The tablets are kicking in

If you're after a decent but affordable slate, it's got to be an iPad, hasn't it? Well, there are signs that the opposition is finally getting its act together...

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Amazon Fire HD 10 and Xiaomi Pad 5

Amazon Fire HD 10

BEST FOR BINGE WATCHING

What’s the story?

This is a big-screened Android tablet designed to showcase Amazon’s growing suite of content, from Audible to Kindle and Prime Video. It’s also an Alexa-enabled tab that turns into an Echo Show, and supports Disney+, Netflix and others.

It misses out on the Google Play Store, so you get your apps using the Amazon Appstore. But while it won’t run as many apps as rivals running full-fat Android, it packs ace specs for the price.

Wanted dead or olive

Don’t like Apple’s metallic shades? This Amazon tablet comes in a choice of four colours: black, blue, pink or olive green.

Givin’ on a prayer

Simply switch on Show mode to turn the Fire HD 10 into a big-screened Alexa assistant, listening out for commands.

Is it any good?

A chunky tab with a big, immersive screen and stereo speakers for a bargain price – that’s the Fire HD 10 in a nutshell. It looks less fancy than the other tabs on test, but the rounded corners are nicely comfortable to hold and it isn’t too heavy.