These Android tablets are every bit as good as the iPad

With many people opting for Apple iPads, the Android tablet market isn't necessarily the first place users look when they're in the market for a new tablet. Fewer and fewer manufacturers even make them now, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few good Android tablets to rival the iPad.

Whether you're looking for an inexpensive device for media consumption or a possible laptop substitute, there are options worth exploring.

Here are CNET's picks for the best Android tablets out there.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6

THE COST $729.99

This Samsung packs in a lot for an Android device. It has a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and flexible expandable storage up to 1TB with a microSD card.

The Galaxy Tab S6 also looks amazing, with a super AMOLED display with a 16:10 ratio screen size. Battery life clocks in at about 15 hours and the rear camera has a 13 MP resolution. And if you've ever used a Samsung Android device, the operation of this particular tablet will feel very intuitive.

The recent updates to Samsung's DeX mode even makes the Tab S6 a possible laptop substitution letting you connect to a mouse and an external display. Just grab a keyboard and you will be all set.

Google Pixel Slate

THE COST $499

This Google entry tries to match the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro by blending a tablet and Chromebook into a single device — a kind of tablet PC, if you will. Though it's not a full-fledged Android tablet, you do have access to the apps in the Google Play store and plenty of power here to use them.

It comes with a stylus and has a 48-watthour battery, front and rear camera and a touchscreen LCD display screen. It also has a full desktop browser and support for a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. It could even be used as a gaming tablet. The Pixel Slate also has the option for Google Assistant.

Overall, just a great tablet.

Lenovo Smart Tab P10

THE COST $349.99

This little number combines a tablet and a smart display into one 10-inch device. It comes with Android Oreo, front and rear cameras, fingerprint scanner and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor.

When you set it on the dock, the Lenovo Tab becomes a smart display a lot like the Amazon Echo Show.