In recent times, tablets are a necessary technology for college students, but some are still trying to figure out how to get one, especially those on a budget.
From battling with the high cost of tablets to portability, college students on a budget still seek to have the best tablet for their consumption.
If you fall into this category, you can still get good tablets with a low budget. This article will show a full list of the best tablets you can purchase in 2024.
Whether it’s music, creative writing, course work, a tablet gives you portability, ease of use, ability to copy and share your career as a student. No student wants to carry an old heavy laptop with their huge textbooks.
While tablets are generally valuable for college students, students are faced with a high price tag when purchasing one.
However, you won’t expect to get sleek and stylish tablets with a low budget.
We’ve got you covered for a student considering getting a tablet for college with a low budget. When creating this guide, we selected the best tablets for any college student based on price and functionality.
You can start by checking the table of content below to see what this article has for you.
Is a Tablet Useful for a College Student?
Technology is invading the field of education at an increasing rate. The process has evolved from learning on whiteboards to learning on interactive whiteboards. Our generation dreamed of using desktop computers to solve math, write, and draw.
The next generation has speculated on the benefits of having laptops in the Classroom. Now is the age of a tablet, this small vehicle of technology and knowledge immediately operational.
In terms of education, the tablet is a reasonably priced, powerful computer that enriches training by using an intuitive touchscreen and simple controls. The benefits of using electronic devices in learning are well known. An increasing number of traditional classrooms incorporate tablets for personal use as part of the curriculum.
Some conservative educators always fear that the tablet is a great distraction. Others argue that it is not just a sophisticated toy, but a versatile instrument that is revolutionizing the modern educational landscape.
There are over 15,000 educational apps in the Apple app store, and Google Play is shoulder to shoulder. The app ecosystem provides a wealth of learning content for all ages and diverse areas of knowledge.
Teachers’ concerns may be justified in some cases, but it is difficult to overestimate the benefits of tablets in the Classroom. This article summarizes 5 benefits of using tablets that span different educational institutions and methodologies. Let’s see why it’s so cool to be a student these days!
Easy to Use
Those concerned with technological challenges must admit that tablets are much more intuitive and user-friendly than desktop and laptop computers or paper books. Young children can use tablets. Textbooks are losing the battle on all fronts.
More Cost-effective than Textbooks
The tablet is an astute investment when you get there in the medium and long term. It pays off when you have the burden of supporting outdated infrastructure on your shoulders. No dust, no price increases, no surprises from textbook providers, and no storage and damage issues. Full scalability and lightweight backpack that can hold thousands of manuals in one device.
Tablets can also be easily updated with the latest versions of information. A decade or two decades ago, if schools changed their curricula, they also had to buy new books, which ended up costing tens of thousands of dollars to supply hundreds of students.
Live Knowledge Base
The instructor can quickly provide engaging material to students in real-time with a few clicks. Sorry, some taps! Additionally, students can use the recommended homework resources. Tablets give students instant access to individual research, a vast knowledge base available at their fingertips.
In the past, students had to find a classmate or access books to get help with a job they did not understand. There are thousands of websites and videos that can showcase sample lessons. Children don’t have to be left behind just because they can’t go to the library or contact a friend for help.
Direct Communication
The tablets connect all the leading players: students, parents, and teachers. Handwritten notes or tasks can be lost in a short time, intentionally or accidentally. This never happens with digital data: any comments, including criticisms, congratulations, or concerns, are available for future reference. The “forgotten” factor no longer flies. (offlinemodapk.com) Not for students, not for teachers.
As a teacher, one of my favorite things is that I can easily track my students’ progress. One of the main reasons children fall behind in school is that there needs to be someone to monitor grades and homework.
With technology, parents can also check grades and contact the teacher if their child needs additional help. Through email and online chats, I can remind my students to present work or speak to a child who is having trouble making sure that no one is disadvantaged in their studies.
Personal Approach
You must approach many learning styles as an instructor because not all students are created equal. Some are slow runners, and others are sprinters. The rhythm differs, and the interests also differ. The teacher can use the e-Learning arsenal to overcome this obstacle and offer the same course in different ways. For example, show videos or invite students to play educational games.
The tablet also meets special needs. Students with disabilities will appreciate the flexibility of the tablet, freedom of access, and adapted study programs. More profitable than textbooks.
Is a Tablet or Laptop Better for College Students?
Laptops and tablets are excellent learning tools for students, and these days they are essential for their work in and out of the Classroom. Both devices provide the following:
- Internet access.
- Easy reading of textbooks and online articles.
- Quick access to email anywhere on campus.
The differences lie in its size, cost, and functionality.
So which of them is better?
Many tech experts believe that laptops are the way to go for students because they offer a complete set of programs and features that most tablets lack. For example, built-in keyboards are standard on notebook computers and make writing documents and presentations easier.
Also, programs like PowerPoint and Excel are designed to work on computers but are challenging to operate from a tablet. Mastering these programs will be essential to your student’s professional success, so why not learn to use them early? Not only are many documents easier to organize and access on a laptop, but they also have more storage space to help your student spend all his years at school.
That said, laptops can be bulky and heavy when carried in a backpack all day, and you can buy a full-size keyboard to go with your tablet. They are light and perfect to transport to class all day without weighing a bag. Its smaller size allows you to quickly access the Internet or retrieve a document without sitting down.
If your student uses it in the Classroom, it doesn’t take up too much desk space, leaving plenty of room for books and other supplies. Tablets are also cheaper, as they provide most of the basic functionality of a laptop and save a little money for the rest of the school supplies on your list.
What To Look For When Seeking The Best Tablets For College Use?
Students want a tablet capable of tracking (or exceeding) the functionality of a basic laptop especially since the average student’s needs are generally more than a device for taking notes or writing an occasional quiz.
Student tablets should be more robust, with decent storage space, a fast processor, a readable screen, and the ability to run essential applications that make the tablet a helpful tool.
- Battery Life: Minimum of 8-hour average battery life
- Display Screen Size: Screen size of at least 10″ with a screen resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels
- Processor Speed: Ideally, a quad-core processor. At least 1.50 GHz
- Card Slots: Inputs, outlets – MicroSD card slot, USB mini or USB-C port
- RAM: 2 Gigabytes or more (preferable)
- Storage Space: 64 Gigabytes
- Camera: High-resolution camera, rear-facing camera
- Audio Visual Capabilities: AV jack input/output, mini HDMI output
- Bluetooth
Best Tablets for College Students on a Budget
Here is a list of the best tablets for College students on a budget:
- 1. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – $894.99
- 2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – $889
- 3. Apple iPad Pro 11″ – $799
- 4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 – $747.99
- 5. Microsoft Surface Go – $499
- 6. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro – $399.99
- 7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e – $399
- 8. Sony Experia Tablet Z – $395.00
- 9. Lenovo Tab 4 Plus – $379.99
- 10. Lenovo Yoga Book ($369.95)
- 11. ASUS Transformer Mini 10.1″ – $330
- 12. iPad Mini 4 – $329.95
- 13. Huawei MediaPad M5 – $319.99
- 14. Apple iPad 2019 Model – $299
- 15. Asus ZenPad 3S – $297.99
- 16. HTC Google Nexus 9 Tablet – $212.00
- 17. Samsung Galaxy Tab A – $179
- 18. Amazon Fire HD 10 – $149
- 19. RCA Cambio 2-in-1 Windows Tablet – $136
- 20. Amazon Fire Tablet – $31.35
#1. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 Newest Version – $894.99
The latest version of Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a laptop with the versatility of a studio and a tablet. And this is another 2-in-1 convertible tablet/laptop on this list of the best college student tablets.
The Microsoft Surface series is one of the most popular and best tablets for college students because it has a solid form factor and flawless performance. If you don’t have a budget problem, you can go to Surface Pro, as it’s the best choice for students for various purposes.
SEE ALSO: How can I become an Interior Designer in 2024? Schools, Cost & Salary
Specification
This 2-in-1 tablet has a 12.3-inch PixelSense screen with a 2736 x 1824 pixels resolution. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is equipped with the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM to support multitasking.
Most importantly, the storage segment of this device is hosted with a 128GB SSD, which is quite good. Graphics on this device are managed by the integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620. If you’re worried about the camera on this convertible tablet, it comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera. Then for taking selfies and video calls, it has a 5-megapixel front camera, which is great.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 weighs just 1.7 pounds because it’s ultra-thin and light. Another advantage of this multitasking laptop cum tablet is the all-day battery life of up to 13.5 hours of video playback.
#2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – $889
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an award-winning and globally recognized convertible laptop/tablet since its launch on the global market. The powerful bestial specifications, combined with a very compact and ergonomic format, make this aircraft a world pioneer in convertibles.
Specification
Speaking of specs, it’s powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor (also available with the Intel i7 processor) under the hood. The device comes with 8GB of RAM for multitasking, which is enough for most users. However, there is an option for 16GB of RAM if that’s not enough for your job.
Storage on the tablet supports a 128GB SSD that is now significantly faster and more efficient than previous generations. On the software side, the tablet runs Windows 10 Home, considered one of the most productive operating systems.
This device is ideal for students because of its convertible form factor and ability to be used as a powerful desktop replacement. The device has a 12.3-inch PixelSense screen with extremely high contrast and low brightness so users can work all day without tiring their eyes. This convertible also supports many compatible devices, such as type covers, surface docking stations, wireless display adapters, etc.
Finally, the device offers 10.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it ideal for students and anyone needing productivity. Overall, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the best tablets for college students on a budget and also looking for a versatile portable controller that closely resembles a complete laptop.
#3. Apple iPad Pro 11″ – $799
Apple iPads do not need to be brought into the field of tablets. These devices run on the cleanest and most refined operating system created to date. Running on iOS 12.1, the tablet has a large 11-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels.
Apple’s most advanced display technology powers the display, which has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and is the brightest and least reflective in actual use. Also, Apple says the new iPad Pro is faster than 92% of laptops sold in the past 12 months. This is insane since the device’s form factor was made possible by the brutally powerful A12X Bionic that sits under the hoods of the new iPad Pro.
Specification
The new iPad Pro offers incredible responsiveness and is powerful enough to handle complex actions like 4K video editing and multitasking.
The device comes with 4GB of RAM and offers several storage options of up to 1TB massive, which is still a huge advantage for users who efficiently run out of storage quickly. The tablet comes with a single USB Type-C port. Also, the tablet contains many Apple proprietary features, such as FaceID, and is also SIM card compatible if you choose the cellular version.
Most importantly, the tablet supports many apps for productivity and entertainment, making it one of our list of the best student tablets. The bottom line is that if you have $ 700 in your pocket, the tablet is far from the new iPad Pro in terms of usability and performance. He is a total winner and won the crown for the best tablet for a college student on a budget for taking notes in 2024.
#4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 – $747.99
Specification
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is one of the best options because this Samsung tablet is very popular. It can be easily transformed into a PC. The display is a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The screen of this tablet offers crisp, clear, and captivating cinematic experiences.
Let’s go to the specifications of this tablet, and then this Galaxy Tab S4 comes with the latest Android Oreo 8.0 operating system. This device works with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-Core 2.35 GHz processor and is coupled with 4 GB of RAM to manage applications and multitask.
The storage on this device supports 256GB, which can be expanded up to 400GB via the microSD card. The camera of this tablet is ideal for capturing moments in great detail since it has a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera.
Above all, this tablet runs on a 7300 mAh battery, lasting approximately 16 hours on a single charge. One of the features of this device that needs to be added the fingerprint sensor.
#5. Microsoft Surface Go – $499
Here’s another convertible tablet/laptop on the list. The Mircosoft Surface series of tablets are well known in the market for their flawless and no interruption in productivity as well as their solid form factor.
Specification
This 10-inch convertible tablet has a Full HD pixelated display at 1800 x 1200 pixels.
Microsoft Surface Go works with the Intel® Pentium® Gold 4415Y processor to manage all operations initiated on the device. Multitasking on the device supports 8GB of RAM. Storage on the tablet supports 128GB of storage, which is now a constant for powerful convertibles.
Graphics on the laptop are controlled by Intel Integrated HD 615 graphics, which work very well in managing graphics-related tasks. On top of all that, the Mircosoft Surface Go comes with a 2 MP front camera, perfect for capturing selfies and video calls.
Cortana’s voice assistance works excellently with this tablet and helps users with most daily essentials based solely on voice input. Mircosoft Surface Go is one of the best 2-in-1 tablets for college students on a budget.
#6. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro – $399.99
Specification
If you are looking for a tablet with a large screen, Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro may be your best choice. The 10.1-inch QHD display screen with a 2560 x 1200 pixels resolution is perfect for rich, detailed visuals and immersive gaming. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro stands out to be among the best tablets for college students who are on a budget.
And it also delivers crisp, bright images with a great viewing experience from all angles. To take your entertainment to the next level, this Yoga Tab 3 Pro has a built-in rotating projector that can transform any room into its theater.
This Lenovo tablet is powered by the Intel Atom x5-Z8550 processor and has 4GB of enough RAM to support multitasking. It houses 64GB of SSD for storage, which is faster, more efficient, and more reliable for file transfers. It comes with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.
The rear camera is a 13-megapixel autofocus camera, while the front is a 5-megapixel fixed-focus camera. The two integrated speakers, and the battery life of up to 15 hours are some of the other advantages of this tablet.
#7. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e – $399
Specification
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is another removable keyboard tablet from our list that is backed by a long list of attractive features and specifications. The tablet has a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is among the best tablets for college students on a budget.
Also, the device’s screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which provides cinematic intensity, detail, and deep contrast to a screen that fits in your hands. Speaking of the device’s specs, 2.0GHz Snapdragon 670 eight-core processor powers it, paired with massive 4GB / 6GB RAM for intensive application and heavy multitasking.
Storage on the device is 64GB / 128GB internal storage, which you can expand via a microSD card of up to 1TB. The tablet runs on Android 9.0 Pie, the most popular mobile operating system. Newer and more used.
Above all, the tablet is also great for photography, as it comes with a 13-megapixel primary rear camera, which can capture moments in excellent detail. Also, the tablet charges fully in just over 2 hours and can provide approximately 15 hours of backup time on a single account.
Most importantly, the tablet comes with several other productive features, such as multitasking, Samsung’s excellent connectivity, and DeX, which turns your tablet into a PC. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e is a perfect choice for all students, regardless of age and specialty, making it one of the best 2024 note-taking tablets.
#8. Sony Experia Tablet Z – $395.00
Specification
The Sony Experia Tablet Z has an impressive 10.1-inch Full HD display. The tablet only weighs 500 grams, which is quite remarkable for such a large screen. Another added benefit of this tablet is its waterproof design. This is a definite advantage for students living in shared accommodations where accidents can occur.
SEE ALSO: 15 Best Esthetician Schools in Utah | 2024
This tablet also delivers excellent sound thanks to technologies like ClearAudio + and Xloud, which are sure to delight its users. This tablet also offers excellent connectivity with other technologies. For example, this tablet is a universal remote control with compatible televisions. It is always a bonus for anyone who has lost the remote control on their couch.
However, Sony Experia Tablet Z is among the best tablets for college students on a budget.
#9. Lenovo Tab 4 Plus – $379.99
Specification
As this Lenovo Tab 4 Plus tablet comes in stylish double-glazed cases, carrying becomes more straightforward, and you won’t have to worry much while traveling as it protects against scratches and bumps. With this tablet, students also have the option of turning this tablet into a laptop using a Bluetooth keyboard.
It comes with a 10-inch Full HD IPS display screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. This Lenovo Tab 4 Plus offers powerful performance because it has a Qualcomm 625 2.0 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM.
Furthermore, this powerful configuration provides enough power to manage almost any task you do transparently. The best thing about this high-performance tablet is that you can get 20 hours of battery life, which will be more than enough.
In addition, it has 8 megapixels of a rear camera that captures perfect quality images, while its 2-megapixel front camera is suitable for video calls.
One of the advantages is the sound quality due to the presence of Dolby Atmos Audio and two integrated front stereo speakers. It has multi-user and multi-space functionality, and you can easily log in with enhanced security fingerprint scanning technology.
Lenovo Tab 4 Plus is among the best tablets for college students on a budget.
#10. Lenovo Yoga Book – 2 In 1 Tablet ($369.95)
Specification
If you are looking for the slimmest and lightest tablet, you can go for this Lenovo Yoga Book. It is a Windows 2-in-1 tablet with a 10.1-inch screen size with Full HD resolution that offers a crisp viewing experience.
Its 360-degree hinge helps you use this yoga book in 4 different ways. Its two built-in Dolby Atmos speakers provide a better multimedia experience while watching TV and movies.
The 2.4GHz Intel Atom Quad-Core processor is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 400. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD hard drive that can be expanded up to 128GB by adding a microSD card. Lenovo has provided an actual pen to scan your notes quickly.
If necessary, you can use the Halo keyboard to type faster, especially when you have to work on something vital. This Lenovo Yoga Book has an 8500 mAh battery that offers a considerable autonomy of 13 hours.
Most Importantly, Lenovo Yoga Book stands out to be among the best tablets for college students who are on a budget.
#11. ASUS Transformer Mini 10.1″ ($330 & $379)
Topping our list of the best student convertibles is the ASUS T102HA, which is a 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen tablet/laptop with a solid design and compact size. The computer has also been a worldwide bestseller as a convertible laptop.
Specification
The device comes with the latest Intel Atom Quad-Core x5-Z8350 processor and 4GB of RAM for fast and efficient performance. The processor RAM duo very well manages multitasking on this device.
Regarding other specs, it has a 10.1-inch screen with a 1280 x 800 pixels resolution. For storage, it comes with 64GB / 128GB SSD storage options for faster, more efficient, and more reliable file transfers. The laptop is convertible, detached from the keyboard, and used as a tablet. Therefore, it comes with a long list of connectivity options that does not allow its users to compromise productivity.
In addition to all the powerful spec sets, it comes with a premium, built-in form factor. As a result, it comes with a whole magnesium alloy body that weighs less than 1.7 pounds with the keyboard attached and is only 0.6 inches thick. It comes with a fingerprint sensor to secure the device, and it also comes with adjustable hinges to appease users in different modes of use.
The tablet also comes with a pen to support handwriting. This makes it easy to edit documents and images. With all these specs and features mentioned above, ASUS Transformer Mini 10.1 ″ is the best tablet any college student on a budget can have.
#12. iPad Mini 4 – $329.95
Specification
The iPad Mini 4 will be your option if you don’t want to go for an Android tablet and choose an Apple device for yourself. The screen is a 7.9-inch Retina display with a 2048 x 1536 pixels resolution.
You can choose the 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB variant of the Apple iPad Mini 4. It comes with Apple iOS 9 and is powered by a dual-core A8 chip with quad-core graphics.
Apple provides the 8-megapixel iSight camera with the ability to make 1080p video recordings on this tablet. With this Apple tablet, you can get up to 10 hours of battery life.
With all these specs and features mentioned above, iPad Mini 4 is the best and cheap tablet any college student on a budget can have.
#13. Huawei MediaPad M5 – $319.99
Specification
The striking curved metal body design makes this Huawei MediaPad M5 sleek and an easy-to-carry tablet. Above all, the screen of this tablet is unique. Because it is a curved glass 2.5D screen with an 8.4-inch curved edge with a 2K resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The rear camera is a 13-megapixel camera, while the front is an 8-megapixel camera.
Most importantly, this Huawei MediaPad M5 is powered by Kirin 960 series octa-core chipset, which is powerful enough to offer excellent performance. And it works on the latest Android 8.0 Oreo operating system. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space. The 5100 mAh battery lasts as long as it comes with Smart Power-Saving technology, allowing you to watch 1080p videos for up to 11 hours.
One of the highlights of this tablet are two tuned, Harman / Kardon certified stereo speakers as you can enjoy high-quality sound that is more layered and more penetrating.
#14. Apple iPad 2019 Model – $299
Here’s the second iOS Apple iPad 2019 model, a smaller, more compact, and cheaper alternative to the Apple iPad Pro mentioned above. The tablet has a 10.2-inch Retina display with a 2160 x 1600 pixels resolution. Thanks to its smaller screen size, the tablet screen generates accurate colors and has a bright and vivid viewing angle.
Specification
The Apple A10 Fusion chipset with six-core graphics paired with 2GB of RAM powers it for multitasking and app management.
The tablet is also with a couple of excellent cameras. It has an 8 MP iSight primary camera that can record 1080p Full HD videos and a 1.2 MP secondary front camera. As for iPad storage, it comes with various options ranging from 32GB / to 128GB capacity. The tablet has excellent ergonomics and a nice aesthetic, making it ideal for a student’s daily use.
Finally, the 2019 iPad’s best selling point is its backup battery, that can quickly provide 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Overall, the latest iPad 2019 model is the best and cheap tablet a college student on a budget can buy in 2024.
#15. Asus ZenPad 3S 10 9.7 Inch 2K IPS Display – $297.99
Specification
Asus ZenPad 3S is built with a high-end aluminum body, which ends in smooth anodizing for an optimal balance of elegance and strength. It is beautiful from the outside and a performance beast from the inside.
It is powered by a Dual-Core ARM Cortex 2.1GHz processor paired with a Quad-Core ARM Cortex processor with 1.7GHz clock speed.
To easily manage all the latest games, it comes with 4GB of RAM and IMG GX6250 graphics. For storage, it comes with 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via a microSD card slot.
It has a 9.7-inch 2K IPS display screen that provides a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees for better images. Since the tablet comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, you won’t have to worry too much.
The display screen comes with Asus TruVivid technology and will bring you a better viewing experience.
A dual camera combines an 8-megapixel primary rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. And its 8-megapixel PixelMaster primary camera captures stunning, high-resolution images.
One of the benefits of this tablet is that it has a 10-hour battery life, which means you won’t have to recharge it repeatedly. And its fast and accurate fingerprint sensor helps you unlock your tablet in a fraction of a second by simply pressing the home button.
#16. HTC Google Nexus 9 Tablet – $212.00
Google Nexus may no longer be, but the HTC Nexus tablet is still available. It was considered one of the best when it was first released and can still go hand in hand with recent releases. The price is hard to beat, considering the high-end features you get. The 9-inch screen is big enough to watch videos and read e-books.
SEE ALSO: University of Illinois College of Pharmacy School: Requirements, Admission, Cost & Program
For this reason, HTC Google Nexus stands out as among the best and cheap tablets for college students on a budget.
Specification
The tablet runs on Android Lollipop and has a 2048×1536 resolution IPS LCD screen. You can watch Full HD videos on this tablet. It has an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, making this tablet perfect for multimedia use.
Also, it has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of Flash memory, so you know this tablet is fast. Nexus tablets are always the first to receive Android updates, so you’ll also be covered in this area. It doesn’t come with a pencil, but you can purchase a separate one to write notes by hand. If you get an external keyboard, it can work as a mini laptop.
Finally, students can use all the applications their classes need and even make additional videos on this tablet. Its price is reasonable so it won’t ruin your bank either.
#17. Samsung Galaxy Tab A – $179
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is the perfect versatile tablet for almost everyone, especially students. It has many unique and valuable features, making it an ideal tablet for productivity and multimedia use. Samsung Galaxy Tab A stands out as among the best and cheap tablets for college students on a budget.
Specification
The best feature of this tablet is that it comes with a large 10.1-inch color-rich IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It comes with Samsung’s proprietary Octa-Core Exynos 7940 chipset paired with enough 3GB of RAM for efficient multitasking. It has an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of taking excellent quality photos and videos, and its 5-megapixel front camera is also ideal for video calls.
Run Android 9.0 Pie immediately, and you’re also in the queue to get the latest updates. To store all your work files, your favorite movies, and your games, it offers 32GB of built-in storage in the basic variant. And also has a microSD card slot to expand your storage further. The tablet stays on for more than 10 hours on a single charge.
#18. Amazon Fire HD 10 – $149
The Amazon Kindle, while reputed to provide cost-effective, feature-rich tablets, this time around, the brand launched a genuinely robust and capable set of versatile tablets, under the Fire series.
One of those business offerings is the Fire HD 10, one of the best tablets in Amazon’s Fire tablet series. The tablet comes with a decent build and gives it a soft-touch finish.
Specification
The device has a 10-inch IPS HD LCD screen with an anti-glare coating. Unlike most other tablets in the segment, this comes with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Speaking of the spec of this device, it is powered by a 2.0 GHz Octa-Core processor along with 2 GB of RAM.
In addition, storage on the tablet varies from 32GB / to 64GB, which can. However, you can extend up to 512GB via a microSD card. The tablet runs Fire OS 5 out of the box and is, therefore, ideal for students’ everyday use and reading purposes.
Furthermore, the Fire HD 10 also comes with a custom Alexa voice assistance system, which allows users to easily give voice commands and questions for quick and reliable answers. Overall, Fire HD 10 is one of the best low-cost tablets for students who are temporarily looking for a note-taking and reading tablet, along with the frenzy with Amazon Prime Contents.
Finally, Fire HD 10 stands out as among the best and cheap tablets for college students on a budget.
#19. RCA Cambio 2-in-1 Windows Tablet PC – $136
RCA 2-in-1 Shift is one of the latest and least popular tablet brands. The brand is less famous and well-known due to its recent creation. Otherwise, the tablet has an exciting set of specs for the asking price.
Specification
The tablet runs on Windows 10 and runs on the quad-core Intel Atom Z8350 processor associated with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. The tablet comes with a faster 32GB internal storage SSD, which you can expand up to 128GB via an expandable memory slot. The tablet also supports excellent graphics as it works with HD graphics inside.
With a large 10.1-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800, the tablet makes it easy to use and perform productive tasks such as editing/reading documents, etc.
In addition to all these usual features, the tablet comes with a removable keyboard and has Mobile Office internally. Above all, it supports all the latest connectivity standards and has powerful stereo speakers.
The device is powered by a 6000 mAh Li-Po battery, which should provide a backup battery of over 6 hours on a single charge.
For this reason, RCA Cambio 2-in-1 Windows Tablet PC stands out as among the best and cheap tablets for college students on a budget.
#20. Amazon Fire Tablet, 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB – $31.35
The Amazon Fire tablet is not a gadget. It is also not an electronic book reader. The Fire tablet has become a great inexpensive alternative to the more expensive tablets. Fire tablets are incredibly cheap, like cheap $50. If you are wondering what the problem is here, the apps are mainly available in the Amazon store.
Amazon is betting that users will mainly download apps and consume content through the flagship store. But you don’t have to buy everything from Amazon if you don’t want to. This tablet is compatible with all the popular apps a student will need.
Specification
In addition to the low price, the tablet has an 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 × 800. It is good enough to watch Full HD videos. The screen has an anti-glare coating like the famous Kindle.
You can read e-books on the tablet without hurting your eyes, even at night. It’s like reading a book with printed pages, so this tablet is great for studying and doing homework. It is relatively fast, with 1.5 GB of RAM.
Also, Alexa voice assistant is installed. It’s like Siri, and you can control the tablet with voice commands. In general, students will get a good deal for the price. Finally, Amazon Fire Tablet stands out as among the best and cheap tablets for college students on a budget.
Cheap Tablets for College Students in 2024
Although there are many tablets to choose from, the selection of cheap tablets by college students is somewhat more limited. So this guide to the best budget tablets doesn’t include many, but you can be sure that all the options we’ve included are great and are great value.
And although the number of options is limited, their size, brand, or operating system are not too limited. The iPad 9.7 (2018) with a total of iPadOS, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 with Android, the compact Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus, and the great Amazon Fire HD 10 are present, for example.
So there should be something here to suit. And to help you find the best and cheap budget tablets as a college student, we’ve not only listed the best options (from best to worst). But we’ve also included a short guide for each, with specs, pros, cons, and a link in this review.
Best Cheap Tablets in 2024 for any College Students
- Apple iPad 9.7 (2018)
- Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2018)
- Amazon Fire 7 (2019)
Best Tablets for College Students on a Budget FAQs
Reasons to get a tablet1. They’re so light and portable2. You can get connectivity anywhere3. A tablet is more affordable than a laptop4. Tablets’ wake up instantly5. They make excellent portable entertainment systems6. They’re great for web browsing7. They’re handy for giving presentations
College students require a tablet for various purposes. Someone may need a tablet for taking group selfies, while some may require it for research purposes. Tablets are useful when a student needs to give a presentation, and nowadays, you’ll find that education institutes recommend that most students own a tablet.
Tablets are more portable and better for informal activities such as browsing the web, watching videos, or playing mobile games. Laptops are better in productivity due to the more powerful hardware and feature-rich software unavailable on tablets
In Conclusion
If you’re unsure which tablet you should buy, then you should definitely compare the features and prices of the 20 tablets mentioned above before making the final decision.
We tested them all and found all the products and their downsides to bookmarking in this tablet buying guide so you can decide to buy the best tablet for you within your budget.
References
- allbudgettablets.com – Top 8 Best Tablets For College Students On A Budget
- tabletsunderbudget.com – The Best Tablets For College Students
- mytechclassroom.com – 10 Benefits of Tablets in the Classroom
- asurion.com – Laptops vs. Tablets: Which is Better for Your Student?
- bestseekers.com – Best Tablets for College
We Also Recommend
