In our latest tablet Ratings, the 10.1-inch Google Nexus 10 rated as highly as the Apple iPad among Wi-Fi only models, becoming the first full-sized tablet to do so since the original iPad was introduced in 2010.
At $400, the 16GB Nexus 10 costs $100 less than a comparably configured fourth-generation iPad, earning it a CR Best Buy. While it equaled the iPad in most areas of performance and has a slightly larger display, its battery life did fall short of the iPad's.
Our latest tablet Ratings also found the display on the 8.9-inch, Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (Wi-Fi), $310, better than the displays on all specialty tablets, including its smaller sibling, the 7-inch Amazon Kindle Fire HD, $210.
We also turned up a real bargain among smaller tablets: The Google Nexus 7 (4G), $300. For just $50 more than its Wi-Fi only brand mate, the Google Nexus 7 offers 32GB of storage (vs.16GB for the Wi-Fi model) along with 4G connectivity. To put that in perspective, to make a similar leap in storage and connectivity in the iPad Mini line, you'd need to spend an additional $230.
To find the tablet that best fits your needs and budget this holiday season, check out our latest Ratings, which include dozens of recommended models.