Courses provided through e-learning platforms have contributed to the increasing popularity of tablets among students today. An ideal tablet for students should be able to accommodate their mobile learning requirements using education applications, e-books, online classes, and digital note-taking.
The combination of a well-performing device that is easy to use, has a good battery life, a decent display, and is budget-friendly is the most suited for a student’s tablet. Following is a compilation of the best tablets for the year 2025, included on the list after considering their scope with students in mind.
1. Apple iPad 10.9 (2022)
The multitasking capabilities on the Apple iPad 10.9 are powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip and Liquid Retina Display. It has great battery life, making it great for students. In addition, the impressive sharpness of the tablet helps students read and take notes easily.
Pros:
- High-resolution Retina display
- Excellent app ecosystem
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- The base model has limited storage
- Apple Pencil and keyboard sold separately
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The overall design makes this user-friendly tablet durable and efficient. The 12.4-inch display, along with the Exynos 1380 processor, allows students to focus during online lectures and study sessions without worrying about lags. Furthermore, being IP68-rated allows the tablet to be used in a wider variety of environments.
Pros:
- Durable build with IP68 rating
- Includes S Pen for easy note-taking
- Large, high-resolution display
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than competitors
- Mid-range processor may lag under heavy tasks
3. OnePlus Pad
This is the first tablet designed by OnePlus and it is both powerful and easy on the wallet. With a 144Hz refresh rate, the tablet will ensure that learners have a pleasant experience during long sessions. The MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset also does a stellar job of powering the device.
Pros:
- Fast refresh rate for seamless experience
- Good battery backup
- Sleek and lightweight design
Cons:
- Limited accessory support
- No fingerprint sensor
4. Lenovo Tab P12
The innovations of Lenovo Tab P12 make it tailored to the education market, such as its 12.7-inch 3K display, which allows students ample space to read and write notes. It also has 8GB of RAM and expandable storage, which is excellent for school materials.
Pros:
- High-resolution 3K display
- Dolby Atmos quad speakers
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons:
- No cellular variant
- Slightly bulky for portability
5. Apple iPad Air (2024)
With the aid of an M2 chip, the iPad is ready to be transformed into a productivity device. It’s perfect for students who appreciate the Apple pencil 2 as well as the Magic Keyboard, which makes it possible to use the device as a primary laptop substitute.
Pros:
- Powerful M2 chip for multitasking
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Apple ecosystem integration
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Accessories sold separately
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Samsung’s A9+ Galaxy Tab is their least expensive tablet. It is great for students who need a basic tablet, which is why it is so easy to buy. The tablet has expandable storage, a Snapdragon 695 processor, and an 11-inch TFT display.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Expandable storage option
- Decent battery backup
Cons:
- The display resolution could be better
- Limited productivity accessories
7. Honor Pad X9
The Honor Pad X9 tablet has over 128 GB, with a Snapdragon 685 processor, giving this tablet great performance and storage. The X9 Honor Pad’s 11.5 inch screen has a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing the user with an amazing experience.
Pros:
- High refresh rate display
- Good battery life
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Average processor
- No cellular connectivity
8. Microsoft Surface Go 3
This tablet runs Windows, which is great for students looking for the middle ground between a laptop and a tablet. Its very functional Surface Go 3 has Intel Core i3, allowing students to do their papers and presentations much easier.
Pros:
- Full Windows OS for enhanced productivity
- Compatible with Surface Pen
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Basic performance for heavy applications
- Keyboard sold separately
9. Realme Pad 2
The saying ‘good things come in small packages’ is well associated with the Realme Pad 2. Complies with all budget needs and offers great specifications, including a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, 11.5-inch display, and 120 Hz refresh rate. Because of this, the tablet is most suitable for students who desire great performance at reasonable prices.
Pros:
- Large, high-refresh display
- Great battery backup
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited software support
- Not the best for heavy multitasking
10. Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)
Amazon Fire HD 10 is a brand new budget tablet from Amazon. It is a must-have for a student who requires basic features at a low cost. It comes with a FHD screen of 10.1 inches, amazing battery life and allows students to access the entire Amazon ebook library.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable pricing
- Decent battery life
- Good for reading and basic tasks
Cons:
- Limited app store (Amazon App Store only)
- Performance is not suitable for heavy use
Conclusion
We recommend the Realme Pad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ as they are affordable, both assumed to work well for a student. The iPad Air (2024 edition) is a tried and true device. There’s also the Surface Go 3 for a more Windows-centric approach.
FAQs
1. Which is the best tablet for students under ₹30,000?
In terms of value and performance, opt for Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and the Realme Pad 2.
2. Which tablet is best for note-taking?
Apple iPad (2022) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ work with a stylus, making note-taking simple.
3. Are budget tablets good for students?
Budget tablets are helpful in learning and are inexpensive, like the Fire HD 10 and Honor Pad X9.
4. Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop for studying?
Yes. Most student work can be done on high-end tablets like the iPad Air (2024) and Microsoft Surface Go 3.
5. What battery life should I expect from a student tablet?
Typically, most student tablets have a battery duration of 8-12 hours, which is adequate for a day of school.
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