Products at a Glance
How we picked
For this guide, we carefully looked at different options offered by various brands. We compared them based on their display size, performance, battery life, portability, and other features to provide you with the best options so you can make an informed decision and invest wisely. Plus, we are always looking to add new products to our list to keep it updated – so check back here again.
Product Reviews
- Has multiple accessibility features
- Comes in three variants
- Weighs approximately 1.12 pounds
- Cameras are low quality
If you’re looking for the best cheap tablet, then look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8.
To get things started, this tablet features an octa-core processor and 32GB of internal storage. This means that it should deliver decent performance when it comes to streaming, gaming, or doing some casual work, and the storage ensures that you can store multiple videos, pictures, and files in it. However, if 32GB doesn’t cut it for you, it also has a 64GB and 128GB variant, and its storage can be expanded by up to 1TB with a microSD card.
As for the display, it sports a 10.5-inch LCD panel with a 1920×1200 resolution. This should be enough screen real estate to watch videos, get some work done, and multitask with multiple windows and folders open. However, if you’re interested in exploring more options, then check out our best 10-inch tablet guide for the best picks.
Regarding connectivity, it has WiFi and Bluetooth options, which you can use to connect to your high-speed internet or different peripherals. A downside of this tablet is its cameras; it features a 5MP rear camera, which by today’s standards is less than ideal and can certainly use an upgrade.
When it comes to portability, it weighs approximately 1.12 pounds, which should be light enough to take along on casual or work trips or even while you’re running daily errands. Its weight should also ensure that using it for long hours doesn’t become tiring or strain your hands and wrists. On top of that, it features a USB-C port capable of fast-charging its 7,040 mAh battery, which means you can get the most out of it wherever you take it with minimal downtime.
Regarding accessibility and ease of usage, it is compatible with a stylus pen. It should make taking notes, drawing graphs, or doodling if you’re bored a smooth process and enhance overall productivity. Other than that, it comes with Samsung Kids, which has a library of fun and informative videos and games for children; Samsung TV Plus, which offers 160+ channels for free; Smart Switch, which streamlines the process of transferring your data regardless of the OS, and last but not least – it comes with two months of free YouTube Premium. So, in terms of entertainment and usability – this tablet is decked out and should offer an amazing experience.
To wrap things up, this tablet acts as a jack-of-all option with decent performance, display size, and storage capabilities. So, if you were looking to knock down multiple aspects with one stone – the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is definitely worth considering.
- Powered by the Bionic A13 chip
- Has a 10.2-inch Retina display
- Has good quality cameras
- Has a lightning connector
Everyone has their preferences, and if you are looking for a value tablet option from tech giant Apple, then consider checking out the Apple iPad 9th Gen.
Let’s get things started by looking at the performance of this device. This iPad is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is a bit outdated but should still deliver good performance to tackle everyday tasks and run applications like Adobe Photoshop and HD gaming while being energy-efficient. It also comes with 64GB of internal storage, which should be enough to store multiple applications, files, and other data. However, if that seems a bit less, then it also comes in a 256GB variant at a higher price point.
When it comes to the display, this iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display with a 2160×1620 resolution. What this means is that it should provide enough space to work or consume content comfortably at a high resolution, presenting clear, crisp, and vibrant images and videos. Besides that, it supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, which should make navigating and using the iPad easier and help you get more done efficiently. If you’re interested in exploring options with more accessibility features, then check out our best tablets with a stylus pen and the best tablets with a keyboard guide for the best options available on the market.
Regarding connectivity options, it supports 4G LTE and fast WiFi connections. This means that you should be able to stream videos in high definition, download and upload files quickly, and enjoy a lag-free gaming experience – and should one option stop working, you’ll have the other as a backup so disruptions can be reduced to a minimum.
Known for its camera, Apple didn’t cut any corners and fitted this device with a 12MP ultra-wide front camera and an 8MP back camera capable of recording 1080p videos and taking pristine photos. The Center Stage technology provides a better video calling and conferencing experience as it follows you and keeps you in the frame while the cameras deliver top-notch results.
All in all, this iPad covers multiple bases and packs a punch without burning a hole in your wallet – making it an ideal option if you are looking for the best value iPad.
- Has strengthened glass for extra durability
- Offers 13-hours of operations as claimed by the manufacturer
- Uses USB-C (2.0)
If you were searching the market for the best value tablet that could cut it for most people, then check out the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet.
You know how it goes, first things first – performance. This tablet features an octa-core processor, which the manufacturer boasts is 25% faster than its predecessors and, combined with its 3GB RAM, should provide a decent working, browsing, and streaming experience. Besides that, it offers 32GB of storage space and up to 1TB of expandable storage via a microSD card – which should provide enough space to store movies, videos, pictures, applications, files, and other data without making the difficult decision of what to remove to store more stuff.
When it comes to the display, it sports a 10.1-inch FHD display with a 1920×1200 resolution, which means that it should provide comfortable viewing, working, and gaming experience with bright and vibrant images and videos.
As for the portability, this tablet weighs around 15.29 oz which should be light enough to carry around for work or just take it along on adventures. On top of that, it features a durable design as it has strengthened glass which should enable it to take a couple of bumps and still function without any issues. This makes it an ideal option for children or seniors. However, if you’re interested in exploring more, then check out our best tablet for seniors guide for the best options available on the market.
Another neat feature of this tablet is the timing that it offers. According to the manufacturer, it has a 13-hour battery and can be fully charged in under 4 hours with the USB-C cable or its 9W power adapter. This should be more than enough for a full workday and should last you after that for some reading or streaming before needing to be charged again.
However, keep in mind that how quickly the battery depletes depends on the nature of the tasks you’re running. For example, if you’re just browsing, then it might last you longer as not many resources are being utilized; however, if you’re doing high-definition gaming, then the timing might get cut short as more resources are needed to sustain that level of performance.
- Has a 11.5-inch 2K display
- Has 128GB of internal storage
- Not a lot of features for this price bracket
If you are looking for the best affordable large-screen tablet, then check out the Lenovo Tab P11, as it’s sure to tickle your fancy.
To kick things off, this tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage capacity. What this translates to is that its performance should be enough to handle casual workloads, gaming, streaming, and other low-intensity activities. The storage should be enough to house multiple photos, videos, and applications.
As for the display, it features an 11.5-inch 2K display, which is one of the largest displays we’ve seen. The resolution makes it even better for viewing content, reading, working, and gaming, as it should offer stunning graphics and enough screen real estate to open multiple windows and folders simultaneously without feeling the lack of space – increasing productivity.
When it comes to the cameras, this tablet has an 8MP front and 13MP rear camera, which should provide good pictures and videos, whether they’re for conferencing or just casual snaps.
Regarding the battery life, it houses a 7700 mAh battery, which the manufacturer claims should last you up to 10 hours, but remember that how long a battery lasts depends on what it’s being used for. Besides that, its weight of approximately 1.96 pounds should make it an ideal option to carry with you for work or entertainment, combined with its long battery life so you can remain in the game longer and get more done.
To wrap things up, this tablet is fitted with quad speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos, which should provide crystal clear audio for watching videos, movies, and video/audio calls. Besides that, it offers WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to pair with other peripherals such as mice, keyboards, speakers, and more. If you’re interested in exploring more options, then check out our best large-screen tablets guide for the best picks.
How to pick the best cheap tablet
Before investing in any option, there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind that will help you make an informed decision. Here are a few things to keep in mind –
Display
To get the best viewing experience from your new tablet, you should get a big enough screen and good picture quality. Ideally, you should look for at least a 10-inch screen unless you want a more portable option. A 10 or 11-inch screen will give you a more immersive experience and easier navigation. Further, you should look for at least full HD resolution to get clear and crisp images.
Performance
If you need a tablet for light and casual use, like browsing or watching Netflix, then a quad-core processor should suffice. Tablets with mid-range MediaTek or Qualcomm chips or Apple’s Bionic chips would be suitable for you.
However, if you are looking to draw illustrations, edit images, play games, or use multiple apps at once, then you should look for more powerful processors like Apple’s M1 chip or the latest MediaTek Dimensity chips.
Portability
If you’re an avid traveler or a daily commuter, then you need a tablet that is lightweight and has a slim profile. The goal is that you should be able to hold the device in one hand without feeling the bulk. Most tablets weigh less than 2 pounds, so you should be able to find many options.
Another important consideration is the battery life. The tablet should have enough battery to keep running for a few hours and provide video playback. Most tablets offer 8 to 10 hours of battery – so you can be picky here.
Support for peripherals
If you want to take notes or doodle, you should look for tablets that support stylus pens. Most tablets offer support for active stylus pens (the official ones that come with the tablet) or passive pens. If you have to type a lot, then you can also consider keyboard support. For instance, Apple iPads work well with the Magic keyboard.
Who makes the best cheap tablets?
Most manufacturers, including the top brands, offer several budget and mid-range tablets. For example, older Apple iPad models have a reasonable price tag, and Samsung has multiple series of affordable tablets. To get the best tablet that meets your needs, you can refer to our list of top products above and compare the devices.
What to consider before buying a budget tablet?
Before you buy a cheap tablet, here’s what you should consider –
- Decide on a display that is comfortably big and delivers decent picture quality (at least FHD)
- Go for a quad-core processor for casual use and an octa-core processor for multitasking
- Choose an OS that you’re familiar with
- Get at least 8 to 10 hours of battery life
- Pick a lightweight tablet if you travel or commute
For more details, you can check out our ‘How to pick the best cheap tablet’ section.
Our Verdict
After looking at all the features and specifications of the listed tablets, there was one that was the best out of them all – the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. First, it’s powered by an octa-core processor and comes in three storage options. If that isn’t enough, you can always expand your storage by up to 1TB with a microSD card. It has a large 10.5-inch display and plenty of extra features and applications, such as Smart Switch and Samsung TV Plus, providing extra entertainment and easy accessibility, making it an ideal budget option.