Finding a high-quality tablet without breaking the bank can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible with the right guidance. Whether you’re seeking a device for work, study, or entertainment, there are plenty of excellent options available under $400. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best tablets within this price range, evaluating their performance, features, and value for money. From versatile Android tablets to sleek iPads, we’ve got you covered with top picks that deliver exceptional performance and versatility without compromising your budget. Let’s dive into the best tablets under $400 that offer the perfect blend of functionality and affordability.
The objective of this article is to compile a list of the best tablets within a range of $300 to $399 for simple comparison.
What Are The Best Tablets Under $400?
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) – Best Overall
- Apple iPad 10 – Best For Drawing
- Xiaomi Pad 6 – Best For Gaming
- Microsoft Surface Go 3 – Best Performance
- Asus Chromebook CM3 – Best Chrome OS
Apple iPad 10
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: October 2022
- Screen Size: Medium (10.9”)
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
- Price: ~$449
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024)
- OS: Android
- Release Date: March 2024
- Screen Size: Medium (10.4”)
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- Price: ~$329
Xiaomi Pad 6
- OS: Android, MIUI Pad
- Release Date: April 2023
- Screen Size: Medium (11”)
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G
- Price: ~$330
Microsoft Surface Go 3
- OS: Windows
- Release Date: 2021, September
- Screen Size: Medium (10.5”)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Y or Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
- Price: ~$390
Asus Chromebook CM3
- OS: Chrome OS
- Release Date: 2021, May
- Screen Size: Medium (10.5”)
- Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 500(8183)
- Price: ~$400
Comprehensive Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) | Apple iPad | Xiaomi Pad 6 | Microsoft Surface Go 3 | Asus Chromebook CM3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating System | Android | iPad OS | Android, MIUI Pad | Windows | Chrome OS |
Release Year | 2024 | 2022 | 2023 | 2021 | 2021 |
Screen Size | 10.4-inch | 10.9-inch | 11-inch | 10.5-inch | 10.5-inch |
Resolution | 1200×2000 | 1640×2360 | 1800×2880 | 1280×1920 | 1200×1920 |
Processor | Exynos 1280 | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Intel Core i3-10100Y or Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y | MediaTek Kompanio 500(8183) |
Battery Life | ~14h | ~10h | ~9h | ~6h | ~12h |
LTE | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Stylus | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Best Android
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 one of the best Android tablets under $400, offering exceptional value with its premium build and versatile features. With a sleek glass front and aluminum back, this tablet is lightweight and portable, weighing just over 1 pound. Its 10.4-inch TFT LCD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details with a resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, perfect for multimedia, gaming, and productivity.
Powered by smooth performance for multitasking and streaming, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite comes in 64GB and 128GB storage options, expandable via microSDXC. Notably, it supports Samsung’s DeX mode, providing a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, which boosts productivity for tasks like document editing and app multitasking. Additionally, the tablet features AKG-tuned stereo speakers and a 7040 mAh battery for up to 12 hours of video playback.
Reasons To Buy
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for multimedia, gaming, productivity tasks, and more.
- S Pen Included: Enhanced usability with the included S Pen stylus for note-taking and creative tasks.
- Samsung DeX: Transform the tablet into a desktop experience for enhanced productivity.
- Good Battery Life: 7040 mAh battery provides long usage times, ideal for on-the-go use.
Reasons To Avoid
- Moderate Display Resolution: While good, the 224 ppi density may not be as high as some competitors.
- Limited Camera Capabilities: Basic 8 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras may not satisfy those seeking high-quality photos or video calls.
- Basic Design Aesthetics: While functional, some may find the design lacks the premium aesthetics of higher-end tablets in this price range.
Best For Drawing
Apple iPad
- OS: iPadOS
- Released: 2022, October
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- RAM: 4GB
- Camera: 12 MP Front & Back
- Screen Size: 10.9-inches
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360
- PPI: ~264
- Port: USB-C
- Battery Life in Hours: 10 hours
- LTE: Yes
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
The Apple iPad 10th Gen (2022) is among the best iPads for creative professionals seeking a versatile tablet for digital art. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, with a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels, supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, providing a responsive canvas for detailed drawing. True Tone and P3 wide color gamut ensure vibrant, accurate colors.
Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip, the iPad 10th Gen handles complex drawing apps smoothly. It runs on iPadOS, offering access to top creative apps like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop Sketch. Artists benefit from features such as Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture for multitasking, and up to 256GB of storage provides ample space for artwork and apps.
Reasons To Buy
- Apple Pencil Support: First-generation Apple Pencil enhances precision and creativity.
- Powerful Performance: A14 Bionic chip ensures smooth operation of drawing apps and multitasking.
- High-Resolution Display: 1640 x 2360 pixels resolution with True Tone and P3 wide color support.
- Wide Range of Drawing Apps: Procreate, Adobe Photoshop Sketch, and more optimize the iPad’s capabilities for digital art.
Reasons To Avoid
- Limited to First-Gen Apple Pencil: Not compatible with the newer, magnetic attachment of the second-generation Apple Pencil.
- Non-Laminated Display: Unlike other iPads, iPad 10th gen comes with a non-laminated display.
- Moderate Storage Options: While adequate for many users, storage options may feel limited compared to higher-end models.
- Basic Camera Features: Camera capabilities are geared towards basic functionality rather than advanced photography needs.
Best For Gaming
Xiaomi Pad 6
- OS: MIUI Pad on Android
- Released: 2023, April
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- RAM: 6GB, 8GB
- Camera: Front: 8 MP, Back: 13 MP
- Screen Size: 11 inches
- Resolution: 1800 x 2880 pixels
- PPI: ~309 ppi density
- Port: USB Type-C
- Battery Life in Hours: Approximately 10 hours
- LTE: No cellular connectivity
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is a standout among the best tablets for gaming, offering a robust and budget-friendly option for gamers. Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset and Adreno 650 GPU, it handles demanding games with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay. The 11.0-inch IPS LCD display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate for clear, blur-free visuals.
Play popular games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact at high settings with ease. It comes with 128GB or 256GB of storage and 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample space and smooth multitasking. While it delivers impressive performance, the Pad 6 may face limitations with ultra-demanding games and lacks advanced cooling features found in higher-end models.
Reasons To Buy
- Powerful Gaming Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU ensure smooth gameplay.
- High-Refresh Rate Display: 144Hz IPS LCD with HDR10 and Dolby Vision for immersive gaming visuals.
- Ample Storage and RAM: Options of 128GB/256GB storage and 6GB/8GB RAM for storing games and running multiple apps.
- Stereo Speakers with Hi-Res Audio: Enhances the gaming experience with immersive sound quality.
Reasons To Avoid
- Potential Performance Limits: May struggle with the most demanding games compared to flagship gaming tablets.
- Limited Availability of Accessories: Some sensors like proximity are only available through accessories, limiting certain functionalities.
How To Choose
When shopping for tablets under $400, it’s important to strike a balance between performance, features, and value. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Performance:
- Processor: Look for a tablet with a powerful enough processor to handle your tasks smoothly. Popular choices include Qualcomm Snapdragon, Apple’s A-series chips, and MediaTek processors.
- RAM: At least 3GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and performance.
- Display:
- Resolution: A higher resolution screen (1920×1080 or better) provides a clearer and more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Size: Consider the screen size that best fits your needs, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
- Battery Life:
- Opt for a tablet with a long battery life, ideally 8 hours or more, to ensure it can last through a day of use without frequent charging.
- Storage:
- Internal Storage: A minimum of 32GB is recommended, though 64GB or more is preferable for storing apps, media, and documents.
- Expandable Storage: Look for tablets with a microSD card slot to expand storage capacity if needed.
- Operating System:
- Android: Offers a wide range of apps and customization options.
- iOS: Known for its smooth performance and access to the extensive Apple App Store.
- Windows: Good for productivity and compatibility with PC software.
- Build Quality:
- Durable build materials and a comfortable design are important for long-term use.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: Ensure it supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster internet connectivity.
- LTE/5G: Some tablets offer cellular connectivity options for on-the-go internet access.
- Bluetooth: For connecting peripherals like keyboards and headphones.
- Additional Features:
- Stylus Support: Useful for note-taking, drawing, and precision tasks.
- Keyboard Compatibility: Enhances productivity, especially for work and school tasks.
- Speakers: Quality audio is important for media consumption.
Things You Can Do With These Tablets
Tablets under $400 offer a versatile range of capabilities that cater to various needs and interests. Here are some of the things you can do with these affordable tablets:
- Entertainment:
- Streaming: Watch movies, TV shows, and videos on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.
- Gaming: Enjoy casual gaming and popular mobile games available on app stores.
- Reading: Access and read e-books, magazines, and comics with ease.
- Productivity:
- Note-taking: Use digital note-taking apps like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep for taking notes in meetings, classes, or personal study sessions.
- Document Editing: Create, edit, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using productivity suites like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Email and Communication: Stay connected with email, messaging apps, and video calls using platforms like Gmail, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype.
- Education:
- Online Learning: Access educational resources, courses, and tutorials to enhance learning and skill development.
- Interactive Learning: Engage in interactive educational apps and games designed for learning languages, math, science, and more.
- Creativity:
- Drawing and Sketching: Utilize drawing apps and the included stylus (if available) for artistic expression and digital art creation.
- Photo Editing: Edit and enhance photos using apps like Adobe Photoshop Express, Snapseed, or Lightroom Mobile.
- Utility and Lifestyle:
- Travel Planning: Research destinations, book tickets, and manage travel itineraries using travel apps and websites.
- Health and Fitness: Track fitness goals, monitor health metrics, and follow workout routines with fitness apps and wearable devices.
- Home Automation: Control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security systems, through compatible apps and platforms.
- Social and Entertainment:
- Social Media: Stay connected with friends and family through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Music and Podcasts: Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks using streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or Audible.
- Browsing and Research:
- Web Browsing: Browse the internet, search for information, and stay updated with news and trends.
- Research: Access online databases, research articles, and academic resources for work or study purposes.
- Customization and Personalization:
- Customize: Personalize your tablet with wallpapers, widgets, and themes to suit your preferences and style.
Overall, tablets under $400 provide a blend of portability, functionality, and affordability, making them suitable for a wide range of activities from entertainment and productivity to learning and creativity.
4 Limitation For Tablets in This Price Range
While tablets under $400 offer a lot of functionality and versatility, there are some limitations and things you may not be able to do compared to higher-end tablets or laptops. Here are some of the common limitations:
- High-Performance Computing:
- Tablets in this price range typically have lower-powered processors (e.g., MediaTek, entry-level Qualcomm Snapdragon) compared to more expensive devices. This means they may struggle with intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, or running demanding software like Adobe Creative Suite.
- Gaming Limitations:
- While you can play many popular mobile games and some less demanding PC games, tablets under $400 may not handle high-end gaming titles with complex graphics and demanding processing requirements smoothly.
- Multitasking and RAM Management:
- Tablets in this price range usually come with 3GB to 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking but may struggle with heavy multitasking involving multiple apps or browser tabs open simultaneously.
- Storage Constraints:
- Storage options are typically limited to 32GB to 128GB of eMMC or similar storage types. This might not be sufficient if you need to store large amounts of data, media files
FAQ
Can I Buy an iPad For Under $400?
Yes, you can buy iPad 10th gen (2022) under $400. You can also buy iPad Mini and iPad Air refurbished models under $400.
Do Tablets Under $400 Come With Pens?
Yes, you can buy a tablet under $400 that is compatible with Stylus pens. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) comes with a stylus pen. Other tablets like Apple iPad 10th gen and Xiaomi Pad 6 are compatible with pens, but you need to buy them separately.
Are There Tablets Under $400 with Detachable Keyboards?
Yes, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), Apple iPad 10th gen, and Xiaomi Pad 6 are compatible with keyboards. You can buy a Bluetooth keyboard or a keyboard case.
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.