- 9.60/10 1. Premium pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-P610NZAAXAR
- 9.40/10 2. Editors choice: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A SM-T290NZKEXAR
- 9.00/10 3. Best value: Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T290NZKAXAR
- 9.00/10 4. Samsung Galaxy Tab E SM-T560NZKUXAR
- 8.80/10 5. Samsung Tab A7 SM-T220NZSAXAR
- 8.40/10 6. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Active2 SM-T390NZKAXAR
- 8.00/10 7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 SM-T500NZAAXAR
Samsung has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a tablet to binge-watch, game, or edit photos. The company sets budget-friendly price tags on most S and A series tablets, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to own one that delivers snappy performance.
There are various considerations when buying a low-cost tablet since some are pretty similar in terms of size. Some key factors include display resolution, battery life, performance, storage, among other features.
Here are the best budget-friendly Samsung tablets available today.
Despite being a budget tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 SM-P610NZAAXAR has plenty to offer for anyone who wants to stream, binge-watch, and take notes. The tablet runs on the Exynos 9611 chipset, which is paired with 4GB RAM. Lower-end games run smoothly, plus you can swipe between apps and menus without any delay.
Onboard are AKG-tuned dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, which draw you into the center of what you’re watching. Bass performance is quite pleasing, allowing you to have an immersive gaming or listening experience. The 10.4-inch LCD screen is highly responsive, and it’s bright enough to let you view stunning images when outdoors.
The S Pen, which is a worthwhile addition to the tablet is great for note-taking, sketching, and annotating. The 7,040mAh battery can last for 12 hours on typical use. It allows you to watch several YouTube videos, reply to social media messages, and play games without running out of power.
- Two built-in speakers
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 5.0
- S Pen support
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 64GB
- CPU: Octa-core 2.3GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Operating System: Android 10.0
- Battery: 7,040mAh
- Ports: USB 2.0 Type-C
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 5MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 10.4 inches, 2,000x1,200
- Excellent note-taking features
- Great battery life
- Decent screen quality
- Plenty of user interface (UI) customization options
- Some issues with S Pen
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T290NZKEXAR is compact, durable, and high-performing, making it a reliable pick for anyone who’s on a tight budget. The 8.0-inch screen has an HD resolution of 1280x800 and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Color reproduction is great, allowing you to watch detailed images in the latest shows.
This 8.0-inch version comes with 64GB internal storage, giving you sufficient space to store music files and download a few less demanding apps. The tablet is compact and slim, making it easy to hold with one hand without feeling uncomfortable. Next to the USB 2.0 charging port are two stereo speakers, which perform pretty well to provide you with decent sound performance.
There’s no noticeable distortion, provided you don’t crank the volume to 100 percent. You get two megapixels for the front camera and eight megapixels for the rear camera, allowing you to capture snapshots on the go.
- Lightweight form
- Two stereo speakers
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 64GB
- CPU: Quad-core 2.0GHz
- Memory: 2GB
- Operating System: Android 9.0 (Pie)
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Ports: USB 2.0, 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 5MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 8.0-inch, 1,280x800
- Great build quality
- Solid performance
- Easy to carry
- Decent sound quality
- Underwhelming cameras
Nicely built and powerful, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T290NZKAXAR is a suitable pick for anyone who’s strapped for cash. The 8.0-inch screen has a slim bezel, providing you with more room to view your favorite content. Powering this tablet is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 processor, which clocks at 2.0GHz. It makes switching from one app to another a snap, plus you can perform basic multitasking without any hitches.
Downloading movies is fast since the tablet supports dual-band Wi-Fi technology. The tablet also comes with an inbuilt 5,100mAh Lithium Polymer battery that powers you for 13 hours on a single charge. Such power is enough for gaming and catching up with the latest episodes. On the right side is an easy-to-press volume rocker and a power button, and both deliver a satisfying click when tapped.
The two speakers on the bottom are loud enough to provide you with an immersive watching experience. The tablet weighs 12.2 ounces and measures, making it compact enough for commuting.
- Two-speaker design
- Premium metallic finish
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 processor
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 32GB
- CPU: Quad-core 2.0GHz
- Memory: 2GB
- Operating System: Android (9.0 Pie)
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Ports: 3.5mm stereo jack, USB 2.0
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 2MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 8.0-inch, 1,280x800
- Light and comfortable
- Excellent battery life
- Slim design
- Images are washed away when watching in well-lit environments
The Samsung Galaxy Tab E SM-T560NZKUXAR proves that you don’t have to break the bank to own a tablet with long battery life and a responsive screen. Its 9.6-inch screen has a 1280x800 resolution, which is bright enough to let you see crisp images when watching movies.
Highly portable, the tablet weighs 1.21 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down while on the move. The 7,300mAh battery allows you to have all-day entertainment as it powers you for up to 12 hours on a single charge. The internal storage is 16GB but you can expand it up to 128GB using a microSDTM card. By doing so, you’ll have sufficient space to store a vast selection of music files, photos, and videos.
Parents can have peace of mind since they can control what their kids can or cannot access via the Kids Mode.
- Samsung+ app
- Expandable storage up to 128GB
- Kids mode available
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 16GB
- CPU: Quad-core 1.2GHz
- Memory: 1.5GB
- Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Battery: 7,300mAh
- Ports: MicroUSB 2.0, 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 5MP, 2MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 9.6-inch, 1,280x800
- Long battery life
- Sleek and portable design
- Safe for kids
- All-plastic design
It’s incredible how the Samsung Tab A7 SM-T220NZSAXAR satisfies most of your needs at a great price. Performance is exceptional as the tablet features a versatile octa-core (4x2.3GHz + 4x1.8GHz) processor. Switching to different apps is a breeze, so you don’t have to gaze on an unresponsive screen when accessing your favorite games.
Although the 8.7-inch LCD screen with 1340x800 (WXGA+) resolution isn’t very vibrant, it’s bright enough to cater to your casual watching needs. The 8MP rear camera captures stunning portraits, while the 2MP front camera allows you to take nice-looking selfies.
The Android 11 operating system includes a handful of benefits designed to elevate your overall experience. For instance, it gives you more control over your notifications and allows you to schedule a dark theme. It also has a built-in screen recorder. On the sides is a sturdy metal frame that protects the tablet from everyday knocks and bumps.
- Upgraded metal frame
- Slim design
- Android 11 operating system
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 32GB
- CPU: Octa-core 2.3GHz
- Memory: 3GB
- Operating System: Android 11
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Ports: USB Type-C 2.0
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 2MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 8.7-inch, 1,340x800
- Great battery life
- Great media experience
- Lightweight
- Average display quality
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2 SM-T390NZKAXAR strikes an excellent balance between ruggedness and great value for money. The tablet has a rugged design that withstands mud, water, sand, shocks, drops, humidity, and other harsh elements, making it an incredible option for field workers.
Powering the tablet is one Lithium Polymer battery, which allows you to stay productive for 11 hours on a single charge. The IP68-Certified Samsung S-pen is a notable addition. It makes typing and tapping on images seamless, which is handy for people who work while wearing gloves. The fingerprint scanner and facial recognition functionalities add an extra layer of security to your files and images. Both technologies also save you from the hassle of typing long passwords when trying to stay productive.
The 1.6GHz octa-core processor coupled with 3GB RAM provides you with enough power to run various applications. You won’t experience frequent hiccups as long as you don’t overpower the processor by installing demanding applications.
- Fingerprint scanner
- Face recognition
- Water-resistant S Pen
- Military-grade certified and tested
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 16GB
- CPU: Octa-core 1.6GHz
- Memory: 3GB
- Operating System: Android 9.1 Pie
- Battery: 4,450mAh
- Ports: USB Type-C 2.0
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 5MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 8-inch, 1,920x1080
- Rugged design
- Excellent for outdoor activities
- Long battery life
- Low-resolution screen
If you’re looking for a low-cost tablet that lets you perform daily tasks with ease, consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 SM-T500NZAAXAR. The attractive 10.4-inch screen has a resolution of 2,000x1,200, making it one of the brightest displays for entry-level tablets. The immersion delivered when watching talk shows and movies are incredible, so you won’t get bored when going to work via commuter trains.
Processing speeds are exceptional, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor and 3GB RAM. The combination powers the tablet through various tasks with ease. As such, you can browse, play mid-range games, and access online streaming platforms without experiencing any noticeable delays.
Audio performance is excellent as the tablet has four speakers and supports Dolby Atmos. Almost all songs are crystal-clear, and the bass response is impressive regardless of the tablet’s orientation. Its slim and stylish design makes it a suitable travel companion. The 32GB internal storage lets you store several music files, videos, and photos.
- Dolby Atmos Surround sound
- Quad speakers
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 32GB
- CPU: Octa-core 2.0GHz
- Memory: 3GB
- Operating System: Android Q
- Battery: 7,040mAh
- Ports: USB Type-C 2.0, 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8MP, 5MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 10.4-inch, 2,000x1,200
- Impressive audio quality
- Great battery life
- Bright display
- Frequent lag when multitasking
FAQ
Q: Are Samsung Tablets Repairable?
Yes, they are, and common problems with Samsung tablets are when the screen is unresponsive or won’t turn on/off. Such issues are direct outcomes of interference with the tablet’s internal settings or software. In addition, it could be because of improper maintenance, possible virus attack, or rough usage.
The best thing is that you can try some quick fixes like restarting your tablet, using Samsung’s original charger, or booting it into safe mode. Note that some methods may erase your data and settings, so backup any crucial details beforehand. If the malfunction is beyond your repair skills, like a damaged screen, consider taking your tablet to a Samsung repair service center.
Q: How Can I Speed Up a Slow Samsung Tablet?
Downloading the latest software update goes a long way in optimizing your tablet’s performance. Always check if there’s any software update since it helps the tablet deal with any security issues and bugs. You may not realize this, but malware interferes with how your tablet works. It would be best to install a well-known antivirus to prevent viruses from slowing down and infecting critical files in your device.
Sometimes users fill their tablets with unnecessary apps, slowing down performance. Consider deleting outdated gaming apps since your tablet will run faster when there’s less cache. Better yet, clear your browsing history and any duplicated files. Remember to keep your screen clean and be mindful of whatever apps you’re installing.
Q: Are Budget-Level Tablets Good for Traveling?
The best Samsung tablets on a budget have incredible features that favor on-the-go users. Most have long battery life, ranging between 10 to 16 hours, which is enough to fulfill your watching needs when on a long-haul flight. Most importantly, you don’t have to carry your charger around or sit near power outlets.
In terms of design, many tablets are slim and compact, meaning that they won’t weigh you down or make you feel uncomfortable when on the move. You can easily carry your tablet with one hand when visiting a nearby coffee shop or toss it in the bag when going to the office.
