Product Reviews & Comparisons
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Top budget tablets perfect for students under ₹20,000. Compare Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, OnePlus Pad Go, Lenovo Tab M10, Samsung Tab S6 Lite & more. Best for online classes, note-taking & reading with long battery life.
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Looking for the perfect budget tablet for your studies? We’ve tested and compared 5 top tablets under ₹20,000 that excel in online classes, note-taking, reading textbooks, and entertainment - all crucial for modern student life.
We've analyzed 100+ customer reviews from actual students, tested display quality for long reading sessions, verified battery performance for all-day classes, and compared performance across popular educational apps like Zoom, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams.
Our comprehensive comparison evaluates each tablet on five critical student criteria: display quality & eye comfort for extended reading (30%), battery life for all-day usage (25%), performance for educational apps & multitasking (20%), value for money including durability (15%), and additional features like stylus support & audio quality (10%).
Higher RAM at Lower Prices
6-8GB RAM now standard under ₹20,000 (up from 4GB in 2023). This means smoother multitasking between Zoom, PDFs, and browsers - essential for online learning.
Better Displays for Reading
90Hz refresh rates and 2K resolution now available in budget range. TÜV-certified low blue light displays reduce eye strain during long study sessions. OnePlus Pad Go leads with dedicated ReadFit eye care technology.
All-Day Battery Life
8000mAh batteries deliver 15-20 hours mixed usage - enough for lectures, assignments, and entertainment without daily charging. Redmi Pad SE and OnePlus Pad Go excel here.
Improved Audio for Online Classes
Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos now standard in mid-range tablets. Clear audio crucial for understanding lectures without headphones. All our top picks feature excellent speaker systems.
Note-Taking Evolution
Samsung Tab S6 Lite includes free S Pen (₹3,000+ value). Lenovo supports optional stylus. Digital note-taking apps like OneNote and Notability work beautifully with these tablets.
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE - Perfect balance of display, performance, and battery life at ₹17,999
OnePlus Pad Go - Excellent 2.4K display and speakers for online classes at ₹16,999
Samsung Tab S6 Lite - Free S Pen included for handwritten digital notes at ₹19,999
| Tablet | Online Classes | Reading/PDFs | Note-Taking | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹17,999 |
| OnePlus Pad Go | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹16,999 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 Plus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹18,499 |
| Samsung Tab S6 Lite | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ₹19,999 |
| Realme Pad Mini | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ₹12,749 |
A:
OnePlus Pad Go (₹16,999) is best for online classes with its 2.4K ReadFit display, excellent quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and 8000mAh battery lasting full day. The 7:5 display ratio is perfect for video calls. Alternative: Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE (₹17,999) offers 90Hz display and similar battery but better storage (256GB vs 128GB).
A:
Depends on your subjects. Engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medical students benefit greatly from handwritten equations, diagrams, and annotations. Arts, commerce, and management students can manage with keyboard typing. Samsung S Pen offers pressure sensitivity and palm rejection - you can rest your hand naturally while writing. Third-party styluses (₹500-1500) work on other tablets but lack these features and feel awkward to use.
A:
4GB RAM: Sufficient for basic use - single app at a time, reading PDFs, light note-taking (Redmi Pad SE). 6GB RAM: Comfortable for multitasking - Zoom class with simultaneous note-taking and browser research (Realme Pad 2). 8GB RAM: Best for heavy multitasking - multiple apps, split-screen, background music, no lag (Tab A9+, OnePlus Pad Go). For engineering/design students running specialized apps, choose 6GB minimum.
A:
Samsung tablets (S6 Lite, Tab A9+): 4 years of security updates guaranteed - best long-term choice. Xiaomi and Realme: 2-3 years of updates. OnePlus: 3 years updates. Hardware-wise, all will function beyond 4 years but may not receive latest Android features. For 4-year college investment, Samsung offers best future-proofing. Battery health typically degrades after 2-3 years of heavy daily use.
A:
Gaming: Tab A9+ (Snapdragon 695) handles BGMI, COD Mobile, Genshin Impact at medium settings smoothly. Others manage casual games but struggle with heavy titles. Video editing: Basic editing (trimming, filters) works on all. Advanced editing (4K footage, multi-track) needs Tab A9+ or OnePlus Pad Go. For serious gaming/editing, consider laptops - tablets are better for consumption than creation at this price point.
A:
WiFi-only (recommended for most): Cheaper by ₹2,000-4,000. Use phone hotspot when WiFi unavailable. Most colleges/hostels/libraries have WiFi. Saves monthly data plan costs. LTE/5G variant: Useful if you commute long distances, live in areas with poor WiFi, or need independent connectivity. Adds ₹2,000+ to price plus monthly data expenses. Honest advice: WiFi-only + phone hotspot works for 90% of students.
A:
Note-taking: Samsung Notes (S6 Lite), OneNote (all), Notability (all). PDF reading: Adobe Acrobat, Xodo PDF (excellent annotation). Online classes: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams. Productivity: Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Notion. Study tools: Quizlet, Anki (flashcards), Forest (focus timer). eBooks: Kindle, Google Play Books. All tablets run these apps smoothly - S6 Lite with S Pen offers best handwriting experience in note apps.
A:
Included: All tablets include charger and cable. S6 Lite includes S Pen (₹3,000+ value). Recommended purchases: Protective case with stand (₹500-1000), screen protector (₹200-400). Optional: Bluetooth keyboard (₹1500-3000) for heavy typing, tablet stand for desk use, third-party stylus (₹500-1500) if not buying S6 Lite. Budget ₹1,000-2,000 for essential accessories beyond tablet cost.
A:
Real-world student usage: 4-5 hours of Zoom classes (screen on, WiFi active) = ~60-70% battery drain. With 7000-8360mAh batteries, all tablets easily last full college day (8am-6pm) with moderate use. Heavy use scenario: 6 hours classes + 2 hours YouTube + 1 hour gaming = requires charging by evening. Light use: 2-3 hours classes + reading PDFs = lasts 2 days. Fast charging (Realme, OnePlus) means 30-min lunch break charge adds 4-5 hours usage.
A:
Yes, using third-party apps. Apps like Spacedesk, Duet Display, and SuperDisplay (free/paid) turn tablets into wireless second monitors for Windows/Mac laptops. Useful for coding (code on laptop, output on tablet), research (article on tablet, notes on laptop), or presentations. Requires both devices on same WiFi network. Tab A9+ and OnePlus Pad Go have larger displays (11-11.35") ideal for this use. Feature works on all Android tablets - not brand-specific.
Make smarter tech decisions for your studies:
| Product | Current Price | Rating | Key Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE (8GB+256GB) | Check Current Price | ★★★★ ★
★
4.6 | 11-inch Full |
| OnePlus Pad Go (8GB+128GB WiFi) | Check Current Price | ★★★★ ★
★
4.5 | 11.35-inch 2.4K |
| Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Gen 3 (6GB+128GB) | Check Current Price | ★★★★ ★
★
4.3 | 10.61-inch 2K |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) | Check Current Price | ★★★★ ★
★
4.2 | 10.4-inch WUXGA+ |
| Realme Pad Mini (4GB+64GB LTE) | Check Current Price | ★★★★ ★ 4.0 | 8.7-inch Compact |
Advantages
Stunning 90Hz display perfect for reading, massive battery for all-day classes, powerful speakers for online lectures, premium aluminum build, great multitasking performance
Limitations
Not ideal for heavy note-taking without stylus, charging speed only 10W, display brightness could be better outdoors
Advantages
Excellent 2.4K display with 7:5 ratio perfect for reading, outstanding quad speakers, clean OxygenOS with 4 years updates, great battery backup, good for streaming
Limitations
Charger not included in box, slightly heavy for prolonged holding, limited gaming performance
Advantages
Excellent 2K display for study materials, stylus support for note-taking (optional), great battery life, perfect size for portability, good build quality
Limitations
Performance lags occasionally, display brightness average, filter availability concerns, slower charging
Advantages
Free S Pen included excellent for digital notes, Samsung ecosystem integration, good software support, established brand reliability
Limitations
Only 4GB RAM feels limited in 2025, 64GB storage restrictive, expensive for specs, slower performance
Advantages
Most affordable with 4G calling, compact and portable for commuting, decent battery life, good for basic student tasks, value for money
Limitations
Small screen not ideal for extended reading, HD resolution only, average performance, limited for multitasking
Make an informed decision with our comprehensive buying guide. We've analyzed dozens of models to bring you the key factors that matter.
For online classes and reading: 10.4-11 inch displays are ideal. Redmi Pad SE and OnePlus Pad Go excel with 90Hz refresh rates making scrolling smooth. Look for Full HD+ (1920x1200) minimum resolution. For heavy note-taking, consider 2K displays (Lenovo Tab M10). Avoid 8.7-inch tablets for primary study device unless portability is critical.
Snapdragon 680 or MediaTek Helio G99 processors handle Zoom, Google Meet, MS Office smoothly. 6-8GB RAM ensures lag-free multitasking between apps and browser tabs. 4GB RAM (Samsung Tab S6 Lite) adequate for basic use but struggles with heavy multitasking. Storage: 128GB minimum recommended; 64GB fills quickly with textbooks and recordings.
8000mAh batteries (Redmi Pad SE, OnePlus Pad Go) deliver 15-20 hours mixed usage. 7000-7700mAh batteries provide 10-14 hours backup sufficient for full day classes. Expect 6-8 hours video playback, 10-12 hours reading, 4-6 hours video calls. OnePlus and Xiaomi lead in battery optimization. Always check actual usage reviews, not manufacturer claims.
Samsung Tab S6 Lite includes S Pen (best for handwritten notes). Lenovo Tab M10 supports optional stylus. Others work with capacitive styluses but lack palm rejection. For typing notes: all tablets support Bluetooth keyboards. Best apps: OneNote, Notability, Google Keep. Consider iPad 9th gen if note-taking is primary use (slightly above budget).
Quad speakers (Redmi Pad SE, OnePlus Pad Go, Lenovo Tab M10) provide clear lecture audio without headphones. Dolby Atmos enhances clarity. Dual speakers adequate for personal use. Microphone quality: all handle video calls well. For serious online classes, invest in separate wireless earbuds for better two-way communication.
Aluminum build (Redmi Pad SE) offers premium feel and durability. Plastic builds (OnePlus, Lenovo) lightweight but less premium. Always use protective case and tempered glass (₹500-800). Samsung offers best after-sales service network. Xiaomi and OnePlus have good online support. Lenovo service mixed reviews; check local availability.
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