Best tablet under 500

Perhaps, if you are here, reading this article, you are likely looking for a good tablet that can cater to you accordingly without being a burden on your pocket. If that’s what you are looking for, then you are at the right spot. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide that can help you choose the best tablet for yourself without having to hassle around between different websites. And considering the global inflation is already touching the sky, we don’t want you to miss out on some reasonable options. Therefore, skim through this guide and choose the best for yourself according to your need. So, without further ado, let’s dig in and find out some best tablets under 500.

Quick Pick Table

10/08/2022 01:38 pm GMT

In general, for 400-500 dollars you can buy quite a good, powerful and high-quality tablet, suitable for a variety of tasks. I believe that this is the “golden mean”. It is not too high a price, but not too low, so you can count on good quality.

Xiaomi Pad 5

Over a couple of years, Xiaomi tablets have changed the ballgame in the tech sector. Its competitive upgrade is now making people quit Apple, Microsoft and Samsung which is indeed a milestone for the tech giant.

All props to their topmost efforts in reviving the essence of a good tablet that is not only portable but equally pocket friendly. But what makes Xiaomi so competitive?

Its sleek design, powerful hours of battery life, the excellent processor is making people purchase it over brands like Apple and Samsung.

The android tablet is incorporated with all those features that were found missing in its previous model. It is hands down more effective, fast, and reliable.

Its 11-inch mega screen is the most suitable option if you like attending classes, meetings, and watching movies on a tablet. The screen supports 4,096 pressure levels and reads the stylus input with 240Hz sampling. It also has a stylish dock on its side for the pen to keep which is interesting. 

However, this time Xiaomi has adapted Apple’s policy of selling the accessories separately with an additional cost. It is indeed a bump to their slogan of “reasonable” as they are charging extra for the Xiaomi smartpen. Nonetheless, the investment is indeed worthy if you are into writing and drawing on your tablet. 

This time, the tablet is running on Android 11 with the special integration of MIUI 12.5. The update promises robust system that reduces the chances of lag to a great extent.

Another factor that caught our attention was the tablet’s fast charging. The tablet supports 33W fast charging however, it is not shipped with the charger and the cable. It means one has to buy one from their country that generally offers 22.5W adaptor and cable in the box.

Whereas, with respect to the design, we can say Xiaomi is the cousin sister of Ipad Air (2020). The design more or less looks the same. It’s just Xiaomi has a sleeker body and it weigh less too. Besides that, they look similar in look and that’s a catch because in less price you can get a tablet that looks like Ipad Air (2020)

The tablet is available under 500 which is a great deal for a model that has to offer so much to its user.

2021 Apple iPad Mini

I am sure seeing Apple in the list of tablets under 500 has raised a question to you. Well, to surprise you, it is indeed a great option if you are looking for an affordable tablet.

Every launch from Apple is highly anticipated and people always expects more from them considering they challenge the existing devices and encourages innovation. This time Apple has introduced amazing screen size, long lasting battery life and an exceptional processor that has A15 Bionic chip which is also present in iPhone 13.

Apple iPad is the best tablet for people who uses tablet on daily basis. With a bionic chip, it is proven to be the fastest processor that run the functions smoothly on the device.

The sixth generation iPad mini has changed the perspective of people towards iPad because lately apple was not seen putting extra efforts in it. More or less, the upgrades were same and did not have any standing qualities.

However, this time, they made sure to surprise its users by rolling out a portable, sleek and a durable tablet that is not just handy to carry but it also offering some great specification.

After using it for few weeks, I must say, it’s a great investment for someone who want to quit the hassle of switching between a laptop and a mobile. The iPad supports cellular connectivity along with the WiFi which means you can carry this tablet on the go.

Lately, the problems noted with Ipads was their size and poor battery life.  Most people were seen complaining about the poor battery life that drains quickly.

However, this time, their long-lasting battery life is reliable and can be trusted by the customers. It has an average battery life of 10 hours which means you can easily grab your tablet and read your favorite books on the go without having to worry about the charging.

Apple Ipad Air has a 10.5-inch retina display that will make the user experience ten times better. It offers enrich colors and high-quality resolution in any light which makes it perfect for outdoor activities as well.

I have seen how people struggle to see in the sun-light. However, with Apple Ipad Air, you can always increase the brightness and see vividly.

Besides that, it offers 8MP rear camera and 7MP front camera which will help you take HD high quality pictures.

You can also explore Apple pencil if you are into taking notes, drawing charts and writing. It will indeed improve your experience.

The tablet is configured with 64GB of internal storage and you can always upgrade to 256GB for an extra $150.

So far, the reviews for Apple iPad Air have been great. The customers like the device because of its modern design, excellent system and affordable pricing.

Something as advanced as Apple Ipad Air is available under 500 dollars. It’s a great deal, if you want to invest into something that will last long and serve the purpose.

The only problem observed with the tablet is the absence of face ID. The tablet does offer finger ID but it does not support face ID. Besides that, it has mediocre 60Hz refresh rate screen which is something not liked by the customer.

However, we must say, it’s a great deal for people who are looking to buy a reliable tablet that offers the variety of specification.

 Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft continues to serve the customer with their amazing products that are reasonable and equally efficient.

The Microsoft Surface Go has to be the best tablet in the Surface series. With the wide range of features such as Pixel Sense display, long lasting battery life and heavy core processor it is giving a tough time to the competitors out there.

The core processor of Surface Go might not be as competent as Surface Pro X or the Dell XPS 13930 but it still offers a great processer that gets the work done.

The device is supported by the Intel Pentium gold CPU which is the best option if you are on a run to document some notes, lectures, or excel sheets.

The device is not reliable for heavy programs because this is not what it aims to cater. It is the viable option for students, writers and small-scale employees who are looking for a reasonable option that can serve the purpose without being too heavy on the pocket. It is super light to carry which means you don’t have to worry about the extra load that comes up with heavy processing laptops.

As far as the battery is concerned, it is important to note that the device do not offers all-day long-lasting battery. I know it’s a miss but here’s the catch.

The device has such a light charger that carrying it won’t be a problem for you at all. Also, the Surface Go can be charged with a USB C which means if you have a portable charger, you can skip bringing the charger altogether.

The device has headphone jack and a USB C port which makes the user experiencer significantly better.

As far as the surface pen and cover is concerned, you will have to buy it separately with an additional cost. It is indeed a bump as people don’t like buying thing separately but as Surface Go is sold as a tablet it does not involves the accessories with the device.

The tablet can be easily shifted into a laptop which is indeed a plus point. However, bear in mind, this transition will require you to buy additional accessories.

Moreover, the device only has 128GB of storage and there’s no way to increase it. Unlike apple, that offers extra storage with some extra dollars, you won’t have this option available in Surface Go. Hence, keep a hard-drive to store your heavy files.

Over all, the Microsoft Go is a 2 in 1 device that serves the purpose of people who uses tablets on daily basis. It indeed has issues of storage and battery, but besides that it’s a great deal under 500 dollars.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

Samsung has been giving its best shot to reach the level of Apple and Microsoft when it comes to the functionality of a productive tablet. Every year, its much-anticipated launch brings the variety of features that are appreciated by the customers. However, there are several bugs that are reported as well.

Last year, Galaxy Tab S6 was in the spotlight because of its ambiguous software, bugs and incomplete features that set off the customers regardless of its amazing hardware.

However, this time, Samsung left no stone unturned to bring the best product in the market.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is offered in two different sizes of 11 inch and 12.4 inches respectively. More precisely to compete with iPad pro models, Samsung has also launched two tablets. The tablet comes with the Samsung’s S Pen Stylus and it is supported by an optional keyboard as well that costs a few extra dollars.

In such competitive prices, the model has some great specs including high end core processor, excellent retina display, sweet speakers and conduciveness to 5G. You can use device for almost any purpose ranging from watching videos to writing documents. It has not disappointed in any of it.

The hardware and software of the tablet in indeed impressive. Samsung has significantly worked on their tablets because this time the tablet is offering fast performances, best retina display and fewer bugs.

Customers did find some bugs in the device but they were not as prominent as the last models.

The USP of the tablet is its amazing retina display that offers vibrancy and enrich color. The screen gives an HD look to the movies which is indeed amazing. Besides that, you can easily use it in the bright light because the tablet has built in adjustment and excellent control over contrast.

The only problem with the tablet so far noticed is its rectangular shape. People don’t appear to like it a lot because of its awkward look but besides that, it’s a steal in such reasonable prices.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Although Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is called lite, it holds all the features that a good tablet can have in it. I must admit the tablet has tear the conventional notion that tablets are used only for streaming movies and shopping.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a full-fledge multi-tasking tablet that can engage you in your free time and can get the job done too. Despite it is the lite version, there’s no big difference in the features except it donot have two in one feature of laptop.

The tablet has to top the list of budget tablets that can be easily used for work and fun. Tablets under 500 dollars often fails to serve the purpose but with Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, you will experience brilliance in many ways.

The tablet comes with a smart pen which makes the experience smoother. It is highly responsive however, occasionally you may experience lag. S Pen comes with the tablet and it do not cost extra. You can use it for your writing, doodling and even for drawing.

The tablet offers long lasting battery life of up to 12 hours. However, the battery life is subjective to the usage of the tablet. Heavy files and longer usage may affect it.

All in all, it’s a great deal if you are looking to buy something affordable and equally productive.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Microsoft Surface Pro hands down is the most reliable brand for tablets. Its habit to bring best tablets is something that has become a trend now.

With their every launch, they convince people to abode laptops and adapt tablets because of its portability and amazing functionality. Recently, Microsoft came up with Surface Pro 4 that has again met the standards set by the brand and it is selling like hot-cakes.

Microsoft surface pro is equipped with robust core processing power system, ideal size and critical features. The tablet is hands down the best tablet under 500 dollars.

Its premium features include amazing retina display, amazing internal storage and promising screen resolution.

The new pen in the Surface Pro is a little larger than the previous model. It gives a fairly good grip which makes the experience better. However, it may look dodgy to keep the pen in your hand since its relatively large. For that, you can either get a cover or simply put in your backpack.

The highlighting aspect of the tablet is its excellent retina display and screen resolution that will enrich your reading experiencing. The tablet has a standard size of A4 paper which means you can easily skim through your PDFs and e-books on a go.

Unlike Surface book, Surface Pro 4 do not support many ports. Instead, it has a single USB port that manages the functions.

In conclusion, I would say buying this tablet will be a great deal because it gets the job done smoothly and it is an excellent option for people who are looking for a tablet under 500 dollars. Only issue you may experience is the battery life that is reported to around 6-7 hours on average. Rest, it’s will be a great investment.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e was a much-anticipated model because of its affordability and promising features. In the list of best tablets under 500, Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e makes it way to the top.

It is an excellent product for people who are looking for a tab that can serve the purpose of entertainment and productivity simultaneously. It is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 which makes the Galaxy Tab S5e conducive for heavy games like PUBG mobile.

As far the appearance is concerned, the tablet has a 10.5-inch screen and 64GB internal storage. The plus point of this tab is the expandable storage that can be bought with some dollars.

The Galaxy Tab S5e comes in two variants. The one with the WiFi only option and the other one with the cellular support which is slightly costly.

The tab is light weight, sleek and easy to use. Even after applying the keyboard accessory, the tablet does not look messy or heavy. You can carry it around easily in a small bag with you. It is a best option for people who likes to binge-watch or read on the go.

The tab has a USB C opening for the smart keyboard. The only problem faced by customer is its slow processor that often lags when heavy files are opened on the tablet. Rest with an average battery life of 12 hours, it’s a stellar deal.

Lenovo Yoga Book

I will be short of words, if I start to describe the amazing laptop that Lenovo has launched with the name Yoga Book. It is an epitome of unconventional design and standards that has not been met by other brands.

The device is supported by lower power intel atom chip and it is one of the lightest device one can carry on the go. It is equipped with a stylus and it do not have any usable ports. Besides that, it’s an excellent purchase because of the great battery life and a keyboard that is within the cost.

However, the laptop is not only limited to these options. Instead, it has an amazing design and build that can indeed make people ask you about your device.

Since Yoga Book is significantly lighter, people were in awe and true curiosity to find out the reason. Upon which, Lenovo claims that the device is made from Magnesium alloy therefore, it is relatively lighter unlike other laptops.

It has an android system which makes the user experience decent. The device is conducive for writing and sketches as well which means you can always express yourself through it.

It has a high-definition screen, 4Gb RAM and loud speakers that serves the purpose of a good tablet. I am sure after reading this, you must be thinking, what a great deal! Well, it is. So, without further ado, gets yours.

Here are the pros and cons you must know before making the purchase.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3

As the tech giant, Samsung has the legacy of bringing best products to the customers. From its high-end TVs to top quality phones, it seems that Samsung is unstoppable. Among these devices, Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 makes it way as well.

Galaxy Tab Active 3 is the tablet you need in rugged environment. Where the work-load is excessive and there’s no way to carry a sleek tablet.

The tablet sends you back in the time because of its conventional physical build and navigation button. Navigation buttons are no longer equipped in tablets but since this is an ideal option to use in rugged conditions, the tables indeed do the job.

Samsung claims that the device can be used in the rugged conditions, therefore, there’s a wide area to pick the tablet as well. People do not find anything bad about this tablet except for their old design.

However, its durability and military grade protection is indeed the best option for people working in the rugged condition. You can use the tablet with gloves as well while the S-pen will also offer you alternative navigation.

In a price as low as $500, this tablet is a great deal for people who are interested in buying a tablet that can work in rugged conditions.

Here are the pros and cons you must know before making the purchase.

CHUWI UBOOK X 12

I know the brand I am talking about is less talked about. Perhaps, this is the first time you are finding about it. But trust me, it has to be the most underrated brand for excellent tablets.

With its massive screen of 11 inch by 1440 pixels, the tablet is giving a tough time to the competitors who are trying their best to lead in the market.

The average battery life of the tablet is somewhere around 5 hours and it can be easily carried because of its light weight.

The only problems experiences by the user are poor battery life, low MP camera and limited USB ports.

Rest, it’s a good deal for students and people looking to work on a tablet that does the job and donot cost a kidney.

Here are the pros and cons you must know before making the purchase.

What qualifies for the best tablet?

Since the term “best” is subjective, something that is best for you might not be for the other one. A gamer would be tempted with a widescreen whereas, an office employee would look for a portable option that can serve the purpose and still be handy to carry.

Therefore, before you choose your best tablet under 500, here are few factors you must explore.

Purpose of usage

What purpose is making you purchase a new tablet is the biggest factor of your purchase. Are you a student who wants to attend zoom classes? Or an office employee who juggles between balance sheets?

Either way, your tablet has to meet your requirements such as screen size, storage, battery life, camera quality, and resolution.

Don’t rush for anything just because it seems “best”, instead, explore different options, list down the specifications and then make a conscious purchase.

Budget

Knowing your budget beforehand can save up a lot of time and energy. With such a wide variety available, it often gets overwhelming to find the best product considering there is a sea of options available.

We often end up over-spending as well because we have not decided on our budget beforehand. Therefore, always keep a budget in your mind while making a purchase and then filter the options that are available in that budget only. Don’t go overboard with your purchase when you can easily find a reasonable alternate at a lesser price.

Battery life

Battery life has to be the most important factor before purchasing because let’s face it, ain’t nobody wants to run every hour for charging spots. People often overlook the importance of battery life while making a purchase and then complain about it all the time.

However, if you ask me what’s the wisest thing you can do while purchasing a tablet? Then I would say, choose the one with long battery life.

It won’t just save your time but it will also consume less energy which is nothing but great.

Storage

If you are a student who gets to download several PDFs every day or a gamer who needs heavy storage to run the game smoothly, then don’t compromise on the storage.

Usually, the storage capacity of a tablet lies between 6-24 GB. However, if you need some excess storage then you can always go for the upgraded options. Or you can simply purchase more storage if you are using an Ipad.

Camera quality and resolution

In this era of zoom meetings and classes, I am sure you don’t want to look like a sack of potatoes in the camera.

Therefore, a good quality camera should be a must-have in the tablet. Don’t select a tablet on a whim assuming the camera quality will be good because let me tell you, some of the tablets have a poor-quality camera that can make you look like a kidnapper.

So, check the camera quality, note its pixels and read the reviews before making a purchase. Now that you are aware of the specifications that a good tablet should have, here’s a precise list of the top 10 tablets under 500.

Yes! We made sure to narrow down the options for you because we know you don’t want to buy anything less than best. Give it a read yourself and choose the one that suits you.

Which is the Best Tablet Under 500? Final Words.

After a thorough research, we made sure to list down the top tablets that are under the price range of $500. The review is strictly based on real experiences and credible information available online.

You can explore this blog and find your desired tablet.

If you reading this, I am sure by now, you have already made your decision.

Hence, happy shopping!