tablet lets you keep in touch with family, read the news, watch videos and even manage administrative tasks online.
But faced with dozens of available models, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is here to help you make the right choice, step by step, based on your real needs and budget.
Why a Tablet Is a Good Choice for a Senior
A tablet has three major advantages over a computer or smartphone.
The screen is large and comfortable. Unlike a smartphone, you do not need to squint to read. Text, photos and videos display at a pleasant size.
It is simpler than a computer. No mouse, no complicated keyboard. You touch the screen directly with your finger. Starting up takes a few seconds and the tablet is ready to use.
It is light and portable. A tablet weighs between 400 and 600 grams. You can use it in your armchair, in bed or take it to your children’s house.
The most common uses among seniors are video calls with family, reading newspapers and magazines, viewing photos and videos, games (crosswords, sudoku) and online administrative tasks.
The Essential Criteria for Choosing Well
Screen Size
This is the most important criterion for comfort. Here are the three common sizes and what they offer.
8 inches (approximately 20 cm diagonal): compact and very light, but text remains small. This size suits those with good eyesight looking for a travel tablet.
10 to 11 inches (approximately 25-28 cm): the ideal size for most seniors. Text is comfortable to read, videos are pleasant to watch, and the weight remains reasonable (around 450-500 g).
12 inches and above (approximately 30 cm): very comfortable for reading and video, but heavier (550-700 g). Best if you use the tablet on a table or stand.
Our advice: aim for a 10 to 11-inch screen. It is the best compromise between visual comfort and ease of handling.
Weight
This criterion is often overlooked, but it makes all the difference daily. If you hold the tablet in your hands to read or watch videos, a model that is too heavy will tire your arms and wrists.
Stay under 500 grams if possible. Above 600 grams, plan for a stand or case with a kickstand.
Operating System: iPad, Android or Specialist Tablet?
There are three main families of tablets. Each has its advantages.
iPad (Apple): known for its fluidity and simplicity. The interface is intuitive, updates are regular for 6-7 years, and the App Store offers quality apps. The entry-level iPad 10th generation is available from around £349. It is an investment, but the lifespan is excellent.
Android (Samsung, Lenovo, etc.): more choice in prices and sizes. The interface is customisable, allowing simplified launchers to be installed. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (around £230) and Lenovo Tab M11 (around £180) are excellent choices for seniors. Samsung offers a built-in “Easy Mode” that enlarges icons and simplifies menus.
Specialist senior tablets (Facilotab, Ardoiz): designed specifically for seniors with ultra-simplified interfaces. These tablets are ideal for people who have never used a digital device.
Battery Life
A good tablet should last at least 8 hours of active use (browsing, video, reading). In practice, this corresponds to 2 or 3 days of normal use without recharging.
Storage
For typical senior use (video calls, photos, reading, a few games), 64 GB is more than sufficient. If you plan to store lots of photos and videos, opt for 128 GB. On Android tablets, you can add a microSD card to extend storage cheaply, which is not possible on iPad.
Avoid 32 GB models: with the operating system and updates, very little space remains.
What Budget to Plan
Under £150: Best Avoided
Tablets in this price range are often slow, with poor quality screens and weak battery life.
£150 to £250: Good Value
The ideal range for a reliable Android tablet with a 10-11-inch screen, good battery and decent performance.
£250 to £400: Comfort and Durability
This range offers smoother tablets with better screens and longer lifespan thanks to extended updates.
Above £400: Often Unnecessary
High-end tablets have extra features that are rarely useful for typical senior use.
How to Choose in 4 Steps
Step 1: Identify the Main Use
What will the tablet be used for daily? Video calls, reading, videos, administrative tasks?
Step 2: Assess Digital Comfort Level
Already uses a smartphone? Any tablet will do. Never touched a touchscreen? A specialist tablet avoids frustration.
Step 3: Set Your Budget
Between £200 and £400, you will find a reliable, pleasant model.
Step 4: Think About Accessories
A few accessories make a real daily difference:
- A case with stand (£15-30): for placing the tablet on a table without holding it
- A basic stylus (£8-15): more precise than a finger, useful for those who struggle with the touchscreen
- A charger with a long cable (2 metres minimum): for using the tablet while charging without being stuck next to the plug
Making the Tablet Easy to Use: Configuration Tips
Enlarging Text and Icons
On iPad: go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Text Size. Push the slider to the right. Also enable “Bold Text” for better readability.
On Android: go to Settings, then Display, then Font Size. Choose “Very Large”. On Samsung tablets, enable “Easy Mode” in Settings, then Accessibility. This mode automatically enlarges icons and simplifies the home screen.
Simplifying the Home Screen
Only leave apps used daily on the main screen: video calls, photos, internet browser, weather. Remove or hide everything else. The fewer icons, the less confusion.
Increasing Volume and Brightness
Set brightness to 70-80% for good visual comfort. Enable auto-brightness if available. Turn notification and ringtone volume to maximum so you do not miss calls.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest tablet: a slow, unresponsive tablet is frustrating
- Choosing a screen that is too small: 10 inches is the recommended minimum
- Neglecting initial setup: configure accounts, apps and text size before giving it
- Installing too many apps: start with 5-6 maximum
- Forgetting a protective case: tablets are fragile
In Summary
Choosing a tablet for a senior comes down to finding the right balance between simplicity, visual comfort and budget. A 10-11-inch screen, a clear interface and a budget of £200 to £400 will lead you to a good choice.
If you are still unsure, here is the simple rule: for an independent senior, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (£230) or iPad 10th generation (£349) are excellent mainstream choices. For a complete beginner senior, the Facilotab L Senior (£295) or Ardoiz (£399) offer unbeatable simplicity.
The most important thing remains the initial setup. A well-configured tablet, with a clean home screen and family contacts as shortcuts, makes all the difference in daily adoption.
Questions fréquentes
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A screen of 10 to 11 inches is ideal for most seniors. It offers good reading comfort without being too heavy. For mainly video use, a 12-inch screen can work if the weight stays under 600g.
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The iPad is often recommended for its simplicity and fluidity, but it costs more (from around 349 pounds). Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offer excellent value from 230 pounds with a customisable interface.
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Between 200 and 400 pounds for a comfortable model. Below 200 pounds, performance may frustrate the user. Above 400 pounds, the extra features are rarely useful for typical senior use.
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Only if the senior uses the tablet on the go (transport, holiday home without WiFi). Otherwise, a WiFi-only model is sufficient and costs 100 to 150 pounds less. Tethering from a smartphone is a free alternative.
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On iPad, enable Assistive Access in Accessibility settings. On Android, install a launcher like BaldPhone (free) or Simple Launcher. Samsung also offers built-in Easy Mode which enlarges icons and simplifies menus.