Rating of the best inexpensive tablets in 2021: how to make a choice on a limited budget

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Inexpensive models run on the Android operating system and include all the necessary functions. They are equipped with bright, high-quality screens, thanks to which you can comfortably watch short videos and long films.

RAM and a modern processor allow you to run various applications and even simple games on them. Capacious batteries can withstand several hours of active work without additional recharging. Thanks to the built-in memory, you can store tens of gigabytes of information; if necessary, this volume can be expanded. In addition, inexpensive models are equipped with cameras, usually two of them: rear and front.

What to look for when purchasing:

• New operating system.
  The newer the Android version, the longer it will remain relevant.
• RAM and processor.
  If you are buying a device for work, planning to perform simple functions on it, such as sending letters or reading books, then you can get by with a minimum threshold of these characteristics.
• Display.
  Large screens require high resolution in order for the image to be clear and bright.
• Battery capacity.
  The operating time depends on the battery, and a large screen significantly increases the rate of its consumption, so the higher the battery capacity, the longer the tablet will work without recharging.
• Built-in memory capacity and memory card slot support.
  The more memory a device has, the more information it can store.
• Frame.
  Among the inexpensive models you can find gadgets with both plastic and metal casings. Of course, the latter is of higher quality and more durable.
• Cameras.
  As a rule, tablets are not distinguished by the high quality of the photographs taken and are much inferior to smartphones, however, here you can choose an inexpensive tablet with a good camera.

We present the rating of inexpensive tablets 2021. The best 11 models that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 Z170CG 16Gb

Stylish design is a distinctive feature of tablets produced by the Taiwanese company ASUS. The Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system and 4 computing units make it possible to run multiple programs simultaneously without sacrificing speed. The ratio of RAM and internal memory is 1 and 16 GB. Supports 2 SIM cards. The 7-inch gadget weighs 265 g. The plastic body creates a feeling of warmth in the hand.

A tablet for 7,000 rubles - ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 Z170CG 16Gb, in appearance resembles an elegant ladies' envelope bag - clutch. The similarity adds to the attractiveness of the gadget in the eyes of women.

The battery capacity of 3450 mAh allows continuous operation for 8 hours.

Built-in video cameras are not one of the product's strengths. 2 and 0.3 megapixels are not conducive to obtaining high-quality images.

The best inexpensive 10-inch tablets

Many users perceive tablet computers as a replacement for a laptop. In this case, compact devices with a display diagonal of 7 or 8 inches cannot be called a suitable choice. This is due to the fact that screens in the budget class of devices usually do not have a high resolution. Because of this, a fairly modest amount of information can fit on the display of compact models at a time. If you often need to work with documents, customer databases, or you just like to browse Internet resources comfortably, then you should give preference to 10-inch tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T585 16Gb

Can't decide which is the best tablet for gaming? Be sure to take a closer look at the Galaxy Tab A 10.1. This device was released in 2016, so you shouldn’t count on the latest OS. But if, first of all, you are not interested in new functions, but in stable operation, good autonomy and excellent quality of equipment, then there are not many tablets on sale under 13 thousand rubles that fit these criteria.

A good 10.1-inch Samsung tablet received a proprietary Exynos 7870 processor, a Mali-T830 graphics core, as well as 2 RAM and 16 gigabytes of internal memory. The device screen has a resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels. It is quite bright, and thanks to the light sensor, which is often absent in newer models, the display brightness is adjusted automatically. The battery capacity is also pleasing – as much as 7300 mAh.

Advantages:

• fast system operation;
• gaming performance;
• screen quality and brightness;
• battery life;
• good main camera.

Flaws:

• no backlighting of touch buttons;
• inconvenient speaker placement.

HUAWEI MediaPad T5 10 16Gb LTE

The TOP 4 tablets with a diagonal of 10.1 inches continue with a good and high-quality model from Huawei. The appearance of the MediaPad T5 corresponds to the general style of the devices of the Chinese brand. The metal body is pleasantly cool to the hand, does not play or creak. Only the antenna strip is made of plastic. Among the wireless modules, by the way, there are Bluetooth version 4.2 and Wi-Fi with support for the 802.11ac standard.

You can also access the Internet on one of the best price-quality tablets via a mobile network. The tablet computer supports both 3G and LTE.

Android 8.0 with the proprietary EMUI shell of the same version is installed on board. In general, there are no complaints about it, but buyers criticize some features of the Huawei branded launcher (evaluate the device before purchasing). The tablet is equipped with a proprietary Kirin 659 “stone”, 2 GB of RAM and Mali-T830 graphics. Yes, the “filling” is far from top solutions, but there are no problems with it: if you sacrifice the settings, even the latest projects from Google Play will work here.

Advantages:

• fast work;
• excellent assembly;
• loud speaker;
• copes with fairly heavy games;
• good performance;
• OTG supported;
• stability of LTE and GPS.

Flaws:

• The power supply is only 1A.

Lenovo Tab E10 TB-X104L 3Gb 32Gb

Next in the tablet ranking is a simple model produced by Lenovo. The device received 3 gigabytes of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. The latter, if necessary, can be expanded by another 128 GB using microSD cards. The device also has a nano SIM card tray and 3G/LTE support.

Due to its 1280x800 pixel resolution, the tablet is better suited for schoolchildren who need a simple study assistant. At the same time, thanks to such a screen, it will be able to cope with some new games, albeit at low graphic settings. Otherwise, this is a typical inexpensive solution in a plastic case.

Advantages:

• high-quality sound (two stereo speakers);
• 3GB RAM;
• holds a charge well;
• amount of built-in memory;
• price from 11 thousand rubles;
• operation of wireless modules.

Flaws:

• sometimes slows down;
• The cameras are not impressive.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T515 32Gb

And finally, here it is - the perfect affordable tablet for 2021. The body of the tablet computer is made of metal and looks very stylish. The thickness of the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is less than 8 mm, although the manufacturer has placed a fairly capacious 6150 mAh battery inside. The tablet's display is bright, with excellent color reproduction and high WUXGA resolution, providing a pixel density of 224 ppi. Dynamics in Galaxy Tab A 10.1 two. They are good, but they are located only at the bottom (on the side in landscape orientation).

The main and front cameras here are quite good - 8 and 5 MP.

The performance of the SM-T515 is sufficient for any task, from watching videos to modern games. Of course, in some projects the graphics quality will not be maximum, but you can achieve comfortable work in any application. Also in their reviews, tablet buyers note the convenience and stability of the shell. Out of the box, Android 9.0 is installed as the operating system. However, keep in mind that this is a new model, so it will also be updated.

Advantages:

• 8-core Exynos 7904 processor;
• Dolby Atmos sound subsystem;
• reasonable price tag;
• excellent viewing angles;
• USB Type-C available;
• you can turn on children's mode;
• luxurious metal body;
• battery life.

Flaws:

• speakers on one side;
• 2 GB of RAM is not enough for everyone.

Digma CITI 1903 4G

Are you planning to buy a cheap tablet with two SIM cards? Digma CITY 1903 4G is an excellent choice for any task. The device is equipped with a 6000 mAh battery, capable of providing 8 hours of operation at maximum load and 5 days of autonomy in standby mode. The processor in this device is modest - 4-core MT8735 at 1 GHz. Together with the graphics from Mali, this leaves absolutely no hope for the possibility of launching something more powerful than projects on the level of “Angry Birds”. But the tablet does not have any problems with video, instant messengers, browser and other simple applications. Thanks to the Android 6.0 system and 2 GB of RAM, this tablet can hold several applications in memory simultaneously without any frills. A bright 10.1-inch matrix (1280x800), as well as a good, albeit single speaker, allow you to enjoy watching movies and TV series. All this is complemented by 32 GB of ROM, when most competitors offer 2 times less built-in storage.

Advantages:

• uninterrupted operation of the OS;
• amount of RAM;
• work in LTE networks;
• built-in storage capacity;
• good and bright display;
• good level of autonomy.

Flaws:

• inconvenient virtual keyboard;
• the case heats up noticeably during operation;
• the quality of the glass covering the screen.

Huawei MediaPad T3 10 16GB LTE

The undisputed leader among inexpensive 10-inch tablets is the MediaPad T3 10 model from the Chinese brand Huawei. The device runs Android 7 Nougat and is equipped with a bright 9.6-inch matrix (1280x800 pixels). The “stuffing” of the tablet is quite typical for a price of 12 thousand rubles: Snapdragon 425, Adreno graphics, 2 GB of RAM. The built-in storage in the MediaPad T3 is only 16 GB, so to download videos and music you will have to buy an additional microSD card (up to 128 GB). Among the wireless modules, this reliable tablet with a beautiful bright screen includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LTE module. The latter, by the way, supports all bands common in the Russian Federation.

Advantages:

• perfectly assembled device;
• the screen is high quality and bright;
• flawlessly working system;
• durable metal backdrop;
• reasoned price tag.

Flaws:

• insufficient amount of built-in memory;
• Applications are installed only on the internal storage.

No. 12 - Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd GEN

Price: 13,480 rubles

The main feature of the model is its design. In particular, the frames, which are much thinner here than those of the device’s neighbors in the segment. Users are also delighted with the thickness of the metal case – 8.25 mm. The tablet fits perfectly in your hand and fits into your backpack. It is noteworthy that the battery capacity was not affected - 5000 mAh. So, if you still don’t know which inexpensive and good tablet to buy, pay attention to this gadget.

Its multimedia functionality is good: the 10.1-inch screen produces clear images, there are many font size adjustments, which makes the model an excellent option for retirees. The stereo speakers, in turn, sound loud and detailed. Perfect for watching a movie without headphones. Other goodies include a Type-C port, dual-band Wi-Fi, and 4G LTE support.

Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd GEN

No. 14 – Lenovo Tab M10 Plus TB-X606F 32Gb (2020)

Price: 12,990 rubles

An extremely interesting offer in the segment up to 15,000 rubles. The model has a fairly thin metal case with a thickness of only 8.1 mm, as well as a Type-C connector for connecting a charger. It is noteworthy that despite the size, the manufacturer did not save on battery capacity - it is 5000 mAh, which is enough for a day of screen operation.

The main trump card of the device is the 10.3-inch display with a resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels, which is perfect for absolutely any task. All this is complemented by 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo sound and an attractive design.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus TB-X606F

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 SM-T280 8Gb

Product from a South Korean manufacturer. The gadget weighs 274 g and is made of high-quality plastic. Fits comfortably in the hand. The 7″ diagonal screen, thanks to the IPS matrix, provides high-quality images and color reproduction. Internet access is via Wi-Fi. Operating system Android (Android) 5.1. The amount of RAM is 1.5 GB, internal memory is 8 GB. There is a slot for a memory card. Equipped with 2 video cameras 5 and 2 (front) MP. Supports GLONASS. It has a standard menu for Samsung.

The Children's Mode deserves attention. A list of programs available for the child to attend is established. To enter the full menu you need to enter a 4-digit PIN code. The strong point of the device is its 4000 mAh battery. There is no SIM card slot. A 4-core processor with a frequency of 1300 MHz allows you to solve problems at high speed.

Having gotten an idea of ​​what a Samsung tablet is, 7,000 rubles will be an insignificant amount for the opportunity to operate a gadget from one of the world's best manufacturers.

TurboPad 1016

Price 6000 rubles.

Next in line is an inexpensive but good device, presented to the public in a chic black case. The model was announced in 2021 and tends to comply with the latest appearance requirements. The plastic base is thoroughly polished, which creates the feeling of an expensive unit.

On the front panel there is a glossy 10.1″ matrix with a resolution of 1280×800, which is not bad for a tablet in this price category.

The hardware is built on a 1.1 GHz chip paired with 1 GB of RAM. The main unit has 16 GB of storage and can be expanded 4 times via Micro SD.

The above is complemented by a slot for 2 SIMs, support for all necessary extensions and connections.

In comparison with flagship designs, the device loses, but it is definitely worth the money.

Advantages:

• good sound;
• good battery;
• great design.

Flaws:

• low quality of shooting;
• The body is easily scratched.

The best inexpensive tablets under 10,000 rubles

If you want to invest your money wisely in purchasing a tablet computer, but do not want to agree to many compromises in assembly, functionality and design, then this category is for you. For just a few extra thousand rubles, manufacturers offer excellent devices for a wide range of tasks. In terms of speed, autonomy and reliability, popular tablet models for an average price, about 10,000 rubles, can compete with more expensive devices. This statement is especially true for products from Lenovo, Huawei and Prestigio, which most attracted the attention of our editors.

Lenovo Tab 4 TB-7504X 2Gb 16Gb

A popular tablet model from the Chinese brand Lenovo. The device has a 7-inch HD screen made using IPS technology. Unfortunately, the display does not have an oleophobic coating, so it is better to immediately buy a good film so that you do not need to constantly remove fingerprints from the surface.

A good tablet with 4G only has one speaker. It is located on top, which is not very good, because the user will almost always overlap it in landscape orientation. The cameras in the TB-7504X are more for show, but they are still of higher quality than those modules that are installed in very inexpensive devices.

Advantages:

• convenient sizes;
• excellent assembly;
• work in LTE networks;
• display quality;
• event indicator;
• autonomy.

Flaws:

• slow charging;
• speaker location.

Prestigio Grace PMT3201 4G

Typically, up to 7,000 rubles, tablets with a diagonal of 10 inches do not have impressive capabilities. But with the PMT3201 model, Prestigio definitely hit the mark, offering users both decent characteristics and an attractive price tag. So, the MT8735 processor from MediaTek (the same as in the Lenovo model described above) is chosen as the hardware platform, and the RAM and ROM in the device are 2 and 16 GB, respectively.

Although the diagonal is not the smallest, the screen resolution in the PMT3201 is only 1280x800 pixels. Make sure you have enough pixel density.

The device also has two trays for SIM cards, and the tablet can work not only in 3G, but also in 4G networks. The autonomy will not disappoint customers either, because it is powered by a capacious 6000 mAh battery. The cameras here are disgusting, and even for Skype they are not very good. But due to the fact that you can buy a tablet computer at a very low price, it simply has no worthy competitors on the market.

Advantages:

• large and bright screen;
• excellent autonomy;
• system performance;
• tray for two SIM cards;
• very low cost.

Flaws:

• display resolution;
• useless cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 SM-T295 32Gb

Among the inexpensive Chinese tablet computers, there was also a place for the South Korean brand Samsung. The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 model, modified SM-T295, offers users a high-quality metal body with a thickness of only 8 mm, as well as a bright 8-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:10.

There is only one slot for a SIM card, but the device supports all LTE bands popular in Russia. The main camera in the Samsung tablet has a resolution of 8 MP, which is enough when shooting documents or business cards. A two-megapixel front camera, in turn, is enough for video communication.

The device is powered by a 5100 mAh battery. With such a battery, the tablet can work for about 2 days under moderate load. Reviews also praise the tablet for having a children's mode, so you can buy it for a child or as a family device for the home.

Advantages:

• popular brand;
• current updates;
• colorful screen with high brightness reserve;
• good optimization;
• good performance;
• high-quality sound;
• optimal size.

Flaws:

• expensive accessories;
• weak power supply included.

HUAWEI MediaPad T3 8.0 16Gb LTE

More than two years after the presentation, the popular tablet computer MediaPad T3 remains one of the best-selling tablets in the budget category. It is worth recognizing that HUAWEI really managed to create an ideal solution for its money. There is a metal case, a hardware platform from Qualcomm that is good in terms of performance and energy efficiency, and support for fourth generation networks.

Also among the characteristics of the tablet is a capacious 4800 mAh battery, which is charged via the MicroUSB port. When communicating, watching videos, using maps and other simple tasks, one charge lasts for 1.5-2 days. If you play actively, then you will have to go to the outlet in about 6-8 hours. Speaking of games. The tablet copes well with them. Is it possible that new projects sometimes have low fps.

Advantages:

• screen color rendering;
• light weight;
• performance;
• the battery holds a charge for a long time;
• well-built body;
• reasoned price.

Flaws:

• the screen gets dirty quickly;
• mediocre speaker.

Lenovo Tab 4 TB-7304X 16GB

Among experienced users, the Lenovo brand has long been associated with excellent value for money. A strong argument in favor of this statement is the Tab 4 TB-7304X model, the average cost of which is a modest 6,500 rubles. This Chinese tablet can be used for navigation in a taxi, because it boasts excellent GPS and LTE support, which is important if you need to urgently download new maps. The Tab 4 hardware platform is represented by the MT8735 processor from MediaTek and Adreno graphics. The tablet, of course, is not suitable for games, but for movies or the Internet the device is excellent. However, you need to take into account that the resolution of the matrix installed in Lenovo Tab 4 is only 1024x600 pixels, which, with a 7-inch diagonal, provides a modest density of 169 ppi. The quality of the cameras is also not impressive, and only 1 GB of RAM will completely disappoint if you often run several applications at the same time.

Advantages:

• good system optimization;
• GPS operation and LTE support;
• a good supply of internal memory – 16 GB;
• small size and weight;
• Android 7 OS out of the box;
• screen brightness and viewing angles.

Flaws:

• RAM is not enough for Android 7;
• low quality of shooting on any of the cameras;
• low resolution of the matrix.