Compared to pricier laptops or desktops, Android tablets offer versatile and affordable computing alternatives. With a wide price range, from under $100 to several hundred dollars, Android tablets cater to various budget requirements.
Within this price range, you can acquire tablets with decent displays, cameras, battery life, and processors. However, they may compromise on premium features such as metal or glass build, flagship processors, and high-resolution screens.
Best Affordable Android Tablets Right Now
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE
The newly launched Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE in the US offers impressive hardware considering its price point. With a sleek and appealing display, it outperforms its nearest rivals. Additionally, it boasts an 8GB RAM option and a relatively potent system on chip.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great performance for the price
- Vibrant 2K LCD
- Excellent battery life
- Supports fast charging
- Premium metal body design
Cons
- Average camera performance
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Ships with older Android 12
Features and specifications
- Display: 11-inch 2K (1200 x 2000) LCD, up to 500 nits brightness
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 octa-core
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM options, 128GB storage expandable to 512GB
- Software: Android 12
- Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera
- Battery: 8000mAh, supports 18W fast charging
- Ports: USB-C, no 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
- Dimensions: 258 x 171 x 7 mm
- Weight: 465 grams
User experience and performance
Compared to its rivals, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE provides exceptional value for its price.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, equipped with a Helio G99 chipset and up to 6GB of RAM, effortlessly handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and social media usage. Additionally, it ensures smooth performance when playing casual games, with no lag or issues. The MIUI skin for Android 12 is seamlessly integrated, providing users with a wide array of customization options.
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE offers excellent outdoor visibility thanks to the sharpness, vibrant colors, and 500 nits peak brightness of its 2K LCD display. Additionally, it boasts a long battery life, with the large 8000mAh battery capable of lasting for two days of use. Furthermore, it supports 18W fast charging for convenient and quick recharging.
The camera performance is average, and the absence of a 3.5mm jack might pose a concern for certain users.
Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)
The newest version of the Lenovo Tab M8 is among the simplest tablets on the market. It offers solid technology for everyday tasks such as video streaming and social media usage, and it is one of the most compact tablets available. Despite its limitations, it remains the most budget-friendly Android tablet worth considering.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable sub-$100 price
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Long battery life
- Kid-friendly with Google Kids Space
- Parental controls via Family Link
Cons
- Underpowered MediaTek processor
- Dull HD display with average brightness
- Low-resolution cameras
- No Widevine L1 support limits streaming quality
Features and specifications
- Display: 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core
- RAM/Storage: 3GB RAM/32GB storage, microSD card slot
- Software: Android 12, Google Kids Space
- Cameras: 2MP rear, 2MP front
- Battery: 5100mAh
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Dimensions: 199.8 x 121.6 x 8.15mm
- Weight: 325 grams
User experience and performance
The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) is an affordable Android tablet tailored for entertainment and children’s usage, available for under $100.
The tablet’s entry-level Helio A22 processor enables smooth online browsing, video streaming, and social media usage, but it may encounter difficulties with multitasking and demanding applications. However, it performs adequately for playing casual games.
While the HD display may not boast exceptional quality, colors, or brightness, it suffices for tasks like reading or video viewing. Notably, the tablet features an extended battery life, with its robust 5100mAh battery and energy-efficient processor providing over 10 hours of usage. Additionally, it comes preinstalled with a kid’s mode powered by Google Kids Space, enhancing its suitability for children.
Amazon Fire 7 (2022)
The 2022 Amazon Fire 7 stands as the most basic tablet option, offering a functional screen, extended battery life, affordability, and durability. However, its low price and performance may not suit everyone’s needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely affordable price
- Compact and portable
- Decent battery life
- Durable build quality
- Hands-free Alexa support
Cons
- Underpowered Mediatek quad-core processor
- Low-resolution 7-inch display
- Heavy UI layer and bloatware
- No Google Play Store access
Features and specifications
- Display: 7-inch 1024 x 600 IPS display
- Processor: Mediatek MT8168 quad-core
- RAM/Storage: 2GB RAM/16/32GB storage, microSD slot
- Software: Fire OS (Android 11 underneath)
- Cameras: 2MP front and rear cameras
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Ports: USB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Dimensions: 187 x 115 x 9.6mm
- Weight: 282 grams
User experience and performance
The 2022 Fire 7 tablet, priced at $59.99, presents few issues, particularly considering its low cost. Designed primarily for media consumption, it offers basic functionality commensurate with its price.
Although the 7-inch screen may not be particularly impressive, it suffices for casual video playback or reading ebooks. However, the device’s underwhelming performance is another concern, as it struggles with heavy multitasking and gaming.
Regarding software, not everyone favors Amazon’s Fire OS overlay on top of Android 11. One drawback is the absence of the Google Play Store and Google apps, along with the presence of pre-installed bloatware.
The affordable Mediatek processor contributes to excellent battery life. Considering the price point, the tablet boasts very good build quality. Additionally, the hands-free Alexa feature adds convenience for users.
Xiaomi Pad 6
At a price of $350, the Xiaomi Pad 6 offers hardware that exceeds expectations. With high-speed internal storage, a Snapdragon 870 processor, and a high-resolution display, it delivers long-lasting high-end tablet performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Slim and lightweight metal design
- Vibrant 11-inch LCD
- Powerful Snapdragon processor
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos
Cons
- No headphone jack
- MIUI has some bloatware
- Cameras could be better
Features and specifications
- Display: 11-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 octa-core
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM options, 128GB/256GB storage
- Software: Android 12, MIUI 13
- Cameras: 13MP rear, 8MP front
- Battery: 8000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Ports: USB-C, no headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 5G
- Dimensions: 253.8 x 166.25 x 6.85 mm
- Weight: 465 grams
User experience and performance
The Xiaomi Pad 6 provides a seamless and responsive Android tablet experience, courtesy of its Snapdragon 695 chipset and up to 6GB of RAM. It effortlessly manages everyday tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming.
The 11-inch WQXGA display delivers sharp visuals with vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, quad speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos offer an immersive audio-visual experience when streaming movies or playing games.
MIUI 13, based on Android 12, provides extensive customization options, although it does come with some pre-installed bloatware. The battery life is excellent, offering over 12 hours of use per charge, and the 33W fast charging capability ensures quick recharging when the battery runs low.
Although the Pad 6 excels in terms of display, speakers, performance, and battery life, its cameras are only average. Additionally, the absence of a headphone jack may disappoint some users.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
While the Galaxy Tab A9+ asserts Samsung‘s presence in the budget-friendly tablet market, the Galaxy Tab S Series receives the majority of attention. Offering commendable performance for its price, it delivers the acclaimed Android experience unmatched by other tablet manufacturers. Moreover, with 5G support, users can access fast networks even while on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Slim and lightweight metal design
- Sharp 11-inch LCD display
- Smooth performance for everyday tasks
- Intuitive One UI interface
- Good battery life
Cons
- Average camera performance
- No Widevine L1 for high-quality streaming
- No S Pen support
Features and specifications
- Display: 11-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD
- Processor: Snapdragon 695 octa-core
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage
- Software: Android 12, One UI 4.1
- Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front
- Battery: 7,040mAh
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, LTE (optional)
- Dimensions: 254.7 X 167 X 6.5 mm
- Weight: 465 grams
User experience and performance
Samsung’s One UI provides a smooth, intuitive, and customizable software experience on the Galaxy Tab A9+. Paired with the Snapdragon 695 chipset, it effortlessly manages everyday tasks such as web browsing, video playback, and social media usage.
The 11-inch LCD display offers sharp visuals with accurate colors and satisfactory brightness levels. Despite lacking Widevine L1 certification, which limits streaming quality, the display remains suitable for watching videos and reading. Additionally, the metallic build provides a premium appearance and feel while maintaining a slim and lightweight design for portability.
The battery life is also quite impressive, offering over 10 hours of mixed usage, courtesy of the power-efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset and large 7,040mAh battery. However, the cameras are just about average, and the lack of S Pen support may disappoint some users.
Lenovo Tab M9
While not the smallest tablet (that title goes to the Tab M8), the Lenovo Tab M9 offers the finest ultra-compact Android experience currently available. Its capabilities and usefulness surpass expectations for a device priced at $150.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sharp 2K display
- Smooth performance
- Good battery life
- Robust metal body
- Charges quickly
Cons
- Average camera quality
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Ships with older Android 12
Features and specifications
- Display: 9-inch 1200 x 2000 IPS LCD
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 octa-core
- RAM/Storage: 4GB RAM/128GB storage
- Software: Android 12
- Cameras: 13MP rear, 5MP front
- Battery: 7,700mAh, 20W charging
- Ports: USB-C, no headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2
- Dimensions: 258 x 163 x 7.9mm
- Weight: 465 grams
User experience and performance
The Lenovo Tab M9 provides a seamless Android tablet experience driven by MediaTek’s Helio G99 chipset and 4GB of RAM. It effortlessly manages everyday tasks, web browsing, video playback, and even some casual gaming without experiencing any slowdowns.
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The 9-inch 2K IPS display offers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, enhancing the enjoyment of watching movies or reading ebooks. The metallic chassis adds durability and a premium feel to the device, all while maintaining its portability.
The battery life is also commendable, providing nearly 2 days of mixed usage per charge. Additionally, the 20W fast charging feature enables quick replenishment of the battery when it runs low. However, it’s worth noting that the Tab M9 still ships with the older Android 12 out of the box.
