12 best tablets before 280 $ 2025

Especially for people looking to get the best tablet before 280 $ in 2020, but who do not want to study in detail the characteristics of hundreds of different models, we decided to compile a detailed rating of such devices. For convenience, the selection is divided into two groups: in the first, we selected good compact devices with a screen size of 7 or 8 inches, and the second includes excellent 10-inch solutions. This approach will help you choose a good tablet, relying not only on your budget, but also on individual preferences and tasks for which the purchased device will be used.

Best tablets before 280 $ with display 7-8 inches

If you have a simple mobile phone that you use exclusively for calls or SMS, and as an add-on you need a more functional device, then this category is for you. The average user does not need a tablet with a large screen, because it is not so convenient to carry it around due to its lack of compactness. At the same time, a decrease in size today does not mean a decrease in performance, which allows tablet computers with a 7-8 inch matrix to be used for any task. In particular, on such devices it is much more convenient to hold long gaming sessions in "WoT: Blitz", "Asphalt 8" or other demanding games that require constant holding of the device in the hands.

1.Lenovo Tab 3 Plus 8703X 16Gb

A productive solution with good speakers and a high-quality IPS-screen. Tablet Tab 3 Plus fully justifies its price, meets the requirements of the average buyer and pleases with an attractive design. The back cover of the device is made of durable matte plastic with a slightly rough surface. On the side faces of Tab 3 Plus there are power and volume buttons, a cover for the SIM and microSD trays.

One of the best 8-inch tablets up to 280 $ built on the basis of Snapdragon 625 and graphics Adreno 506. RAM and permanent memory in the device 3 and 16 GB, respectively. The cameras in Tab 3 Plus are not bad: the main one is 8 MP with flash and autofocus, as well as a 5-megapixel front camera. The device is powered by a 4250 mAh battery (charging via MicroUSB). In the reviews, the tablet is also praised for the sound of the two speakers. Moreover, they are located on opposite sides. That's just not done very well (they can overlap with hands).

Advantages:

• gaming opportunities;
• gorgeous screen;
• quick work;
• decent cameras;
• GPS and Wi-Fi operation.

Disadvantages:

• the amount of built-in memory;
• speaker location.

2.Xiaomi MiPad 4 64Gb LTE

Xiaomi can be safely called the Chinese Apple. This manufacturer produces very stylish gadgets with good functionality and is not afraid to experiment (a vivid example is Mi MIX Alpha). Moreover, the price of its products is quite democratic. And if you can't decide which tablet to choose for a small budget, then MiPad 4 should be considered as one of the options.

The tablet computer is equipped with a capacious 6000 mAh battery, which guarantees excellent battery life. However, the device does not support fast charging.

The body of an Android tablet with a SIM card is made of aluminum, and its 8-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels is covered with protective glass with a good oleophobic coating. The MiPad 4 sounds good, but lacks bass a bit. The stereo effect is not felt in the tablet since both speakers are on the bottom. But the "filling" for your money is ideal, so the device is suitable for any games and applications.

Advantages:

• cool design;
• modern Type-C port;
• smoothness of the shell;
• slot for a SIM card;
• support for 4G networks;
• powerful "filling";
• the main camera is commendable.

Disadvantages:

• no cellular mode;
• there is no fingerprint scanner.

3. Lenovo Tab 4 Plus TB-8704X 16Gb

From its predecessor, the inexpensive, but rather good film tablet Tab 4 Plus does not differ in screen or hardware platform. And even the cameras here are exactly the same as in the Tab 3 Plus described above. First, it became 30 grams lighter and thinner (7 mm versus 8.6 mm thick) when the battery added 600 mAh capacity. Secondly, the current USB Type-C port is installed here, through which it is more convenient to charge the light and thin Lenovo tablet. And the presence of a fingerprint scanner in the power button will also be an important argument in favor of a tablet computer.

Advantages:

• stereo speakers;
• light weight;
• cool display;
• affordable price tag;
• finds satellites quickly;
• performance;
• smart fingerprint scanner.

Disadvantages:

• glass back panel.

4.HUAWEI MediaPad M5 Lite 8 32Gb LTE

Despite the continuous decline in user interest in tablet computers, Huawei is actively releasing new devices in this segment. Among the latest devices of the Chinese brand, I would like to consider MediaPad M5 Lite.

This popular tablet model, ideal for the Internet, offers a bright and vibrant display with WUXGA resolution, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory (expandable by 512 GB via memory cards), as well as good "stuffing".

The biggest surprise in the MediaPad M5 Lite was the use of the MicroUSB connector. And this, for a minute, in the device 2025 Year of release!

The Huawei tablet compares favorably with its competitors in sound quality. Two loudspeakers, spaced apart along the ends of the case, play cleanly, loudly enough and draw out almost all frequencies well. And the main camera at 13 MP is also pleasing.

Advantages:

• enough power;
• 5100 mAh battery provides excellent autonomy;
• sound and picture quality;
• shooting the main camera;
• front camera for 8 MP.

Disadvantages:

• outdated charging port.

5. Apple iPad mini 4 128GB Wi-Fi

Opens TOP, a tablet for games, movies and other entertainment, created by Apple. The device has an Apple A8 chip, 2 gigabytes of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. In video reviews of the tablet, one of its key advantages is called a stunning 7.85-inch screen with 2048x1536 pixels. Even now, the iPad mini 4 has a screen that outperforms more recent competitors. From other advantages of the Apple tablet computer, buyers highlight the excellent design, high sound quality, impressive autonomy and built-in NFC module. If you still don't know which tablet to choose for movies, communication, games and other entertainment, then give preference to the iPad mini 4 and this purchase will definitely not disappoint you.

Advantages:

• high-quality metal body;
• iOS system performance;
• great display;
• the presence of an NFC module;
• excellent autonomy;
• the amount of built-in storage;
• good sound quality.

Disadvantages:

• no SIM slot.

The best tablets up to 280 $ with 10 inch screen

For users who rarely use a tablet computer outside the home, there is no point in purchasing a compact device. The large matrix is ​​much better suited for games, communication, Internet surfing and other entertainment. In addition, the increased diagonal will appeal to those users who often watch movies.

If you are looking for a device for office work, drawing or other tasks related to professional activity or creativity, then a small screen will completely reduce your productivity. But a tablet with a 10.1-inch screen will do much better, especially if you use it with a stylus or docking station equipped with a keyboard.

1.HUAWEI MediaPad M5 Lite 10 32Gb LTE

Can't find a powerful gaming tablet for a reasonable price? You have probably not seen Huawei's MediaPad M5 Lite 10 yet.It has everything you need for comfortable use: a high-quality 10.1-inch screen with Full HD resolution (aspect ratio 16:10), a powerful proprietary Kirin 659 processor with a Mali-T830 graphics chip, support for a stylus (not included) and excellent sound ...

By the way, it is worth dwelling on the sound in more detail, because this good tablet model is for 238 $ received speakers from Harman / Kardon, as evidenced by the lettering on the back. Moreover, they are located so that in landscape orientation, 2 speakers are on top, and a couple more - on the bottom, thereby providing maximum comfort when watching videos and playing games.

The back panel itself is made of metal. True, it is not very durable, so careless use can leave scratches on the case (it's better to buy a cover right away). As for the autonomy, everything is fine with it in the MediaPad M5 Lite 10 - the 7500 mAh battery provides 1-2 days of operation with an average load. It also has a 3.1 USB-C port.

Advantages:

• stability of LTE and Wi-Fi;
• excellent speakers;
• sound in headphones;
• support for fast charging;
• branded stylus (optional);
• wonderful screen;
• capacious battery.

Disadvantages:

• not too strong case;
• main camera for show.

2.Xiaomi MiPad 4 Plus 64Gb LTE

Yes, the cost of the MiPad 4 Plus goes a little beyond 280 $ designated budget. But this is the best tablet in the rating in a combination of price and quality, so it would be a real crime not to add it to the TOP. The appearance of the tablet computer and the resolution of its display are similar to the model described above. Only the screen has become larger, and now its diagonal is 10.1 inches, which is enough for the Internet, and for movies, and for games.

Also on the front panel is a fast fingerprint scanner. But if this option does not suit you, then in the settings you can enable face unlock. However, keep in mind that only a 5 MP front camera is used for it, which means that there is no question of any security. But the 8620 mAh battery with a case thickness of only 8 mm is an important plus. In the reviews, buyers of the tablet note that with a moderate load, the device can easily work one and a half, two, or even three days from a single charge.

Advantages:

• Snapdragon 660 + Adreno 512;
• screen color rendering;
• the amount of RAM;
• the convenience of the MIUI shell;
• fast fingerprint scanner;
• stylish metal body.

Disadvantages:

• lack of global firmware;
• significant weight.

3. Lenovo Tab P10 TB-X705L 64Gb LTE

Next in line is a good tablet with a price of about 280 $... We are reviewing the Lenovo Tab P10 modification with 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 GB storage. This is enough for most users, and if you want to download more files and install a lot of applications, then the device has a microSD card tray.

Also one of the best reliable Lenovo tablets has a Nano SIM slot. The device can work in 3G and LTE networks, which positively differs from the competitor Xiaomi. But the performance is not so good here (especially against the background of the declared price): the Snapdragon 450 processor with a good graphics accelerator. But the autonomy of the tablet will not disappoint - a 7000 mAh battery is enough for 1-2 days of active work.

Advantages:

• screen sensitivity;
• the amount of built-in memory;
• clear and bright picture;
• The battery is enough for 8-10 hours of continuous operation;
• it takes about 2 hours to fully charge.

Disadvantages:

• a modest "filling" for its price;
• not the best implementation of the children's mode.

4.Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T595 32Gb

And it closes the category with a 10-inch tablet with a good 7300 mAh battery from the Galaxy Tab A. The device is ideal for work, study and recreation while watching a movie or surfing the Internet. As for games, a combination of Snapdragon 450 and Adreno 506 is good for them (most projects will show good fps at high graphics settings).

Our review presents a modification of the SM-T595. But if you are not interested in the possibility of working in mobile networks, then choose the SM-T590, where there is no SIM card slot. The savings from such a purchase will be about one and a half thousand rubles.

The tablet allows you to activate kid mode. It allows setting the limits for each child (continuous play time and total use time per day). Use charts, a list of actions and other information are available in the parental control history. If necessary, only certain media can be allowed in the child mode of the tablet.

Advantages:

• stereo sound (4 speakers);
• great screen;
• pretty good camera;
• holds a charge for a long time;
• high build quality;
• system performance;
• convenient child mode.

5.Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X704L

In the first position in the category of 10-inch devices is the best tablet in the rating. Lenovo Tab 4 TB-X704L is a stylish and well-assembled model with a well-reasoned cost. The device has an excellent Full HD IPS screen and is powered by Android 7 Nougat. In terms of hardware, a modern tablet with a SIM card will not disappoint even the most demanding users: Snapdragon 625 processor, Adreno 506 video and 3 GB of RAM. The built-in memory in the device is only 16 gigabytes, but it is increased by 128 GB by microSD drives.

Important advantages of the tablet computer are also the Type-C connector, corresponding to the 3.1 standard, and the capacious 7000 mAh battery, which provides 13 hours of operation from a single charge under high load. Unfortunately, in terms of reliability, a tablet with a good camera from Lenovo is somewhat inferior to competitors, because its body is not only made of plastic, but also rather slippery, which increases the likelihood of the device falling. However, we solve this defect with the help of a proprietary cover, which, like the keyboard, is available for purchase separately.

Advantages:

• high image quality;
• speed of Android 7.0;
• excellent performance;
• loud stereo speakers;
• the presence of a tray for Nano SIM;
• the scanner reads the fingerprint quickly.

Disadvantages:

• slippery plastic case.

6. Huawei MediaPad M3 Lite 10

Stylish Android Tablet with 4G MediaPad M3 Lite 10 is a great choice for work and play. Huawei has taken into account all the wishes of users, creating not just a good, but an ideal device. Only the not the most attractive balance of price and quality of the tablet did not allow to become the leader of the MediaPad M3 Lite 10, against which the previous model looks more interesting options for purchase. However, if this nuance does not bother you, then feel free to choose this unit.

The tablet computer has Android 7.0 installed with a proprietary shell EMUI. The hardware platform of the device is represented by an 8-core Snapdragon 435 processor, an Adreno 505 video chip and 3 GB of RAM. The light and thin Huawei tablet handles most tasks without any difficulty, but still, in a number of modern games, to obtain a stable frame rate above 30 fps, you will need to lower the graphics settings.

An important advantage of the presented model is a bright 10.1-inch IPS matrix (1920x1200 pixels), which, together with four speakers, allows you to get the most out of watching movies and TV shows. A stylish tablet with a cost of up to 20 thousand is powered by a 6660 mAh battery, and the manufacturer chose metal as the case material for the MediaPad M3 Lite 10, which had a positive effect on its reliability.

Advantages:

• metal case;
• bright and contrasting display;
• the amount of RAM;
• built-in SIM card slot;
• high-quality stereo speakers;
• excellent cameras of 8 MP each;
• good cameras;
• operation of the fingerprint scanner.

Disadvantages:

• overpriced;
• low processor performance;
• micro-USB port instead of Type-C.

7.Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T585

The third place is taken by a tablet with a good 7300 mAh battery from Samsung. The Galaxy Tab A 10.1 SM-T585 boasts excellent build quality and attractive design. The device runs on Android 6.0, and the manufacturer installed a proprietary Exynos 7870 processor, complemented by a Mali-T830 graphics accelerator and 2 GB of RAM as a "hardware". Of course, the price-quality ratio of the tablet is not the best, but in terms of reliability and speed it is definitely among the leaders.

The Galaxy Tab A 10.1's 10.1-inch sensor is Full HD at 224 pixels per inch. Of the wireless modules, one of the best tablets in the rating uses Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi that supports the 802.11ac specification, and an LTE module. At the same time, despite its size, the tablet can fully work in cellular mode.

Advantages:

• battery life;
• good main camera;
• system performance;
• tray for nano-sim card;
• mobile phone mode;
• quality matrix.

Disadvantages:

• front camera quality;
• great weight.

Which tablet to buy for up to 280 $

If you plan to use the tablet for work or entertainment at home, then you should give preference to large devices. For other tasks, a 7-8 "screen is often enough, and a 10" diagonal will allow you to comfortably use any application, including those aimed at professional activities. But for students and other ordinary users, our rating of tablets is up to 280 $ offers a choice of three excellent models with a small diagonal, which are always convenient to take with you.