What is considered a cheap tablet?
A cheap tablet is considered any device priced under £130. These tablets usually target basic use like web browsing, video playback, light apps, and e-books. They come with limited processing power and lower storage compared to mid-range or premium models, but they still handle simple daily tasks.
Are cheap tablets worth buying?
Cheap tablets are worth buying if you need a device for basic tasks like web browsing, streaming, or social media. They cost much less than premium models, but they have weaker processors, less RAM, and lower storage, so they cannot handle demanding apps or heavy multitasking. The screens are often smaller or have lower resolution, which affects clarity when you watch videos or read text.
Which brands make the best cheap tablets?
The best cheap tablet brands are as follows.
- Xiaomi (Overall score: 6.7 points)
- Blackview (Overall score: 6.5 points)
- Honor (Overall score: 6.5 points)
The chart below ranks cheap tablet brands based on their overall scores.
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What CPU and RAM can you expect from cheap tablets?
Cheap tablets usually come with entry-level CPUs and limited RAM. Most use basic quad-core processors such as MediaTek, Rockchip, or low-end Unisoc chips, which run at speeds between 1.3 and 2.0 GHz. These processors are built for light tasks like browsing, video streaming, and simple apps, but they struggle with multitasking or demanding games. You should not expect advanced chipsets like Snapdragon 700 or Apple’s A-series in this price range.
RAM in cheap tablets typically stays between 2 GB and 4 GB. A few models reach 6 GB, but that is less common under £130. With 2 GB, the system can handle basic use but slows down if you run multiple apps at once, while 3 GB or 4 GB gives slightly smoother performance for casual gaming and everyday use.
The following chart shows how RAM capacity is distributed across cheap tablets.
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What display quality do cheap tablets have?
Cheap tablets have a display quality that usually stays at basic levels with limited resolution and brightness.
Most models under £130 use LCD panels with HD resolution (1280 × 800) or even lower at 1024 × 600, so text and images do not appear as sharp as on mid-range or premium devices. Viewing angles are often narrow, and colors can look washed out compared to higher-end screens.
Brightness levels in this price range also tend to be low, usually around 250–300 nits, which makes outdoor use difficult if you sit under direct sunlight. Some tablets may use glossy panels that reflect light heavily, so readability drops even further.
Refresh rates generally stay at 60 Hz, so the screen feels responsive enough for basic use but not smooth for fast scrolling or games.
How long does the battery last on cheap tablets?
The battery on cheap tablets usually lasts between 4 and 7 hours on a single charge. This range covers basic web browsing, watching short videos, or running simple apps, but heavy use such as gaming or streaming can reduce it to closer to 3 or 4 hours. You should not expect all-day usage, since these devices use smaller batteries and less efficient components.
Most cheap tablets use battery capacities between 3000 mAh and 5000 mAh, which is less than mid-range or premium models that often go above 7000 mAh.
Screen size and brightness affect endurance as well, since larger 10-inch displays consume more power than compact 7-inch screens. The type of processor also matters, as basic entry-level chips consume more energy under load.
