Skype retired on May 5, 2025. Buying a newer tablet will not restore the consumer Skype service. Microsoft confirms the retirement in its Skype support notice. This updated buying guide keeps the original goal: choosing a tablet for face-to-face calls with friends, family and colleagues, using an active service.
Our first choice for people whose contacts use FaceTime is the Apple iPad (A16). Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE for an Android tablet, or the Surface Pro 12-inch (2025, 1st Edition) when calls need to share a device with Windows work. Microsoft Teams for personal use and Zoom are other supported options, with the software requirements explained below.
These recommendations compare documented hardware, app requirements and exact configurations. They are not based on hands-on call-quality or battery tests. A camera’s megapixel count alone does not tell you how a call will look on another person’s screen.
The best tablets for video calls after Skype
| Tablet and selected configuration | Best reason to choose it | Front camera and connection | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad (A16) Silver, Wi-Fi, 128GB |
FaceTime calls and a straightforward tablet setup | Landscape 12MP Center Stage camera; Wi-Fi 6 | A supporting case or stand is an extra purchase |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE US Gray, Wi-Fi, 8GB RAM / 128GB |
An Android tablet for Teams or Zoom | 12MP ultrawide front camera; Wi-Fi 6 | Budget for a stand and a compatible wall charger |
| Surface Pro 12-inch 2025, 1st Edition, Platinum, 16GB / 256GB |
Windows calls, documents and desktop workflows | 1080p front camera; Wi-Fi 7 | Wall charger, keyboard and pen are sold separately |
All three buying choices here are Wi-Fi configurations. They need an internet connection, such as home Wi-Fi or a compatible phone hotspot; none includes a cellular data plan. Check the selected model and bundle before ordering, because product pages may also offer different generations, storage sizes and accessories.
1. Apple iPad (A16): best for FaceTime households
The iPad (A16) is our starting point when the people you call already use FaceTime. Its front camera sits on the long edge, giving it a useful position for a landscape call from a desk. Apple lists a 12MP Center Stage front camera, dual microphones, landscape stereo speakers and Wi-Fi 6 in the A16 specifications. Center Stage is available for FaceTime; do not assume every third-party calling app exposes identical features.
The selected model is the Silver 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, MD3Y4LL/A. Its display is marketed as 11 inches and measures 10.86 inches as a rectangle. Apple includes a USB-C charge cable and 20W USB-C power adapter in the cited US package. A stand or supporting case makes more sense for hands-free calling than buying a keyboard solely to prop up the screen.
App fit: Apple lists the A16 among iPads compatible with iPadOS 27. Update the operating system and calling app before setup. Teams has a rolling recent-OS requirement, while Zoom’s published mobile requirement is iPadOS 15 or later.
- Pros: landscape camera placement; FaceTime support; supplied US wall adapter.
- Cons: no built-in kickstand; this Wi-Fi model has no cellular connection; FaceTime may not be the service your contacts prefer.
Buy it if: you want a tablet mainly for personal calls, browsing and everyday apps, especially in a group already comfortable with Apple devices. Arrange the calling app with your contacts before choosing the hardware.
Apple iPad (A16), Wi-Fi, Silver, 128GB
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2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: best for an Android setup
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is the better fit if you prefer Android and want a tablet you can also use for notes and reading between calls. Samsung specifies a 10.9-inch LCD, 12MP ultrawide front camera, dual speakers and Wi-Fi 6. The manufacturer’s specification table also identifies Android 15 as its launch operating system.
Our buying choice is SM-X520NZANXAR: US Wi-Fi, Gray, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It is the standard S10 FE, not the larger FE+ or the S10 Lite. An S Pen comes with the tablet, but a wall power adapter and a supporting cover are additional costs. The included pen is useful for other tasks; it is not needed to make a video call.
App fit: use the Android Teams or Zoom app and keep it updated. Android 15 meets Zoom’s Android 9-or-later minimum. It also falls inside Teams’ four-major-version support window with Android 17 released; install the newest stable update offered for your exact tablet. This does not promise future app support indefinitely.
- Pros: ultrawide front camera; familiar Android apps; included S Pen for use outside calls.
- Cons: separate stand and charger costs; the selected Wi-Fi variant cannot use a mobile data SIM; camera specifications do not establish better low-light calls than the iPad.
Buy it if: Android is your preferred environment and you want a multipurpose tablet for Teams or Zoom. Confirm the exact S10 FE case fit and keep the front camera unobstructed when setting up a stand.
3. Surface Pro 12-inch: best when calls are part of Windows work
The 2025 Surface Pro 12-inch, 1st Edition earns its place for people who need a Windows computer as well as a tablet. The built-in kickstand provides a desk setup without a separate stand. Microsoft’s consumer specification sheet lists a 1080p front-facing Surface Studio Camera, dual Studio Mics, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7 and Windows 11 Home.
The selected EP2-33670 configuration has a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, 16GB RAM and 256GB UFS storage in Platinum. It is not the 13-inch Surface Pro or a later 12-inch generation. The package includes a USB-C charging cable, but no wall charger, keyboard or pen. Microsoft’s model support page explains compatible accessories.
App fit: Microsoft’s Windows on Arm guidance identifies native Arm versions of Teams and Zoom. That does not guarantee every workplace add-on, old webcam or specialist audio device will work: peripherals may need Arm64 drivers. Confirm any required work software with its provider before purchase.
- Pros: built-in kickstand; Windows desktop workflow; integrated camera and microphones.
- Cons: extra charger and keyboard costs; more computer setup than a simple calling tablet; Arm compatibility matters for specialist software and accessories.
Buy it if: you will regularly work in Windows between calls or need desktop applications during meetings. For occasional family chats alone, start with one of the simpler tablet options above.
Choose the calling service before buying the tablet
Microsoft Teams: Microsoft’s personal-use requirements cover Android tablets on the last four major Android releases and iPads on the last two major iOS releases. Its mobile support window moves as new versions arrive. The Skype retirement notice refers to Teams Free; the current requirements page calls it Teams for personal use. Use the app on iPad or Android: Microsoft does not support Teams for Web on mobile browsers. For a Windows Surface, the desktop and browser requirements apply.
Zoom: the standard Zoom mobile app requirements list iPadOS 15 or later and Android 9 or later. Both tablet models above meet those OS thresholds with their supported software. Keep the app current and check any employer-managed version separately.
FaceTime: the iPad’s built-in option is useful when your regular contacts use it. If the group prefers another service, make that decision together. Buying a tablet does not move everyone into the same calling app or guarantee access to old Skype conversations.
What matters more than a longer specification list?
A stable camera position
For a long call, place the tablet securely near eye level with the camera clear of the case or stand. Face a light source rather than sitting in front of a bright window. Check your framing in the chosen app before the call starts. Extra storage or a faster processor does not fix poor placement.
Reliable internet in the room you will use
Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 on a specification sheet is not a promise of clear calls. Your router, broadband connection, room layout and other network traffic still matter. Try a call from the intended seat; if it breaks up, improve the connection before assuming you need a more expensive tablet.
The complete setup cost
Compare the tablet, charger and stand together. These picks already have cameras, microphones and speakers, so an external webcam or headset is not a basic requirement. Add a compatible headset if you need privacy or find that room noise is a problem. Confirm the connector and software support before ordering an accessory.
An app setup the caller can manage
For a relative who wants easy calls, familiar controls may matter more than the most powerful device. Help them install the agreed app, sign in, allow the required camera and microphone access, and place a practice call. Check ringing notifications and the charging routine too. If their existing tablet still supports the chosen app and works well, switching away from Skype does not by itself require new hardware.
Which tablet should you buy?
Choose the iPad (A16) for a FaceTime-centered personal setup, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE for Android calling apps and everyday tablet use, or the 2025 Surface Pro 12-inch when Windows work is a real part of the requirement. Start with the service your contacts use, then choose the device and stand that make those calls comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a tablet that still runs consumer Skype?
Consumer Skype retired on May 5, 2025. A new tablet does not bring that service back. Choose an active calling service, such as Microsoft Teams for personal use, Zoom or FaceTime on iPad, and confirm that your contacts can use it.
Which of these tablets is best for FaceTime?
The iPad (A16) is the pick for a FaceTime setup. It has a landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera and built-in FaceTime support. Choose it when FaceTime is the service your regular contacts want to use.
Do I need a cellular tablet for video calls?
No. A Wi-Fi tablet can make internet video calls through a suitable Wi-Fi connection or compatible phone hotspot. The configurations recommended here are Wi-Fi models; they do not include cellular service or a data plan.
Do I need an external webcam or headset?
No. All three tablets have a built-in front camera, microphones and speakers. A stable stand or the Surface’s kickstand is useful for hands-free calls. A compatible headset is optional for privacy or noisy surroundings.
Will the tablet’s camera resolution guarantee HD calls?
No. The calling app, its settings, your connection and the other participant’s connection affect delivered video quality. Manufacturer camera specifications and recording resolutions are not guarantees of the resolution or clarity of a live call.
