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

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.

Top 5 Tablets Under $400 in 2024

Top Tablets Under $400: A 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 Tablet Under $400 Running Android OS

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) stands out as an excellent choice for consumers looking for a versatile Android tablet under $400. Featuring a sleek design with a glass front and aluminum back, this tablet exudes premium build quality while remaining lightweight and portable at just over 1 pound. Its 10.4-inch TFT LCD display offers a sharp resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels, providing vibrant colors and crisp details, ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite delivers smooth performance for multitasking, streaming HD content, and running apps without noticeable lag. With storage options of 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSDXC card, users have ample space to store apps, games, photos, and videos.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is its support for Samsung’s DeX mode, allowing you to transform the tablet into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor. This versatility enhances productivity, making it suitable for tasks like editing documents, creating presentations, and multitasking with multiple apps simultaneously. The tablet also includes AKG-tuned stereo speakers for immersive audio and a 7040 mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of video playback, ensuring extended usability on a single charge.

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 Tablet Under $400 For Drawing

The Apple iPad 10th Gen (2022) is an excellent choice for creative artists seeking a versatile and powerful tablet for digital drawing and artistic pursuits. Featuring a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, this iPad offers a responsive and immersive canvas for creating artwork. The display’s True Tone and P3 wide color gamut ensure accurate colors and excellent brightness, making it ideal for detailed sketches, illustrations, and digital painting.

Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, the iPad 10th Gen delivers smooth performance and handles complex drawing apps effortlessly. The tablet runs on iPadOS, providing access to a wide range of creative applications optimized for the iPad. Artists can explore apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop Sketch, Affinity Designer, and Autodesk SketchBook, leveraging the Apple Pencil’s precision and pressure sensitivity for detailed strokes and shading.

Beyond drawing, the iPad 10th Gen supports multitasking with Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture, enhancing productivity for artists who also use their tablet for research, reference, and communication. With up to 256GB of internal storage, artists have ample space to store their artwork, reference images, and apps without worrying about running out of space.

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 Tablet Under $400 For Gaming

The Xiaomi Pad 6 is tailor-made for gamers looking for a robust and immersive gaming experience within a budget-friendly tablet. Boasting a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset and Adreno 650 GPU, the Pad 6 excels in handling demanding games with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay. Its 11.0-inch IPS LCD display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, delivering vibrant colors and a 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for fast-paced gaming without motion blur.

Gamers can enjoy popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings, thanks to the powerful hardware. The tablet’s 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage options ensure ample space for storing games, media, and other content. With 6GB or 8GB of RAM, multitasking between apps and games remains seamless, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

However, while the Snapdragon 870 provides commendable performance, gamers might encounter limitations with ultra-demanding games that require the latest flagship processors. Additionally, the absence of a dedicated gaming mode or advanced cooling systems found in higher-end gaming tablets could lead to thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.

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.

What To Look For in Tablets Under $400?

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Build Quality:
   • Durable build materials and a comfortable design are important for long-term use.
7. 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.
8. 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 Tablets Under $400?

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Limitation

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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