- 🥇Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- 🥈Lenovo Tab P12
- 🥉Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus
- 🎖️Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
Finding the perfect tablet that balances performance, features, and affordability can be challenging. However, with advancements in technology, you no longer need to break the bank to get a high-quality device. In this article, we explore the best tablets available for under $300, offering a range of options to suit different needs, from casual browsing and entertainment to productivity and creative work. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly companion for your daily tasks or a powerful device for on-the-go use, our top picks provide exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Criteria we used: here, you can find budget tablets under the $300 range. Specifically tablets in the $200-$300 range.
Top 6 Tablets Under $300
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- OS: Android
- Release Date: March 2024
- Screen Size: Medium (10.4”)
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- Price: ~$329
Lenovo Tab P12
- OS: Android
- Release Date: 2023, July
- Screen Size: Large (12.7”)
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)
- Price: ~$300
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus
- OS: Android
- Release Date: 2023, October
- Screen Size: Medium (11.0”)
- Processor: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G
- Price: ~$220
Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2
- OS: Android
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Display Size: 11.5-inches
- Resolution: 1200×2000
- Camera: Rear: 13MP, Front: 8MP
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Weight: 1.15 lbs (520g)
- LTE: Yes
- Ports: USB Type-C
The Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 was released in 2022, September. It runs Android operating system and is powered by Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) chip. It’s compatible with Stylus Pen. You can buy BoxWave Stylus Pen, it works with Lenovo Tab P11 Gen as well as other tablets. With the pen you will be able to navigate the device more precisely, take handwritten notes and draw.
It has a medium-sized IPS LCD screen (11.5-inch) with 82.6% screen-to-body ratio. 400nits and 203ppi.
The tablet has a good front camera, 8 MP, f/2.0, making it an excellent budget tablet for vide-calls.
Overall, a good budget tablet with which you can HD watch movies in 2k resolution. The biggest downside of this tablet is that it was released in 2022, and typically, Lenovo supports their tablets for 2-3 years, so the biggest concern you are facing is that you won’t be able to update it to the latest Android OS.
- USB-C Port
- Good Cameras
- Has Stylus Support
- Has LTE Support
- Short Support Period (2022 release)
- Limited Storage Options
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
- OS: Fire OS
- Storage: 32GB, 64GB
- Display Size: 10.1-inches
- Resolution: 1920×2000
- Camera: Rear: 5MP, Front: 2MP
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Weight: 1.03 lbs (468g)
- LTE: No
- Ports: USB Type-C
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus was released in 2021, April. It runs Fire operating system and is powered by Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) chip. Unfortunately, this tablet is not compatible with active stylus pens.
It has a medium-sized IPS LCD screen (10.1-inch) with 72.1% screen-to-body ratio. Due to it’s big bezels it’s quite durable and is recommended for kids.
The table is relatively cheap and is made for basic tasks such as web surfing, emails, light gaming, social media, music, movies, TV shows, etc. It can’t handle heavy demanding apps like PUBG, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc. It can handle video-calls, but the cameras aren’t the greatest. It’s packed with stereo speakers and the sound is good enough for voice-calls.
Overall, it is a good, cheap tablet with which you can HD watch movies in 2k resolution.
- USB-C Port
- Durable
- Bad Cameras
- Limited Storage Options
DOOGEE T30 PRO
- OS: Android
- Storage: 256GB
- Display Size: 11-inches
- Resolution: 1600×2560
- Camera: Rear: 20MP, Front: 8MP
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Weight: 1.20 lbs (543g)
- LTE: Yes
- Ports: USB Type-C
The DOOGEE T30 Pro was released in 2022, May. It runs Android operating system and is powered by Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) chip. It has eight individual processing cores, which can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is also packed with 15GB of RAM.
It has a medium-sized IPS LCD screen (11-inch) with 80.9% screen-to-body ratio. With 350 nits of brightness at it’s peak.
The tablet is cheap, with good performance in this price range. The brand is quite new in the tablet market and rather unknown to most tech enthusiasts, also for us. Right now, from what we have seen and tested, the tablet is trustworthy and reliable.
Considering its price, it has a good quality display with good colors and brightness; you can surf the internet with it, attend video calls, play games, watch movies and videos, and everything else that budget tablets offer.
- USB-C Port
- Good Display
- Fast Processing
- One Storage Option
- Unknown Brand
Comparison of Tablets Under $300
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) | Lenovo Tab P12 | Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE | Lenovo Tab P11 Gen 2 | Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus | DOOGEE T30 Pro | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating System | Android | Android | Android | Android | Fire OS, Android | Android |
Release Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 |
Screen Size | 10.4-inch | 12.7-inch | 11-inch | 11.5-inch | 10-inch | 11-inch |
Resolution | 1200×2000 | 1840×2944 | 1200×1920 | 1200×2000 | 1200×1920 | 1600×2560 |
Processor | Exynos 1280 | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G | Mediatek Helio G99 | Octa-core 2GHz | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
Battery Life | ~14h | ~8h | ~9h | ~12h | ~13h | ~12h |
LTE | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Stylus | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Best Mid-Range Tablet Under $300 Running Android OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- OS: Android
- Released: 2024, March
- Chipset: Exynos 1280 processor
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- RAM: 4GB
- Camera: Front: 5 MP, Back: 8 MP
- Screen Size: 10.4 inches
- Resolution: 1200 x 2000 pixels
- PPI: ~224 ppi density
- Port: USB Type-C
- Battery Life in Hours: Approximately 10 hours
- LTE: Yes
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) is a standout choice in the mid-range tablet market, offering an excellent balance of performance, features, and value. Designed for both work and play, this tablet comes with a 10.4-inch TFT LCD display, providing bright and crisp visuals that are perfect for streaming, browsing, and reading. Its lightweight and sleek design, with an aluminum frame and glass front, make it highly portable and stylish, ideal for use on the go. The inclusion of a stylus enhances its versatility, allowing users to take notes, draw, and perform precise tasks easily.
Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience. It is powered by an octa-core processor, which, combined with 4GB of RAM, handles multitasking and everyday tasks efficiently. Storage options include 64GB and 128GB, both expandable via a microSD card, providing ample space for apps, photos, and documents. The tablet also supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity for browsing and streaming when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
You might be interested in checking out other Android tablets. Budget, mid-range and premium models and compare them. You can see the best android tablet choices here.
Reasons To Buy
- Affordable Performance: Offers great value for its price, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks and entertainment.
- Stylus Included: Comes with a stylus, enhancing productivity and creative capabilities.
- High-Quality Display: The 10.4-inch screen is bright and clear, perfect for media consumption and reading.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing robust connectivity options.
Reasons To Avoid
- Limited Internal Storage: The base model starts with only 64GB of storage, which may fill up quickly without a microSD card.
- Modest Camera Quality: The 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera are adequate but not exceptional, especially in low light.
- Slower Charging: With 15W wired charging, it may take longer to fully charge the 7040 mAh battery compared to other tablets with faster charging capabilities.
Best Tablet Under $300 For Kids
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus
- OS: Android
- Released: 2023, October
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB
- Camera: 5 MP Front Camera and 8MP Back Camera
- Screen Size: 11-inches
- Resolution: 1200 x 1920
- PPI: ~206
- Port: USB-C
- Battery Life in Hours: Up to 10 hours
- LTE: Yes
- Compatible with Keyboards: No
- Compatible with Stylus: No
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is an excellent choice for parents seeking a reliable and versatile tablet for their children. Designed with a kid-friendly approach, this tablet features an 11.0-inch TFT LCD display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, perfect for watching cartoons, playing games, and engaging in educational apps. Its lightweight build and slim design make it easy for kids to handle, while the sturdy construction ensures it can withstand daily use.
Running on Android 13 with One UI 5.1, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus offers a seamless user experience with access to the Google Play Store. Kids can enjoy popular apps like YouTube Kids, ABCmouse, and Khan Academy Kids for educational content, as well as games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us for entertainment. The tablet’s parental controls allow parents to manage screen time and monitor app usage, ensuring a safe digital environment for children.
Equipped with 64GB or 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD card, this tablet has ample space for storing apps, games, videos, and photos. The device’s powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 4GB or 8GB of RAM ensure smooth performance, whether kids are multitasking or playing graphic-intensive games. Additionally, the long-lasting 7040 mAh battery means fewer interruptions during use, making it perfect for long car rides or extended play sessions.
Reasons To Buy
- Kid-Friendly Features: Parental controls and access to educational apps make it ideal for children.
- Durable and Lightweight: Easy for kids to handle and built to withstand daily use.
- Ample Storage: Expandable storage options provide plenty of space for apps, games, and media.
- Long Battery Life: The 7040 mAh battery ensures extended usage without frequent recharges.
Reasons To Avoid
- Modest Camera Quality: The 8 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras are basic, which might not be ideal for high-quality photos or videos.
- Slower Charging: 15W wired charging may result in longer recharge times.
- Limited Advanced Features: Not as feature-rich as higher-end models, which could limit its appeal for older kids or more advanced users.
Best Tablet Under $300 For Watching Movies
Lenovo Tab P12
- OS: Android
- Released: 2023, July
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB
- Camera: Front: 13 MP, Back: 8 MP
- Screen Size: 12.7 inches
- Resolution: 1840 x 2944 pixels
- PPI: ~273 ppi density
- Port: USB Type-C
- Battery Life in Hours: Approximately 8 hours
- LTE: No cellular connectivity
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
The Lenovo Tab P12 is an exceptional choice for movie enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly tablet. With its expansive 12.7-inch IPS LCD screen, offering a high resolution of 1840 x 2944 pixels, this tablet ensures a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming the latest blockbuster on Netflix, catching up on your favorite series on Hulu, or enjoying a classic movie on Disney+, the Lenovo Tab P12 delivers stunning visuals that bring your content to life.
Complementing its impressive display are the four JBL stereo speakers, which provide rich and powerful audio, making it a treat for both visual and auditory senses. The tablet runs on Android 13, ensuring smooth and efficient performance while using streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and YouTube. Its powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset and ample RAM options (up to 8GB) guarantee that you can multitask effortlessly, switching between apps without any lag.
Beyond streaming movies, the Lenovo Tab P12 is perfect for a variety of other uses. Its large screen is excellent for reading e-books and digital magazines, while the included stylus support makes it a great tool for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks. The tablet’s robust battery life, with a 10200 mAh capacity and 30W wired charging, ensures that you can enjoy extended viewing sessions without frequent recharges.
Reasons To Buy
- Stunning Display: Large 12.7-inch screen with high resolution perfect for watching movies and shows.
- Excellent Audio: Four JBL speakers provide immersive and high-quality sound.
- Versatile Use: Great for streaming, reading, and creative tasks with stylus support.
Reasons To Avoid
- No Cellular Connectivity: Limited to Wi-Fi, which may be a drawback if you need internet access on the go.
- Heavier Weight: Weighs 615 grams, which might be cumbersome for extended handheld use.
- No 3.5mm Jack: Lacks a standard headphone jack, which could be inconvenient for users with wired headphones.
How To Choose The Best Tablets Under $300
Choosing the best tablet under $300 can be a daunting task given the myriad of options available. Here are some key factors to consider to help you make an informed decision:
🖥️ Display Quality
The display is one of the most important aspects of a tablet, especially if you plan to use it for watching movies, reading, or gaming. Look for a tablet with a high-resolution screen, ideally Full HD or higher. The size of the screen also matters; larger screens provide a better viewing experience but may be less portable.
🚀 Performance
A tablet’s performance is determined by its processor (CPU), RAM, and storage capacity. For smooth multitasking and running apps efficiently, opt for a tablet with at least an octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. Storage is also crucial, so choose a tablet with sufficient internal storage (64GB or more) and an option for expandable storage via microSD cards.
🔋 Battery Life
Battery life is crucial, especially if you plan to use your tablet on the go. Look for a tablet that offers at least 8-10 hours of battery life on a single charge. Additionally, fast-charging capabilities can be a significant advantage.
📡 Connectivity
Consider the connectivity options based on your usage. Wi-Fi-only tablets are generally cheaper, but if you need internet access on the move, look for tablets with cellular connectivity (4G or 5G). Ensure the tablet supports the necessary network bands for your location.
🔊 Audio Quality
For an immersive multimedia experience, good audio quality is essential. Tablets with stereo speakers and support for high-quality audio brands (like JBL or AKG) enhance the overall experience, whether you’re watching movies or listening to music.
Use Cases For Tablets Under 300 USD
Watch Movies
Play Games
do online shopping
finance management
Social media
podcasts
Web Surfing
Read & Study
use it as gps in your car
create to-do lists
Video calls
entertain kids
read the news
control smart gadgets
listen to music
listen to audio books
learn a new language
Write & send emails
cooking & recipes
use it as a travel planner
Things You Won’t Be Able To Do With These Budget Tablets
High-End Games
Tablets in this price range lack the necessary processing power, graphics capabilities, and memory to run high-end games smoothly. Additionally, they may have lower-quality displays and insufficient cooling systems, leading to subpar gaming experiences.
Take Notes
Cheap tablets do not support handwritten note-taking due to limitations in hardware, such as lack of stylus support or pressure sensitivity, and software, which may not include robust note-taking apps with handwriting recognition features.
Multi-Tasking
Cheap tablets struggle with multitasking due to limited RAM and processing power, resulting in slower performance when running multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, background processes may be more likely to cause lag or app crashes on these devices.
I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.