In any enterprise mobility strategy, choosing the right devices for the mobile roles and duties in the organization is critical. Additionally, as device standards are determined, it is important to not only consider the level of productivity the devices are capable of, but also how effectively the organization can manage its applications, email, and data and properly secure the devices and information. To help you determine which Android company-owned or BYOD tablets should be supported in your enterprise, here are some key factors to consider.

Considerations
  • Vendor Android OS Version Update Policy — One challenge to managing Android tablets in a corporate environment is the wide range of Android operating systems vendors provide/support on their devices. It is important to always have the latest Android OS (Currently v. 5.0.x Lollipop) installed on the device and confirm that it is always in line to receive updates. This ensures the device has the latest security features and compatibility, while providing the best management features with any EMM (enterprise mobility management) software product in use.

  • Software Compatibility — The apps you intend to run on the device need to be available in the Google Play store.

  • Hardware — Your primary concerns might be CPU speed, RAM, battery life and graphics capability. Again, how the device will be used will drive your needs depending on the the software requirements or level of performance desired. You may also consider the quality of the cameras on the device depending on whether photo and video capture is a necessary function of the role for the device.

  • Wireless Data Access — Wireless data can be accessed via a Wi-Fi network or through cellular data networks. Employees using the device on the road may need a cellular antenna and carrier data plan available if they don’t often have access to Wi-Fi hotspots and/or need “always-on” data access.

  • Screen Size & Device Size and Weight — Choose the right screen size for the job. For graphics, design and drawing work, as well as multi-tasking productivity, for example, a larger screen may be required, while simple quick PDF, worksheet, and presentation edits could be done on a small one. Also, overall size and weight may be a factor if your users are road warriors who want to lighten their backpack or briefcase.

  • Storage Capacity — Choose the available storage amount based on the use of the tablet. If many apps, picture or video files will be stored on the device, consider 64GB, 128GB or more for storage. If users will be modifying and saving files back to a network or cloud repository, you might need less.

  • Overall Value — As with any piece of technology used in the enterprise, it should provide performance that will be adequate for running key applications for several years, while having the user appeal to have a high adoption rate with the business entities in the company. Naturally price will be a key factor in finding that balance.

Below are several Android tablets that effectively meet these requirements as good options for the enterprise, along with their base price and a link to each manufacturer’s website for more information.

Recommendations
  1. Google Nexus 9, 8.9” Screen — $399
    The Google Nexus 9 tablet hits the sweet spot of value, performance and updatability. Its best-in-class Tegra K1 graphics, 64-bit CPU, excellent 8.9-inch screen and “pure” Android Lollipop 5.X OS makes it an excellent Android tablet for enterprises. The Nexus 9 will be first in line for Google updates, as are most Google Nexus-branded devices. It is available with 16GB and 32GB storage options on-board.

  2. Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, 8” Screen — Approx. $400
    This is a small tablet with lots of power. The thin tablet is also waterproof and easier to carry around than its 10-inch predecessor.

  3. Dell Venue 8 7000, 8.4” OLED Screen — $399
    This is one of the thinnest Android tablets available. And, with its advanced Intel RealSense camera technology, super-sharp OLED screen and capability to expand onboard storage with 512GB SD compatibility, this may be the best of the bunch for photography.

  4. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, 10.1” Screen — $499
    Its notebook size screen (10.1 inches) and compatibility with the Samsung “S Pen,” which is arguably the best stylus used to write on a tablet, make it great for note taking and overall productivity.

  5. Asus Transformer TF103C, 10” Display — $249
    This Asus Transformer series hybrid tablet (can be used as a tablet AND has an attachable keyboard) may be an option for those in your organization that need the portability, touch screen and productivity a hybrid can provide. A recent price reduction makes it a great value at $249, keyboard included.