Whether you’re a freshman or you’re heading off to college, there are some tools you just cannot do without – like textbooks, a pen, and a tablet.
Most of the tasks in this digital or information age are computer assisted, and you’re going to need one if you want to accomplish most of your college work.
When looking for the best tablet to use in college, some of the factors you need to consider include:
- Durability and ruggedness
- Operating system that can run all apps you need for your coursework
- Screen size, resolution, storage and ports, among others
- Keyboard/Input
- Aesthetic specs and accessories
Here are some of the best tablets for college students on a budget that’ll help you do all this and more.
Related: Best Tablets Under $100
1. Apple iPad
Yet another Apple tablet product, but this one is smaller, more compact and much cheaper than the iPad Pro we’ve mentioned here. Its features include:
- 9.7-inch Retina Display, which comes with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels
- Powered by Apple A9 chipset with Quad-Core Graphics
- 2GB of RAM
- A pair of good cameras with 8MP iSight primary camera which can record 1080p Full HD Video and 1.2 MP secondary front-facing camera
- Variety of storage options varying between 32GB / 128GB capacity
- Battery backup which can deliver 10 hours of continuous usage on a single charge
2. Fire HD10
This is a tablet by Amazon, known as the Amazon Fire tablet – a better product when compared to the Kindle. The Fire HD10’s features include:
- Decent build with a soft-touch finish
- 10-inch HD IPS LCD with anti-glare coating
- Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels
- 1.8 GHz Quad-Core processor
- 2 GB of RAM, with various 32GB / 64GB storage options expandable up to 200GB via a microSD card
- Fire OS 5
- Personalized voice assistance system under Alexa
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
This tablet is also convertible and is backed with a plethora of specs and attractive features including:
- 9.7-inch High Dynamic Range on a Super AMOLED display
- Display resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels delivers cinematic vividness, detail and deep contrast 2.2 GHz Snapdragon mobile processor
- Windows 10 Pro, one of the most productive operating systems
- 2GB of bolstered by an internal flash storage of 32GB, expandable via microSD card
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- 13-megapixel primary rear camera, which can capture moments with great detailing
- Gets fully charged in slightly over 2 hours with a backup of about 12 hours on a single charge
- Multitasking mode, seamless Samsung’s connectivity options, and a lot more.
Related: Best Drawing Tablets For Artists
4. ASUS Transformer Mini 10.1
Besides being a convertible tablet for college students, this ASUS tablet features some powerful specifications that add to its premium form-factor and build, including:
- 2-in-1 touchscreen
- Intel Atom Quad Core x5-Z8350 Processor
- 4GB RAM and 64GB / 128GB of SSD storage options
- 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels
- Host of connectivity options
- Full magnesium alloy body
- Weighs less than 1.7 lbs with the keyboard attached and only 0.6 inches thick
- Fingerprint sensor to secure the device
- Adjustable hinges for user comfort
- A pen to support handwriting, making editing of documents and images easier
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
This is the perfect tablet for college students as it is an all-purpose device that works well in the college setting, with unique and useful features for productivity such as:
- Large 8.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048×1536 pixels
- Has Samsung’s proprietary Exynos chipset with 1.9 GHz Octa-Core chipset
- 3GB of SDRAM
- 32GB of inbuilt storage and it also features a microSD card slot to further expand its storage
- 8 megapixels rear camera for great quality photos and videos plus 2.1 megapixels front camera is for video calling
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow (in queue to receive the latest Android Nougat update)
- Battery life lasts up to 7 hours of continuous usage on a single charge
6. Netbook Flexx 9
The Netbook Flexx has proven features that provide for a power packed tablet at an affordable price, which is ideal for college students. Among these great features include:
- 8.9-Inch IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels
- Detachable, foldable POGO keyboard with a standard USB 2.0 port
- Quad-Core Intel Atom-based processor
- 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage, expandable up to 64GB via a microSD card for optimal performance
- Windows 10 Operating System with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote apps designed for working on the go
- 0.3 MP front facing camera and a 2 MP primary camera
7. iRULU Walknbook
This is one of the latest tablet brands that offers powerful features, enough for productivity in college including:
- Windows 10 out of the box
- Intel Barry Trail Quad-core processor
- 2GB of DDR3 RAM
- Faster NAND Flash 32GB of internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via an extendable memory slot.
- Supports great graphics via HD Graphics
- 10.1 inch IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800
- Detachable keyboard and boasts Office 365 internally
- Latest connectivity standards
- Clear sound and thumping stereo speakers
- 6000mAh Li-Po battery, with a battery backup of over 6 hours on a single charge
8. Samsung Galaxy Book
This is another powerful and convertible tablet/laptop known in the marketplace for its good quality and impeccable productivity. Its features include:
- Full HD display at resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Keyboard and S-Pen
- 2.6 GHz Intel Core M processor (also available with Intel i5 processor)
- 4 GB RAM (also available with 8GB RAM backed by a 64 GB storage (also available with 128GB / 256GB)
- Intel integrated graphics
- 5-MP front camera for selfies and video-calling
- Cortana voice assistant
Related: Best Wireless Headphones Under $100
Summary
While laptops are still the most used form of computers, many college students are choosing tablets today.
These tablets are not only lightweight, but pretty affordable, and simpler compared to laptops. Tabs are far more ideal for note taking, streaming, and socializing online.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, one of these tablets is sure to deliver. All of these selections offer excellent service and portability, plus the ability to multitask, which is always important to students.
We hope you enjoy our listing of tablets for your new school year.
