Let me explain RAM in the simplest way. The full name is Random Access Memory, but do not worry about the long name. You know that when you do many things at once, maybe cooking, pressing your phone, and attending to someone, everything feels stressful if the space around you is small. That is how it is with RAM on a tablet.

RAM is what helps your tablet handle more than one thing at the same time.

If you are the type that likes opening multiple apps, maybe chatting on WhatsApp, checking Instagram, and watching YouTube all together, you need a tablet with enough RAM. Without it, the tablet will just start hanging or behaving funny.

Here is how it usually works:

2GB or 3GB RAM:
This one is okay if you are only planning to use the tablet once in a while. Just for browsing, reading news or e-books, and watching some videos. Nothing heavy. Do not expect it to multitask much. It will be slow if you try to do too many things.

4GB to 6GB RAM:
This is where it starts to get good. You can open a few apps, do online classes, reply to emails, and still enjoy your tablet. It will not stress you too much. For most people, this is the sweet spot. It balances performance and price well.

8GB and above:
If you work on your tablet, play big games, edit videos or just want something fast and smooth, this is for you. It runs everything with ease, and you can even use it like a mini laptop with a keyboard. It is more expensive, but it handles loads efficiently.

💡 Techmall Tip: Based on what we have seen at Techmall, anything less than 4GB in 2025 might give you problems later. Try to go for at least 4GB if you can. 2GB might seem cheaper now, but it will start lagging fast, especially with the kind of apps and internet activities we do here in Naija. Save yourself the stress.

When you buy a tablet, one of the first things you should check is how much space it has. Why? Because that is where all your stuff will go—your apps, music, photos, videos, downloaded series, and even those endless WhatsApp memes from family group chats.

Some tablets come with just a small space, while others give you more room to play with. The good news is that most Android tablets in the market allow you to add more space using a memory card, so you do not always need to break the bank upfront.

Here is how to know what you need:

32GB to 64GB:
If you are the type who mostly watches things online and does not save too much, this will work. You will have space for a few apps and some pictures, but you might have to delete things often.

128GB to 256GB:
This is the most balanced option for a lot of people. You can save plenty of songs, download some Netflix shows, take pictures here and there, and still have space left. Most people fall into this category.

512GB and above:
This one is for those who do not want any storage wahala. Maybe you are into photography or video content, or you just like saving everything. If you can afford it, no harm.

💡 Techmall Tip: If a tablet comes with 64GB and has a memory card slot, you are safe. Instead of paying more for the high-storage models, just get a good microSD card later and expand it yourself. It works, and it saves money. In fact, we usually sell bundles that come with memory cards included, because we already know how important extra storage is to Nigerians.

Let us talk about the screen – the one thing you should be looking out for every single time you pick up your tablet.

Whether you are using it for work, school, or just to chill and watch some videos, a good display makes all the difference. No jokes, it is like your eyes – if the screen no clear, the whole experience just go dey somehow.

Now, here are some things you should keep an eye on when you’re shopping for a tablet:

Screen Size:
Ask yourself, “What do I want to use this tablet for?” If it is just to read news, check email, or maybe carry around easily like a notebook, something between 8 to 10 inches is okay. But if you are the type that loves watching movies or doing small design or work stuff, go for something from 11 to 13 inches. Those ones feel more like a mini-laptop or small TV. More space, more comfort.

How Clear is the Display?
This one is about resolution, how sharp and neat the images and text look. HD (1280×800) is manageable, but if you can, go for Full HD (1920×1080) or higher. It makes videos, photos, and even text look much better. If you have ever watched a blurry movie, you will understand why this matters.

Colours and Brightness:
Here we are talking about the type of screen. IPS LCD is okay, colours look fine, and you can see it well even from an angle. But if you want that real wow factor, go for AMOLED or OLED. Those ones are sharp, colours are bright, blacks are deep. Everything just looks alive. Perfect if you enjoy watching movies or working with pictures.

Smoothness (a.k.a. Refresh Rate):
Most tablets come with 60Hz, which is fine. But when you see something like 90Hz or 120Hz, my brother, just know you are in for smooth sailing. Scrolling, gaming, flipping through pictures or documents, it all feels silky. Once you try it, you may not want to go back.

💡 Techmall Tip: From what we see every day at Techmall, Nigerians really love tablets with good display quality. Especially ones with AMOLED screens and high refresh rates. If you watch films a lot, or you like editing content, or even just scrolling social media, this kind of screen makes everything sweet. And yes, you can find plenty of those kinds of tablets right here with us at Techmall.

Let us talk battery – because in this Nigeria, no one wants a tablet that dies on you when you need it the most.

Imagine you are deep into an online class, trying to close a business deal on Zoom, or just about to hit the best part of that Nollywood film… then boom – battery empty. And maybe PHCN has already taken light. Frustrating, right? That is why battery life should be one of the first things you check before buying any tablet.

Here is what you should look out for:

Battery Capacity (mAh):
The bigger the number, the longer it lasts. Simple as that. If a tablet has at least 6000mAh, that is a good start. Think of it like fuel in your car—more fuel, more journey. Some of the newer ones even go above 8000mAh, which is perfect for people who use their tablets all day.

Screen-on Time (Real-Life Use):
Battery capacity is one thing, but how long the tablet lasts while you are using it is what matters. You want something that gives you at least 8 to 12 hours of screen time. That is enough to carry you through work, school, and even some late-night Netflix before bed.

Charging Speed:
We all know the light situation in this country is not reliable. So if NEPA gives you a small light, you need a tablet that can charge fast. Look for something that supports at least 18w fast charging. Some even go up to 45w or more, those ones are real lifesavers. You plug in for like one hour, and you are ready to go again.

💡 Techmall Tip: From what we see with our customers at Techmall, always try to go for tablets that support USB-C fast charging. It is the new standard, and it charges faster and more efficiently. Tablets like the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro are real beasts when it comes to battery and charging—they can charge fully in under 90 minutes. That kind of speed is a blessing when NEPA is not smiling.

Now let us talk about something a lot of people usually ignore, the software and updates that come with your tablet.
I know it is not as flashy as the camera or the screen, but this part is very important. The software is basically what controls how everything works on your tablet. If it is outdated or not getting updates, you will start noticing small problems here and there — apps crashing, slow performance, and even security issues.

When you are checking tablets, pay attention to these three things:

1. What Android version is it running?
We are in 2025 now, and Android 11 or 12 is already old news. Try your best to go for a tablet that is running Android 13 or Android 14. These versions run smoother, are more secure, and support the latest apps better.

2. Will the brand give you updates regularly?
This one is very important. Some brands just release the tablet and forget it after six months. But companies like Samsung usually give updates for 3 to 4 years. Xiaomi and Lenovo have also stepped up lately. If your tablet gets regular updates, it will keep running well for years.

3. Are there any useful features in the software?
Some tablets come with extra things that make your life easier. For example, Samsung has DeX mode that lets your tablet work like a small laptop. Some tablets support stylus pens too — great for people who like drawing or writing by hand. Small features like this can make a big difference, especially if you want to do more than just watch movies.

💡 Techmall Tip: Before you pay, try and check how long the tablet will keep getting updates. If it is hard to find that info online, just ask us at Techmall. We are always happy to help. We will tell you the truth, no sugarcoating. Some tablets look nice outside, but if they stop getting updates soon, it is not worth it in the long run.

Let us talk about tablet cameras. Honestly, most people are not buying a tablet to become the next Instagram celeb; that is what your phone is for. But that does not mean the camera on your tablet is useless. In fact, it comes in handy more often than you might think.

From scanning documents for work or school, to jumping on Zoom calls, or even snapping a quick picture of notes or something important you do not want to forget, the tablet camera does its job quietly in the background. And with more people working or learning from home these days, it is even more useful.

Here are the things you should check when looking at tablet cameras:

Rear Camera (the one at the back):
You do not need anything too fancy here. If the camera is between 8MP to 13mp, that is good enough for things like snapping receipts, scanning documents, or taking quick reference photos.

Selfie Camera (the one that faces you):
This is the one that matters for video calls and online classes. Try to get at least 5MP, but if you want clearer, sharper video quality, especially for meetings, 8MP or higher is much better.

Useful Extras:
Some tablets come with small but helpful camera features, like autofocus (to make sure your documents are not blurry), a document scan mode in the camera app, or even basic AI features that improve how you look on video calls.

💡 Techmall Tip: If you are someone who is always on Zoom, Google Meet or any other video app, maybe for work, school, or even regular family calls, then do not ignore the front camera. Tablets with wide-angle front cameras are a smart choice. They give you more space in the frame and make you look clearer. The Infinix XPAD 4G, for example, is a solid pick, and we have them right here at Techmall.

Now let us talk about tablets that come with a pen or support one. You might see it and think, “Is this just packaging or does it really help?” Truth is, it depends on how you plan to use your tablet. If you are someone that likes to draw, take quick notes during meetings or classes, or even mark documents, having a proper stylus can make your life easier.

Here are a few things to consider:

Is it an active stylus or just a basic one?
The good ones are called active stylus. These pens allow you to press lightly or hard, and the lines will change just like using a real pen. Also, your palm will not disturb what you are doing, because it can ignore your hand resting on the screen.

Is the pen inside the box or do you need to buy it separately?
Some tablets, like many Samsung Galaxy Tabs, come with the pen already. Others will make you buy it again — and some of these pens are not cheap. So always check.

Can the apps you want to use work well with it?
The pen is just half of the experience. You also need good apps that support it — like Samsung Notes, PenUp, or Concepts. Whether you are an artist or a student, the right app makes the pen really useful.

💡 Techmall Tip: If you are buying a tablet mainly because you want to use a pen, do not go for those cheap pens you find in random stores. They usually act like a finger and have no accuracy. Always get the right pen made for your tablet.

Now let us talk about staying connected, because what is the point of a smart tablet if you cannot get online when you need it?
Whether you are at home, at work, or even on the road, your tablet should be able to connect easily and without wahala. This is one part many people overlook until it becomes a problem.

Here are some key things to check:

Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6
If you plan to use your tablet mostly at home or in the office, Wi-Fi is very important. Wi-Fi 5 is okay for most people, but Wi-Fi 6 is faster and more stable, especially if you have a newer router. So, if speed is a big deal to you, go for one with Wi-Fi 6.

4G or 5G (LTE) Support
If you move around a lot, this one is key. Tablets that allow you to insert a SIM card can stay connected anywhere there’s network. Very useful if you are always in traffic, at a café, or switching between places. With 4G or 5G, you do not have to wait for Wi-Fi — your tablet becomes like a big smartphone.

Bluetooth 5.0 or higher
This is what lets your tablet connect to things like wireless earpieces, keyboards, and speakers. Newer Bluetooth means faster pairing and better connection range. It is a small thing that makes a big difference.

USB-C ports
Try and go for tablets that use USB-C. It charges faster, works with modern accessories, and is just more convenient. Some older tablets still use micro-USB, but that port is gradually fading away.

💡 Techmall Tip: If you know you will be using your tablet on the move like joining meetings from anywhere or attending online classes when there is no steady Wi-Fi go for a tablet that supports SIM cards. That little slot for mobile data can save you a lot of stress. Here at Techmall, we help people find LTE tablets that work well with Nigerian networks, so feel free to ask us for recommendations.

Now let us talk about how the tablet feels in your hands — the design, the build quality, and all those small things people sometimes ignore. Truth is, if a tablet feels too cheap or heavy, you will not enjoy using it for long. And for our kind of everyday life in Nigeria, from danfo rides to running between lectures or meetings, you need something strong and comfortable to carry around.

Here are the key things to check:

The Material
Some tablets are made with plastic; some are made with metal. The metal ones (like aluminium body) always feel more solid and premium. They also last longer if they fall by mistake or take small knocks here and there. Plastic ones are usually lighter and cheaper, but they do not always feel strong.

The Weight
If you are going to carry your tablet everywhere, then weight matters. Something under 500 grams is usually okay to hold for long, and it will not feel like you are carrying a small brick in your bag. You want a tablet that is light but still solid.

The Bezels (Screen Edges)
The black lines around the screen — those are called bezels. Slimmer bezels mean you get more screen to use without the tablet feeling big. It also just makes the tablet look finer and more modern.

💡 Techmall Tip: This one is simple: before you buy, hold the tablet in your hands. Do not just look at the specs online. Feel the weight, check how it sits in your palm. Try it with a case too, because most of us will use a case for protection. At Techmall, we always allow our customers to hold and test different tablets side by side. Your hands will tell you everything — if it feels right, it is probably the one for you!

Now let us talk about sound — yes, the audio and speakers on your tablet.

It might look like a small thing, but the truth is, sound makes a big difference. Whether you are watching a movie, enjoying your favourite Afrobeats playlist, joining a Zoom call, or even playing a game, if the sound is weak, the whole experience just feels off. Good speakers can really bring your tablet to life.

Here are the main things you should look out for:

How Many Speakers Does It Have?
Try to go for a tablet with at least two speakers (dual speakers), or even better, four (quad speakers). With more speakers, you get proper stereo sound, so everything sounds fuller and clearer. One small speaker on the side cannot give you that kind of vibe — it will sound flat, especially when you turn up the volume.

Does It Support Dolby Atmos?
If you see “Dolby Atmos” in the spec sheet, that is a green flag! It means the sound is tuned to give you that surround effect, like when you hear different sounds coming from different directions. It makes movies and music sound way richer and clearer. It even works with headphones.

Is There a Headphone Jack?
Some people still prefer using wired headphones (especially those of us who are not ready to charge one more thing every day). If that is you, check if the tablet still comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Some newer ones have removed it, so just be sure before you buy.

💡 Techmall Tip: If you really care about sound — whether it is for music, movies, or even online classes — do not just trust what the box says. Some tablets, especially from brands like Tecno Megapad 10, might surprise you with how good they sound for the price. Listening with your own ears is the best way to know if it’s the right one for your needs.

Let us talk about accessories and how they can make your tablet more useful.

A lot of people just buy tablets and stop there. But if you want to enjoy the thing, for work, school, or even just watching movies, you need to think about the small extras that can turn it from “okay” to “wow.”

Here are the main ones to check:

Keyboard Cover
Typing long stuff on a screen can be frustrating. If you are writing school assignments, sending emails, or even chatting with clients, a keyboard cover makes life easier. It feels like you are using a small laptop, and it is easy to carry around.

Stylus Pen
If you like to draw, take notes by hand, or sign documents on your tablet, a stylus is very useful. But make sure the pen matches the tablet you are buying. Some tablets come with a pen, others do not.

USB-C Hub
This small thing can add more ports to your tablet. Want to connect it to your TV with HDMI? Plug in a flash drive? Read files from an SD card? A USB-C hub can do all of that.

microSD Card
Some tablets have small internal memory. If you want to save movies, music, or big files, just get a memory card. It is cheaper than paying for a tablet with big storage.

💡 Techmall Tip: When you are buying a tablet, ask if there is a bundle. At Techmall, we sometimes put a keyboard, a stylus, a screen protector, and even a case together in one pack. It is cheaper than buying them one by one. And you will be fully ready to use your tablet from day one.