Laptops vs Tablets: Which is better for wireless connectivity

October 25, 2021

Introduction

Wireless connectivity has become a crucial aspect of our daily lives, and laptops and tablets are two of the most commonly used devices for wireless internet browsing. Both devices come in handy in terms of wireless technology, but which one is better for wireless connectivity? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast laptops and tablets regarding their wireless connectivity capabilities, providing you with an unbiased comparison of the two.

Wi-Fi Support

Laptops have a major advantage when it comes to Wi-Fi support due to their larger size and more hardware and software resources. Most laptops come with dual-band Wi-Fi adapters, providing compatibility with the latest Wi-Fi standards. According to a recent study conducted by Statista, 90% of laptops currently have Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 support.

Tablets, on the other hand, generally have single-band Wi-Fi adapters and might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards. Statista’s research shows that 44% of tablets currently don’t support Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest standard at the time of this writing.

Winner: Laptops

Connectivity Range

Laptops have larger antennas and higher-powered Wi-Fi adapters, making it possible to connect to Wi-Fi networks from longer distances than tablets. According to PCMag, the typical range for laptops is approximately 150 feet.

Tablets generally have weaker antennas and lower-powered Wi-Fi adapters, meaning they might not function optimally from an as long-distance as laptops. In most instances, tablets have a wireless connectivity range of 30 to 50 feet.

Winner: Laptops

Ethernet Port

Laptops come equipped with Ethernet ports, making it possible to connect to the internet through a wired connection if you need a stable and reliable connection. Tablets, on the other hand, do not have an Ethernet port, so unless you use an adapter, you'll only have wireless connectivity.

Winner: Laptops

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, tablets have an upper hand over laptops. Tablets are generally designed to maximize battery life, providing extended use for up to 8 to 10 hours. On the other hand, laptops are relatively power-hungry, and you might need to compromise on your wireless connectivity to make them last for an extended period.

Winner: Tablets

Price

In terms of affordability, tablets are generally cheaper than laptops. While both devices come in different price ranges, you can find tablets that provide decent wireless connectivity at a lower price than laptops. For instance, the cheapest laptops with Wi-Fi 6 support start from $500, whereas you can get a tablet with Wi-Fi 6 support for $300 or less.

Winner: Tablets

Conclusion

When comparing laptops and tablets in terms of wireless connectivity, laptops are the clear winner. They are more expensive but provide better Wi-Fi support, longer range, and an Ethernet port. However, tablets have their advantages, as they are cheaper and provide a more extended battery life. After weighing the pros and cons, your decision depends on your priorities, budget, and usage. If wireless connectivity is a top priority, then a laptop is the better option.

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