Are you in the market for a new tablet but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to affordable tablets under $200. In today’s fast-paced world, having a tablet can greatly enhance productivity, entertainment, and communication. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find a tablet that fits your budget without compromising on quality. This article will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing an affordable tablet.
Benefits of Using Tablets
Before diving into the list of top affordable tablets, let’s first discuss the benefits of using a tablet. While smartphones and laptops have their own advantages, tablets offer a unique set of features that make them a popular choice among consumers.
- Portability: Tablets are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around wherever you go. This makes them perfect for travel, work, or even just lounging at home.
- Touchscreen: The majority of tablets come equipped with a touchscreen interface, making them incredibly user-friendly. This also makes them great for children and older adults who may struggle with traditional keyboards and mouse.
- Multi-functionality: Tablets can serve multiple purposes, such as working, browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games, and even making phone calls.
- Battery life: Compared to laptops, tablets have longer battery life, making them reliable devices for extended use without needing to constantly search for an outlet.
- Affordability: As compared to high-end smartphones and laptops, tablets are relatively more affordable, especially considering the wide range of features they offer.
Now that we understand the benefits of using a tablet, let’s move on to the important factors to consider when buying one.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Tablet
When looking for an affordable tablet, it’s essential to consider certain factors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Operating System
The operating system (OS) is the software that runs the tablet and controls its functions. There are three main operating systems used in tablets: iOS, Android, and Windows. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
- iOS: This is the operating system used in Apple’s iPads. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of apps, and strong security features. However, Apple products tend to be more expensive than other options.
- Android: The majority of affordable tablets run on the Android operating system, which offers a customizable user experience, access to the Google Play Store, and compatibility with various devices. However, since Android is an open-source platform, it may be more susceptible to viruses and malware.
- Windows: Some tablets also run on the Windows operating system, offering a similar interface as laptops and desktop computers. Windows tablets come with the full Microsoft Office suite, making it a great option for those who need to work on documents or presentations. However, they may be more expensive and have limited app selection.
Processor
The processor is like the “brain” of the tablet, responsible for running tasks and applications efficiently. A faster processor will result in smoother performance and quicker app loading times. When looking for an affordable tablet, make sure to compare the processors and opt for a minimum of 1.3GHz dual-core processor for basic tasks and at least a 2.0GHz quad-core processor for more demanding tasks.
Display
The display is an important factor to consider when purchasing a tablet, as it greatly affects the overall user experience. Look for a display size that suits your needs, whether it be for reading, streaming videos, or working on documents. Displays typically range from 7 inches to 12 inches, with a larger display often meaning a higher price. Additionally, consider the resolution and pixel density for a clear and crisp viewing experience.
Storage
Storage refers to the amount of space available on the tablet to store apps, photos, videos, and other files. Most affordable tablets come with 16GB or 32GB of storage, but this can often be expanded with an external memory card. If you plan on storing a lot of media and documents on your tablet, it’s best to opt for a larger internal storage capacity.
Battery Life
As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of using a tablet is its long battery life. When looking for an affordable tablet, pay attention to the battery capacity and how many hours of use it provides. A larger battery capacity means longer usage time without needing to recharge.
Now that we’ve covered the important factors to consider when buying a tablet, let’s move on to the top affordable tablets under $200.
Top Affordable Tablets Under $200
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) is a popular choice among budget-friendly tablets. It runs on the Android-based Fire OS and offers a user-friendly interface and access to Amazon’s vast library of books, movies, and TV shows. The 8-inch HD display, 2.0GHz quad-core processor, and up to 12 hours of battery life make it a great option for streaming videos and browsing the internet.
- Display: 8 inches, 1280 x 800 pixels
- Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core
- Internal Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB with microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Price: Starting at $89.99
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite offers a premium design and features at an affordable price point. It runs on the latest Android 11 operating system and boasts an 8.7-inch display, making it great for reading or streaming videos. With its 2.3GHz quad-core processor and up to 13 hours of battery life, it can handle most tasks with ease.
- Display: 8.7 inches, 1340 x 800 pixels
- Processor: 2.3GHz quad-core
- Internal Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB with microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
- Price: Starting at $159.99
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus offers impressive specs and features at an unbeatable price. It runs on the Android-based MIUI 12 operating system and boasts a 10.3-inch full HD display and Dolby Atmos sound. The octa-core processor and up to 9 hours of battery life make this tablet perfect for multitasking and entertainment.
- Display: 10.3 inches, 1920 x 1200 pixels
- Processor: Octa-core
- Internal Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB with microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
- Price: Starting at $149.99
- ASUS ZenPad 8.0
The ASUS ZenPad 8.0 is a sleek and compact tablet that offers great value for money. It runs on the Android-based ZenUI 5.0 operating system and boasts an 8-inch HD IPS display and dual speakers for an immersive multimedia experience. The quad-core processor and up to 10 hours of battery life make this tablet ideal for everyday use.
- Display: 8 inches, 1280 x 800 pixels
- Processor: Quad-core
- Internal Storage: 16GB or 32GB, expandable up to 128GB with microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Price: Starting at $159.99
- RCA Galileo Pro 11.5″
The RCA Galileo Pro 11.5″ is a budget-friendly tablet that offers a large display and impressive features. It runs on the Android-based Marshmallow operating system and boasts an 11.5-inch HD IPS display and detachable keyboard for added convenience. The quad-core processor and up to 6 hours of battery life make it a great option for basic tasks and entertainment.
- Display: 11.5 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels
- Processor: Quad-core
- Internal Storage: 32GB, expandable up to 128GB with microSD card
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Price: Starting at $119.99
Comparison of Features and Prices
| Tablet | Display Size | Operating System | Processor | Internal Storage | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) | 8 inches | Fire OS | 2.0GHz quad-core | 32GB or 64GB | Up to 12 hours | Starting at $89.99 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | 8.7 inches | Android 11 | 2.3GHz quad-core | 32GB or 64GB | Up to 13 hours | Starting at $159.99 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 Plus | 10.3 inches | MIUI 12 | Octa-core | 32GB or 64GB | Up to 9 hours | Starting at $149.99 |
| ASUS ZenPad 8.0 | 8 inches | ZenUI 5.0 | Quad-core | 16GB or 32GB | Up to 10 hours | Starting at $159.99 |
| RCA Galileo Pro 11.5″ | 11.5 inches | Marshmallow | Quad-core | 32GB | Up to 6 hours | Starting at $119.99 |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
In addition to comparing features and prices, it’s also important to consider customer reviews and ratings when making a purchase decision. Here are some reviews from customers who have purchased and used the tablets mentioned above.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020): “I am amazed by this tablet for the price! The display is great, battery life is long, and I love being able to access all my Amazon content in one place.” – Stacy L.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: “I’ve been using this tablet for a few weeks now and I’m very impressed with its performance. It’s fast, has great sound quality, and the display is crystal clear.” – Peter M.
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus: “For the price, this tablet is unbeatable. I use it for work and entertainment, and it handles everything smoothly. I highly recommend it!” – Sarah K.
- ASUS ZenPad 8.0: “This is a fantastic tablet for the price. It’s lightweight, has a clear display, and runs smoothly. I also love the dual speakers for watching videos.” – Mark R.
- RCA Galileo Pro 11.5″: “I bought this tablet for my daughter and she loves it. The detachable keyboard is a great feature and the tablet itself is very user-friendly.” – Amy S.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In conclusion, affordable tablets under $200 offer a wide range of features and benefits without breaking the bank. When looking for an affordable tablet, consider factors such as operating system, processor, display, storage, and battery life to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. After comparing various options, we recommend the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) for its great features and unbeatable price. However, ultimately, the best tablet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this guide has helped you in your search for an affordable and high-quality tablet. Happy shopping!
