The 10 best tablets up to 250 euros – Lenovo and Samsung ahead of Blackview Cheap tablets meet most requirements for mobile entertainment on the couch. The Techstage Top 10 shows the best devices up to 250 euros. 8:00 p.m. tech stage

If you are looking for a tablet for entertainment on the couch, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or grab the iPad. There are some Android devices for less than 200 euros that offer enough equipment for surfing, streaming and casual games. Up to 250 euros, the equipment increases again in the form of more memory, better displays and faster processors.

In the tablet world , we have already placed ourselves in the top 10 leaderboards: iPad, Samsung or Xiaomi? The best tablets up to 500 euros as well as iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S8? Top 10 best tablets on the market with mid-range and high-end devices. Affordable models are now following.

In this top 10, we are presenting what we believe are currently the best devices up to a price of 250 euros. These include compact models with displays from 8.7 inches to larger media tablets with 11 inches. We will go into the features that are important for a modern tablet.

In the price range up to 250 euros you will find both compact tablets from 8 inches up to larger devices with 11 inches. An IPS display (LCD) is standard here. OLED displays are not yet to be found in this price range – and unlike smartphones, they are by no means standard for tablets, even for high-priced models. There is also no more than 60 Hertz for the refresh rate.

Tablets from 10 inches upwards are primarily entertainment machines for the couch. The larger screen unfolds its strengths especially when watching films and series. Tablet PCs with 8 inches only offer half the display area and usually no Full HD resolution. On the other hand, these compact devices have advantages when it comes to mobility – they can still be used conveniently on public transport or carried in a handbag. In addition, they are practical for surfing and reading online articles and as an e-book reader, since they can also be used upright. They are also suitable as a second device for the bedside table.

For a display with a diagonal of more than 10 inches, we only consider devices with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) in this list of the best. We advise against lower resolutions with this display size, since otherwise the pixels are too clearly visible to the eye. Unfortunately, Full HD is rarely found on smaller devices from 8 inches. The highest of feelings are usually 1340 x 800 pixels. This is not quite as serious as with a 10-inch screen, but pixels are still easily recognizable with the eye.

Resolution alone is not enough. If you use providers like Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video, you need a device with a certificate for Widevine Level 1 in order to be able to view content in Full HD. Many manufacturers shy away from the expensive certification, so that despite the high display resolution, playback is only possible in pixelated SD quality. We explain more on the subject in the article Netflix & Co.: The best tablets and Chromebooks for streaming .

If you also want to use the tablet outside of your own four walls, for example in the garden or on the balcony, you need a device with a sufficiently high screen brightness. This should be at least 400 cd/m², more would be better. Bright displays with 500 cd/m² or more are not yet available up to 250 euros.

Inexpensive tablets are usually stingy when it comes to the processor or memory. Only octa-core CPUs are used in this list of the best, quad-core is mainly found in the range under 100 euros. Many chips only offer the mediocre performance of a cheap smartphone up to 150 euros (best list) . This is sufficient for surfing or streaming, and it’s also enough for casual games like “Angry Birds”. However, games with complex 3D graphics only run smoothly with low or medium graphics details. Features like a fingerprint sensor cannot be found up to 250 euros.

3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory are now standard – even less in older models. If possible, we recommend 4 GB of RAM for a stable and fast Android system and at least 64 GB of internal memory. But then the price usually rises to just over 200 euros. However, it can usually be expanded using a micro SD card.

By default, the tablets in this category support a maximum of Wi-Fi 5. A tablet with an LTE module is only needed by people who want to connect the device to the Internet on the go. The surcharge for this is between 20 and 50 euros, depending on the manufacturer. This then requires a SIM card with the appropriate tariff. We show a selection of cheap options in the article LTE and 5G: The best and cheapest tariffs for mobile surfing .

All tablets in this list have a main camera on the back and a webcam for selfies above the display. Usually simple lenses with 5 to 13 megapixels are used. One should not expect the photo quality of a tablet in this price range. There are larger fluctuations in the battery life, which are between almost 7 and 12 hours. The USB-C connection is now standard, but only with USB 2.0 in this price range.

The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus (review) is a refreshed version of the Lenovo Tab P11 (review) . In contrast to its predecessor, it offers a faster CPU and Android 11 by default. The 11-inch tablet has recently fallen in price significantly, which is why it has found its way into this leaderboard. So far it was in the middle of the top 10: the best tablets up to 500 euros (best list) .

The Mediatek Helio G90T provides sufficient performance. The processing is great. The 11-inch LCD has a resolution of 2K and offers a brightness of around 410 cd/m². Widevine Level 1 is also available. However, the LCD still has some room for improvement in terms of image quality. The memory equipment is 4/64 GB and 4/128 GB. The device has a long battery life of a good 10 hours and also supports the Precision Pen 2 from Lenovo. It starts at 229 euros.

In the third generation, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (test report) convinces us across the board. The 2K LCD with 10.5 inches is great, Widevine Level 1 is finally available on the Tab M10, the processing of the aluminum housing is excellent, the design is successful. The media tablet also proves its endurance with around 11 hours of battery life.

However, the Mediatek Helio G80 is slightly less powerful than the CPU in the Tab P11. Caution, there is a risk of confusion with the purchase of the significantly cheaper models of the first and second generation. These are also well made, some only offer HD resolution, significantly slower processors and do not have Widevine Level 1. The correct Tab M10 Plus of the 3rd generation is called TB125FU and costs 229 euros.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (test report) is our price-performance winner. The Unsioc Tiger T618 provides more than adequate performance and is even a bit faster than the Helio G80 in the Tab M10 Plus. Thanks to Widevine Level 1, nothing stands in the way of streaming in HD quality. The speakers from AKG provide good sound, the workmanship is great, as you are used to from the Koreans. The battery life is decent at around 9 hours.

However, the successor to the Galaxy Tab A7 also has weaknesses: the Full HD display was not entirely convincing. The update to Android 12 was not available at the time of the test, but should follow soon. The price of the tablet has fallen significantly, so the version with 3/32 GB is already available for 155 euros. We recommend the Galaxy Tab A8 with 4/64 GB from 189 euros.

The Blackview Tab 11 (test report) follows in fourth place . The manufacturer is best known for outdoor cell phones. The Tab 11 convinces us with its generous 8/128 GB, LTE and excellent 10.3-inch LCD. The Tiger T618 CPU offers sufficient performance, and it even has a Widevine Level 1 certificate. The device is delivered with a protective cover including a set-up option. The processing leaves a good impression.

As far as the hardware is concerned alone, a top place would even be possible if there weren’t weaknesses in support. The operating system is Android 11, an update to version 12 is not planned. Regular security updates are also not to be expected. The battery life of just under 7 hours and the weak power adapter are also less convincing. In the event of a warranty claim or for repairs, the device has to be returned to China due to the lack of authorized workshops in Europe. You have to be aware of that. However, 220 euros for the equipment offered is unbeatable in terms of value for money – that’s why it’s our insider tip!

The Realme Pad 10.4 also offers decent equipment : Mediatek Helio G80 as in the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, an LCD with IPS panel and 10.4 inches with 2K and 4/64 GB. Widevine Level 1 is also on board. The version with 4/64 GB currently only costs 180 euros on Ebay instead of 200 euros. Up to 6/128 GB are possible, and there is also an LTE version.

With its first tablet Nokia T20 (test report) , the Finnish company has made a big splash. The 10.4-inch tablet is really chic and fairly priced. The Unisoc Tiger T610 provides appealing performance. The tablet should get updates for 2 years. We were also impressed by the long battery life of 10 hours.

Unfortunately, there is one big catch: the certificate for Widevine Level 1 is missing. This means that Netflix users with a meager SD resolution look down the drain. Prices start at 155 euros for 3/32 GB. With 4/64 GB, the Nokia T20 costs just under 209 euros.

Let’s move on to the first 8.7-inch tablet in this leaderboard. The Realme Pad Mini (test report) is a compact alternative for anyone looking for a second device or a particularly mobile tablet. The distribution is high quality, the performance of the Unisoc Tiger T616 is more than sufficient. The mini tablet proves to be very enduring with 12 hours.

However, the LCD, which only has a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels, was not really convincing. Android 11 is also running on the tablet. The price starts at 155 euros, the version with 4/64 GB is 200 euros – but you get a 10-inch tablet for that. There is also an LTE version.

The tablets from Amazon have always been very inexpensive. This also applies to the 2021 model of the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus (test report) . Compared to the cheapest version, the Plus version has 4 GB of RAM as standard instead of 3 GB and supports loading via Qi. In connection with a charging dock, the tablet turns into a smart display à la Echo Show (comparison test) . The battery also lasts a good 11 hours. Thanks to Widevine Level 1, streaming via Prime Video, Netflix and Disney Plus is possible in Full HD.

But buyers have to make compromises for the price. The Full HD display with IPS panel with a diagonal of 10.1 inches looks a bit pale compared to the competition. In addition, the processor is really slow, which makes for sluggish everyday operation. Although the Fire OS operating system is based on Android, it does not offer a Google Play Store by default. The only official source for Android apps is the Amazon Appstore. With a few tricks, however, it is possible to install Google services. Our instructions show how this works: Amazon tablets with Google apps: Cheap for a top tablet?

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is cheaper with advertising. Then the lock screen shows various offers from Amazon. The version with 4/32 GB and advertising is available from 150 euros. For 4/64 GB 220 euros are due. Without advertising, the tablet starts at 200 euros. LTE doesn’t exist.

The cheapest model in this leaderboard is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (test report) . The compact 8.7-inch tablet offers solid workmanship and decent sound. However, the CPU is quite slow, and the screen only has a resolution of 1340 × 800 pixels. The version with 3/32 GB starts at 135 euros, for LTE there is an additional 30 euros. For the variant with 4/64 GB, Samsung charges 189 euros.

Like its successor, the Tab 11, the Blackview Tab 10 (test report) already offers a Full HD display and LTE as standard. The memory is 4/64 GB. However, the CPU is extremely slow, and there is also no Widevine Level 1. Content from Netflix and Co. can therefore only be used in SD quality. Prices start at 198 euros.