Tablets are a great option for a variety of purposes, including light productivity work, streaming movies, and internet browsing. However, finding a great tablet that fits your budget can be challenging, especially if you’re aiming to spend under $150. Fortunately, there are some impressive options available that offer good performance without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best tablets under $150 in 2024:
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
- Price: Around $150
- Key Features:
- 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display
- 3GB RAM, up to 64GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 12-hour battery life
- Alexa hands-free mode
- Why It’s Great: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an affordable tablet with a large, vibrant screen and solid performance for media consumption. It runs on Fire OS, which is designed around Amazon’s ecosystem, making it perfect for anyone who already uses services like Prime Video or Kindle. The expandable storage is a nice touch for those who need extra space for their apps and media.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Price: Around $130
- Key Features:
- 8.7-inch TFT display
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 5100mAh battery for up to 13 hours of usage
- Samsung Kids Mode for child-friendly features
- Why It’s Great: The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a compact tablet with a sharp screen and long-lasting battery life, making it a great choice for casual users. Its affordable price point doesn’t sacrifice quality, and Samsung’s One UI offers a user-friendly experience. This tablet is also ideal for families thanks to its parental control features.
Lenovo Tab M8 (2nd Gen)
- Price: Around $100
- Key Features:
- 8-inch HD display
- 2GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 5000mAh battery
- Dolby Audio for improved sound
- Why It’s Great: The Lenovo Tab M8 is one of the best budget tablets for those who want a compact device with decent performance for basic tasks like browsing, watching videos, and reading. The addition of Dolby Audio enhances the multimedia experience, making it a solid option for entertainment.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2023)
- Price: Around $100
- Key Features:
- 8-inch HD display
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 12-hour battery life
- Kids-friendly features
- Why It’s Great: The Fire HD 8 offers excellent value for money, delivering a smooth performance for everyday tasks at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s a great option for families, especially with the Kids Edition that includes robust parental controls. Both adults and children can use it because of its small size and long battery life.
Wooken W1 Pro
- Price: Around $130
- Key Features:
- 10-inch 1080p Full HD display
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Android 10 OS
- 6000mAh battery
- Why It’s Great: The Wooken W1 Pro offers a large screen, high resolution, and solid battery life for an affordable price. Customers can download a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store on this Android 10 device. The tablet also has a nice design, making it stand out in the budget tablet category.
Dragon Touch Max10
- Price: Around $140
- Key Features:
- 10.1-inch Full HD display
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 6000mAh battery
- Android 9.0 OS
- Why It’s Great: The Dragon Touch Max10 combines a large display and good performance for browsing, reading, and video streaming. It offers a smooth experience for those on a budget, and its bright, clear screen makes it ideal for watching movies or video calls.
Vankyo MatrixPad Z4
- Price: Around $120
- Key Features:
- 10.1-inch 1920×1200 Full HD display
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Android 10 OS
- 6000mAh battery for up to 10 hours of use
- Why It’s Great: The Vankyo MatrixPad Z4 offers a large, vibrant display with a resolution higher than many other tablets in this price range. It’s powered by Android 10, which gives you access to a broad range of apps from the Google Play Store. The tablet also features a strong battery that can last through most of the day for streaming, browsing, and other basic tasks.
Alldocube iPlay 40
- Price: Around $140
- Key Features:
- 10.4-inch 2000×1200 Full HD+ display
- 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Android 11 OS
- 6600mAh battery for up to 8 hours of use
- Why It’s Great: The Alldocube iPlay 40 offers a stunning display with an impressive resolution, making it ideal for watching movies, gaming, and browsing. With 4GB of RAM, it provides smoother performance compared to many other tablets in this price range. The tablet runs Android 11, offering more modern features and a better overall experience.
Quick Comparison of the Best Tablets Under $150
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the top budget tablets available for under $150. The table below outlines their key features, price ranges, and actual prices for easy reference:
Tablet | Display Size | Key Features | Price Range |
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) | 10.1 inches | 1080p Full HD, 3GB RAM, Alexa integration | $130 – $150 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | 8.7 inches | 3GB RAM, Samsung Kids Mode, 5100mAh battery | $110 – $130 |
Lenovo Tab M8 (2nd Gen) | 8 inches | Dolby Audio, 2GB RAM, 5000mAh battery | $90 – $120 |
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2023) | 8 inches | 3GB RAM, 12-hour battery, Kid-friendly features | $90 – $120 |
Vankyo MatrixPad Z4 | 10.1 inches | 1920×1200 Full HD, 3GB RAM, Android 10 OS | $110 – $130 |
Alldocube iPlay 40 | 10.4 inches | 2000×1200 Full HD+, 4GB RAM, Android 11 | $130 – $150 |
Dragon Touch Max10 | 10.1 inches | Full HD, 3GB RAM, Android 9.0 | $120 – $140 |
Wooken W1 Pro | 10 inches | Full HD, 3GB RAM, Android 10 OS | $120 – $140 |
What to Look for When Buying a Tablet Under $150
When shopping for a budget tablet, it’s important to know what features matter most to ensure you get the best value for your money. While the price is a key factor, focusing on other aspects like performance, screen quality, and battery life can make all the difference in choosing the right tablet. Here’s what to consider when browsing tablets under $150:
Display Quality
The display is one of the most important aspects of a tablet, as it directly affects your viewing experience. For crisper images, look for tablets with HD or Full HD resolution (1080p), particularly if you intend to use the device for web browsing, reading, or watching videos. Larger screens (8 to 10 inches) provide a better viewing experience, but smaller screens may offer greater portability.
- Tip: If you plan on watching movies or shows, prioritize a Full HD display (1920×1080), as it delivers the clearest and most vibrant picture.
Performance and Processor
A tablet’s performance is driven by its processor and RAM. For smooth day-to-day usage, look for a tablet with at least 3GB of RAM, especially if you plan to multitask or run apps that require a bit more power. Additionally, a modern quad-core processor will ensure your tablet runs apps, browsing, and media smoothly. Tablets with slower processors may feel sluggish, especially when switching between apps or streaming video.
- Tip: Opt for a tablet with at least 3GB of RAM and a quad-core processor if possible, as it ensures smoother performance, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
A tablet’s battery life can make or break its usability. You want a device that can last throughout the day, whether you’re reading, browsing, or watching movies. Look for tablets with 8-12 hours of battery life to ensure they last during long work sessions or travel. Keep in mind that factors like screen brightness and usage intensity can impact battery life.
- Tip: If you plan to use your tablet for extended periods without charging, prioritize a model with at least 10 hours of battery life for a reliable experience.
Storage Capacity
Consider the storage capacity of the tablet to ensure it can accommodate your apps, photos, videos, and other files. While most budget tablets come with 32GB of internal storage, many offer expandable storage via a microSD card. If you have a lot of media or apps stored on your device, this capability might be very important. Although they are slightly more expensive, tablets with larger storage capacities (such as 64GB or 128GB) might spare you the trouble of rapidly running out of space.
- Tip: Opt for a tablet with expandable storage via microSD cards if you plan to store lots of files or apps, especially since internal storage is often limited in budget models.
Operating System and Ecosystem
Tablets run on different operating systems, with the most common being Android and Amazon’s custom Fire OS. While Android tablets offer access to the full Google Play Store, Fire tablets run a more limited app store that’s optimized for Amazon services. Choose the operating system that aligns with your needs. If you prefer Google services like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Drive, an Android tablet might be a better fit. However, if you’re a frequent Amazon Prime user, a Fire tablet might be more appealing.
- Tip: Ensure that the tablet’s operating system supports the apps you want to use regularly. If you’re already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, a Fire tablet might be a great choice. Otherwise, go for an Android tablet for more flexibility in app selection.
Other Considerations
- Build Quality: Choose a tablet that is built to last, particularly if children or an active environment will be using it.
- Portability: Take into account the tablet’s dimensions and weight, particularly if you intend to carry it about a lot.
- Additional Features: Some tablets come with added features like dual speakers, kids modes, or parental controls, which can be helpful for families or for entertainment purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best tablet under $150 is all about balancing performance, display quality, battery life, and storage capacity while staying within your budget. The tablets we’ve covered provide a great mix of features, from solid displays and long-lasting batteries to sufficient RAM and expandable storage. Whether you’re using the tablet for entertainment, education, or work, there’s something in this price range that can meet your needs.
By considering what matters most to you—whether it’s a large, high-resolution screen, smooth performance, or long battery life—you can select a tablet that fits your lifestyle. From Amazon Fire tablets with excellent content integration to versatile Android devices offering access to the full Google Play Store, the options are varied and provide excellent value for the price.
Key Takeaways:
- Display Quality: Look for tablets with at least HD resolution, ideally Full HD, for better clarity, especially if you watch videos or browse regularly.
- Performance: Choose tablets with 3GB of RAM or more for smoother multitasking and performance, especially with light gaming and media consumption.
- Battery Life: Aim for tablets that provide at least 8-10 hours of battery life to last through a full day of use.
- Storage Options: Consider tablets with expandable storage if you need more space for apps, media, and files.
- Operating System: Decide between Android or Fire OS based on the apps and content ecosystem you prefer.
FAQs
What is the best tablet under $150 for watching movies and TV shows?
For streaming movies and TV shows, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) is a great choice. Along with a good 12-hour battery life, it has a 10.1-inch Full HD display that offers crisp images for watching films. The integration with Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services also makes it ideal for entertainment.
Can I use a budget tablet for light gaming?
Yes, many tablets under $150, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite and Vankyo MatrixPad Z4, offer decent performance for light gaming. While they may not handle high-end gaming titles, casual games and apps should run smoothly. Look for tablets with at least 3GB of RAM and a modern processor to ensure a better gaming experience.
Are Fire tablets a good option if I use Google services?
Fire tablets run Amazon’s custom Fire OS, which is limited compared to Android in terms of app availability. However, they can still access many Google apps (like Gmail, Google Drive, and YouTube), though you may need to sideload some apps or rely on Amazon’s Appstore. If you’re heavily invested in Google services, an Android tablet like the Lenovo Tab M8 might be a better option.
How long should the battery last on a budget tablet?
A budget tablet under $150 should ideally offer between 8-12 hours of battery life, depending on usage. Tablets like the Amazon Fire HD 10 and Lenovo Tab M8 provide long-lasting battery life for tasks like reading, browsing, and streaming. However, usage such as gaming or high-screen brightness may reduce battery life.
Can I use a budget tablet for work or productivity?
Yes, many budget tablets offer features suitable for productivity. Word processing, email, and web browsing are among the functions that tablets like the Vankyo MatrixPad Z4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite can perform. For more intensive productivity tasks, such as document editing or multitasking, look for tablets with at least 3GB of RAM and a responsive screen.