Top tablets with expandable storage
Who wins the storage wars for the best tablet with expandable memory options?
Some of the most popular tablets on the market, like the Apple iPad Mini 4 or Google Pixel C, are missing one important feature that maximizes the usability of a tablet: expandable storage. The inclusion of a memory card slot opens the door to more possibilities and functions of your gadget.
From storing music, movies, or photos all the way to apps and games, expandable storage options can ensure that you get the most out of your device by letting you save more data and operate more programs than the internal storage capacity allows.
We've rounded up the top tablets that let you increase the amount of storage available and maximize your user experience.
The best laptop-replacing tablet.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 4 combines the compact portability of a tablet with the powerful specs of a laptop. You have to buy its sold-separately keyboard in order to get the full-effect, but the good news is it's a great set of keys. Just stick a microSD card into the Surface Pro 4 to increase its storage. Bet your laptop can't do that. Read the full review.
The pair of Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 models are two of the thinnest and lightest tablets to date.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 comes in an 8- and 9.7-inch model. Thanks to their spectacular screens they're great for heavy video-watchers, and if you ever need to take it with you, its light and slim design makes it easy to carry around. The microSD card slot is discreetly hidden on the edge of the tablet. Since it doesn't have a traditional flap (like the tablet below) to insert a microSD card you must use a small pointy object to eject the tray. Read the full review for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7.
Waterproof tablets, like this Sony, are hard to find.
Sony Xperia Z4
If you're like me you hope to one day have a luxurious bathtub with a mounted TV hanging on the wall above it. Until that fateful moment in our lives, this Sony tablet is a bit of compromise. The skinny and featherweight Xperia Z4 is waterproof, enabling you to take it into the tub, or simply not have a heart attack if you accidentally spill your tea on it. Its razor sharp screen makes it great for watching video, and with a microSD card slot expandable up to 128GB, you can pack it full of your favorite legally purchased TV shows and movies. Read the full review.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a more affordable choice for bargain shoppers.
Amazon Fire HD 8
If the tablets above are out of your price range, Amazon has a few affordable alternatives. The best of the bunch is the Fire HD 8 (it also comes in a more expensive 10-inch model), which can house a microSD card slot as big as 128GB. It has a bright screen and loud speakers for taking full advantage of your Amazon Video library, if you're a Prime member. Additionally there's the cheaper Fire tablet, a 7-inch model, that can also house 128GB of more storage. However, since it only comes with 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card is essential for the smaller Fire tablet. Read the full review of the Fire HD 8 and the Fire.
Want to see more? Check out our list of best tablets overall.