Off Contract LTE/4G Enabled Android Tablets

[shady28]

Ok, so I just picked up an Droid Maxx and I like it, a lot. I'm trying to switch ecosystems to android and using Google cloud services.

This stuff is replacing my iPhone / iPad etc.

I start looking for 4G / LTE android tablets off contract and frankly, they are last years (and older) crap or off brands I'm not interested in. I tend to keep this stuff for 2-3 years so I want something that is current.

Example : AT&T off contract tablets include iPad / iPad Mini for $410 (mini) - $530 (iPad). The android competition is an Asus MeMo pad for $399, a recertified Pantech Element for $249, Recertified Galaxy tab 10.1 for $399.

Verizon is the same way, either you get a 1-2 year old Galaxy Tab 1 or 2, or you get a $500 android tablet with a 2 year contract.

That's it. None of the newer android tablets are available without subsidized contracts, and I do not want a contract but I do want 4G.

You can buy the iPads off contract for prices similar to the on-contract androids.

So android fans, where can I get a recent Android tablet with a price competitive with the iPad? I mean something under $400 with 4G and an 8" - 10" screen that isn't a 2012 or 2011 model. Yes I know about the 7" Nexus but I've decided that's too small, I might as well just use my phone. I'm just not finding it.

 

[bearxor]

Might want to hold out a month or so and see if Google delivers a new Nexus 10.

 

[ponyo]

Nexus 10 refresh should be out soon before the end of the year. Maybe that will have LTE option.

 

[Joe1987]

Why not tether to your phone?

 

[shady28]

Why not tether to your phone?

Because it's a pain in the ass, I have to pay extra for it, and it sucks data off my phone plan. I get 2GB of data on my iPad 2 for $20/month.

I have kept looking but so far have found nothing in Android space that is a clear value win vs iPad / iPad Mini.

I am not impressed at all with the Galaxy Tab 3 line-up, it looks like last years tech repackaged. The only thing I've found that looks really good is the Xperira Tablet Z / 4G LTE for $629, but that's more than I wanted to pay.

Maybe this new Dell 8" tablet with LTE will change things up a bit.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Nexus 10 refresh should be out soon before the end of the year. Maybe that will have LTE option.

Nexus 10 with LTE for under $400? I doubt it based on last year's pricing, but Google can always surprise me

 

[quikah]

sorry, I didn't read all the way...

 

[Joe1987]

Have you looked at the new Kindles?

Honestly, the iPad is hard to beat, I know the OS is all locked down, but it does work well.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

i dont know of any worthwhile android tablets right now, with the possible exception of the nexus 7, but its supposedly really buggy. if you wait a couple months, the new tabs with all have snapdragon 800 which is a major upgrade. until then ipad is better than any android option