Best budget tablets

Review of the best according to the editorial board. About selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A good tablet doesn't have to be expensive. We have selected 12 models, the purchase of which will not hit the family budget – but at the same time they will be very practical and convenient.

How to Pick a Good Cheap Tablet – Tips and Criteria

Most budget tablets come with very average or even downright weak components. Therefore, in order to get pleasure from using (and not continuous disappointments), when choosing such a device, you should pay attention not to the screen size, as many do, but to other specifications.

The main selection criteria are:

1. CPU. Undesirable if it's Rockchip, Allwinner or Spreadtrum. These manufacturers produce very 'weak' chips with low performance but high power consumption. A good solution would be a tablet on some relatively 'fresh' processor from MediaTek, ideal – from Qualcomm;
2. The amount of RAM. The performance of the tablet depends on this parameter when performing several tasks at once – for example, when surfing the web while working 'in the background' of some messenger or social network client. Considering that outside 2018 and even Google Play Services are actively consuming up to 200 MB of RAM, the 'minimum viable' amount of RAM is 1 GB. Better, of course, more;
3. The amount of permanent memory. The internal storage stores the operating system itself, user-installed applications, their data, and other useful information (such as photos and music). As a consequence, the larger the amount of permanent memory, the better. It is desirable that the tablet has an internal storage of at least 8 GB, and the optimal volume is 16 GB.
4. The rest of the parameters should be selected based on your needs. For example, for constant access to the Internet, you will need support for a SIM card and 3G or 4G. The diagonal of the screen rather determines the convenience, because the image quality depends on the resolution and pixel density. A large battery will provide longer battery life (but the exact value depends on the usage scenarios).
5. It is desirable that the tablet has a slot for memory cards. Usually, the internal storage of budget tablets is small, 8 or 16 GB – and this is extremely small, especially if you want to take a couple of movies on the road or download offline maps for the navigator. This content can be placed on a memory card.
6. If we talk about manufacturers, then budget tablets are produced by almost all companies that generally specialize in such electronics. Good solutions can be found in the range of Lenovo, Huawei and Samsung. Manufacturers such as Prestigio, Archos, Digma and BB-Mobile specialize in the production of inexpensive tablets.

Rating of the best inexpensive tablets

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive tablets: budget under 5,000 rubles	1	Digma Plane 1601 3G	RUB 5,024
	2	Prestigio Wize PMT3401	–
	3	BB-Mobile Techno Mozg 7.0	–
The best inexpensive tablets: budget under 10,000 rubles	1	Huawei MediaPad T3 8.0 16Gb LTE	RUB 9,590
	2	Lenovo Tab 4 TB-8504X 16Gb	RUB 10,430
	3	Prestigio Mult iPad Visconte V PMP1012TE	–
The best inexpensive tablets with a good camera	1	Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X304L 16Gb	11 450 RUB
	2	Lenovo Tab 3 Plus 7703X 16Gb	RUB 8,990
	3	Archos 80 Oxygen	RUB 9,790
Best low-cost 10-inch tablets	1	Huawei MediaPad T3 10 16Gb LTE	10 640 RUB
	2	Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 SM-T561N 8Gb	–
	3	Prestigio Grace PMT3101 4G	RUB 6,990

The ranking is based on RankQuality data.

The best inexpensive tablets: budget under 5,000 rubles

Digma Plane 1601 3G

Rating: 4.7

Why the first place in the ranking: Ultra-budget tablet with 3G and good technical characteristics.

Description: A 10.1-inch budget tablet that's great for almost any daily use. Despite belonging to the ultra-budget price segment, it is equipped with an excellent screen (resolution 1280 × 800 pixels, made using IPS technology).

With the rest of the technical characteristics, everything is at the appropriate level. Tablet processor – quad-core MediaTek MT8321 with a clock speed of 1.3 GHz; RAM and permanent memory – according to the 'minimum viable' volume (1 and 8 GB, respectively); 5000mAh battery provides up to 1 full day of mixed use.

But the main advantage of the tablet is the support of the mobile Internet. It is equipped with a slot for installing SIM cards, and two at once, and can communicate with 3G networks. A microSD card tray is also included.

Advantages

• High-quality screen;
• Support for mobile internet;
• Capacious battery;

disadvantages

• Internal storage too small;
• Cameras added 'for show';
• Poor quality of the main speaker;

Prestigio Wize PMT3401

Rating: 4.6

Why the second place in the rating: The hardware base of the previous one (Digma Plane 1601 3G), but a more resource-intensive operating system.

Description: Prestigio Wize PMT3401 uses the same hardware base as Digma Plane 1601 3G – processor MediaTek MTK 8321 with four processing cores and 1.3 GHz clock speed; 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory; battery 5000 mAh; two slots for SIM-cards, Internet support using 3G technology; tray for microSD memory cards; 10.1-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels; and even a 2MP camera.

The only difference between the two tablets is the OS used. If the model from Digma works on an old one, but suitable for most tasks Android 5.1 Lollipop; then Prestigio's device is using Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

A more recent operating system, of course, increases the capabilities of the tablet – for example, a memory card can be used as hybrid storage for applications. However, it consumes more resources, as a result of which the device works a little slower.

Advantages

• Display with realistic color reproduction;
• Good battery life;
• High-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• Little RAM and permanent memory;
• Cameras added 'for show';
• Poor speaker;

BB-Mobile Techno Mozg 7.0

Rating: 4.6

Why the third place in the ranking: 7-inch inexpensive tablet with Intel Atom – a nimble, but very hot processor.

Description: BB-Mobile Techno Mozg 7.0 is, as the name implies, a 7-inch tablet. Therefore, it is quite compact and convenient – for example, for use as a navigator. At the same time, the display is made using IPS technology and has a very good resolution of 1024 × 600 pixels for its size.

The hardware base of the budget tablet is quite mediocre. Processor – Intel Atom x3 С3230, which is poorly suited for Android – devices. Because of this, the tablet discharges a little faster than the above 'brothers'. But on the other hand, it is quite 'nimble' and able to handle even relatively 'heavy' games.

The processor is supplemented with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of permanent memory. In addition, the tablet is equipped with two slots for SIM-cards, support for mobile Internet over 3G, a memory card tray, a 3000 mAh battery, and a 2 MP camera.

Advantages

• High performance;
• 3G support;
• High-quality assembly;
• Lightweight and compact;

disadvantages

• Low autonomy due to the battery and the 'gluttonous' processor;
• Slow 'cold start' GPS;
• Heats up noticeably;

Rating of the best budget tablets – cost up to 10,000 rubles

Huawei MediaPad T3 8.0 16Gb LTE

Rating: 4.8

Why the first place in the rating: High performance, fresh operating system, support for 4G LTE mobile Internet.

Description: A budget tablet as it should be. At a price of up to 10 thousand rubles, this device offers a high-quality 8-inch IPS-screen with a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels and a glass coating; powerful quad-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 with a clock speed of 1.4 GHz; 2 GB of RAM for smooth operation even with a large number of open applications; 16 GB internal storage for user data storage; and support for mobile Internet 4G LTE.

Additionally, the tablet boasts a memory card slot; battery for 4800 mAh; metal case and fresh operating system. Powered by Huawei MediaPad T3 8.0 running Android 7.0, which is economical and offers many useful features like hybrid storage for apps (using SD card) or quick response from the notification bar .

Advantages

• Excellent screen quality (high resolution, realistic colors, good saturation);
• Up to 2 days of battery life in mixed use mode;
• High performance for most daily tasks;

disadvantages

• Bad location of the charging connector (bottom);
• Inconvenient volume control, too loud speaker;
• Lots of unnecessary pre-installed software;

Lenovo Tab 4 TB-8504X 16Gb

Rating: 4.7

Why the second place in the ranking: Fast, productive, but the native OS is heavily modified by the manufacturer.

Description: Both tablets from the list – and Huawei MediaPad T3, and Lenovo Tab 4 TB-8504X – are built on the same hardware platform. The devices are equipped with a processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 with 1.4 GHz clock speed and 4 processing cores, which is complemented by 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory. Even the screen is the same – 8-inch, with a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels and made with IPS technology for good color reproduction.

Lenovo has only a slightly more capacious battery (4850 mAh); plastic – not metal – body; and powerful stereo speakers.

The main difference between tablets is the operating system. Both work on Android 7.0 Nougat with an upgrade to 7.1, but Huawei has a deep EMUI modification, and Lenovo has a bunch of custom add-ons that are not particularly convenient in use, and consume a lot of RAM. That is why he is in second place.

Advantages

• High-quality screen;
• 4G LTE support;
• High performance;
• Stereo speakers;

disadvantages

• Slow charging from the complete charger (power is only 5 W);
• Heavily modified operating system resulting in poor performance.

Prestigio Mult iPad Visconte V PMP1012TE

Rating: 4.6

Why the third place in the ranking: Budget Windows – a tablet with a keyboard. It is convenient to work in laptop mode. But if you turn off the keyboard, the disadvantages of touch input come out Windows.

Description: Prestigio Mult iPad Visconte V is a cheap Windows tablet that can be transformed into a laptop thanks to a plug-in external keyboard. This makes it quite a good device for working on the go, especially if the budget does not allow for a full-fledged ultrabook.

Belonging to the ultra-budget segment is manifested in the relatively low performance of the tablet. It is equipped with a dual-core processor Intel Atom Z3735F clocked at 1.33 GHz; 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. Tablet display – 10.1-inch, with a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels, made using IPS technology.

The performance of the tablet is sufficient for surfing the web, working with some desktop applications like GIMP or the Office suite Microsoft, and other daily tasks. It even has a number of old games running!

Advantages

• Compatible with desktop applications;
• Plug-in keyboard included;
• Up to 5 hours of battery life;

disadvantages

• Comparatively slow hard drive;
• Touch input in Windows 10 doesn't work as well as we would like;
• The tilt angle of the screen relative to the keyboard is not adjustable;

Best budget tablets with a good camera

Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X304L 16Gb

Rating: 4.8

Why # 1: High performance, high battery capacity – and a good camera, of course.

Description: 10.1-inch Android – tablet based on the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, which provides quite good (for its price segment) performance. The chip is supplemented with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB on the built-in storage. The main camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, but thanks to the optimization of the processor and software, it takes relatively good photos.

The screen is made using IPS technology and has a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels, which provides a smooth, clear and rich picture. The tablet is supplemented with a huge 7000 mAh battery, which provides up to 2 days of battery life in mixed use mode.

The tablet runs on the operating system Android 7.0 – but with numerous modifications from Lenovo and a bunch of pre-installed applications, not always useful.

Advantages

• Bright, juicy, rich screen;
• Up to 2 days of battery life;
• High performance;

disadvantages

• Lots of pre-installed software;
• To store personal data like movies, it is advisable to install an SD card;
• No oleophobic coating on the screen;

Lenovo Tab 3 Plus 7703X 16Gb

Rating: 4.7

Why Second in the Rankings: The best budget tablet for navigation is compact, with a good screen and a great camera.

Description: Lenovo Tab 3 Plus is an ultra-compact 7-inch tablet with a SIM card tray, support for mobile Internet and the ability to use it in cell phone mode (calls, SMS).

It is based on a budget hardware platform Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8916 with 4 processing cores and a clock speed of 1.2 GHz, which is complemented by 2 GB of RAM. This ensures a very smooth operation when performing several tasks simultaneously. The 7-inch screen is made using IPS technology and has a high resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels.

The tablet is well suited for navigation and, for example, using it to work in a taxi. A GPS cold start takes a few seconds, and with 4G LTE support, online maps are loaded instantly.

The tablet battery has a capacity of 3500 mAh, which is enough for a day of battery life in mixed use mode.

Advantages

• Great screen;
• Slim, well-assembled body;
• Reliable network connection;
• High performance;

disadvantages

• Gets a little warm during operation, especially when connected to LTE
• Relatively small battery capacity;
• A lot of pre-installed software Lenovo slows down the system;

Archos 80 Oxygen

Rating: 4.5

Why third place in the ranking: Highest screen resolution, but relatively low battery life.

Description: An 8-inch tablet that will definitely appeal to lovers of high-quality images. Its screen is made using IPS technology and has a resolution higher than FHD – 1920 × 1200 pixels. In addition, the hardware platform of the tablet is based on the processor MediaTek MTK 8163 with 4 processing cores and a clock speed of 1.3 GHz, which is complemented by 2 GB of RAM.

The tablet also has an internal 32 GB storage; slot for microSD memory cards up to 64 GB; 5-megapixel main camera with software and hardware optimization; and a 4500 mAh battery. The battery is too small for such a screen and therefore provides up to 1 day of battery life in mixed use mode.

But there is no SIM card slot, so the tablet goes online exclusively via Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• 'Smooth', crisp screen;
• Optimal performance;
• High-quality assembly;

disadvantages

• Relatively short battery life (due to the high screen resolution);
• Low-quality front camera – more suitable for skype than for photos;
• No SIM card slot;

Rating of the best budget tablets with a screen diagonal of 10 inches

Huawei MediaPad T3 10 16Gb LTE

Rating: 4.8

Why first place: High performance.

Description: 9.6-inch tablet with a high-quality screen and a very good hardware platform for its price category. The display is made using IPS technology, which provides realistic colors and good image saturation, and has a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels.

Tablet processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 with 4 processing cores and a clock speed of 1.4 GHz. It is supplemented with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. In addition, a 4800 mAh battery and a 5 MP main camera are installed in the tablet. And it's all packed in a metal case.

The tablet is running Android 7.0 Nougat, and deeply reworked to the state of EMUI – proprietary firmware from Huawei, separately optimized for this 'hardware'. So, despite the relatively small battery capacity, the battery life of the device is up to 1.5 days in mixed use mode.

Advantages

• Bright, crisp, rich screen;
• Good battery life;
• Optimal performance;
• Support for mobile Internet according to the 4G standard;

disadvantages

• Slow charging, and not only with the complete charger;
• No automatic screen brightness adjustment;
• It is better to use a memory card for storing media files;

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 SM-T561N 8Gb

Rating: 4.7

Why second place: High reliability, well-known brand, but very little permanent memory.

Description: One of the ultra-budget tablets from Samsung. Galaxy Tab E 9.6 SM-T561N is equipped with a Spreadtrum SC7730SE processor with 4 processing cores and a clock speed of 1.3 MHz (you can not hope that Asphalt 8 can handle, but enough for everyday tasks), which is complemented by 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage device. The screen has a diagonal of 9.6 inches, a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels, and is made using IPS technology.

Among other technical characteristics of the tablet – a 5000 mAh battery, which is enough for 1.5-2 days of battery life; slot for SIM-cards and support for mobile Internet on 3G; and a 5 MP main camera.

The tablet is running Android 4.4 KitKat. This is both a disadvantage and an advantage. On the one hand, this OS allows you to transfer application data to an SD card; on the other hand, it is already quite old, and a number of new functions simply do not work on it.

Advantages

• Good battery life;
• Decent screen quality;
• Split screen support;

disadvantages

• Poor performance (tablet for books, instant messengers and rare web surfing);
• Very little persistent memory
• Camera added 'for show';

Prestigio Grace PMT3101 4G

Rating: 4.4

Why third place: The best combination of price and quality. And there is also 4G.

Description: a budget tablet that at the same time offers very good technical characteristics. So, it is based on the processor MediaTek MTK 8735 (quad-core, 1 GHz), which is supplemented by 2 GB of RAM. The internal storage of the device is 16 GB.

The 10.1-inch screen of the tablet is made using IPS technology and has a resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels. The display has good color reproduction, but the ppi is relatively small.

In the unambiguous advantages of the tablet, you can add support for mobile Internet for the high-speed 4G LTE standard. The device operates in cell phone mode – it can receive calls and SMS messages.

The built-in battery has a capacity of 6000 mAh, which is enough for 1.5-2 days of mixed use. The resolution of the main camera is 2 MP, no software or hardware optimization is observed, so it was added, in fact, for show.

Advantages

• Attractive design with slim bezels
• Support for high speed internet 4G;
• High autonomy;

disadvantages

• Poor speaker quality (quiet, distorting sound);
• Slow Wi-Fi module;
• Lots of pre-installed unnecessary software;

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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