Best Tablets Under 400

Are you tired of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a tablet that promises to be the best, only to find out it falls short of your expectations?

Well, the search for the best tablet under 400 may be over, but the frustration of finding one that meets your needs continues. Let’s explore the world of affordable tablets and discover which ones truly deliver on their promises.

Here we’ll be taking a personal approach as we explore each tablet, highlighting the key features, pros, and cons that will help you make an informed decision. So, get ready to embark on a tablet adventure with us.

5 Best Tablets Under 400 – Tested & Compared 2023

Take a peek at our selection of tablets, all compatible with your needs. We’ve got an extensive range of options, from budget-friendly and compact to premium.

In our collection, you’ll be able to find the ideal device that aligns perfectly with your preferences and requirements.

1. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite – Editor’s Choice

Key Features:

• Camera: 8MP Rear and 5MP front
• Processor: Exynos 9611, Octa Core (4×2.3GHz + 4×1.7GHz)
• Screen Size: 10.4 inches
• Battery Life: 9 Hours
• Storage: 128GB
• RAM: 4GB
• Weight: 1.01 Pound

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Starting with the display, the Tab S6 Lite boasts a 10.4-inch TFT or IPS display. Now, we know it’s not OLED, but trust us, it still looks darn good. The 2000 x 1200 resolution might seem a bit oddball, but in practical use, it’s perfectly fine. 

Plus, with an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, it’s great for binge-watching your favorite shows or getting lost in the world of gaming.

The S6 Lite gives you a whopping 64GB of storage. And guess what?

If that’s not enough for all your music, videos, and cat pictures, fear not! Unlock the potential of the tablet’s storage by utilizing the built-in microSD card slot, enabling an extraordinary expansion of up to 128GB. Now that’s what we call room to grow!

But wait, there’s more! Do you know that fancy S Pen that everyone raves about? Well, guess what? It’s included with the Tab S6 Lite. 

Yes, you heard that right. No need to splurge on an extra accessory. This pen is not your ordinary toothpick-sized stylus. It’s the real deal, using Wacom EMR technology, just like the pens of yore.

With 4096 pressure levels and tilt support, it’s a dream come true for all you artists and note-takers out there. Trust us, it’s as good as the Apple Pencil, and that’s saying something.

Oh, did we mention the S Pen has a nifty button? But hold your horses, it’s not for assigning custom functions. It’s there for Samsung’s Air Command functions, so you can easily launch apps or do some screen sketching. 

And here’s a nifty feature: you can take notes even when the screen is turned off. Just whip out that pen and jot down your brilliant ideas. It’s a real game-changer.

Under the hood, you’ll find the Exynos 9611 CPU, Samsung’s processor. It’s got high-power cores for those demanding tasks and low-power cores for everyday use. 

We put this baby to the test, even playing Call of Duty Mobile, and it handled it like a champ. Sure, the initial launching might have seemed a bit shaky, but once we were in the game, it performed flawlessly.

And here’s a fun fact: it weighs just around 1.01 pounds (460 grams). That’s lighter than a fluffy kitten! It’s super slim too, making it a breeze to carry around. We can’t help but admire its sleek and good-looking design. 

The tablet offers dual-band Wi-Fi and GPS, ensuring you stay connected and on track wherever you go. And if you’re the adventurous type, you’ll be happy to know that a 4G LTE model is available (in the United States), so you can stay connected on the go. 

More, It’s got Bluetooth 5, and you’ll be wirelessly connecting to all your favorite devices like a pro.

You’ve got the usual password and PIN options and even facial recognition login. Sure, it’s not the super secure 3D facial recognition, but hey, if you’re not too paranoid, it works like a charm. Even in lower lighting situations, it’s fairly quick and reliable.

2. Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Overall Best

Key Features:

• Camera: 8MP Rear and 5MP front
• Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core m3 8100Y
• RAM: 8 GB
• Screen Size: 10.5 inches
• Battery Life: 7 Hours
• Storage: 128 GB
• Weight: 2.1 Pounds

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Strap in, folks, because this little device is packed with surprises. The Surface Go 2 has an upgraded screen size of 10.5 inches and a resolution of 1920 x 1080, so you can finally enjoy those glorious Full HD videos. 

The colors on this thing pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July, and the brightness goes up to a whopping 360 nits. Trust me, this tablet shines brighter than a disco ball.

It is powered by an Intel Core m3-8100Y processor, 8 gigs of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. That’s some serious horsepower for a tablet in this price range. We’ve thrown everything at it, from web browsing to multitasking like a champ, and it didn’t break a sweat. It’s as smooth as silk, my friends.

Drawing and digital illustration enthusiasts, listen up! The Surface Go 2 is pretty darn good, but it does have its limitations. The included Microsoft Surface Pen supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, which is fantastic, but here’s the catch: the initial activation force is a bit high. 

So, if you’re looking for those delicate, wispy lines, you might have to press down harder than expected. The lines also don’t taper as smoothly as we’d like, but hey, it’s not a deal-breaker.

When it comes to software, it runs on Windows 10 S. Now, this means you can only install apps from the Windows app store. But fear not, my friend! With a quick switch to Windows 10 Home or Pro, you can unleash the full potential of this tablet and install all your favorite apps like Photoshop and Clip Studio. It’s like unlocking a secret treasure chest.

Let’s not forget about the type covers. These babies magnetically snap onto the tablet, making it super easy to transform it into a mini laptop. Plus, they come in three fancy colors: gray, red, and black. The keyboard is a joy to type on, with good travel and feedback, and it even has a nice backlight so you can work in the dark like a nocturnal ninja.

With the built-in stand, there’s no need to prop it up with a stack of books or a wobbly coffee mug. Just flip out the stand and find your perfect viewing angle. 

And if you’re into sketching or note-taking, the Surface Pen is a must-have accessory (sold separately, unfortunately). It has a nifty shortcut button and supports palm rejection, so you can doodle away without any pesky interference.

The base model starts at a mere 400 bucks, and for that price, you will get an all-in-one device without breaking the bank. 

3. Apple 2020 iPad 8th Generation

Key Features:

• Camera: 8MP Rear and 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera
• Processor: A12 Bionic chip
• Screen Size: 10.2 inches
• Battery Life: 9 Hours
• Storage: 32 GB
• RAM: 3 GB
• Weight: 1.08 Pounds

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The Apple 2020 iPad is an absolute stunner. With its sleek and metallic finish, it’s like holding a piece of modern art in your hands. Moreover, it boasts an assortment of color variations, enabling you to hand-select the one that best reflects your distinctive taste. We went for the gorgeous gold option, and boy, does it catch the eye!

It features the powerful A12 Bionic chip, which is a beast when it comes to CPU performance. We put it to the test, and let me tell you, it’s lightning-fast! Whether you’re browsing the web, watching movies, or diving into some augmented reality fun, this tablet handles it all like a champ.

Speaking of movies, let’s talk about the display. This iPad rocks a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, which means vibrant colors, sharp details, and an immersive experience. It’s perfect for those Netflix marathons or getting lost in the world of your favorite game. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

But what about storage, you ask? Well, this is where things get interesting. It comes in two storage options: 32GB and 128 GB. Now, some might argue that 32GB is not enough, but hear me out. 

We put it through its trials, installing apps, saving files, and guess what? It held up just fine! Unless you’re a hardcore app collector or media hoarder, 32GB will do the job. And hey, if you need more space, there’s always the 128GB option.

It supports the Apple Pencil and the Apple Smart Keyboard. Now, these babies are sold separately, but they’re worth every penny. The Apple Pencil adds a whole new level of creativity and precision, while the Smart Keyboard turns your tablet into a productivity powerhouse.

Battery life, my friends. It’s the make-or-break factor for any device. With approximately 9 hours of regular usage, it’ll keep up with your daily adventures without breaking a sweat.

We tested it extensively, and it held its ground. So, no need to worry about running out of juice during that Netflix binge session or on a long road trip.

In a world where many devices are ditching the good ol’ audio jack, Apple heard our prayers and included it in this tablet. So, if you’re not a fan of Bluetooth headsets or want to plug in your favorite wired headphones, you’re in luck!

4. Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 – Budget Pick

Key Features:

• Camera: 13MP Rear and 8MP front camera
• Processor: ‎Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 Octa-core
• Screen Size: 15.6 inches
• Battery Life: 13 Hours
• Storage: 128 GB
• RAM: 6 GB
• Weight: 1.1 Pounds

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The Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 boasts an eye-catching 11-inch display that will leave you mesmerized. With its outstanding 120Hz refresh rate, this tablet elevates your visual experience to new heights, ensuring smoothness and precision for gaming, binge-watching, and all your other entertainment endeavors.

The IPS panel ensures vibrant colors and crisp details, while Dolby Vision HDR support brings your favorite movies and shows to life with breathtaking realism.

When it comes to building quality, Xiaomi has nailed it once again. The Mi Pad 5’s aluminum frame exudes a premium feel, and its sturdy construction guarantees durability. You won’t find any flex or weak points here, ensuring a tablet that can withstand the rigors of daily use.

It is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset and 6GB of RAM. Our tests have shown that this combination delivers exceptional performance, allowing for smooth multitasking, lag-free gaming sessions, and speedy app launches. Say goodbye to frustrating lags and hello to a seamless user experience!

Prepare to be blown away by the Mi Pad 5’s audio prowess. With a quad-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos support, this tablet delivers immersive sound quality that will make your favorite tunes and movies come alive. The audio output is crisp, clear, and packs a punch, making it ideal for both entertainment and productivity.

Creatives, take note! It offers full support for a stylus, enabling you to unleash your artistic side or jot down important notes with ease. 

The included Xiaomi Smartpen, available separately, enhances your productivity and creativity. Its responsive nature and additional features make it a valuable companion for professionals and students alike.

With its generous 8720mAh battery, the Mi Pad 5 won’t let you down when it comes to endurance. During our tests, we found that the tablet easily lasted a full day of moderate usage, including streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks.

You can confidently enjoy uninterrupted entertainment without worrying about running out of juice.

5. ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3

Key Features:

• Camera: 8MP Rear and 2MP front camera
• Processor: Mediatek_mtk8183
• Screen Size: 10.5 inches
• Battery Life: 11 hours
• Storage: 64 GB
• RAM: 4 GB
• Weight: 1.12 Pounds

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The ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 is a sleek and stylish piece of tech. Made out of aluminum, it not only looks premium but feels solid in your hands. This device screams durability, so you can rest easy knowing it can handle your on-the-go adventures without breaking a sweat.

Interestingly, it offers a stunning 10.5-inch touchscreen display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The visuals are crisp, the colors are vibrant, and everything just pops. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite shows, scrolling through your social media feeds, or getting lost in the world of productivity, this display won’t disappoint.

The MediaTek 8183 processor combined with 4GB of RAM delivers a smooth and snappy performance. We put this bad boy through its paces, running various apps, and it handled everything like a champ. Multitasking? No problem. Light gaming? Piece of cake. This little powerhouse can handle it all.

One standout feature of the ASUS Chromebook Detachable CM3 is the fact that it comes with a USI stylus. It’s perfect for taking notes, doodling, or unleashing your creativity. While it might not reach the heights of an S Pen or Apple Pencil, it still gets the job done and adds an extra layer of versatility to the tablet.

Need a tablet for casual browsing and media consumption? Just detach that keyboard, and voila! You’re holding a slim and lightweight tablet in your hands. Are you looking for a serious way to get your work done? Snap the keyboard back on, and you’ve got yourself a full-fledged laptop experience.

Battery life is always a concern, but fear not, my friends. It boasts up to 11 hours of battery life. That means you can binge-watch your favorite series, work on important projects, or get lost in the world of gaming without constantly scrambling for a charger. And with fast charging support, refueling your device is a breeze.

You can download all your favorite Android apps, expanding the device’s capabilities beyond the limitations of a traditional Chromebook. From productivity apps to games, the possibilities are endless.

The 8-megapixel rear camera captures decent photos in well-lit environments. However, don’t expect professional-grade shots. The 2-megapixel front-facing camera is serviceable for video calls, but it won’t blow you away. If you’re a selfie aficionado, you might want to stick to your trusty smartphone for those picture-perfect moments.

In terms of storage, you’re getting 64GB, which might not sound like a lot but fear not. Chromebooks are designed to be cloud-centric, so you can easily store your files, documents, and photos in the cloud and access them anytime, anywhere.

Conclusion!

When it comes to finding the best tablet under $400, it’s crucial to make an informed decision to avoid any potential pitfalls. Choosing the wrong tablet can result in a frustrating experience filled with slow performance, limited features, and a device that becomes outdated in no time.

Embrace the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Check Price On Amazon) for its impressive features, value, and artistic capabilities with the included S Pen.

Alternatively, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 (Check Price On Amazon) provides the best of both worlds, acting as both a tablet and a laptop, enabling seamless productivity on the go.

So go forth and explore the world of tablets, armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision, and enjoy your new digital companion!

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John Williamson

I am the Founder and Senior Editor at TheTablofy. I am an experienced professional in the digital media industry and hold a degree of Bachelor of Science degree in Advance Technology. Meet My Meet