In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer electronics, finding a high-quality tablet that doesn't break the bank can be a daunting task. As we step into August 2024, the demand for capable yet affordable tablets continues to rise, reflecting the diverse needs of users ranging from students to professionals and casual consumers. In this article, we’ll explore the best cheap tablets available today, based on extensive testing and research, helping you make an informed decision.
Best Tablets of 2024
When looking for the ideal tablet, several factors come into play. Primarily, one should consider the operating system, performance, battery life, display quality, and brand ecosystem. The choices available cater to various requirements, whether for casual browsing, video streaming, or more demanding tasks.Quick Overview of Top Picks
Here’s a brief overview of the best budget tablets you might consider:- Apple iPad (2021) – Best all-around tablet.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 – Best Android option.
- Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Best choice for Windows users.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus – Best for Amazon ecosystem.
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet – Best Chrome tablet.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 – Best option under $100.
In-Depth Reviews of Each Selection
1. Apple iPad (2021)
- Price: Starting at $329, often found lower on sale.
- Display: 10.2-inch Liquid Retina display (2160 x 1620 pixels).
- Performance: A13 Bionic chip ensures snappy performance for virtually all apps.
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours of usage on a single charge.
- Why Buy: The 2021 iPad offers excellent value as it delivers a premium tablet experience at a lower price compared to newer models. It supports Apple’s ecosystem, making it a fantastic choice for those invested in it. However, potential buyers should note the hefty price tag compared to other budget options. If money is tight, there are more affordable alternatives.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
- Price: Around $229.
- Display: 10.4-inch (2000 x 1200 pixels).
- Performance: Equipped with Snapdragon 662 processor and 3GB of RAM.
- Battery Life: Lasted over 13 hours in testing.
- Why Buy: As the best Android option, it combines solid performance and battery life while being aesthetically pleasing and lightweight. This model might fall short in terms of performance for demanding applications and has a lower display brightness than some competitors.
3. Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Price: Approximately $400.
- Display: 10.5-inch touchscreen (1920 x 1280 pixels).
- Performance: Options for Pentium Gold or Intel Core m3 processors, with configurations of up to 8GB of RAM.
- Battery Life: Survived over 11 hours in our testing.
- Why Buy: Great for Windows enthusiasts seeking portability. It supports a range of peripherals, enhancing its versatility. However, Windows can be less intuitive compared to other tablet operating systems, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
4. Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
- Price: Starting at $179.
- Display: 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 pixel display.
- Performance: Powered by a quad-core processor and offers 4GB RAM.
- Battery Life: 14+ hours, perfect for long-term use.
- Why Buy: Best suited for those immersed in Amazon’s ecosystem, offering excellent battery life and a decent display for media consumption. Its limitations include a subpar app selection compared to Android or iOS, and its software isn’t the most versatile.
5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
- Price: Around $249.
- Display: 10.1-inch (1920 x 1200 pixels).
- Performance: Runs on a MediaTek Helio P60T processor with 4GB of RAM.
- Battery Life: Lasts nearly 13 hours in testing.
- Why Buy: It offers a brilliant balance between productivity and portability, thanks to its included keyboard. On the downside, limited offline capabilities could be a dealbreaker for those without reliable internet access.
6. Amazon Fire HD 8
- Price: Available for about $99.
- Display: 8-inch (1280 x 800 pixels).
- Performance: Features a 2 GHz hexacore processor.
- Battery Life: Lasted around 14 hours.
- Why Buy: The absolute best for those on a tight budget, maintaining an amicable balance between price and performance. However, performance can be sluggish, and it's limited to the Amazon ecosystem, which might frustrate users accustomed to unrestricted access to applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tablet
When selecting a cheap tablet, it’s crucial to evaluate: - Operating System: Choose based on your familiarity and existing devices.
- Performance Requirements: Assess what tasks you intend to accomplish.
- Battery Life: Determine how long you need the tablet to operate without recharging.
- Screen Quality: Depending on your use case, screen resolution, brightness, and color accuracy may be important factors.
Conclusion
Choosing an affordable tablet in 2024 doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With various excellent options available, consumers can find a tablet that fits their needs without overspending. Whether you need a device for reading, streaming, or light productivity work, the right tablet is out there. Make your choice wisely! Each of these models brings something unique to the table, ensuring that whether you're an Apple aficionado or an Amazon enthusiast, you won't be disappointed. For more details, see the original article on Tom's Guide: The best cheap tablets in 2024 - our top picks.
