Using a tablet for a POS system provides mobility and a seamless platform for both sales and inventory management. You can take it with you on the go, or use it in a restaurant to take orders or payments tableside. Note that some tablet POS system makers offer bundles that include a tablet and the POS software, but many don’t. If you’re considering using tablet-based POS system that doesn’t include a tablet, you’ll need to buy one separately. For those situations, here are the best tablets for mobile POS systems. Each is best-suited for different work environments, so which one works best for you depends on how it will be used.
Operating Systems
The first thing to consider is that software for your chosen POS system may require a certain operating system. Be sure to check on any requirements before purchasing your tablet. The POS software you choose will list requirements for operating systems and any other specifications necessary to run the software. Be sure to get a tablet that meets or exceeds the required specs, or you'll run the risk of glitchy or non-functioning POS services.Sony Xperia Tablet Z4 – Good for festivals and outdoor settings
In the past, we've listed the Xperia Tablet Z as a good choice for POS systems, and that's still true - it's just now the Z4. It has one of the brightest and most vibrant screens available in a mobile POS solution. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses taking place in areas with a lot of natural light, especially outdoors at festivals, fairs, and other events, as the sun can make it difficult to see the screens on many tablets. It also has a water-resistant design that allows you to use it in the rain. That's great for those times when the weather changes unexpectedly. The processor provides enough power to process complicated orders and connect to remote inventory systems quickly and easily. Available with 32 GB of memory, it also features an SD card slot that can expand the memory up to 128 GB. The Xperia Tablet Z4 runs Android 7.1 Nougat, and the battery lasts up to 9 hours, so business doesn’t need to shut down if access to electricity isn’t available. Data stored on internal memory is protected with 256-bit AES encryption, and if the tablet is lost or stolen the ‘my Xperia’ service allows a remote wipe to protect proprietary business data.Lenovo Tab P12 - Large screen for easy reading
The newest choice in the list (having arrived on the scene in summer 2023), the Lenovo Tab P12 is one of the larger tablets, making it great for easy reading. The screen clocks in at just under 13", putting it on par with small laptops. With 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM, it can handle all your processing needs. It runs on Android and connects via Wifi. The P12 is not the cheapest tablet out there, but still comes in at a lower cost than some other tablets, including ones on this list. Expect to shell out several hundred dollars for this sleek device.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 – Good for heavy use environments
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active is one of the most rugged WiFi tablets on the market, being both water- and dust-resistant. Busy restaurants with servers running back and forth will appreciate this tablet’s ability to take a beating without damaging the internal electronics. The Galaxy Tab Active 3 runs on Android 10. Unlike most tablets, the 10-hour battery is removable, allowing you to replace it if it dies, making it a great enterprise option that will outlast more expensive tablets. Not only is it rugged, but the Galaxy Tab Active is also equipped with an NFC chip, so your customers can pay with contactless technologies using their smartphones. As with all Samsung mobile products, the Galaxy Tab Active supports both Samsung Pay and Android Pay, along with PayPal, giving customers a wide variety of mobile payment options. The Galaxy Tab is also compatible with Square and other companies if you’d like to add a headphone jack card reader to swipe credit cards.Apple iPad Pro – Good for those already familiar with Apple products
The iPad Pro is from Apple’s business tablet line and can run any application in the App Store. It has a 12.9” Retina display capable of 2732x2048 resolution and a dual-core A9X chip with quad-core graphics. Starting at 32 GB capacity, the iPad Pro is also available at 128 GB and 256 GB and supports WiFi and Bluetooth. The iPad does not feature an external SD slot, but many accessories are available to expand its capabilities. Apple’s App Store features a wide variety of mobile POS options, including Square, ShopKeep, Revel, Clover, and Vend. In addition, third-party POS stands, cash registers, keyboards, and other accessories are available to transform the iPad Pro into a full-fledged retail POS system. If you’re seeking a sleek, modern, and easy-to-use POS, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of iOS on the iPad Pro, which is available in gold, silver, and space gray. Built-in integration with OS X makes the iPad Pro an easy choice for organizations already using Apple products. The iPad Pro also supports Apple Pay, Apple’s proprietary mobile payment option for iPhone and iPad users.Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – good for changing environments
If you’re the kind of business that needs to be outside with your tablet POS one day and in the office the next, you might want to take a look at Microsoft’s Surface Pro line. It’s a tablet designed to function like a mobile computer. Running Windows 11 Pro on a 3 GHz Intel Core processor, it works as both a tablet and a laptop computer (provided you purchase the optional dock). The 13” PixelSense screen is capable of displaying HD resolutions and has high contrast and low glare, making it perfect for usage in both high- and low-light environments. Despite its size, the Surface Pro 9 weighs only 1.94 pounds, so it is highly portable. You can use the touchscreen or a stylus or even pair it with an external keyboard. The Surface Pro 9 is the most complete all-in-one mobile computing solution that is capable of running Windows 11-compatable software. If you’re looking for a POS system that can run both POS systems and virtual terminals, the full Office suite (including SQL and Access databases), and any Windows programs on the go, you’ll love this tablet. But, you should expect to pay for it. Since this tablet is also essentially a laptop, expect to pay between $1,000-2,000 depending on the specific model.Taking Credit Cards with Your Tablet
Remember that to take credit and debit cards with your tablet POS, you’ll need a merchant account. CardFellow offers free tools to compare quotes from leading processors. Try our no-obligation quote request tool today. Conclusion With so many tablet options, it can be difficult to find the right one to use. Although each tablet above is a solid device, each one fits different business needs and budgets. The perfect solution for your business depends on how and where the POS will be used. Whether you’re looking for a rugged device, extreme portability, ease of use, or an all-in-one business productivity device, mobile POS solutions are available to fit your needs.
Ben Dwyer
Ben Dwyer began his career in the processing industry in 2003 on the sales floor for a Connecticut‐based processor. As he learned more about the inner‐workings of the industry, rampant unethical practices, and lack of assistance available to businesses, he cut ties with his employer and started a blog where he could post accurate information about credit card processing. As the blog gained in popularity, Ben began directly assisting merchants in their search for a processor. Ben believes in empowering businesses by providing access to fair, competitive pricing, accurate information, and continued support. His dedication to transparency and education has made CardFellow a staunch small business advocate in the credit card processing industry.
