What Is the Best Budget Android Tablet in 2021?

Today’s choice of available tablets is better than ever. Prices range from under $100 to more than $1,000. But how do you choose the best, especially if you’re on a budget?

Thankfully, help is on hand. First, begin by comparing various crucial performance figures and must-have features. Next, whittle down the competition by looking at price and operating system. By the end, you’re then left with the best the market has to offer.

In this instance, the winner is the budget Android tablets, each under $250. These tablets are exclusively running Android and are priced from just $90 up to a maximum of $230. We’ll also reveal how to save as much as 70% on the cost of a comprehensive tablet warranty for complete peace of mind with your new purchase.

So, without further ado, here’s a closer look at three of this year’s top options meeting these all-important criteria.

Those looking for the best budget Android tablet under $100 have relatively few options available when specifically focusing on performance and must-have features. There’s plenty on the market, but many fail to meet expectations, even with only occasional or otherwise light use.

Among the exceptions, however, is the Vankyo MatrixPad S8. At just $89.99, it’s under our $100 budget with change to spare. Additionally, it is one of several tablets now available from the Vankyo brand. Previously best known for its home theater projectors, the 8-inch MatrixPad S8 packs a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM.

It is plenty quick enough for rapid app launches and smooth video viewing experiences. Therefore, its overall performance belies its low price. At just 0.7 pounds, it’s incredibly light, too, and while its screen is on the smaller side, it’s crisp and bright. Storage can also be expanded from the standard 32GB up to 128GB with a suitable Micro SD card.

The Lenovo Smart Tab M10 HD is every inch the excellent budget Android tablet you’d want it to be. Balancing features and performance with affordability, it’s an impressive proposition at under $130. The M10 HD from Lenovo has plenty to offer and has a price tag of $129.99.

Highlights include a bright, clear, 10.1-inch high-definition screen with TÜV Rheinland-certified eye protection and a range of added child-friendly features courtesy of Google Kids Space. At the same time, it also cleverly doubles as a smart display, much like a Google Nest Hub, readily responding to ‘Hey Google’ commands.

The mid-range Lenovo is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22T processor, in entry-level guise, and gets 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Following the success of the first-generation Smart Tab M10 HD, it is now in its second incarnation. This tablet is a great all-rounder, particularly at under $150

Samsung continues to impress with its growing range of Galaxy-branded Android tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is no exception. The tablet costs $229.99 and is packed with features including four built-in speakers, Dolby Atmos tuning, and expandable storage.

Unlike many affordable Android tablets, it also boasts a sturdy chassis, a beautiful, high-quality finish, and a 10.4-inch screen that would feel equally at home on a device costing twice the amount. Much the same goes for the Galaxy Tab A7’s performance figures. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662 processor, the sub-$250 Galaxy tablet has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage as standard.

While these figures can’t match the likes of the latest iPad Pro, it’s important to remember that the Apple alternative costs around three-and-a-half times as much as the Galaxy Tab A7.

Either way, the Samsung tablet never feels sluggish. In fact, it’s a marked improvement over what was considered peak tablet performance just a few short years ago. In addition, its 7,040mAh battery can provide up to 10 hours of video playback on a single charge as well. All in all, it competes with even some of the priciest tablet options out there in this regard.

Any tablet is an investment regardless of whether it costs under $100 or over $250+. Carefully looking after the device is a must to keep it in excellent working order, especially in the long term. An extended tablet warranty with accident protection is a great way to further safeguard against drops, spills, and other mishaps.

Such warranties also cover mechanical failures and other defects once a tablet is out of its limited from-new warranty period. Such policies are available via Samsung Care+ or Lenovo’s Warranty Upgrade and Warranty Extension schemes. Alternatively, tablet owners can save up to 70 percent by choosing Upsie instead while getting the same, if not better, protection.

Upsie tablet warranties are more affordable than plans sold by manufacturers and big-box retailers. Their warranties offer comparable or superior coverage with accident protection included. Other benefits range from a low deductible of just $25 per claim to local repairs and unlimited claims up to a tablet’s purchase price.

Upsie is committed to saving customers up to 70 percent by cutting out the middleman. This means that comprehensive tablet warranties are available starting at less than $1 per month. For example, check out these deals on each of the three tablets featured above:

To find out more, head to Upsie.com or download the Upsie smartphone app.