Tablets have a bigger screen that is perfect for video calls. Even if you are not planning on video calling, the ability to send texts and make phone calls from the tab can come in handy any day. 

Option 1: Tablet Phone Apps

The easiest way to use your tablet as a phone is to install messaging apps like WhatsApp, which also has the phone call feature. 

For this, you need VoLTE or VoIP to use your tab as a phone. This allows to place calls and send texts over mobile data or wi-fi. Next, you need a headphone (or earbuds, whatever you prefer) with a mic. 

And now, here are the apps that enable messaging and calls. 

1. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is one of the top messaging apps. All you need is a Facebook account, steady internet, and some buddies to get started. The messenger lets you text your friends instantly. You can make voice and video calls for free to anyone on the planet. Facebook messenger app works smoothly on Android, iOS, and even Windows tablets.

2. Skype

Skype is mostly known for video calls. But you can text or call any Skype user for free. Skype to Skype calls are free. But Skype to cell phone calls incurs extra charges. You can download the Skype app on your Android, Windows, Apple tablets, and even Kindle Fire HD. 

3. Google Hangouts

Anyone with a Google account can make calls and send texts to a person who has a Google account. Voice and video calls are free over Hangouts. The app works fine on iOS devices, too. You just need a stable internet connection to get started.

4. WhatsApp

If you have a WhatsApp account, you can use text, voice call, or video call anyone who has a WhatsApp account. However, you need their contact number to make calls or text. The app is free to use, and you can get it on Android, iOS, Windows tablets. 

5. Verizon Messages

You can install Verizon Message on tab, phones, and computers. Since they all sync, you can continue your conversation on any device. Verizon messages allow you to text your friends and voice call them for free. You can also send GIFs, audio files, images, videos, and do more. The app is perfectly compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and even browsers on the computer. 

6. Viber

Viber is one of the top apps for texting and calling. It is simple to use. You can make high-quality voice and video calls for free. Text messages can be sent, and you can even set a self-destructing timer to delete those texts. You can also call people who are not on Viber with Viber Out. The charges are minimal. 

Option 2: Get a tablet with phone capability

If you are yet to buy a tab, consider getting one that has a slot for SIM. With this, you can make calls and text just like you do on your phones. 

Some of the popular tablets with SIM slots are listed for you.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, along with the S7+ model, is the top Android tabs. Galaxy S7 sports an 11-inch LCD screen and four speakers, which are great for videos. It has a sleek metal body, and it includes a keyboard cover and S pen for free. S7 supports the Samsung DeX mode. 

The tablet supports 4G and runs on Android 10 (for which Samsung will roll out updates for up to 3 years). You can get it in 6GB and 8GB RAM variants, and the storage is expandable up to 128GB and 512GB accordingly. Galaxy S7 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, making it one of the fastest Android tabs. 

For making phone calls, use earbuds or headphones with the mic as the tabs do not have an earpiece. 

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e features a SIM slot and LTE. This calling tab fits into a mid-range budget, but be ready to compromise. Unlike S7, no S pen accompanies this tab as pens are not compatible with it. Galaxy Tab S5e has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, which is fine for most of the activities. Heavy gaming may not sit down well with it. It runs on Android 10. 

Galaxy Tab S5e has a 10.5-inch AMOLED display and sports four speakers. Its exterior is a premium-looking metal body and a fingerprint scanner. 

3. Apple iPad 8

Apple iPad 8 is the most affordable tab with LTE support. It comes with a 10.2-inch screen which is not laminated. A thin air gap is visible below the touchscreen. It supports a first-generation Apple Pencil and comes with a keyboard cover.

The iPad has a sleek metal body, a fingerprint scanner, and a fully updated iPadOS. However, it has a slightly older iPad design with thick bezels and a lightning port. 

Apple iPad 8 has the Apple A12 Bionic processor inside it. This, reinforced with 3GB RAM, makes it one of the best tabs available at this price tag. iPad 8 is available in 32GB and 128GB storage options. 

Option 3: Make calls and send messages from Samsung Tablet

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone and a Samsung tab, you can enable the 'Call & text on other devices' feature. With this, you can receive calls on your tab when your phone is away. Distance is not a barrier, as you need to sign in with the same Samsung account on both devices.

The setup is simple. Follow these steps –

• Sign-in with the same account on both devices.
• Go to settings, then head over to the 'Advanced Features' options.
• Turn the 'call & text on other devices' option on.
• Tap the 'agree' button.
• Repeat the same process on your tab.
• Once completed, you can see your phone in the 'connected to.'
• Also, turn on the 'use mobile networks' to receive calls and texts when you are not connected to wi-fi.