More often than not, cheap tablets tend to be slow with older versions of Android OS, have dim screens and be unreliable. If you’re looking for the best budget Android tablets, pick one with at least 8 inches screen size and 1280×800 resolution for reasonably sharp image and text quality. Also check its storage specs and battery life. Here are five options you can consider that offer the right balance of features and price, plus excellent value for money.
1. Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
This tablet ships with Android 7.1 Nougat and a full selection of apps from Google Play Store. If you place a premium on security, though, you’re better off with a tablet that has a recent Android OS for your budget.
Its snappy processor clocks in at 1.4 GHz, which is enough to run all its software and stream videos and games, as well as apps, smoothly. Plus, it has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage that’s expandable with a micro SD slot. The 1280×800 resolution IPS panel isn’t the best around but still gives you good clarity of picture and text, with strong sound from its Dolby Atmos speakers. The Li-Polymer battery is above-average, as it gives you 4850 mAh battery life. This is all packed together into a 310g tablet, which makes it one of the most portable in its class. Some serious concessions have been made for the Lenovo Tab 4 to deliver all these value-added features on a tight budget. So it’s not necessarily the best value, especially if some features stand out more in other tabs for your specific use cases, but it still packs a punch.
Why we like it
Low price Good performance Good battery life Multi-user features Premium design
What we don’t like
Old Android version Camera isn’t that good (Front 5MP, rear 8MP). This will probably affect you only if you use your tablet to take photos Scratches easily Low screen resolution Limited storage No facial or fingerprint recognition/sensor features
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
This relatively affordable, 8-inch Android tablet offers an opportunity to own the trusted Samsung brand’s build quality and design. It’s has a plastic frame, though its overall build quality is solid, and feels a little heavier than other tablets but still portable enough to carry and hold.
It offers decent specs including a 1280×800 pixel screen, 2GB RAM and 1.4GHz Snapdragon 425 processor that holds up for multitasking and light gaming, a convenient USB-C charging port and a bottom-firing speaker for audio. The tablet runs on Android 7.1 Nougat and comes with the Bixby Home digital assistant to help you manage your day, plus unfettered access to Google Play app store.
Why we like it
Solid performance Good build quality Relatively affordable Responsive power and volume buttons
What we don’t like
Low resolution Older Android version Underwhelming cameras
3. Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite
Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite is a regular Android tablet that’s great for reading, especially in the rectangular aspect ratio, as it’s easier to hold in that size. It has good battery life of 4800 mAh that’s long enough to play some games and watch a few movies, plus 3/4GB RAM, 16/64GB storage, and a Snapdragon 435 CPU for snappy processing.
The 8-inch tablet has a 1920×1200 resolution panel, blue light filter for eye protection, especially in the dark, and great audio from Harman/Kardon, which is great for media consumption. The tab runs Huawei’s custom EMUI 5.1 that’s based on Android 7.1, and also has child-safe features for parental control and a fingerprint scanner.
Why we like it
Great audio Good performance Solid build Child-safe features Fingerprint scanner Eye protection
What we don’t like
Older Android version Not enough storage
4. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3
This is another good Android tablet you can get cheaply. It’s built with an innovative design for functional benefits instead of the usual style of trying to be slimmer than the rest. It also ships with Android 6.0, but you can upgrade to 7.
The 8-inch tablet’s distinctive cylinder shape along the edge makes it easier to hold. It also has a fold-out kickstand that lets you prop up or lay the screen at a slight angle, with a hole you can use to hang your tab on a hook. Each of the four modes is supported with Lenovo’s Android display settings, but that’s not all the cylindrical bulge can do. Inside is roomy enough to hold a larger battery that can last up to 20 hours. There’s an 8MP camera on it, too, so you can rotate the cylinder and take shots in either direction, 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage to store your media and apps. Like other tablets, this one also has front-facing speakers with great Dolby Atmos sound and volume, which is ideal for consuming media or gaming.
Why we like it
Affordable Easy to hold Stylish design Good battery life Innovative built-in stand Clear, rich sound
What we don’t like
Older Android version Unimpressive performance Average display Touch screen may be a bit sensitive
5. Asus Zenpad 8
Asus Zenpad 8 is an 8-inch Android tablet with an appealing compromise of performance and price packed into one gadget. It’s relatively light at 350g, thin and loaded with Asus apps, which you can always uninstall if you don’t need them.
It runs Android 6.0, a fairly older version than other tablets on this list, and has cut costs when it comes to its cameras (front 2MP and rear 5MP) and 1280×800 resolution. It also has only one tiny speaker for sound, but you can use headphones for better audio. On the bright side, though, it’s small enough to hold with one hand, as it perfectly balances size and portability.
Why we like it
Large screen Balances performance and price Long battery life
What we don’t like
Low screen resolution Long charging times Old Android version Unimpressive cameras
Wrap-Up
Tablets are nice to have around, even though they’re not as essential as smartphones or laptops. They’re great for enjoying games and apps on the go or as a portable screen. If you don’t want a high end Android tablet, these five are useful enough to consider on a budget or if your needs are light. We’d love to hear your recommendations for the best cheap Android tablets. Which one do you use, and what do you like about it? Share in a comment below.
