What Size Tablet Should You Buy for Reading and Calls?

On this page (9 sections)

1. What size tablet should I buy for reading and calls?
2. How do compact, mid-size and large tablets compare?
3. How should you choose between screen size and weight?
4. Does a bigger screen make text easier to read?
5. How should you set up a tablet for reading and calls?
6. What mistakes should you avoid when choosing tablet size?
7. How can you keep a reading and calling tablet comfortable to use?
8. Which tablet size should you buy for your routine?
9. Sources

A 10 to 11 inch tablet is the best starting point for most people deciding what size tablet to buy for reading and calls. Choose a smaller screen for frequent carrying, or a larger one for documents and handwritten notes.

The deciding factor is your usual position: holding the tablet like a book, resting it on your lap or setting it on a table. Match the size to that position before comparing extra features.

What size tablet should I buy for reading and calls?

Start with 10 to 11 inches for mixed home use, then move smaller for easier carrying or larger for full-page reading. Think about the task you do longest, rather than the occasional task that needs the most space.

Screen size measures the diagonal, not the tablet's width or height. Two tablets with similar diagonals can have different shapes, so compare their full dimensions before buying a bag, holder or case.

If larger text is part of your decision, see how to make text bigger on a tablet. Enlarging words changes how much fits on a page, which can matter more than a small difference in screen size.

What size tablet should I buy if I mostly read?

Choose 8 to 10 inches for adjustable ebooks, or consider a larger screen for PDFs and magazines. A novel can rearrange its words around your chosen font size; a scanned page usually keeps its original layout.

Compact tablets suit short reading sessions on a bus, in a waiting room or around the house. They take less space, but large fonts mean more page turns.

For reading in bed, prioritize a manageable weight and a secure grip. A screen that looks appealing on a desk may feel awkward when held above your lap for a full chapter.

Our best tablets for reading guide compares options for different reading habits.

What screen size works well for video calls?

Choose 10 to 11 inches for regular video calls, especially if you want faces and controls visible together. Move larger if you often watch a group call from farther away.

A bigger display helps you see the other person; it doesn't improve the image your camera sends. Camera position, lighting and a steady support all affect how you appear.

For setup tips, read how to video call on a tablet. If video calls are your main use, compare options in our best tablets for video calls guide.

How do compact, mid-size and large tablets compare?

The four tablets below suit different ways of using a screen: carrying, home browsing, shared family use and writing notes. Choose the role first, then check the features that support it.

Compact tablets: Lenovo Tab One for frequent carrying

Choose the Lenovo Tab One for portable reading and games when a small body matters more than page space. Skip it if your main reading material is full-size documents that you don't want to enlarge and move around.

At 11.2 oz before the case, this is the lightest of the three tablets here with supplied weights. Its body measures 8.31 by 4.91 inches, giving you a useful outline to compare with your hand or bag.

The included folio is useful when you switch from holding an ebook to following a recipe. You can set the tablet down without buying a separate stand for that purpose.

It has 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage, plus dual Dolby Atmos speakers. Lenovo gives an estimate of up to 12.5 hours of video playback, though actual battery life depends on your use and settings.

The compact screen suits one task at a time. Readers who use very large text should weigh its lighter body against the extra page turns a smaller display brings.

Mid-size tablets: Amazon Fire HD 10 for reading and calls

Choose the Amazon Fire HD 10 for books, browsing and Zoom conversations if those are your main uses. Skip it if you haven't confirmed that your required apps are available for this Fire tablet.

Its 1080p Full HD display provides a middle step between compact reading and a larger desk tablet. The 5 MP front-facing camera supports its role as a device for conversations with family and friends.

This configuration has 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. MicroSD expansion supports up to 1 TB, with the card sold separately, which is useful to consider if you keep lots of photos and downloaded books.

Amazon gives a battery figure of 13 hours. Plan charging around your own routine rather than assuming that every mix of calls, reading and browsing will reach that figure.

The Made for Amazon Stylus Pen is available separately. If handwritten notes are central to your choice, compare the complete setup with a tablet that already includes a pen.

Mid-size tablets: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ for shared home use

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ for a family tablet used for reading, browsing and calls. Skip it if long periods of unsupported reading are your main concern, since its larger body needs more support than a compact option.

Its display has a 1920 by 1200 resolution and a refresh rate up to 90 Hz. The refresh rate concerns motion on screen, so don't choose it solely for that number if you mostly read still pages.

This configuration pairs 6 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage and supports microSD expansion. Quad Dolby Atmos speakers also make it relevant for a tablet that moves between books and family video calls.

At 1.1 lb, it makes more sense to plan a resting place for longer sessions. Its supplied accessories include a data cable, ejection pin and quick start guide, so budget for a suitable support if you need one.

Samsung's fast-charging feature requires a separate 25W wall charger. If you're considering it for an older adult, our complete tablet guide for older adults and home use covers other comfort and setup factors.

Larger tablets: Lenovo Idea Tab Plus for documents and notes

Choose the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus for reading documents and writing by hand, especially when you'll use it on a table. Skip it if you mainly want a small device to hold while reading novels.

Its 2560 by 1600 display gives fixed pages and writing tools more room than the smaller choices here. The included pen makes it a more direct fit for handwritten notes than a tablet that needs a separate pen purchase.

The tablet has 8 GB of memory, 128 GB of storage and quad Dolby Atmos speakers. Its supplied learning apps include Lenovo Notepad, Squid, Nebo and MyScript Calculator.

At 1.2 lb before accessories, it belongs on a shortlist for supported use rather than minimum carrying weight. The folio stand can support viewing, but check that its available positions suit where you plan to write.

For handwriting and drawing, see our best tablets for note taking guide.

How should you choose between screen size and weight?

Choose the smallest screen that fits your content comfortably, then decide whether you can support its weight in your usual position. Don't assume a larger screen will feel comfortable just because the tablet is thin.

For handheld reading, consider both grip and balance. A wide tablet can require 2 hands even when its weight seems reasonable, while a case can make the edges easier to hold but add bulk.

For table use, check the space around the tablet as well as the device itself. A stand needs a stable footprint, and you may also need room for a charging cable or notebook.

You can cut paper to a tablet's body dimensions to check bag fit and desk space. This shows its outline, but it won't tell you how the weight or edges feel in your hands.

If possible, hold a similar-size device in the position you'll actually use. Include the case when comparing weight, especially if it will stay attached all day.

Does a bigger screen make text easier to read?

A bigger screen lets you show larger text while keeping more words visible, but settings still matter. Start with a comfortable font size and viewing distance, then judge whether enough content remains on screen.

Adjustable ebooks need less screen space

Novels and other adjustable ebooks let words wrap to the screen. Increasing the font should keep the lines within the page, though you'll turn pages more often.

Try a plain font, comfortable line spacing and a background that gives the words clear contrast. Avoid making the screen much brighter than the room just to make small text stand out.

For more reading-specific advice, see can you read books on a tablet?.

PDFs and magazines benefit more from a larger display

Fixed pages keep text, columns and pictures in set positions. Enlarging them on a compact screen can mean moving sideways as well as scrolling down.

For occasional documents, rotating the tablet to landscape may help. If you read multi-column pages every day, prioritize enough screen room to follow the text without constant movement.

For large text, compare how much fits at your preferred setting rather than judging the default display. A large screen filled with tiny words offers little help until you adjust it.

How should you set up a tablet for reading and calls?

Set up text size, support and calling access first, before filling the tablet with apps. These steps reveal whether the chosen size works for your routine.

1. Adjust text and display size. Reading apps may have separate font controls from the tablet's main settings, so check both.
2. Choose a steady support. Place the tablet where you can see it without leaning forward or gripping it throughout a call.
3. Check your calling app. Sign in, allow the needed camera and microphone permissions, and arrange a short practice call.
4. Set the camera position. Keep the lens near eye level when practical, with light facing you rather than a bright window behind you.
5. Download something to read. Open it without a connection so you know it is stored on the device.
6. Simplify the home screen. Keep your reading and calling apps easy to find, especially on a shared family tablet.

For group calls, position the screen at your normal viewing distance before deciding that faces look too small. Moving it closer may help, provided the camera still frames you comfortably.

If the tablet changes between portrait reading and landscape calls, check that your stand supports both positions. Keep fingers and case edges clear of the camera and microphone openings.

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing tablet size?

Avoid choosing by screen diagonal alone or assuming that extra inches solve every problem. The right size still needs suitable apps, enough storage and a comfortable place to use it.

Buying a large screen for small text

Adjust the font before deciding you need a larger device. Otherwise, you may carry a bigger tablet while leaving its text just as small as before.

Confusing screen size with storage space

A bigger tablet doesn't automatically hold more books, photos or games. Check the configuration you are buying, since screen size and storage answer different needs.

Our guide to how much storage you need on a tablet helps you plan for downloads without choosing by physical size.

Assuming a pen or case is included

Accessories change both the setup and what you need to buy. Check the exact included items, then account for any stand, protective case, pen or compatible charger you still need.

Choosing around an occasional task

Don't buy a large writing surface for notes you take once a month if you read while holding the device every evening. Let the longest, most frequent task guide the size.

Checking the screen but forgetting the app

A comfortable display is useful only if it runs the services you need. Before choosing, confirm your reading library, calling app and any school or work requirements.

For the remaining checks beyond size, use what to look for in a tablet computer.

How can you keep a reading and calling tablet comfortable to use?

Keep the screen clean and the tablet supported, then adjust your position during longer sessions. Smudges, reflections and an awkward angle can make an otherwise suitable size harder to use.

Wipe the screen with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Follow the device's care instructions for any cleaner, and never spray liquid directly into the screen edges, ports or speaker openings.

Set up the stand on a firm surface and route the cable where it won't pull the tablet over. Avoid covering the device with bedding while it charges.

Change position or take a short break when your grip becomes uncomfortable. For lengthy reading, resting the tablet on a support can matter more than choosing the next size down.

Keep charging accessories in good condition and follow the manufacturer's compatibility guidance. A regular charging spot also makes a shared tablet easier to find before a scheduled call.

Which tablet size should you buy for your routine?

Decide what size tablet to buy by your main task and how you'll hold it. Use these choices to narrow the field before comparing smaller feature differences.

• Choose Lenovo Tab One if portable ebooks and easy carrying come first. Move up a size if fixed pages or large text leave too little content visible.
• Choose Amazon Fire HD 10 if books, browsing and Zoom cover your routine. Confirm any other required apps before committing.
• Choose Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ if you want one home tablet for reading, email and calls. Plan a stand for longer sessions.
• Choose Lenovo Idea Tab Plus if documents and handwritten notes justify a larger surface. Pick a smaller model if most use will be handheld reading.

If reading decides the purchase, finish with our best tablets for reading. If seeing family is the priority, use the video call tablet guide to compare the features that matter next.

Sources

These manufacturer pages cover the Lenovo Tab One and Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+.

• Lenovo Tab One specifications
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+

Frequently asked questions

What size tablet should I buy for reading?

Choose an 8 to 10 inch tablet for novels and easy carrying, or 10 to 11 inches for larger text with fewer page turns. If you mainly read PDFs, magazines or textbooks, consider about 12 inches because fixed page layouts need more room than adjustable ebook text.

Is a 10 inch tablet good for video calls?

Yes, a 10 inch tablet gives faces and call controls enough room for everyday conversations. Check that your calling app works on the exact model, then plan for a steady stand and good lighting.

A larger screen helps you see people, but it doesn't improve the camera image you send.

Is a larger tablet better for older adults?

A larger tablet can suit an older adult who wants bigger text and faces, especially when it stays on a stand. For someone who holds the device while reading, weight and grip matter just as much.

Adjust text and display settings before deciding how much screen space the person needs.

Does screen size mean a tablet is easier to read?

Screen size helps, but readable text also depends on font size, contrast, resolution and the app. Adjustable ebooks can work well on smaller screens because the words wrap to fit.

Fixed PDFs need more space, since enlarging a page can leave you moving sideways to finish each line.

Should I choose a tablet by screen size or weight?

Choose by your usual reading position: weight matters most when you hold the tablet, while screen room matters more when it rests on a stand. Include the case in your thinking because it adds bulk.

Before buying, compare the full body dimensions with your bag, grip and available table space.