The rise of 'plus-size' tablets: Too big to hold, too limited to replace a laptop

In the past few years, tablet screens have kept growing. It’s no longer strange to see tablets with screens over 12 inches.

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra measures 14.6 inches. Apple’s iPad Pro comes in 12.9 inches, and rumors point to even larger versions soon.

Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 13 and Huawei’s MatePad Pro 13.2 also push the size limit.

Most brands frame these big screens as productivity boosters. They claim more room for apps, better for split-screen, and great for media.

On paper, the idea feels right but does size always mean better use?

Holding a large tablet for long is tough. Try reading on a Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in bed without your arm getting tired? It’s a workout.

Even propped up, its size can make it awkward in tight spaces like buses or small desks.

The iPad Pro 12.9 is lighter than you’d expect, but still not comfortable for long handheld use.

After a while, you look for a stand or case with a kickstand. That’s fine at home, but limits use on the move.

A plus-size tablet gives you more screen for drawing, editing, or watching films. But for many, it still falls short as a laptop replacement.

Even with a keyboard cover, the typing experience can feel cramped compared to a proper laptop.

You also hit software limits. iPadOS is better now, but it still doesn’t offer full desktop-level multitasking.

Samsung’s DeX mode tries, yet not every Android app plays nicely in desktop mode. It’s a strange middle ground: too big to use like a regular tablet, not full enough to replace your laptop.

Some buyers like the wow factor. A 14-inch tablet on a coffee shop table turns heads. It’s a tech flex, no doubt, and people will notice. It looks serious and tells others that you care about gear.

But once the first “wow” wears off, you still face the same daily limits. Carrying it around is less fun than showing it off. If you travel light, it can feel like more bulk than you need.

Not everyone struggles with size. Artists love big tablets for detailed work. Architects and designers can use the space for sketches and plans. Watching movies on a huge tablet in bed can feel better than on a small TV.

If you often keep your tablet on a desk or stand, the extra inches work well. You don’t notice the weight. For these users, big tablets can feel like a good investment.

But, if all you do is swift browsing, casual reading, and note-taking, it makes more sense to go for smaller tablets

The iPad mini or Galaxy Tab S9 FE gives comfort and portability. You can hold them longer, fit them in small bags, and use them anywhere without looking for a stand.

If you mostly use your tablet away from home, smaller may still be the smarter choice. Plus-size tablets often demand a case, stand, or keyboard, adding even more to carry.

Some people solve the problem by skipping tablets and going for thin, light laptops. A MacBook Air or Galaxy Book Pro gives a big screen, a real keyboard, and a proper desktop OS. You lose the pure tablet feel but gain speed, power, and better multitasking.

Others keep both—a smaller tablet for travel and a big one for work or home use. That works well if you can afford it, but not everyone wants two devices doing similar jobs.

The pros and cons of the 'plus-size' tablets are made bare. They are bold, striking, and useful for certain tasks. But for everyday use, they often feel caught in between. They’re too big to carry with ease and too limited to truly replace a laptop.

For most people, comfort and balance matter more than size bragging rights. The sweet spot might not be the biggest screen in the shop, but the one you can enjoy using every day.

Ultimately, what works for you will determine whether you will go for Big and Bold or Small and Sleek.