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The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023

Discover best cheap tablets with a balance of performance and value. These budget-friendly devices offer great features without breaking the bank.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Feb 8

Introduction to Cheap Tablets

In today’s fast-paced world, tablets have become an essential tool for both work and play. However, with the wide array of options available, finding the best cheap tablet can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 9 best cheap tablets of 2023.

The Best Cheap Tablets for 2023
Best Cheap Tablets

Whether you’re a student on a budget, a professional looking for a portable device, or just someone who loves to browse the web, there’s a tablet on this list for you.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Cheap Tablet

Before diving into the specifics of each tablet, it’s important to understand the factors to consider when buying a cheap tablet. The first thing to consider is the operating system. The most popular options are Android and iOS, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Android tablets offer more customization options and a wider range of apps, while iOS tablets provide a seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Another important factor to consider is the tablet’s display. Look for a tablet with a high-resolution screen and good color reproduction for an enjoyable viewing experience. Additionally, consider the tablet’s processing power, storage capacity, and battery life. These factors will determine how smoothly the tablet runs, how much content you can store, and how long the battery will last.


Quick Summary

Image Product Description Price
1
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus offers a powerful and versatile Android tablet experience, featuring a high-resolution display and robust performance.
2
TCL Tab 10 5G
The TCL Tab 10 5G is a 5G-enabled tablet that combines connectivity and portability for on-the-go productivity and entertainment.
3
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 provides an immersive multimedia experience with its large display and rich audio.
4
Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a compact 2-in-1 tablet that delivers the versatility of a laptop in a portable form factor.
5
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus offers a high-definition entertainment experience with a vibrant display and enhanced performance.
6
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 2-in-1 Chrome OS device that combines the convenience of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop.
7
Amazon Fire HD 8
The Amazon Fire HD 8 provides a compact and affordable tablet experience with access to a wide range of apps and content.
8
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is an updated version of the popular 2-in-1 Chrome OS device, offering improved performance and versatility.

The Research

How we tested?

To ensure the accuracy of our rankings, we put each tablet through a series of rigorous tests. We evaluated the tablets’ performance, display quality, battery life, and overall user experience. Additionally, we considered factors such as build quality, design, and value for money. Our goal was to provide you with a comprehensive and unbiased review of each tablet.

How we picked?

After testing and evaluating numerous tablets, we narrowed down our list to the top 9 best cheap tablets of 2023. We carefully considered each tablet’s performance, features, and price point to determine which ones offer the best value for money. Our selection includes a diverse range of tablets to suit different needs and budgets.

Who should get this?

Our list of the best cheap tablets is ideal for anyone looking for an affordable yet reliable tablet. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, there’s a tablet on this list that will meet your needs. These tablets are perfect for tasks such as web browsing, streaming media, reading e-books, and light productivity work. If you’re on a budget but still want a tablet that delivers a great user experience, look no further.


Best Cheap Tablets – Product Review

Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

lenovo tab p11 plus review

  • What We Like?

    The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a standout tablet in the affordable price range. One of its key strengths is its gorgeous 11-inch display, which boasts vibrant colors and sharp details. The tablet is powered by a MediaTek Helio G90T processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is its limited storage capacity. With only 64GB of internal storage, you may find yourself running out of space quickly if you store a lot of media files or install large apps. Additionally, the tablet’s speakers could be better, as they lack depth and clarity.

Product Specification

Display: 11-inch IPS LCD
Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Operating System: Android 11

Pros

  • Stunning display
  • Smooth performance
  • Long battery life
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Average speakers

9.9
Our Score

Our Verdict

Overall, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize a great display and smooth performance. While it has some limitations in terms of storage and audio quality, its affordable price and impressive battery life make it a compelling option for those on a tight budget.


TCL Tab 10 5G

tcl tab 10 5g review

  • What We Like?

    The TCL Tab 10 5G is a budget-friendly tablet that offers 5G connectivity, making it future-proof and ideal for fast internet speeds. It features a 10.1-inch Full HD display, which delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. The tablet is powered by a MediaTek MT6768 processor, which provides smooth multitasking and gaming performance. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 11 hours on a single charge.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One downside of the TCL Tab 10 5G is its limited internal storage. With only 64GB of storage, you may need to invest in an external storage solution if you have a large media library or need to install numerous apps. Additionally, the tablet’s camera quality is average, producing photos that lack detail and sharpness.

Product Specification

Display: 10.1-inch IPS LCD
Processor: MediaTek MT6768
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
Operating System: Android 11

Pros

  • 5G connectivity
  • Vibrant display
  • Smooth performance
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Limited internal storage
  • Average camera quality

9.8
Our Score

Our Verdict

The TCL Tab 10 5G is a solid option for those who want a budget tablet with future-proof connectivity. Its vibrant display, smooth performance, and long battery life make it a great choice for multimedia consumption and light productivity tasks. Just keep in mind that the limited internal storage and average camera quality may be a drawback for some users.


Samsung Galaxy Tab A7

samsung galaxy tab a7 review

  • What We Like?

    The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 offers an impressive 10.4-inch display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, providing vibrant visuals and sharp images. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. With its 32GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card, you’ll have ample space for all your files, photos, and videos.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is its average camera quality. While it features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, the images captured may lack the sharpness and detail compared to higher-end tablets. Additionally, the tablet’s battery life could be improved, as it may require frequent charging during extended usage.

Product Specification

Display: 10.4-inch TFT LCD
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 1TB)
Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
Battery: 7,040mAh
Operating System: Android 11

Pros

  • Crisp and vibrant display
  • Expandable storage
  • Smooth performance

Cons

  • Average camera quality
  • Limited battery life

9.7
Our Score

Our Verdict

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly tablet with a large display and decent performance. While it may not excel in all areas, its affordability and versatility make it a suitable option for casual users and students. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching movies, or reading e-books, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 offers a satisfactory experience.


Microsoft Surface Go 2

microsoft surface go 2 review

  • What We Like?

    The Microsoft Surface Go 2 stands out with its compact 10.5-inch PixelSense display, providing vibrant colors and excellent touch sensitivity. Powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The tablet features a kickstand and a detachable Type Cover, allowing users to transform it into a laptop-like device for enhanced productivity.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is its limited storage capacity. The base model comes with only 64GB of eMMC storage, which may fill up quickly, especially if you’re storing large files or installing multiple applications. Additionally, the tablet’s battery life is average, requiring frequent charging during intensive usage.

Product Specification

Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense
Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core m3
Storage: 64GB eMMC (upgradeable to 128GB SSD)
Camera: 5MP rear, 5MP front
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Operating System: Windows 10 Home in S mode

Pros

  • Compact and portable design
  • High-quality display
  • Versatile with detachable Type Cover

Cons

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Average battery life

9.6
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 offers a great balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals and students. While its storage capacity may be a limitation, the tablet’s versatility and integration with the Windows ecosystem make it a reliable companion for productivity tasks. If you’re seeking a tablet that can double as a laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is worth considering.


Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus

amazon fire hd 10 plus review

  • What We Like?

    The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus offers a stunning 10.1-inch Full HD display, delivering vivid colors and sharp details for an immersive viewing experience. It is powered by a powerful octa-core processor, ensuring smooth performance for various applications and games. The tablet also features an impressive battery life, allowing you to enjoy hours of entertainment without interruption.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One limitation of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is its limited access to the Google Play Store. As an Amazon device, it primarily relies on the Amazon Appstore for applications, which may have a more limited selection compared to the Google Play Store. Additionally, the tablet’s speakers could be improved, as they may lack depth and clarity for audio playback.

Product Specification

Display: 10.1-inch Full HD
Processor: Octa-core
Storage: 32GB/64GB (expandable up to 1TB)
Camera: 5MP rear, 2MP front
Battery: Up to 12 hours
Operating System: Fire OS

Pros

  • Stunning Full HD display
  • Powerful performance
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Limited access to Google Play Store
  • Average speakers

9.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable tablet with a high-quality display and reliable performance, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is a great option. Its seamless integration with Amazon services and extensive battery life make it ideal for entertainment purposes. While the limited access to the Google Play Store may be a drawback for some users, the tablet’s overall value and functionality make it a worthy choice.


Lenovo Chromebook Duet

lenovo chromebook duet review

  • What We Like?

    The Lenovo Chromebook Duet offers a unique 2-in-1 design, combining the portability of a tablet with the versatility of a laptop. It features a 10.1-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, it delivers smooth performance for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks. The tablet comes with a detachable keyboard and kickstand, providing a comfortable typing experience.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One limitation of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is its limited storage capacity. The base model comes with 64GB of eMMC storage, which may fill up quickly if you’re storing large files or installing multiple applications. Additionally, the tablet’s battery life could be improved, as it may require frequent charging during extended usage.

Product Specification

Display: 10.1-inch Full HD
Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Camera: 8MP rear, 2MP front
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Operating System: Chrome OS

Pros

  • Portable 2-in-1 design
  • Full HD display
  • Detachable keyboard and kickstand

Cons

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Average battery life

9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet offers an excellent combination of portability and productivity, making it an ideal choice for users who require both tablet and laptop functionalities. Its Full HD display and detachable keyboard enhance the overall user experience, while the integration with Chrome OS provides seamless access to Google services. If you’re in need of a versatile device for work and entertainment, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a reliable option.


Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

content image

  • What We Like?

    The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 offers an upgraded version of its predecessor, featuring a 10.1-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, delivering smooth performance for various tasks and applications. The tablet comes with a detachable keyboard and kickstand, providing a comfortable typing experience and versatile usage.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is its limited storage capacity. The base model offers 64GB of eMMC storage, which may fill up quickly if you’re storing large files or installing multiple applications. Additionally, the tablet’s battery life could be improved, as it may require frequent charging during extended usage.

Product Specification

Display: 10.1-inch Full HD
Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Camera: 8MP rear, 2MP front
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Operating System: Chrome OS

Pros

  • Portable 2-in-1 design
  • Full HD display
  • Detachable keyboard and kickstand

Cons

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Average battery life

8.7
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 offers an enhanced user experience with its Full HD display and versatile design. Whether you’re browsing the web, working on documents, or enjoying multimedia content, this tablet provides excellent performance and convenience. While the limited storage capacity and average battery life may be a consideration, the overall value and functionality make the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 a worthy investment.


Amazon Fire HD 8

amazon fire hd 8 review

  • What We Like?

    The Amazon Fire HD 8 features an 8-inch HD display with vivid colors and sharp details, perfect for multimedia consumption and casual gaming. It is powered by a quad-core processor, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and applications. The tablet comes with dual speakers, offering immersive audio playback for movies, music, and audiobooks.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    One drawback of the Amazon Fire HD 8 is its limited app selection. While it provides access to popular applications, some niche or specialized apps may not be available in the Amazon Appstore. Additionally, the tablet’s camera quality is average, making it less suitable for capturing high-quality photos or videos.

Product Specification

Display: 8-inch HD
Processor: Quad-core
Storage: 32GB/64GB (expandable up to 1TB)
Camera: 2MP rear, 2MP front
Battery: Up to 12 hours
Operating System: Fire OS

Pros

  • Vibrant HD display
  • Smooth performance
  • Dual speakers for immersive audio

Cons

  • Limited app selection
  • Average camera quality

8.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

For those seeking an affordable and compact tablet for entertainment purposes, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is an excellent choice. Its vibrant display and smooth performance make it suitable for browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. While the limited app selection may be a drawback for some users, the tablet’s overall value and reliability make it a popular option among budget-conscious consumers.


Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cheap Tablet?

Q:What is the first factor to consider when looking for a cheap tablet?

The first factor to consider when looking for the best cheap tablet is your budget. Set a budget range that you are comfortable with, and prioritize tablets that fall within that range. It’s essential to strike a balance between affordability and functionality.

Q:Why is the display important when choosing a cheap tablet?

The display is crucial when choosing a cheap tablet because it greatly affects your viewing experience. Consider the size and quality of the display. A larger display is ideal for multimedia consumption, while a higher resolution ensures sharper visuals. Look for tablets with at least HD resolution for an immersive viewing experience.

Q:What should you check regarding the tablet’s performance?

When assessing a tablet’s performance, check the processor, RAM, and storage capacity. A faster processor and higher RAM ensure smoother multitasking and better overall performance. Opt for a tablet with sufficient storage space or expandable storage options to accommodate your files and applications.

How can you decide which operating system is right for your cheap tablet?

To decide which operating system is right for your cheap tablet, consider your preferences and requirements. You can choose between Android, iOS, or a specialized operating system like Fire OS. Each operating system has its unique features and app ecosystem, so select one that aligns with your needs.

Q:Why is battery life an important factor when choosing a cheap tablet?

Battery life is crucial when choosing a cheap tablet, especially if you plan to use the device on the go. Look for tablets with long battery life, preferably at least 8-10 hours, to ensure uninterrupted usage throughout the day.

Q:What additional features should you consider when selecting a cheap tablet?

In addition to the core factors, consider any additional features that are important to you. These may include stylus support, camera quality, audio capabilities, and connectivity options like 4G or 5G, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding an affordable and reliable tablet doesn’t mean compromising on quality or functionality. The top 9 best cheap tablets of 2023, including the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, TCL Tab 10 5G, and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, offer excellent value for money with their impressive features and specifications. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who enjoys multimedia consumption, these tablets provide a range of options to suit your needs.

Remember to consider factors such as display size and quality, performance, operating system, battery life, and additional features when making your purchase. By following our buying guidelines and exploring the tablets mentioned in this article, you can find the perfect cheap tablet that fits your requirements and enhances your digital experience.

So, go ahead and choose the tablet that suits you best, and embark on an exciting journey of productivity and entertainment with your new companion!