We’ve rounded up four standout tablets that balance affordability and performance without cutting corners. From media-friendly displays to long battery life, each pick offers serious value for casual users, professionals, and multitaskers alike. Here are a few key features that we looked for in our budget tablets and each makes a big difference in daily use.
*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.
*This guide was developed by T-Mobile to assist readers in comparing tablet features and specifications sold in our store. It reflects an editorial perspective based on the criteria outlined above from publicly available data.
Most affordable tablets: A quick breakdown
| Use case | Our top pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Students | Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G | Strong balance of price, performance, and Android flexibility |
| Media & streaming | iPad Mini (A17 Pro) | Compact size and powerful specs for smooth playback |
| Work & productivity | iPad (A16) | High performance and excellent accessory support |
| Basic everyday use | T-Mobile Revvl Tab 2 | Outstanding value with lifetime warranty |
5 traits we look for in the most affordable tablets
- Display quality & size: A crisp, vibrant screen (preferably 8" or larger) is ideal for reading, streaming, and browsing.
- Battery life: Look for at least 8–10 hours of real-life use.
- Solid storage and expandability: 64GB is a good baseline, as long as it’s expandable via microSD. If not, look for 128GB minimum.
- Performance (Processor & RAM): Good (but not necessarily the most powerful) processors and at least 4GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Operating system choices: Android tablets offer flexibility and price variety; iPads offer power and longevity. Our tablets offer options that fit your ecosystem.
Tablet comparison chart
| Tablet | Display | Processor | RAM/Storage | Operating System | Battery | Cameras | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G | 10.9" LCD | Exynos 1580 | 8GB RAM / 128GB (expandable to 2TB) | Android | 8,000mAh, Up to 20 hrs. video | 13MP (main) – 12MP (front) | >$600 | School kids, Android users wanting performance under $600 |
| iPad (A16) | 11" Liquid Retina | Apple A16 Bionic | 8GB RAM / 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | iPadOS | 7,606mAh, Up to 10 hrs. video | 12MP (wide) – 12MP (front, Center Stage) | >$500 | Creative professionals, students, or multitaskers |
| iPad Mini (A17 Pro) | 8.3" Liquid Retina | Apple A17 Pro | 8GB RAM / 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | iPadOS | 5,078mAh, Up to 10 hrs. video | 12MP (wide) – 12MP (ultra wide front) | >$650 | Travelers, avid readers, or those wanting an easy-to-handle tablet |
| T-Mobile Revvl Tab 2 | 10.1" HD | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | 4GB RAM / 64GB (expandable to 2TB) | Android | 6,000mAh, Up to 10 hrs. video | 8MP (rear) – 5MP (front) | >$170 | Families, casual users, or anyone wanting a secondary or travel device at a low cost. |
Top 4 picks for most affordable tablets of 2025
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G: Best all-around Android option under $600
Samsung brings flagship-level design and performance to a more affordable price point with the S10 FE 5G. With a vibrant display, solid battery life, and expandable storage, it's a well-rounded pick for students, professionals, and everyday users.
Key features:
- 10.9" LCD display
- Included S Pen
- Exynos 1580 processor
- 8GB RAM / 128GB storage (expandable to 2TB)
- Android
- 5G connectivity
- 8,000mAh battery with up-to 20 hours of video playback
- Cameras: 13MP main - 12MP front-facing
Best tablet for: School kids (online or traditional students), or any Android user who wants performance without overspending.
2. iPad (A16): Best premium tablet under $500
If you’re looking for a tablet that can double as a lightweight laptop or creative studio, iPad (A16) is for you. Backed by Apple’s powerful A16 chip, it delivers desktop-like speed, long-term software support, and excellent accessory compatibility.
Key features:
- 11" Liquid Retina display
- Apple A16 Bionic chip
- 8GB RAM / 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
- iPadOS
- 5G connectivity
- 7,606mAh battery with up-to 10 hours of video playback
- Works with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
- Cameras: 12MP Center Stage camera – 12MP wide
Best tablet for: Creative pros, college students, and productivity-first users who prefer iOS.
3. iPad mini (A17 Pro): Best compact performer under $650
Smaller but no less capable, iPad mini packs the powerful A17 Pro chip into a compact frame. It’s great for reading, note-taking, travel, and entertainment on the go. You also have access to Apple Intelligence features, all for under $650.
Key features:
- 8.3" Liquid Retina display
- Apple Intelligence features
- Apple A17 Pro chip
- 8GB RAM / 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
- iPadOS
- 5G connectivity
- 5,078mAh battery with up-to 10 hours of video playback
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Cameras: 12MP wide - 12MP ultra-wide front
Best tablet for: Travelers, avid readers, or anyone who wants a small, easy-to-handle tablet.
4. T-Mobile Revvl Tab 2: Best value tablet under $200
The Revvl Tab 2 is an affordable tablet that hits the sweet spot for budget shoppers. At a mere $169.99, it’s a case of focusing on the things that matter the most: a large, HD display, expandable storage, and a long-lasting battery, all backed by an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty.
Key features:
- 10.1" HD display
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor
- 4GB RAM / 64GB storage (expandable up to 2TB)
- Android 15
- 5G connectivity
- 6,000mAh battery
- Cameras: Rear 8MP – Front 5MP
- Lifetime limited warranty
Best tablet for: Families, casual users, and anyone wanting a secondary or travel device at a low cost.
3 extra tips for choosing the most affordable tablet
Price isn’t the only issue when it comes to finding the best value in a tablet. Here are three other things to consider:
- Long-term software support: Look for devices that offer several years of updates and support, adding to their longevity.
- Expandable storage: Tablets with microSD support (sold separately) let you increase capacity over time, so you can hang on to your tablet longer.
- Warranty coverage: A long warranty means less money out of your pocket if something goes wrong.
Affordable tablets in 2025 are more capable than ever. Whether you're looking for a tablet for school, streaming, creative work, or everyday use, there's an option for nearly every need and price point.
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*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.
*This guide was developed by T-Mobile to assist readers in comparing tablet features and specifications sold in our store. It reflects an editorial perspective based on the criteria outlined above from publicly available data.