Best New Budget Tablet of the Year: Tech Advisor Awards 2025-26
As Christmas approaches, the Tech Advisor team is reflecting on the best budget tablets of the year. With Google out of the running in the affordable tablet category, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Lenovo, OnePlus, and others have the opportunity to shine.
Tech Advisor’s pick for the best new budget tablet of 2025 is the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2. Known for its affordable yet high-quality tech products, Xiaomi has impressed with the Redmi Pad 2. This tablet offers a sleek design, a high-quality unibody build, and a range of colors to choose from. The large 11-inch screen is crisp and bright, with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth performance. The quad speakers deliver impressive sound quality, making it suitable for various tasks. Although the charging may be a bit slow and the cameras basic, the overall performance of the Redmi Pad 2 makes it a worthy winner.
The first runner-up for the best budget tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11. A successor to the Tab A9, the A11 features a similar design and specs but with upgrades like a 90Hz screen and improved camera quality. Samsung also offers seven years of software support for this tablet, making it a solid choice for users on a budget.
Coming in as the second runner-up is the Apple iPad (A16). While slightly above the price limit for budget tablets, the A16 offers great design, performance, and battery life. With double the storage compared to previous models, the A16 is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable tablet option.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 takes the crown for the best new budget tablet of 2025, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 and Apple iPad (A16) as strong contenders. Check out all the best products of 2025 for more top picks in the tech world.
