5 best budget tablets under Dh1000 every UAE student must have for school year 2025

Looking for solid screens, strong performance and a long battery? We got you covered

Last updated:
Lakshana N Palat, Assistant Features Editor
5 MIN READ
Ready to find your perfect study companion? Here are the five best budget tablets to watch out for.
Ready to find your perfect study companion? Here are the five best budget tablets to watch out for.
Pexels/Johnmark Smith

Landing the perfect tablet for students on a tight budget can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As the UAE’s 2025 school year kicks off, a dependable device is no longer a luxury, it’s a must-have. Tablets priced under Dh1000 pack impressive power and features, making them the smart choice for students juggling online classes, homework, and streaming study sessions. Sleek screens, speedy performance, and long battery life come together in these affordable options designed to keep students sharp, connected, and ahead of the curve. Ready to find your perfect study companion? Here are the five best budget tablets to watch out for.

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Also Read: 7 best backpacks for UAE students of all ages in 2025 — must-have back to school essentials

1) Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

Pros:

  • Large 11" display

  • 8GB RAM supports smooth multitasking

  • 128GB internal storage

  • Expandable storage via microSD

  • Good performance for its price

  • Dolby Atmos speakers

  • Long battery life

  • Samsung ecosystem support

Cons:

  • No S Pen support

  • TFT LCD instead of AMOLED

The reviews are glowing, and perhaps, for good reason. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a smart pick for students who need a reliable, fast, and budget-friendly Android tablet for everyday tasks. Its 11-inch display offers a spacious screen for reading e-textbooks, watching lectures, or multitasking between apps using split-screen. With 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, it runs smoothly for those taking notes, browsing research papers, or joining video calls on Google Meet or Zoom. Students will appreciate its sleek design, lightweight feel, and support for Samsung DeX, which lets you use it like a laptop with a keyboard attachment—perfect for those long assignment nights. The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos also make media consumption crisp and clear, whether it’s educational videos or study-break Netflix binges.

However, there are a few trade-offs. While the LCD screen is decent, it doesn’t match the sharpness or color depth of AMOLED displays found in higher-end Samsung models. It also doesn’t come with an S Pen, which would’ve been a great tool for digital note-taking or sketching. Still, for students balancing affordability, performance, and portability, the Galaxy Tab A9+ strikes an excellent middle ground.

2) Best Entry-Level Tablet: Lenovo Tab M10 

Pros:

  • 10.1" HD display

  • Includes clear case and screen protector

  • 4GB RAM supports basic multitasking

  • 64GB internal storage

  • Expandable storage via microSD

  • 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Affordable for students

Cons:

  • Lower screen resolution

  • Helio P22T processor is entry-level

The Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd Gen is a practical choice for students who need a budget-friendly tablet for online classes, reading, and note-taking. With a 10.1-inch HD display, it offers decent visuals for everyday use, though it may not be the sharpest for media-heavy tasks. It runs on a MediaTek Helio P22T processor paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, making it suitable for basic multitasking like browsing, video calls, and using educational apps. The inclusion of a clear case and screen protector adds value, especially for younger users prone to drops and scratches. The added advantage of 4G LTE ensures connectivity even without Wi-Fi, which can be useful for students on the go. However, its entry-level chipset limits performance with heavier apps and multitasking, and the screen resolution may not be ideal for prolonged media viewing.

3) Best Value: Xiaomi Redmi Pad 

Pros

  • Compact 8.7" display for portability

  • Affordable price point

  • 4GB RAM suitable for everyday use

  • 64GB storage with microSD expansion

  • Slim and lightweight design

  • Decent battery life for all-day use

  • Good for video calls and online classes

Cons

  • Smaller screen compared to larger tablets

  • Limited storage for large media libraries

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7-inch offers a compact and affordable tablet option for students who need a portable device for studying, streaming, and light multitasking. Its 8.7-inch screen strikes a balance between portability and screen space, making it easy to carry while still providing enough room for reading e-books or attending online classes. Equipped with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, including note-taking apps, web browsing, and video calls. While the storage can be limiting for heavy media users, it can be expanded via microSD. Its slim design and decent battery life make it a practical choice for students on the move, though it’s not built for power-intensive gaming or multitasking. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE is ideal for budget-conscious students needing reliable performance without unnecessary extras.

4) Best with Large Display: HONOR Pad X8a

Pros:

  • Large 11-inch display for clear visuals

  • 4GB RAM supports smooth multitasking

  • 128GB internal storage offers ample space for apps and files

  • Wi-Fi connectivity for reliable internet access

  • Comes with a free flip cover for protection

  • Affordable price point

  • Lightweight and portable design

Cons:

  • No cellular (4G/5G) connectivity—Wi-Fi only

  • Processor may struggle with very heavy multitasking or gaming

The HONOR Pad X8a 11-inch Tablet is a solid choice for students seeking a balance of performance, screen size, and storage at an affordable price. Its large 11-inch display offers clear and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for reading textbooks, attending online classes, and streaming educational videos. Equipped with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the tablet handles multitasking and stores ample study materials, apps, and media without slowing down. The Wi-Fi connectivity ensures internet access for research and video calls. Additionally, the tablet comes with a free flip cover, adding protection and convenience for students on the go. With its user-friendly interface and durable design, the HONOR Pad X8a is tailored to meet the everyday needs of students balancing study and entertainment.

5) Best Mid-Range tablet: HUAWEI MatePad SE Tablet

The HUAWEI MatePad SE features an 11-inch Eye Comfort Display designed to reduce eye strain during long study sessions and online classes, making it a great option for students. Its large battery capacity supports extended use without frequent charging, ideal for busy school days. The tablet offers reliable performance for everyday academic tasks such as note-taking, browsing, and streaming educational content. Its lightweight and slim design make it easy to carry between classes or study locations. While it runs on Huawei’s ecosystem, it supports most essential apps for learning, though some Google services may be limited depending on the region. Overall, the MatePad SE balances comfort, battery life, and performance at a competitive price for students.

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Lakshana N PalatAssistant Features Editor
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features. A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.

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