Apple's first base-model iPad with USB-C ditches Lightning but runs at USB 2.0 speeds — just 480Mbps for data transfer. That's 20x slower than the iPad Air's USB-C port, so large file transfers and external SSD use will feel sluggish. DisplayPort video output still works via USB-C adapters for mirroring to TVs and monitors. The A14 Bionic chip and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display handle everyday tasks well, and the landscape front camera is a welcome upgrade for video calls.
tablet Devices
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025)
The 11-inch iPad Air pairs Apple's M3 chip with a USB-C port running at 10Gbps — a significant upgrade over the USB 2.0 speeds of some entry-level iPads. DisplayPort alt mode lets you drive an external monitor at up to 6K@60Hz with the right adapter, making it a capable portable workstation. The 8-core GPU handles ProRes video playback and photo editing smoothly, while 8GB of RAM enables Apple Intelligence features. One port for everything means a multiport adapter is essential for desk setups.
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025)
The larger iPad Air brings a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and M3 chip with USB-C connectivity at 10Gbps — fast enough for external SSDs and 4K displays but without Thunderbolt. DisplayPort alt mode over USB-C supports mirroring or extended display up to 6K@60Hz with compatible adapters. The M3's 8-core GPU and hardware ray tracing handle demanding creative apps, and 8GB of RAM supports Apple Intelligence features. One USB-C port means a dock is necessary for power-and-peripherals workflows.
Apple iPad Mini 7th Gen (A17 Pro, 2024)
The smallest iPad gets a serious connectivity upgrade with USB-C running at 10Gbps — 20 times faster than the base iPad's USB 2.0 port. DisplayPort alt mode drives external displays at up to 4K@60Hz, turning this 8.3-inch tablet into a portable presentation tool. The A17 Pro chip brings the same silicon found in the iPhone 15 Pro, including a 6-core CPU and hardware ray tracing GPU. Apple Pencil Pro support via magnetic attachment adds precision input for creative work on the go.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024)
The compact 11-inch Pro packs the same Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 port as its larger sibling, delivering 40Gbps data speeds and support for external displays up to 6K@60Hz. The M4 chip brings desktop-class performance to a tablet that weighs under a pound, with a 10-core GPU handling everything from ProRes video editing to 3D rendering. A single USB-C port handles charging, data, and video output — a hub is essential for multi-accessory workflows. The tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display hits 1,000 nits full-screen brightness.
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)
Apple's flagship tablet delivers Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 through a single USB-C port, enabling data transfers at up to 40Gbps — matching many laptops. That Thunderbolt connection drives external displays up to 6K@60Hz and powers high-speed storage arrays without dongles. The M4 chip is Apple's first to debut in an iPad, bringing a 10-core GPU and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. One port does it all, but you'll need a hub or dock if you want to charge and connect peripherals simultaneously.
This premium 12.6-inch Android tablet features a stunning 2K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and four JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos. Its single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port supports DisplayPort alt mode, pushing up to 4K@60Hz to external monitors — a rare feature among Android tablets. Quick Charge 4.0 keeps the 10,200 mAh battery topped up efficiently. A microSD slot and pogo-pin keyboard connector round out the physical connections.
This compact 10.5-inch business tablet runs full Windows on an Intel N200 processor, making it the most portable Surface with a traditional desktop OS. A single USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port handles charging, data, and DisplayPort video output to external displays — versatile for a device this small. Unlike the Surface Pro 11th Edition, the Go 4 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The proprietary Surface Connect port on the right side provides a magnetic charging option and dock compatibility.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition (2024)
This Copilot+ PC runs on Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors with built-in AI capabilities and a stunning 13-inch PixelSense Flow OLED display. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports deliver up to 40 Gbps data transfer each and support daisy-chaining external 4K displays — a major upgrade over earlier Surface Pro models. Charging works through either USB-C or the proprietary Surface Connect port, both accepting 65W or higher adapters. Notably absent are the headphone jack and microSD slot found on predecessors.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (2024)
Samsung's largest tablet features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity at 5Gbps through its USB-C port. DisplayPort alt mode enables Samsung DeX desktop mode on external monitors, transforming the tablet into a laptop replacement. The 45W fast charging gets the massive 11,200mAh battery topped up quickly, and a microSD slot expands storage up to 1.5TB. Two USB-C ports on the bottom edge let you charge while a USB accessory is connected — a rare and practical feature.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ (2024)
The 12.4-inch Tab S10+ pairs a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity and DisplayPort alt mode for Samsung DeX on external screens. At 5Gbps, the USB-C port handles external storage and display output, while 45W fast charging keeps the 10,090mAh battery ready for all-day use. A microSD slot adds up to 1.5TB of expandable storage — essential for creative professionals working with large files. The included S Pen and pogo-pin keyboard connector make it a productivity-focused tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (2023)
This mid-range Android tablet packs a 10.9-inch LCD display with IP68 water resistance at a budget-friendly price. Connectivity is minimal — a single USB-C 2.0 port handles both charging and data, with no DisplayPort video output support. Fast charging tops out at 45W with a compatible PPS charger, though the included cable only supports 25W. A microSD slot lets you expand the 128 or 256 GB of built-in storage, but there’s no headphone jack — you’ll need USB-C or Bluetooth audio.
