Are you a college student on a tight budget, looking for the best tablets for college students on a budget? You’re in the right spot; there’s no need to search any further.
Tablets are one of the best equipment that exists that every student must have in their collection. These devices are bigger than smartphones and smaller than laptops.
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They work well with both iOS and Android. Students can perform their daily academic tasks, research, homework, and studies with ease using their tablets. College students who need to go through several projects, and assignments, prepare research papers and many more academic activities need a convenient and budget-friendly tablet.
For more budget-friendly options, you can also explore programs that offer Free Laptops For College Students to ensure you have the right tools for your academic journey.
As a student, they lack funds, only the best tablets for college students on a budget can suit them. Here in this article, we will provide the best tablets for college students available on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- College students often need a tablet for studying, note-taking, and entertainment on a budget.
- We offer reviews of eight tablets in this article that are good choices for college students on a budget.
- Some important things to consider when choosing a tablet are the price, screen size, battery life, storage space, and processing power.
- We recommend the following tablets: Apple iPad 10.9, Microsoft Surface Go 3, Amazon Fire HD 10, and Lenovo Yoga Tab 13.
List of the 8 Best Tablets for College Students on a Budget
There are hundreds of brands that are offering their tablets and claim them to be the best for college students but a few of them match the required standards. We have compared and shortlisted the best tablets for college students on a budget. We consider various factors including the price, features, designs, and many more.
| Top Choice Tablet | Pros | Cons |
| Apple iPad 10.9 | Lightweight design, Long-lasting battery, ProMotion technology | May struggle with multitasking, Lacks support for desktop-class software, Touchscreen input may not be effective for lengthy documents |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | Lightweight and portable, Can be used as both a tablet and a laptop, Extended battery life | May not be as powerful as some traditional laptops, Insufficient RAM |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Large, high-resolution display, Lightweight design, Long battery life | Limited RAM options, Relatively smaller storage capacities, Not suitable for extensive typing |
| Budget friendly Tablet | Pros | Cons |
| HP Chromebook x2 11 | Lightweight design, Long battery life | Limited processing power, Relatively small display size, Limited storage options |
| Amazon Fire HD 10 | Affordable price, Long battery life, Expandable storage via a microSD card | Limited processing power and RAM, Lower screen resolution, Limited storage of 16 GB |
| Microsoft Surface Go 3 | Lightweight design, Long battery life of up to 12.5 hours, Various storage options | Entry-level processor and graphics, Limited RAM options, Small display size |
| Student friendly Tablet | Pros | Cons |
| Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 | Lightweight design, Long battery life, Touchscreen display | Limited processing power, Small SSD storage capacity, Lack of a physical keyboard may hinder typing efficiency |
| Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 | High-resolution display, Powerful processor and 8 GB of RAM, Expandable storage option | Limited availability of apps, Shorter battery life compared to some other tablets, Dependence on Huawei’s ecosystem |
1. Apple iPad 10.9
The Apple iPad 10.9 comes with a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It gives you vibrant visuals and smooth performance. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on the powerful Apple M1 chip.
The tablet has fast and efficient processing for all your tasks. You can choose between 8GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB SSD. This gives you plenty of memory and space for both work and play.
- Display Size: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate)
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Graphics: Apple GPU
- Weight: Wi-Fi model: 1.02 pounds (469 grams), Wi-Fi + Cellular model: 1.05 pounds (476 grams)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, up to 9 hours of watching video, or up to 14 hours of listening to audio
- SSD: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Long-lasting battery.
- The ProMotion technology.
Cons
- It may struggle with multitasking.
- It lacks support for desktop-class software.
- The touchscreen input may not be effective for activities like typing lengthy documents.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
With its lightweight and portable design, the iPad 10.9 is perfect for busy students who need to study on the go or in different places. Its long battery life means you can use it for lectures, and study sessions without worrying about running out of power.
The screen responds quickly. This makes it great for looking at interactive textbooks, or online lectures. Also, it is versatile, so you can use it with lots of educational and productivity apps to help you study, take notes, and stay organized
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is like having two devices in one – it is a tablet that can also be a laptop. You get a big 13-inch touchscreen that responds quickly and smoothly. This makes it easy to use.
It is powered by a fast processor that can handle all sorts of tasks, from browsing the web to running apps. Also, you can choose how much memory and storage you need, so you have plenty of space for all your stuff.
- Display Size: 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Weight: Starting at 1.9 pounds (0.87 kg)
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of typical use
- SSD: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Pros
- It is lightweight and highly portable.
- It can be used as both a tablet and a laptop.
- Extended battery life.
Cons
- It may not be as powerful as some traditional laptops.
- Insufficient RAM.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a great pick for college students because it is portable and flexible. It lasts a long time on one charge. It is lightweight, so you can easily carry it around campus. It can be a tablet or a laptop. This makes it handy for different study situations, like taking notes in class or doing research in the library.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a fantastic choice with its big 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen. With its smooth 120Hz refresh rate, you get bright colors and clear visuals for everything you do.
It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Adreno 730 graphics. It gives you reliable performance for all your tasks. With RAM options from 8GB to 16GB and storage options from 128GB to 512GB SSD, you have plenty of space for your stuff.
- Display Size: 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB
- Graphics: Adreno 730
- Weight: 1.12 pounds (507 grams)
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours of video playback
- SSD: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
Pros
- Large, high-resolution display.
- Lightweight design.
- Long battery life of up to 14 hours.
Cons
- Limited RAM options.
- Relatively smaller storage capacities.
- The tablet is not suitable for extensive typing.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is great for college students who need a portable device for studying and other tasks. Its big, high-resolution screen and lightweight design make it perfect for college students. With its long battery life, you can use it all day without worrying about running out of power. Because it is compact, it is easy to carry to class.
4. HP Chromebook x2 11
The HP Chromebook x2 11 comes with an 11-inch IPS touchscreen display that responds quickly to your touch. This makes it easy to use. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor. It gives you enough power to handle your everyday tasks efficiently.
You can choose between 4GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on how much multitasking you plan to do. And when it comes to storage, you have options of 64GB or 128GB SSD. So, you can store all your files and apps in one place.
- Display Size: 11-inch IPS touchscreen display
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB
- Graphics: Adreno 618
- Weight: 1.27 pounds (0.57 kg)
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- SSD: 64GB or 128GB
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Long battery life.
Cons
- Limited processing power.
- Relatively small display size.
- Limited storage options.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a handy tool for college students. Its light weight makes it easy to carry around, whether you are rushing between classes. With its touchscreen, you can easily access study materials or college resources wherever you are.
Also, the battery life is pretty impressive, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of your busy day. That means you can stay productive from morning lectures to late-night study sessions without any interruptions.
5. Amazon Fire HD 10
The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet comes with a 10.1-inch display. It is not super fancy, but it does the job well enough for watching videos or doing simple tasks. It runs on a MediaTek quad-core processor and has 1GB of RAM. So it is not the fastest out there, but it gets things done.
This tablet has integrated graphics and weighs about 432 grams. So, it is pretty lightweight and easy to carry around. Also, the battery lasts up to 12 hours. It also comes with 16GB of storage, and you can add even more with a microSD card up to 128 GB.
- Display Size: 10.1-inch (1280×800 pixels)
- Processor: MediaTek quad-core processor
- RAM: 1GB
- Graphics: Integrated
- Weight: 432 grams
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- SSD: 16GB, expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB)
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Long battery life.
- Expandable storage via a microSD card.
Cons
- Limited processing power and RAM.
- Lower screen resolution.
- Limited storage of 16GB.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
If you are a college student looking for a budget-friendly tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 might be just what you need. Its battery lasts a long time, and you can add more storage if you need it. This makes it perfect for studying on the go.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3
If you are looking for a compact tablet, the Microsoft Surface Go 4 is a perfect choice for you. It has a small 10.5-inch touchscreen that shows clear and sharp images.
It is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold Processor N200. It can handle everyday tasks well. You can choose between 4GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options from 64GB to 256GB SSD.
- Display Size: 10.5-inch PixelSense™ touchscreen display with 1920 x 1280 resolution
- Processor: Intel® Pentium Gold Processor N200
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR5
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Weight: 1.15 lb (521 g)
- Battery Life: Up to 12.5 hours
- SSD: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Long battery life of up to 12.5 hours.
- Various storage options.
Cons
- Entry-level processor and graphics.
- Limited RAM options.
- Small display size when compared to laptops.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
The Microsoft Surface Go 4 tablet is still handy for college students. It is light, so you won’t feel weighed down when you carry it to classes. It lasts a long time on one charge, so you won’t have to worry about it dying in the middle of the day. And you have got enough space to store all your study stuff. Its touchscreen makes it easy to use, especially for taking notes during lectures.
7. Lenovo Yoga Tab 13
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 comes with a big 13.0-inch touchscreen. This tablet shows sharp and colorful images. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor and has 8GB of RAM for smooth switching between tasks.
You also get 128GB of SSD storage. It weighs 830 grams. The tablet’s battery lasts up to 15 hours, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Also, it has a strong Adreno 660 GPU for handling graphics tasks.
- Display Size: 13.0-inch touchscreen (2160×1350 pixels)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor
- RAM: 8GB
- Graphics: Adreno 660 GPU
- Weight: 830 grams
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- SSD: 128GB
Pros
- Lightweight design.
- Long battery life.
- Touchscreen display.
Cons
- Limited processing power.
- Small SSD storage capacity.
- Lack of a physical keyboard may hinder typing efficiency.
Why it’s a good choice for college students?
The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is a great choice for college students. It is light, has a long battery life, and a touchscreen. You can easily take it with you to classes and lectures. It is good enough for reading textbooks, taking notes, and using educational apps.
8. Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2
The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 has a big screen with clear and colorful visuals. It runs smoothly thanks to its powerful processor and 8GB of RAM. It has got a good graphics chip for gaming and comes with 128GB of storage. You can expand it if you need more space. It is not too heavy. It weighs just over 600 grams. The battery lasts for about 11 hours.
- Display Size: 13.2-inch (2560×1600 pixels)
- Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 9000E processor
- RAM: 8GB
- Graphics: Mali-G78 MP22 GPU
- Weight: 609 grams
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- SSD: 128GB, expandable up to 256GB
Pros
- High-resolution display.
- The Kirin 9000E processor and 8GB of RAM.
- Expandable storage option.
Cons
- Limited availability of apps.
- Shorter battery life when compared to some other tablets.
- Dependence on Huawei’s ecosystem.
Why it’s a good choice for college students:
The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 is a good pick for students. It has got a sharp display and works well enough for your college stuff. You can easily carry it around and use it for your classes, and studying. The battery lasts long, so you don’t have to worry about it.
FAQs
1. How to choose the best tablets for college students on a budget?
Before choosing the best budget tablet for a college student, there are a lot of things to consider. These include your budget, the needs, and requirements for your academics, storage capacity, camera requirements, speed, size, and color as well.
If you are a technical student and need to work on coding projects then you are recommended to go with the after tablets as they process the coding more conveniently and fast than any other tablet. Hence, you need to look at your requirements, compare similar products, and choose the best one among them.
2. Which tablet is best for college students?
Almost all the tablet brands claim to offer the best tablets for college students but only a few of them have the required features.
A tablet for college students must have a good battery backup, bug storage space, an extendable space feature, a compact and good display, fast and reliable, fast charging, and most importantly the price.
Due to low budgets, college students are always looking for a tablet that offers all the features at an affordable price.
3. How much storage space in a tablet is enough for college students?
As a college student, you may need to store several notes, study material, and video courses as well. That is why to perform all their actions there is a need for good storage space. Usually, a tablet that offers storage space over 200 GB is best for college students.
However, it is recommended to buy a tablet that offers expandable storage specifications as you can add an external storage device to extend the storage space and store unlimited files.
4. What are the best tablet brands for college students?
When seeking the best tablets for college students on a budget, you’ll encounter choices from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Amazon.
These tablets aren’t limited to academic tasks; they can also serve as versatile tools for activities such as starting a YouTube channel, writing blogs, editing, or even into programming. With a budget-friendly tablet, college students can excel in their studies while exploring opportunities to generate income online.
5. Is it worth getting a tablet for university?
Many students cannot get laptops since they cost so much. Tablets are a good option if you cannot afford a laptop. Tablets let you read your text books. You can easily use tablets for viewing textbooks. Getting a tablet can save you money compared to buying expensive paper books.
Conclusion
As a college student on a budget searching for the best tablets for college students on a budget, it’s crucial not to rush your decision. Limited finances mean you’ll want more value for your money. Take the time to compare various tablet brands and their features. You may need to do some online research and pay attention to recommendations from digital influencers.
Among the tablets mentioned above, some stand out as excellent choices for college students on a budget like you. Carefully choose one based on your budget and what you require for your college work.
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