Tab sales might have slowed down since the highs of the pandemic, and yet, they continue to stay relevant. Statista reported that global shipments registered an increase in Q3 2023 hitting sales of 33.2 million units; the corresponding figure for Q2 2023 was 28.3 million. Ever-expanding smartphone displays continue to be our preferred content-consumption screens, but tabs have reinvented themselves with better productivity features. From OnePlus to Samsung, we’ve seen quite a few tabs debut this year. Apple has also rejigged its iPad portfolio over the last couple of years with quite a few options across price points. We pick the best options under Rs 50,000 across price points.
Under Rs 50,000
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: FE stands for Fan Edition; Samsung’s FE line of tabs and smartphones deliver flagship-level features at an affordable price point. The Tab S9 FE is the newest addition to Samsung’s tab portfolio and is ready for work and play. The FE+ is the bigger of the Tab S9 FE duo. It flaunts a 12.4-inch display that features a 90hz refresh rate. Samsung’s Vision Booster solution improves visibility when you’re flipping through an E-book under direct sunlight or binge-watching your favourite show. With 20 hours of video playback, you’re more than covered for those long flights. There’s also an S Pen in the box whether you want to doodle or take notes at a meeting.
Price: Rs 46,999 onwards
Under Rs 40,000
Apple iPad: The reimagined, 10th Gen, entry-level iPad comes in a whole range of funky colours and boasts of a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. At its heart is an A14 Bionic chip that gives you all the firepower you need with an optimal battery performance. Apple has also tweaked the camera system; the iPad features an improved 12MP ultra-wide front cam for improved video calling and a 12MP rear cam that shoots sharper images and videos. The USB-C port allows your iPad to sync up your iPad with a wide range of accessories.
Price: Rs 39,900 onwards
Under Rs 30,000
Xiaomi Pad 6: The Pad 5 was one of our favourite tabs from 2022. The Xiaomi Pad 6 is the follow-up and comes with some key improvements over its predecessor. At under 500gm, it’s also lighter than the Pad 5; we also like the revamped rear camera module and the new colour options that include a cool Mist Blue. And then there’s the gorgeous 11-inch 2.8K display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi has pitched it’s premium tab as a serious work accessory. You get an improved Pad 6 keyboard and the all-new, second gen Smart Pen (both optional accessories). But it’s MIUI for Pad, Xiaomi’s tab-specific OS that makes it a compelling option with split screens and floating windows.
Price: Rs 26,999 onwards
Under Rs 20,000
OnePlus Pad Go: One of our favourite tabs of 2023, the OnePlus Pad Go is the second tablet from the OnePlus stable and comes hot on the heels of the OnePlus Pad. Just like the flagship OnePlus Pad, the Pad Go also comes with a 7:5 display ratio that works particularly well for e-Books or graphic novels. It's the 11.35-inch, 2.4K display (2408 x 1720 pixels / 90 Hz refresh rate) that is headline feature of this tablet and hits a peak brightness of 400 nits. You also get a binge-proof quad speaker set up that supports Dolby Atmos. The OnePlus Pad Go comes in a distinctive Twin Mint colour way and a choice of three hardware variants; the base variant offers 128GB of storage.
Price: Rs 19,999 onwards
Under Rs 10,000
Realme Pad Mini 3: A great Mini tab for eBooks or casual gaming or even catching up on your favourite shows. The slim matte metal finish lends it a refined vibe. At 7.6mm it’s very slim and weighs under 375gm. You get a 8.7-inch display (1340 x 800 pixels) that is backed by a robust 6400 mAh battery. There’s an 18W fast charger in the box that powers this device in good time.
Price: Rs 9,999 onwards
