Using a tablet to make calls

Hi everyone!

This might sound like a silly question🤦, but since I’m totally lost here, could someone let me know if it's actually possible to buy a tablet that doubles as a phone? Are there any models available on a service plan? What would you recommend?
thanks🙏🙏🙏

Anyone there?🤔

Basically, any tablet that’s got a SIM card slot for 2G/3G/4G can act just like a phone—plus you get all that sweet mobile data too.

Most major carriers, like Verizon or AT&T, will even throw a tablet at you for basically nothing—like a buck or something—if you sign up for a two-year data and calling plan.

But hey, if you’ve already got your own SIM and number handy, just grab a tablet that supports it and voilà, you're good to go!

Jack Cook7 said:Any tablet with a SIM slot for 2G/3G/4G works as a phone. Plus, you get data as an option.

Every single carrier offers those deals where you can snag a tablet for basically nothing if you sign up for a two-year service contract. It’s always the same setup—internet and phone bundled together.

If you already have your own SIM and number, just grab a tablet that supports cellular data and you're all set. Voila.

That’s just plain wrong. Neki Some tablets—like an iPad Air—support that feature, but don't count on it being a standard.

Seven phones that actually worth your money right now. No fluff. The tech market is a mess. Everyone’s trying to sell you something you don't need, wrapped in shiny packaging and overpriced subscriptions. If you're looking at what's actually worth the cash, here's the breakdown. First up, if you want something reliable without the headache, look at the iPhone lineup. It’s predictable. It works. Most people just want a device that doesn't crash when they open a map. Then there's the Samsung Galaxy series—though honestly, if you want something truly polished, an iPad Air might be a better move for your tablet needs. Google's Pixel phones are the smart choice if you actually care about software and AI features that aren't just gimmicks. But let's be real: most people just end up buying whatever is on sale at Best Buy. I saw Jack Cook7 mentioning how much easier life is with a seamless OS, and yeah, he's not wrong. Switching from iOS to anything else can feel like stepping backward if you aren't prepared for the learning curve. Bottom line? Don't get caught up in the hype cycles. Buy what fits your budget and your daily grind. Everything else is just noise.

wiredotter14 said:That’s just flat-out wrong. Some tablets (like an iPad Air) can handle that feature, but you can't just assume it works on everything.

Look, I specifically said SIM card type.

Any 2/3/4G modem is totally capable of voice communication—it’s really just down to how simple the conversion setup is. At the end of the day, it’s all about the hardware inside the modem.

I've played around with a few GSM data modems myself, both USB and even old-school RS232 ones, and they're super easy to flip over to voice/SMS mode. You can pretty much run all those voice functions via software right on your local PC.

The only outlier is the Brother fax

Man, what kind of fax machine are you talking about? What century is this?
The guy's asking if he can make calls directly from a tablet (probably running iOS) right out-of-the-box—if the modem supports that kind of thing—and how to mod the hardware or software to get it working outside of factory specs.

wiredotter14 said:Man, what kind of fax machine are you even talking about? What century are we living in?
The guy is asking if you can make calls through a tablet (probably running iOS) right out-of-the-box, whether the modem supports that kind of thing, and how to tweak the hardware or software to push past the factory settings.

Whatever. I’m definitely the last person who’s gonna be messing with factory specs. Honestly, I just stick to the defaults.

Let's just ask which tablet he's actually thinking of using, shall we?

Jack Cook7 said:Fine, let's just ask which tablet user they're actually thinking of.

That’s exactly the point. They want one with actual cellular calling.
The article I linked shows a few options. I don't follow the tablet market closely enough to suggest anything else.

To anyone owning a device with a cellular module or chip
It really needs to have a standard SIM slot inside, not just one for data...
I’m currently using some Huawei model, I think it’s a T3 or maybe a T5... an 8zolla...
It sits right in the kitchen... My wife uses it to listen to the radio and look up recipes...
It has a standard SIM card installed... It handles regular calls perfectly fine...
Though, honestly, it's just easier to talk through a Bluetooth headset...

That tablet is useful for everyone in the house. Whoever needs it can grab it and use it (the kids, my wife, myself, guests...).
When we head out on road trips or go to the coast, it acts as a mobile hotspot because the battery life is excellent)

So, basically, just make sure it has a SIM slot and you're all set...
Some tablets only offer Wi-Fi connectivity

Look, instead of just trying to flex how much we know, let's actually be helpful and suggest a decent tablet model to the guy.

Thanks for the input, guys, I appreciate it!

What are your thoughts on this?

electricgull63 said:Anyone using a cellular module or chip
needs to make sure there's a standard SIM card inside, not just a data plan...
I've got an old Huawei—maybe a T3 or T5—from Verizon...
It’s sitting in my kitchen right now... My wife uses it to listen to the radio and look up recipes...
It takes a regular SIM card... It handles calls perfectly fine...
Though, honestly, it's way easier just using a Bluetooth headset...

That tablet is perfect for everyone—kids, my wife, me, even guests when they stay over...
Plus, whenever we head out on road trips, it acts as a great mobile hotspot because the battery life is solid.

So basically, just look for one with a SIM slot and you're set...
Some tablets only come with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Yeah, exactly...

What does "Wi-Fi connection" actually mean in this context?🙈

fadedbear92 said:well, yeah, exactly

so what does a Wi-Fi connection even mean?🙈

Basically, that question tells me you probably shouldn't be touching anything online without someone who actually knows their stuff helping you out.

Jack Cook7 said:So what you're saying is nobody should touch the internet without some expert holding their hand.

Why don't you just sign up as a mentor and start handing out permits to everyone else? 😁

fadedbear92 said:thanks for the input, guys

what's the verdict on this one?

That thing doesn't even have a SIM slot

wiredotter14 said:Oh, so now you're acting like some big-shot life coach handing out permission slips to everyone? 😁

Thanks.

wiredotter14 said:That thing doesn't even have a SIM card slot.

From what I can tell, it does

fadedbear92 said:from what I can tell, there is

Fair point. You planning on getting that through a carrier contract?

https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mediapad_t3_10-8636.php

wiredotter14 said:You've got a point there. Are you thinking about getting it through a service contract?

https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mediapad_t3_10-8636.php

Since my buddy and I both use AT&T, we'll probably just see what kind of deal they throw our way.🤔