I’ve never been one to fawn over an iPad let alone an Android tablet. These devices seemed like a digital space for my work, hobbies, and interests. An extension of what I enjoy in my smartphone albeit a bigger screen.

But half a decade working in the consumer technology industry made me aware of their strengths and weaknesses. I’ve started to appreciate the likes of iPad Pro, Galaxy Tab S7+, Huawei MatePad Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 5.

Although, I only got glimpses since most of them are review units that are loaned for two weeks or more. The longest one I spent time with a tablet probably would be the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which accompanied me in my annual busiest month. (Hi, October. I’m looking at you!)

For over a month cradling the tablet and bringing it wherever I go, I discovered 7 reasons why we all could consider having an Android tablet.

Have video calls on the go

I’ve been on a hybrid working setup all my life. I used to take conference calls on my smartphone while in transit, or I sit down inside a quiet cafe so I can open up my laptop. When in luck, I’d be spending a day on my desk while listening to virtual events and having team meetings at the comforts of my home office.

This has been one of the major reasons why I enjoyed having an Android tablet on the go. I was able to catch up to major events that happened in the crazy month of October, even if I was having lunch meetings and taking a trip with real estate agents.

I even lent the tablet to my colleague one time he needed to tune in to a virtual event and he doesn’t want to open his laptop while we were sipping Shakeratos.

Though the cameras are subpar, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. You don’t really need pristine images when it comes to video calls. You just need a decent visual and superb audio for better communication.

Take notes in one place

Nowadays, there are apps that help you take notes and organize your life. My personal favorite has been Evernote, but I use it as a virtual notepad for my thoughts, realizations, and journaling my emotions when I’m not at home.

For other matters, I use Samsung Notes for easier syncing and Noteshelf for seamless note-taking. As an old-school guy, I would say it’s easier to memorize notes when you write them using pen and paper. But we don’t really have that liberty when our work demands us to move from time to time.

Note-taking on an Android tablet is the way to go. At least, we get to organize it in one app and search for notes easily.

De-stress with TV and Film

When you feel like the world can burn for all you care, unwinding through TV and Film would be best. Especially with a 12.4-inches screen that supports HDR10+. I watched new and familiar titles on HBO Go, and I was able to cast YouTube seamlessly to my 43-inch Samsung The Serif TV.

With the SmartThings app, casting and navigating either the TV or the tablet was buttery-smooth, even though the unit I have isn’t as powerful as most tablets available for retail.

Sorry to break hearts, but the tablet uses a TFT LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. If you’re the type of person who unwinds by playing graphics-intensive games to release stress and rage, I’m afraid you might have to look elsewhere.

Moreover, the unit I had didn’t support Netflix and runs on 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Fret not, this is only a review unit. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE available at Samsung’s retail and online stores in the Philippines carries a 6GB+128GB configuration.

Draw, sketch, paint, or just reconnect with art

Being a designer for seven years, a tablet has been useful in helping bring my ideas come to life. Or help my colleagues visualize the plans I’m going after. I personally like using Autodesk Sketchbook whether it’s drafting sketches for work or journaling through drawing.

The S-Pen that comes with the Galaxy Tab S7 FE feels like a real pen, especially with its comfortable shape. It has a single button and a replaceable pen’s tip, although this one doesn’t need to be recharged or needs to be connected via Bluetooth.

It just… works. If you want a pen that has a lot of features, you can opt for an S-Pen Pro.

This can help you enjoy sketching or drawing for how long you want to. After all, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE has a 10,090mAh battery capable of 45W fast charging. You won’t surely run out of juice even if you spend the whole day drawing.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my sweet time doodling during meetings (admit it, we all do it once or twice in our lives), drawing stills as if I have a canvas or a coloring book, and drafting my sketches for easier visualization at work.

Look professional

This might be a petty reason for some, but there are a handful of people who care about their looks and reputation. Samsung’s devices, whether they’re a Pro or Lite variant, always come with a sleek, premium appeal.

Even the likes of Galaxy Tab S7 FE pegged as an affordable version of the powerful Galaxy Tab S7+ can pass as a pro-looking device.

Using the tablet even while I was drinking beer, sipping Shakeratos, or working at the poolside gave me looks from strangers and passerby as if I was career-oriented and serious about my job but still tries to have balance through drinks and leisure.

An extension of your smartphone and laptop

Looks aside, you can actually be professional when using the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Running on One UI 3.1 based on Android 11, the tablet has access to apps you mostly use and have on your smartphone. As well as features you’d normally enjoy from One UI.

Aside from Tablet mode, which you’d normally use, there’s DeX mode which switches the device to a desktop-friendly mode. If you have a wireless keyboard, you can use the tablet and work on it as if you’re using a laptop.

While this is not news to some since a lot of premium tablets have this option, it’s still nice to know that even a toned-down variant is capable of being a productivity device.

If you really need to upgrade your work-life balance

At the end of the day, Android tablets aren’t a need but a want. I could really live without it, but it would be nice to have it especially if you’re always working on the go.

But if you really find yourself struggling to navigate your professional life and keep your sanity in check, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE has the right tools to help you balance work and life. It’s not too much like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, but it’s not lackluster as most Android tablets with a lower price tag.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE LTE retails for PhP 39,990 with a 6GB+128GB configuration. It comes in four color options: Mystic Black, Mystic Green, Mystic Silver, and an online-exclusive Mystic Pink.