Best Budget Tablets for College Students This Year
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- 来源：OrientDeck
Let’s be real—college life is expensive. Between tuition, rent, and that daily coffee habit, finding a solid tablet without blowing your budget feels like winning the lottery. But don’t stress. I’ve spent the last two years testing budget tablets, asking students how they use them, and crunching specs like it’s my job (because, well, it kinda is). Here’s the lowdown on the best budget tablets for college students in 2024—devices that balance price, performance, and portability.
If you’re looking for note-taking, PDF reading, light research, and streaming lectures, you don’t need a $1,000 iPad. There are legit options under $300 that get the job done—and some even support styluses and keyboards. Let’s break it down.
Top 5 Budget Tablets Under $300
| Device | Price | Screen Size | Storage | Stylus Support | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus | $179 | 10.1" | 32GB / 64GB | Yes (sold separately) | Up to 12 hours |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | $279 | 10.4" | 64GB | No (but compatible with S Pen via adapter) | Up to 14 hours |
| Lenovo M11 | $249 | 11" | 128GB | Yes (optional) | Up to 13 hours |
| Apple iPad (10th Gen) | $429 | 10.9" | 64GB | Yes (1st gen Apple Pencil) | Up to 10 hours |
| Refurbished iPad Air (M1) | $349 | 10.9" | 64GB | Yes (2nd gen Apple Pencil) | Up to 10 hours |
Wait—why’s the iPad listed at $429? Because while it’s not "budget" by strict definition, the refurbished iPad Air from Apple’s official store often drops to $349 and outperforms everything else here. It’s a game-changer for students who want iOS apps and long-term software support.
Why Battery & Storage Matter More Than You Think
You’ll be in class for hours, maybe without access to an outlet. That’s why battery life should be non-negotiable. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ leads here with 14 hours of mixed use—perfect for back-to-back lectures.
Also, go for at least 64GB storage. Cloud helps, but when you’re downloading textbooks or offline videos, local space saves the day. The Lenovo M11 stands out with 128GB standard—rare in this range.
The Verdict
If you’re all-in on Amazon’s ecosystem and mainly consume media, the Fire HD 10 Plus is a steal at $179. But for most students, I’d recommend the Lenovo M11 or refurbished iPad Air. They offer better multitasking, app support, and longevity. Spend a bit more now, save hundreds later.