5 reasons to switch to Android tablets

Some people have recently switched to the Xiaomi Pad 7 after years of using iPads. While the iPad is known to be a great tablet, Android tablets offer a lot more than the iPad.

1. Using an iPad will miss out on the openness that Android brings

While Apple has introduced more customization features over the years—and even allowed sideloading of third-party app stores in some regions—it still can't match the open-source flexibility of Android. The ability to install apps from third-party sources, change the default launcher, switch icon packs, or use any file manager are just a few of the features that iPadOS still lacks.

There are also smaller perks, like background uploading and downloading in apps and easier file transfers over USB-C that make a big difference.

While Apple's restrictive approach may be great for some, the open-source nature of Android is something you'll really miss when using an iPad.

2. Multitasking on Android tablets is better

Yes, iPadOS lets you run two apps side-by-side, but it still can't compare to the multitasking experience of an Android tablet. On the Xiaomi Pad 7, you can not only run two apps at once, but also keep the apps open in a resizable, freely movable floating window.

Unlike iPadOS, which forces you to split the screen to multitask, Android's floating window mode lets you keep an app open in the background without taking up unnecessary space. It's a much more flexible and efficient way to multitask.

3. Having multiple user profiles is a game changer

One of the biggest frustrations with the iPad is that it doesn't have multiple user profiles. Unlike smartphones, which are personal devices, tablets are often used by multiple people in a household. On the iPad, there's no way to keep separate profiles for each user.

The Xiaomi Pad 7, on the other hand, allows for separate user accounts for each family member. This keeps apps, data, and preferences completely separate. This feature is also great for kids, as you can set up kid-friendly profiles with parental controls to restrict access to certain apps and content. iPad users have been requesting this feature on Reddit for years, but Apple has yet to add it.

4. Android tablets don't lock you into one ecosystem

One of the biggest benefits of owning an Android tablet is that you're not locked into a specific ecosystem. Sure, brands like Samsung offer exclusive features when using their tablets with Galaxy smartphones — like using the tablet as a second screen — but that doesn't mean you're limited to just one brand's products.

Android makes things more flexible. Any peripheral you own can connect to your Android tablet easily, although sometimes it may take an extra step or two.

Plus, you're not limited to the Google ecosystem. You can back up your photos to any cloud service of your choice instead of relying on Google Drive. You can even swap Google Assistant for ChatGPT or Perplexity if you want.

Apple, on the other hand, thrives on keeping you in its ecosystem. Your iPad will simply pair seamlessly with your Mac as an external display, and your AirPods will automatically sync across all your Apple devices.

While these features are certainly useful, over time they will pull you deeper into the Apple ecosystem.

5. Android tablets are cheaper to maintain

Apple iPads are premium devices, and they aren't cheap to maintain. Whether it's cases, accessories, or repairs, the cost of ownership adds up quickly. A broken iPad Air screen, for example, can cost nearly as much to repair as a new budget Android tablet.

Yes, repairs can be expensive for any device, but Android tablets are generally cheaper to repair, especially if you use a third-party repair service. In the long run, Android tablets are simply easier to maintain.

These are just a few of the reasons people switch from iPads to Android tablets. While Apple products offer a great experience, especially if you're already deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Android tablets are much more versatile and cost-effective – a big plus if you don't use your tablet very often.

Samuel Daniel

Update 03 February 2025