How we test

As usual, we’ve awarded star ratings out of five to the products in this month’s Labs. These reflect each tablet’s strengths and weaknesses in several areas.

The first is performance: we tested this using the cross-platform Geekbench 4 benchmark to obtain comparative single-core and multi-core performance scores. We also used the GFXBench Manhattan 3 graphics benchmark to test gaming performance, by playing through a high-detail 3D scene at the tablet’s native resolution and noting the average frame rate. You’ll find the results in our graphs on p91.

To test battery life, we fully charged each tablet, set the screen to a standard brightness of 170cd/m2, enabled Flight mode and played a full-screen video file on loop until the battery was completely exhausted. The results are again detailed on p91.

The quality of the screen is another consideration. This is based on partly on brightness and contrast, as measured by our X-Rite i1 Display PRO colorimeter, which are detailed in the feature table overleaf. Pixel density and colour vibrancy were taken into consideration, too.

In addition to these measurements, we also took into account the general feel and appearance of each tablet, plus any distinguishing features, such as the Yoga Book’s unusual hinge or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3’s physical controls.

And finally, we looked at value for money – not merely considering the price, but whether it’s justified by the performance and features on offer. Weighing all of these considerations together, we arrive at our overall star rating.