Tablets were just medicines three years ago, before the first iPad came out. iPad came, won the market and set the trend of this slate like device. Since then there are many tablets in the market, Android now dominates the market, though for tablets iPad is still one best choice. However, if you have a plan of buying an android tablet and on a tight budget, you might want to get a budget oriented tablet. We are going to help you on how to get the best one for the best price.
Tips for Buying an Android Tablet :
Ask yourself, do you really need a tablet? Because they’re not yet a replacement to your computer, just a portable device which you can use to check your mails, surf the web, enjoy media that’s all; bigger than a cellphone screen and portable than a laptop. Chances are, you may want it, but not need it. Doesn’t matter, carry on reading.
To buy one, which parts of tablets you need to emphasize more?
Display
Tablets are basically ‘slates’, and their display is the major visible part. All your interactions with the tablet will happen through the screen, so the screen is very important. Years ago, the budget tablets used to have resistive touchscreen tablets. They are slightly irresponsive, works better with stylus, you have to literally poke hard to get the display to work. You’ll find them uncomfortable, so while buying tablets avoid resistive touchscreen displays at any cost. There’s no point of spending money after a crappy & backdated technology, right?
The resolution is important as well. The higher the resolution is the crisper and clearer everything appears to be. If your purpose is to surf net and read books, choose tablets with higher pixels. There are many 7 inch tablets around with 800×480 pixels displays; they will not satisfy your reading needs. You should be going for a 1024×768 or higher.
CPU, Processor, RAM
Almost all the Chinese tablets are based on A13 CPUs, with a good but cheap processor, Mali400 GPU and 512MB RAM. Branded cheap tablets like Nexus 7 offer a lot more, but that increases the price as well. The Chinese tablets’ configuration is pretty well for your daily tasks, unless you are a hardcore gamer. If gaming is the main purpose you are going to buy your tablet for, then you should get a tablet with 1GB RAM. Even for multitasking 512 MB RAM won’t satisfy you, the device will often lag and stutter. Increase your budget a little more and get a 1GB RAM device.
Internet Connectivity
Most cheap tablets offer ‘Wi-Fi only’ version; because 3G is a costly technology to be implanted for these cheap slates. You may still be able to use 3G through external dongles. If you have Wi-Fi network set up in your home, workspace, classroom etc. then it might not be a problem for you. If not, get a supported 3G dongle or a tablet with 3G connectivity.
Memory expansion, Connectivity
While most branded tablets are omitting memory expansion options, cheap tablets are still keeping them for your convenience. And a good tablet should have Bluetooth, a full sized USB port, a mini USB port, an HDMI port, Wi-Fi etc. But having all these may need a little rise in your budget.
Play Store Support
Definitely you will not want to end up buying an Android tablet that has no support for Google Play Store and forced to use alternate Chinese app store. Check before buying if the device supports Play Store. If it doesn’t, stay miles away from that one.
Firmware Update
Most of the tablets use the untouched version of Android, that is – without any modification to the user interface. Most users will love it, because Android looks good and suits tablets better than modified UIs like Samsung TouchWiz. But at the same time, it may indicate that you are stuck at the same firmware for lifetime. If you can’t update your Android version then you will not be able to use it to the fullest in near future, though it won’t bother you if you are not a techie. You may still be able to flash custom ROMs, not a dependable solution for non techies. Get to know if your desired tablet device will be getting software updates.
Battery Life
One most important point is the battery life. Usually these tabs come with 2500-4000 mAh battery, not a very big one but sufficient enough to serve your basic needs. With moderate usage, these tablets were found to be lasting for 4-6 hours.
And that’s all
When your budget is limited, you need to sacrifice a lot of options, but you should never compromise with the essential ones. And if you follow this guide, you’ll hopefully find a perfect tablet for your perfectly busy day.
About Mohammed Abdullah Khan
One more point to be consider in cheap china tablets you have to face application compatibility issue, you can’t install most relevant apps
Yeah you are right. Thanks for your comment.
that was very helpful article…thanx for sharing.
I’m glad that it helped you
However, if you have a plan of buying an android tablet and on a tight budget, you might want to get a budget oriented tablet. We are going to help you on how to get the best one for the best price.