Tablet or Smartphone in Comparison – which Devices are Suitable for Flexible Employee Equipment?

In the age of mobile work, the working world has changed significantly. More and more companies are relying on flexible work models and decentralized teams. The right equipment of mobile devices is a crucial factor for productivity, security, and communication. A central question in this context is: Tablet or Smartphone – which device is the better choice for employee equipment in business?

In this article, we examine the respective advantages and disadvantages of tablets and smartphones from a business perspective. We address current developments in 2025, offer a structured comparison of application areas, and provide concrete recommendations for equipping your mobile teams. At the end of the article, you will find frequently asked questions (FAQ) as well as a conclusion for decision-making.

Mobile Work 2025 – Status Quo

In 2025, hybrid work has become established. According to a current Statista study, over 68% of employees regularly work remotely – be it in the home office, on the go, or at changing workplaces. Portable technologies such as tablets and smartphones have become central tools. The importance of fast device access, long battery life, and secure data infrastructure is constantly increasing, especially in the B2B environment.

Smartphone – Always at Hand, but Limited Workspace

Smartphones have proven themselves as important everyday companions. Especially in field service, on business trips, or for quick customer contact, they are indispensable. Modern business smartphones feature powerful processors, 5G connectivity, high-resolution cameras, and sophisticated security features. Particularly the iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 are setting new standards in performance and security in 2025. Nevertheless, there are limitations, especially for longer or more complex tasks.

Advantages of Smartphones:

Compactness: Fits in any pocket, ideal for on the go
Connectivity: Permanent accessibility thanks to SIM card and 5G
Multifunctional: Telephony, messaging, camera, GPS, and more
Mobile Office Apps: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Google Workspace etc.
Security: Biometric authentication, MDM integration possible

Disadvantages of Smartphones:

Limited screen size – unsuitable for longer texts or spreadsheets
Limited multitasking capability
Extended work can cause ergonomic strain
Barely usable for presentations or extensive reports

Tablet – the Hybrid All-Rounder for Productive Work

Tablets bridge the gap between notebooks and smartphones and have become established in many companies – whether for customer consulting in retail, in logistics, or for employees in the home office. Leading manufacturers like Apple (e.g., the new iPad Pro M4) or Samsung (e.g., the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus) offer powerful tablets that are characterized by great flexibility and expandability. Especially since 2023, there have been more and more hybrid models with keyboard connectivity and stylus support.

Advantages of Tablets:

Larger Screen: Ideal for presentations, spreadsheets, documents
Multitasking: Working with multiple apps simultaneously
Expandable: Usable with keyboard, mouse, stylus – almost like a laptop
Better for Visual Tasks: Graphic design, image editing, whiteboarding
Weight & Battery Life: Lighter than notebooks, better battery life

Disadvantages of Tablets:

Less handy than smartphones – not always “pocket-friendly”
Often more expensive to purchase, especially with accessories
A laptop keyboard may be missed for long typing tasks

Tablet or Smartphone in Comparison: Overview Table

Criterion	Smartphone	Tablet
Screen Size	6–7 inch	10–13 inch
Portability	Very high	Medium – usually requires a bag
Productivity (Office, Emails, PDFs)	Limited	Medium to High
Multitasking	Hardly possible	Split-screen, floating apps possible
Connectivity	5G, Dual-SIM	4G/5G depending on model
Security	Biometrics, VPN, MDM	Also with business options
Value for Money	More affordable	Higher priced (depending on model and accessories)

Which Industries and Use Cases Benefit from What?

Depending on the industry or area of responsibility, smartphones or tablets are better suited. Here’s a brief overview:

Smartphones are Ideal for:

Field service & sales (fast communication, CRM access)
Transport & logistics (scanning, navigation, real-time communication)
On-the-go support technicians (customer contact, photo documentation)
Anyone who is regularly on the go can rent business smartphones here and react flexibly to their team’s needs.

Tablets are Particularly Well Suited for:

Customer consulting in retail or banks
Remote work and home office (mobile work with office apps)
Training and presentations
Working with graphic applications or PDF documents – here you can, for example, rent tablets for businesses to optimize the workflow.

Rent Instead of Buy – Flexibility through Device Rental

A crucial point when choosing between a tablet or smartphone is not only the functionality but also the type of provision. The rental of mobile devices for temporary use is becoming increasingly popular. Regardless of whether you need new tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, the latest iPad Pro M4, or innovative foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 – with the rental model, you always remain flexible and up-to-date with technology.

Reduction of investment costs
Flexible rates – daily, weekly, or monthly
Devices always up-to-date
Maintenance, insurance & support included
Quick replacement in case of defects

Our B2B rental service offers tailor-made solutions for this – from individual devices to complete project equipment. Whether you need to rent tablets for a sales event at short notice or want to equip your field staff with new smartphones for business – we will be happy to advise you on your optimal equipment.

Recommendation: how to Make the Right Choice

When it comes to purchasing or renting flexible work devices, the following questions should be central:

What tasks do employees have to perform daily?
In what environment will the devices be used? (Office, field use, home office)
Are specific apps or services in use? (e.g., CRM, ERP, Microsoft 365)
How important are screen size, battery life, expandability?

Our Recommendation: For simple communication purposes or on the go, powerful smartphones are ideal – affordable, compact, and flexible to rent. For more complex, creative, or visual tasks in a mobile work environment, tablets for rental offer significantly better handling, more productivity, and comfort.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on the Topic

Can a Tablet be Used Completely as a Laptop Replacement?

Yes, modern tablets with keyboard and mouse – for example, the iPad Pro M4 or the Microsoft Surface – can replace a laptop in many cases today. However, for specialized work such as software development and CAD, full-fledged notebooks still have an advantage.

Are there also Hybrid Devices – Smartphone & Tablet in one?

Yes, so-called foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offer both worlds in one device thanks to their foldable display. However, these are still quite expensive and more suitable for specific application areas.

What Role Does Mobile Device Management (MDM) Play?

MDM is essential in B2B device management. It enables central management, updates, security settings, and the locking of lost devices. All rental devices on our platform are pre-configured for MDM capability upon request.

Conclusion: Tablet or Smartphone in Comparison?

The answer to the question “Tablet or Smartphone in comparison – which device is better suited for your employees?” largely depends on the use cases. While smartphones for rental are excellent communication devices for on the go, tablets for businesses offer more productivity, overview, and flexibility for creative and document-heavy tasks.

For many companies, a combination of both device types is the most effective solution. Think flexibly – instead of making high investments in hardware, you can simply manage your equipment through our device rental service: up-to-date, tax-attractive, scalable, and immediately deployable.

Inquire now without obligation and rent suitable devices for your team!

Advisor

Tablet or Smartphone in Comparison – which Devices are Suitable for Flexible Employee Equipment?