Tablets have been around for quite some time now, but they haven’t quite managed to replace laptops for most people. This has led to many individuals being hesitant to invest in premium tablets. If you’re one of those people looking for a budget-friendly option, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will review and rank the top 10 budget tablets available in the market.
The budget tablet market is dominated by Android and Amazon Fire tablets, all priced under £300/$300. Unlike Apple’s iPad models, which tend to be more expensive, we have included the most affordable iPad model available at the time of writing.
At Tech Advisor, we have been covering tablet reviews and buying advice since the original iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab were introduced in 2010. Over the years, we have witnessed significant advancements in tablet hardware and software. Our team conducts in-depth, real-world testing on every new tablet to provide you with the best buying advice, including budget devices.
Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 budget tablets for 2024:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
- Pros: Slick design, solid performance, impressive display, great value for money
- Cons: Slow charging, disappointing cameras, blurry scrolling at times, not available in the US
If you’re on a budget, the Galaxy Tab A9 is a great option. With a price tag of just £169, it offers solid everyday performance, an attractive 8.7-inch display, and good battery life. While it has its drawbacks, Samsung’s focus on the essentials makes it a recommended budget tablet.
- Apple iPad 10.2in (2021)
- Pros: Best selection of tablet-optimized apps, large, bright 10.2-inch display, support for Apple Pencil
- Cons: Dated design, more expensive than other budget tablets
The 9th-gen regular iPad from 2021 remains a great tablet, especially with discounts bringing it under £350/$350. It offers a premium iPad experience with a wide selection of tablet-optimized apps and the powerful A13 Bionic chip.
- Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
- Pros: Lightweight design, excellent audio, 90Hz display, great battery life
- Cons: Slow charging, limited OS updates, some bloatware
Priced at £199, the Redmi Pad SE offers a solid tablet experience with a sleek design, good display, and impressive audio quality. While it has its drawbacks, including slow charging, it’s still a compelling option.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Pros: Excellent performance, premium design, great quad speakers, intuitive software
- Cons: Slow charging, disappointing camera, underwhelming battery life, not available in the US
The Tab A9+ offers several upgrades over the regular model, including a larger 11-inch display, better performance, and 5G support. Despite some shortcomings, it’s a great tablet compared to the competition.
- Lenovo Tab Plus
- Pros: Great screen and speakers, built-in kickstand, superb battery life, durable design
- Cons: Underwhelming performance, limited OS updates
The Lenovo Tab Plus is a solid choice for entertainment, with a high-quality display, impressive audio, and a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. However, its performance may not be suitable for more demanding tasks.
- Oppo Pad Air
- Pros: Premium design, large, high-res display, decent performance, lightweight build
- Cons: No fingerprint reader, 60Hz refresh rate, middling camera performance, not available in the US
The Oppo Pad Air offers a premium design with a high-resolution display and decent performance. While it has its drawbacks, including a middling camera and lack of a fingerprint reader, it’s a compelling option for those looking for a decent all-rounder.
- Nokia T21
- Pros: Sharp & colorful screen, sleek design, long battery life, near-stock Android
- Cons: Middling performance, display dimmer than T20, charger not included
The Nokia T21 stands out for its near-stock Android experience, sharp display, and long battery life. While it may not offer top-of-the-line performance, it’s a solid choice for those prioritizing slick software.
- Amazon Fire Max 11
- Pros: Nice screen, optional keyboard and stylus, great handwriting recognition, good performance
- Cons: Limited apps, no Google, only 64GB base storage
The Fire Max 11 is Amazon’s most expensive tablet but still affordable. It offers a nice screen, solid performance, and optional accessories like a keyboard and stylus. However, it lacks access to Google services and has limited storage options.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
- Pros: Stylish design, good performance, nice screen
- Cons: Limited apps, slow charging, basic cameras
The 2023 model of the Fire HD 10 offers incremental improvements over its predecessor, including a better front camera and faster charging. While it may not excel in every aspect, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a Fire tablet experience.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
- Pros: Compact form-factor, hands-free Alexa, decent battery life
- Cons: Entry-level performance, limited apps, more expensive than previous generations
The Fire HD 8 from 2022 offers a compact design, hands-free Alexa support, and decent battery life. While it may not be a significant upgrade over previous models, it still provides good value for money.
When choosing a budget tablet, consider factors such as screen size, storage capacity, camera quality, processor performance, and software compatibility. Each of the tablets listed above has its strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to prioritize your needs and preferences when making a decision. Ultimately, the best budget tablet for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget constraints.
