There are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing budget Android tablets. The screen size, battery life, portability, and accessories such as pens and speakers are some of the most important considerations to have in mind.
In this article, we will review some of the top picks that you can go for without having to spend too much. Android tablets are diverse and can be used for a lot of diverse tasks, including drawing, basic gaming, and reading.
If you are looking for an Android tablet specifically for drawing, check out our previous posts.
Top 5 Budget Android Tablets
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: Best Overall
- Lenovo Tab M9: Best Small Screen
- Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro: Best Battery
- Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2: Best Lenovo Tablet for Students
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Best Screen
- Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd gen): Best For Kids
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus: Best Budget
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: Best Overall
- Screen: 11 inch
- Resolution: 1200 x 1920 pixels
- Screen Type: TFT LCD
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Brightness: 570 nits
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage Space: 128 GB
- Processor: Snapdragon 695 5G
- Thickness: 6.9 mm
- Camera: 8 MP and 5 with Autofocus
- Battery Life: 10 hours
The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is the best pick for this category. It features a large 11-inch screen with 1200 x 1920 pixels resolution. The TFT LCD is clean and clear with a high 90 Hz screen refresh rate. This makes it possible to comfortably play games and stream movies without problems.
The tablet also features an excellent 10-hour battery life with Dolby Atmos speakers and a high-resolution display. It is best used for drawing, basic gaming, or photo editing.
Pros
- Large high-resolution screen with up to 570 nits brightness
- An easily portable tablet
- Expandable storage using a Micro SD card
- Powerful processor with different RAM options
- Good front and rear cameras with autofocus
- Affordable price range
Cons
- No S Pen included
Lenovo Tab M9: Best Small Screen
- Screen Size: 9
- Resolution: 1340 x 800 pixels
- Camera: Front 2MP & Rear 8MP
- Processor: MTK G80 Octa Core processor
- RAM: 3 GB
- Storage: 32 GB
- OS: Android 12 or Later
- Accessories: Folio Case Included
- Battery Life: 13 hours
The Lenovo TabM9 is the best small-screen Android tablet that you can buy. It has a 9-inch screen size and 1340 x 800 pixels resolution. This is low but very reasonable based on its low price range.
The free Folio Case Included on purchase and 13-hour battery life are a key standout feature for this tablet.
It will perform many basic tasks like streaming and not taking but is not ideal for photo editing or graphic design. This is mainly because of its low 3 GB RAM and MTK G80 Octa Core processor.
For software and OS, you will have an Android 12 or later, which is readily upgradable. You will have 2 cameras, although not the best, with a 2 MP front and 8 MP rear camera.
This means that despite not being too good for selfies and video conferencing, the rear camera is able to shoot high-quality videos and pictures.
Pros
- Very long 13-hour battery life
- Comes with a Free Folio Case
- Comes in an affordable price range
Cons
- Low-resolution screen
- Low 3 GB RAM
- Weak front camera
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro: Best Battery on a Budget Android Tablet
- Screen: 12.1 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- 500 nits brightness
- OS: Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 14
- RAM: 6 GB or 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB or 156 GB
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- Battery:12 hours
- Cameras: 8 MP for both front and rear
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro is a large 12-inch tablet with a 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution. Despite these powerful screens, it is an affordable tablet priced for well under $300. Its screen also features high brightness levels at 500 to 600 nits when showing HDR content. Like a premium iPad Pro, the screen features a 120 Hz refresh rate.
This UltraHD display is perfect for gaming and video streaming. For processing, you have a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. You will also have a choice between 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, depending on the version you choose. To save files, you will have 128 GB or 156 GB of internal storage.
The Redmi Pad Pro is a perfect device for music consumption and streaming movies thanks to its perfect screen and sound quality. You will not be able to connect headphones directly due to the lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack.
For taking photos and video conferencing, the camera is good at 8- megapixels for the front and rear cameras. The general features of the tablet are very good for its price range. Additionally, it has one of the longest battery life at 12 hours of continuous use.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Very good display screen with high resolution and brightness levels
- Powerful processor and 6 to 8 GB of RAM
Cons
- No 3.5 mm audio jack
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2: Premium Lenovo Tablet
- Screen Size: 11.2-inch
- Resolution: 2.5k at 2000 x 1200 pixel
- Brightness: 570 nits
- Camera: Front 8 MP & Rear 13 MP Camera
- Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 1300T
- RAM: 4 GB
- OS: Android 12 or Later
- Battery Life: 10 hours
If you are looking for a premium tablet with powerful specs, this is the one for you. This tablet features one of the best screens in this review and the general Lenovo line of tablets.
The OLED screen is 11.2 inches in size with 2.5K or 2560 x 1536 resolution. It is colorful, crisp, and clear and will allow you to view your work in a rich and clear look.
HDR10+ support and a 120 Hz refresh rate make the screen good enough to be used for gaming without lags. This is the same refresh rate found on the more expensive iPad Pro.
If you like using it outdoors, the 600-nit brightness will allow reflection-free viewing even in high light or outdoors. It is slightly lower in brightness than the iPad Pro at 1000 nits but is bright enough.
The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is the best iPad alternative from Lenovo. It even weighs the same as the iPad at 480 grams.
Apple iPad Pro however beats it square when it comes to the Cameras and storage space. Its camera is not so good with a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera.
Additionally, you will only have a choice between 128 GB and 256 GB storage whereas the iPad Pros storage ranges from 128 GB to 2 TB size.
The iPad gives a larger and wide variety of choices to choose from. Overall, this tablet packs enough features that almost set it apart as a premium-level iPad competitor.
However, it falls short on some key specifications qualifying it as only a midrange tablet.
Pros
- Large 2k resolution, AMOLED screen
- High screen refresh rate
- Latest Android 14 OS
- Affordable Price
- Durable Metal Frame
Cons
- Poor Cameras
Lenovo Tab M7 (3rd gen): Best For Kids
- Screen: 7-inch Size
- Resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels
- Brightness Levels: 300 nits
- Processor: MediaTek MT8166
- RAM: 2 GB
- Battery Life: 8.5 Hours
Lenovo Tab M7 3rd Gen 7″ is a good budget option if you need a small tablet that you can perform basic tasks with. Although it is criticized for a weak build, it is quite good for the price
The screen is small at 7 inches and features 1024 x 600 pixels which is clear but not the best. The screen brightness level is however a standout feature at 300 nits.
This means that you can use the tablet in both bright and low ambient light without issues. For processing power, you have a MediaTek MT8166 and 2 GB RAM that is good for basic tasks such as reading and streaming movies.
Cameras are not that great at 2 MP for both rear and Front Camera. Despite the low price range, you will have a fingerprint sensor for security and a headphone jack for your music.
Finally, the tablet runs on Android 11 and comes with a microSD card slot you can use to boost the low 32 GB storage space.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Comes with a fingerprint Sensor and Audio Jack
- Bright Screen
Cons
- Small Screen
- Weak Body and Build
- Low storage
- Long Battery Life
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Best Screen
- Screen Size: 12.4 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 Pixels
- Brightness: 760 nits
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage Space: 128 GB Expandable Storage
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- S Pen included
- Camera: 8 MP Camera
If you are looking for an affordable Android tablet with a large screen, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a large 12.4-inch screen with a 2560 x 1600 Pixels resolution. This resolution together with 760 nits brightness makes it a good tablet for video streaming.
Additionally, you will be able to view your movies or streams for long hours thanks to its 18-hour battery life. This is longer than most other budget tablets that you can buy. Other important specifications include a lightweight build, expandable storage, and a powerful Exynos 1380 processor.
If you need to draw on the tablet, you will get a free Samsung S Pen on purchase. In our next post, we will compare the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
Pros
- Large screen with a bright high-resolution display
- Long battery life
- Easily portable build
- Durable and Lightweight body
- Expandable storage
- Comes with a free S Pen
Cons
- No 5 G version is available
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus: Best Buget
- Screen Size: 10.3 inches
- Resolution: 1200 x 1920 Pixels
- Processor: Mediatek MT6762 Helio
- RAM: 2 /4 GB
- Storage: 32 GB/ 64/ 128 GB
- Camera: 8 MP rear and 5 MP rear
- Video recording: 1080 p at 30 frames per second
- Audio: Stereo Speakers with 3.5 mm Audio Jack
- Battery Life: 5 Hours
- OS: Android Pie 9
- Weight: 460 g
- Battery Life: 8.5 Hours
- Colors: Iron Gray
A 10-inch tablet is a perfect size for both entertainment and some professional work. The best options in this size range are the Lenovo Tab M10 & M10 Plus.
They are overall very similar with slight differences such as 10.1 inches and 1280 x 800 pixels resolution on the M10, compared to 10.3 inches
1920 x 1200 Pixels resolution on the M10 Plus.
On the M10 Plus, you will have 32/64 and 128 GB storage space while you can only have 32 and 64 GB options on the M10. Both have 2 GB and 4 GB RAM options that you can choose from.
Surprisingly, the M10 runs on a modern Android 10 operating system compared to Android Pie 9 on the M10 Plus.
Additionally, the M10 Plus has a longer-lasting battery at 8.5 hours compared to 5 hours on the M10. Despite seemingly being better, the camera, processing power, and audio are the same.
Choosing the Best Budget Android Tablet
When choosing the best one for your needs, you will need to consider the below tablet features and specifications. The choice of tablet you choose will also be determined by the final functions you intend to use the tablet for.
Display and Design
The screen size and resolution will determine how clear your view is. The larger the screen size and resolution, the better the clarity. However, a very big screen limits portability.
Most budget-level tablets are not too big, nor do they have premium-level resolution. Most of them will be between 7 and 11 inches in size with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.
It is important to consider your needs when choosing the screen size. For example, a gaming tablet will need a larger screen size while a note-taking tablet does not.
Choose a tablet with a firm body and construction, preferably one with a metallic back. These tablets are more durable than plastic version options.
Battery life
A tablet’s battery life will affect the overall portability. Choose a tablet with at least 8 hours of battery life and a fast charging system. 8 hours will cover an average full-day working time range.
Performance and Software
Android tablets run on an Android operating system. Consider tablets that have an easily upgradable operating system and minimal unnecessary apps or bloatware.
For power and performance, you need to check the tablet’s processor and RAM. Large RAM and a fast processor will result in an overall fast tablet. We recommend 4 GB of RAM and above. However, this depends on the function you intend to use the tablet for.
A tablet for video editing only needs 4 GB of RAM, while for video editing you will need at least 8 GB of RAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget Android tablet?
The best budget tablet will depend on your needs or how you intend to use the tablet. In this review, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus was our best budget option. It offers great value with powerful specs like a 10.3-inch screen size and 1200 x 1920 Pixels resolution for a clear display. Additionally, It features a powerful Mediatek MT6762 Helio with 2 to 4 GB RAM for multitasking.
How can you choose the best budget Android tablet?
When choosing the best Android tablet, consider the task you want to achieve with your tablet. Also, check the screen size, resolution, battery life, processing power, and price.