While high-end devices are generally the stars of the Android world, there is a growing emphasis on quality on a budget, and that’s very visible in the tablet arena.
From companies that are willing to sacrifice profits for the sake of market share, to established players looking to improve their game in the mid-range, several companies have brought to market affordable Android tablets that are actually worth buying. Unfortunately, for every great cheap Android tablet, there are tons of poorly made, clunky, and underpowered slates out there, which can make buying tablets on a budget a pain. We’re here to help.
No budget limitations? See The best Android tablets money can buy
If you’re looking for a good budget-friendly gift for a loved one, or just want to treat yourself, check out our list of best affordable Android tablets. Let’s get started!
Update, June 2015: Joining the Nexus 7 (2013) and the Asus MemoPad 8 on our list, are some new devices like the 10-inch Lenovo Tab 2 A10, as well as tablets that have received significant price cut that put them in the range of $200 or below, including the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4.
Update, November 2015: We have a few changes this time around, like the removal of the ASUS MeMo Pad 8, which is now only $120, but the new ASUS ZenPad S 8 is a little better bang for the buck. The LG G Pad 8 has an upgrade worth looking at, as does the Kindle Fire HDX7. Actually, there are more than one new Amazon tablets on the list, and a few other additions, such as the new NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet K1.
Nexus 7 (2013)
Despite being almost two years old, the Nexus 7 (2013) is still one of the best tablets you can buy, and with newer tablets making their way to consumers, the already attractive price tag of the Nexus 7 (2013) is bound to get even better.
The Nexus 7 (2013)’s quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM is still more than capable of handling all but the most processor-intensive activities. Its display resolution is still the highest you can get in this size category, and most importantly, you get a great software experience, helped along by the guarantee of timely updates, including Android 5.0 Lollipop. This is why the Nexus 7 (2013) opens our list of best cheap Android tablets.
Specs
7-inch LCD IPS display with 1920 x 1200 resolution (323ppi)
1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor
Adreno 320 GPU
2GB RAM
16/32GB storage
5 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP front-facing camera
200 x 114 x 8.7 mm, 290 grams
3,950 mAh
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Read more
Nexus 7 (2013) review
Best Nexus 7 (2013) cases
Best Nexus 7 (2013) accessories
Common Nexus 7 (2013) problems and how to fix them
Buy from Amazon from $129
NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet K1
The latest addition to our list is a tablet released this past week, the newly updated Android tablet from NVIDIA. The NVIDIA SHIELD K1 is a very similar device to the SHIELD before it, with the majority of changes working toward the new $200 price tag.
Deriving its name from its internals, the SHIELD Tablet K1 is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, backing that up is 2GB of RAM, the Kepler 1 SMX GPU and 16GB of internal storage behind a 8-inch display. In order to adjust the price tag to such an affordable level, the tablet ships with a few less core accessories than you might expect. Gone is the Stylus, slot for the stylus, a handful of pre-installed apps and the charger. Yes, you’ll need to supply your own USB brick and cable for this one.
Specs
8-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1200 resolution (283 ppi)
2.2 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra K1, Kepler 1 SMX GPU
2 GB RAM
16 GB internal storage, expandable
5 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera
221 x 126 x 9.2 mm, 390 grams
19.75 Wh battery
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
Buy from Amazon from $199.99
Asus ZenPad S 8.0
While Asus refreshed their affordable MeMo Pad Android tablet line earlier this year, they have more recently launched an even newer and more powerful tablet in this price range. In this new ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 you’ll find an 8-inch IPS LCD screen with a quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor running at 1.8 GHz with 2GB of RAM. There are actually a few different versions of this tablet floating around, we’ll link below to one that has a slightly slower processor but 32GB of internal storage for the same $199 price.
Specs
8-inch IPS LCD display with 2048 x 1536 resolution (320 ppi)
1.8 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor
2 GB RAM
32 GB internal storage, expandable
8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera
203.2 x 134.5 x 6.6 mm, 298 grams
4,000 mAh battery
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Buy from Amazon from $199
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4
While the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is priced slightly above $200, it’s a difficult device to ignore, given all that it offers for only a slightly higher price tag compared to the other devices on this list of cheap Android tablets. With its very high resolution display, making it a fantastic media-consumption companion, and a processing package that powered flagship devices only a short time ago, the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is more than impressive when you consider its price point.
Samsung is known for packing their devices to the hilt with software features, and that is also available here for those that are looking for it. Samsung has refreshed their mid-range tablet portfolio since the release of this device, but the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 remains one of the best choices of the lot, and not only because of its comparatively cheaper price point.
Update: Although a new 8.4-inch Samsung Galaxy tablet has hit the market, this device is still the more capable unit. However, in its scarcity, the price has jumped a little through many vendors, while you can find the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 for under $200 in places, don’t be scared off if you see $300+ at your favorite store.
Specs
8.4-inch Super Clear LCD display with 2560 x 1600 resolution (359 ppi)
2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
Adreno 330 GPU
2 GB RAM
16/32 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
8 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera
219 x 128.5 x 7.2 mm, 331 grams
4,800 mAh
Android 4.4 Kitkat (upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop arriving in Q3 2015)
Read more
Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 8.4 Review
Best Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 Cases
Quick look: Samsung Galaxy TabPRO 8.4 vs Nexus 7 (2013)
Buy from Amazon from $223
Dell Venue 8
The already budget-friendly Dell Venue 8 saw a significant price cut following the release of its successor, making this one of the cheapest Android tablets currently available. Powered by an Intel processor that is backed by 1 GB of RAM, the specifications of this tablet may not be as impressive as some of the others on this list, but it is still quite a capable performer, with a display resolution that is great for watching videos or gaming. Of course, it is hard to overlook its unbeatable sub-$130 price point, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Specs
8-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (283 ppi)
2.1 GHz dual-core Intel Z3480 processor
1 GB RAM
16 GB storage, expandable via microSD by up to 64 GB
5 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP front-facing camera
130 x 216 x 8.95 mm
4,550 mAh battery
Android 4.4 KitKat
Buy from Amazon from $129
LG G Pad 2 8.0 (LGV498)
Following the success of the LG G Pad 8.3, LG added three new devices to their G Pad tablet line last year, featuring three different display sizes. Falling in the middle of the pack was the LG G Pad 8.0, with its 8-inch display big enough to enjoy gaming and video watching, without being too unwieldy. LG went ahead and again updated the line, bringing the new LG G Pad II 8.0. On the specifications front, the device has not been graced with any major upgrades, you’re still looking at a Snapdragon 400 powered device with 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS display.
Where you will see improvements are in the bump to 1.5GB of RAM and some free cloud storage and apps from Microsoft Office. Don’t forget that this tablet has a full size USB port as well, for all of your connectivity pleasures. There is also a 10-inch version of this tablet, pictured above, it is beyond our $200 price point, but might be worth a look anyway.
Specs
8-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 800 resolution (189 ppi)
1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
Adreno 305 GPU
1.5 GB RAM
16 GB storage, expandable via microSD by up to 64 GB
5 MP rear camera, 1.3 MP front-facing camera
4,200 mAh battery
210.8 x 124.2 x 9.9 mm, 342 grams
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Buy from Amazon from $189
Acer Iconia Tab 8
The Acer Iconia Tab 8 is another great option for those looking for a low-cost tablet that offers solid specifications and performance. The device also comes with a premium design and build quality that goes beyond what its price point suggests, a high resolution display, and dual rear speakers that allow for a good audio experience, along with a large battery and the promise of an impressive battery life. Overall, the Acer Iconia Tab 8 is certainly one of the best options when it comes to cheap Android tablets.
Better yet, this tablet has seen a $30 drop since we last featured it, grab yours today for just $159.00.
Specs
8-inch IPS LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (283 ppi)
1.33 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 processor (1.86 GHz Turbo)
Intel Gen 7 (Ivy Bridge) GPU
2 GB RAM
16/32 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front-facing camera
4,600 mAh battery
215 x 130 x 8.5 mm, 360 grams
Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Buy from Amazon from $159
Amazon Kindle Fire line
Following in the footsteps of the previous Kindle Fire HDX tablets, Amazon has launched not one, but 5 new tablets in recent months. While this sounds like a lot, rest assured, these are all just updates to previous models, and to be fair, two of them are pretty much the same device. What stands out in this new line is the prices, setting a precedent that we’ll talk about later.
Starting with the Kindle Fire 7, a 7-inch Android tablet with 1024 x 600 resolution 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and an unconfirmed 4400mAh battery. The specs may sound a little weak, but the minimal approach to Amazon’s Fire OS 5 promises smooth performance out of the device. Coming in at $250… I’m kidding, Amazon has a deal that will get you a full 6-pack of Kindle Fire 7 tablets for $250, or just $50 for one.
The duplicate in the group is the Fire Kids Edition, which is the Fire 7 with a solid bumper case, an amazing 2-year no questions asked replacement warranty and some other extras for $100.
Related: Best tablets for kids
From there, you can find the Fire HD 6, Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10, all of which sport slightly better specs than the Fire 7, with optional larger internal storage capacities and features, priced at $100, $150 and $200 respectively. Actually, the Fire HD 10 is regularly $230, but it is on sale for the next little while.
Specs
7-inch IPS LCD display with a 1024 x 600 resolution (171 ppi)
1.2 GHz quad-core processor
1 GB RAM
8 GB storage, expandable via microSD
2 MP rear-facing camera, VGA front facing
battery allows for battery life up to 7 hours
191 x 115 x 10.6 mm, 313 grams
Fire OS 5
Read more
Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 review
A six pack of Kindle Fire 7 tablets and the iPad Pro
Buy from Amazon from $49.99
Lenovo Tab 2 A10
The Lenovo Tab 2 A10 has a lot going for it when compared to the rest of the devices on this list. For starters, this is the only device to be released in 2015, introduced back at MWC this year, while being the only 10-inch tablet in this roundup as well. This is also the first tablets to feature Dolby ATMOS 3D Cinema audio enhancements, which aims to make your audio experience much clearer, while taking advantage of the beautiful, large Full HD display.
Performance is impressively smooth, and while mobile photography isn’t a key feature when it comes to tablets, this device does offer a solid camera experience. If you’re looking for a large-screen tablet experience on a budget, look no further than the Lenovo Tab 2 A10.
Update: you’ll be happy to know that the price has dropped on this tablet. You can now get the Lenovo Tab 2 A10 for $20 less than it was a few months ago.
Specs
10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution (218 ppi)
1.7 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8165 processor
2 GB RAM
16 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 64 GB
8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera
7,000 mAh battery
247 x 171 x 8.9 mm, 509 grams
Android 4.4 Kitkat (planned upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop at the end of June)
Read more
Lenovo announces the Tab 2 A10 and Tab 2 A8 tablets at MWC 2015
Lenovo Tab 2 A10 hands-on and first impressions
Buy from Amazon from $179
Bonus tablet: Xiaomi Mi Pad
Fully admitting that the Xiaomi Mi Pad is not available in all parts of the world, that it runs a highly skinned version of Android that purists won’t care for, and its successor, the Mi Pad 2 is due before the month is out, we still think it is a great device to consider. Before the new NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet K1 launched this month, the original Mi Pad was basically the only sub-$200 tablet on the market with the NVIDI Tegra K1 processor, 2GB of RAM and a beyong FHD display.
To be specific, the Xiaomi Mi Pad comes with a 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536 resolution IPS display, for 326PPI. The Tegra K1 is clocked at 2.2GHz, there is 16GB or 64GB internal storage options available, with microSD expansion for cards up to 128GB.
Be sure to stay tuned for the November 24th announcement, it may trigger a price drop on this excellent tablet offering.
Specs
8-inch IPS LCD display with 2048 x 1536 resolution (326 ppi)
2.2 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra K1
2 GB RAM
16GB/64GB internal storage, expandable
8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front-facing camera
202.1 x 135.4 x 8.5 mm, 360 grams
6700 mAh battery
MIUI 7, based on Android 5.x Lollipop
Buy from ebay from $195.99 (international seller)
And there you have it – our list of the nicest affordable tablets on the market right now! We’ll be keeping this post updated, so be sure to check back. You can’t really go wrong with any of the tablets listed above. Let us know what you think are the best cheap Android tablets!