This holiday season is fast approaching, and the Tech Advisor team is reflecting on our year of testing to determine the top products. In the budget tablet category, the competition was fierce as we searched for the best value slate. With Google out of the running due to the lack of affordable options, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Lenovo, OnePlus, and others stepped up to vie for the title.
Presented here is Tech Advisor’s award for the best new budget tablet of 2025, along with the honorable mentions.
Best New Budget Tablet of the Year – Winner: Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2
Chris Martin / Foundry
Xiaomi has a reputation for delivering quality tech at affordable prices, and with the Redmi Pad 2, they have surpassed Samsung to claim the top spot. The Redmi Pad 2 offers a compelling option for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to the entry-level iPad. With its sleek design, high-quality unibody build, and a range of color options, the Redmi Pad 2 is a standout choice.
a great tablet for just about any task
Priced at nearly half the cost of its competitors, the Redmi Pad 2 boasts a large 11-inch screen with excellent clarity and brightness, supported by a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth performance. With impressive quad speakers, solid battery life, and slick performance, the Redmi Pad 2 is a versatile tablet suitable for a variety of tasks.
While the charging may be a bit slow and the cameras basic, these minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the overall value of the Redmi Pad 2, making it a deserving winner of the best budget tablet of the year.
Explore our in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2.
Best New Budget Tablet of the Year – First Runner-Up: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11
Chris Martin / Foundry
Samsung returns to the competition with the Galaxy Tab A11, following their previous success with the Tab A9. While narrowly missing out on the top spot, the Galaxy Tab A11 remains a strong contender, especially with its smaller 8-inch size.
Building on the foundation of the Galaxy Tab A9, the A11 features a familiar design and similar specs. However, notable upgrades include a 90Hz screen, a higher resolution front-facing camera, and an impressive seven years of software support from Samsung. Additionally, the price has been reduced to £149, with occasional discounts bringing it down to just £99.
Dive into our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11.
Best New Budget Tablet of the Year – Second Runner-Up: Apple iPad (A16)
Britta O’Boyle
The latest iteration of Apple’s entry-level iPad, the A16, slightly exceeds our budget threshold for budget tablets. However, as the most affordable model readily available under our cap, it deserves recognition.
The iPad remains a popular choice for many, and the A16 continues the trend with its exceptional design, build quality, performance, and battery life. Offering double the storage capacity, the A16 delivers everything one would expect from Apple’s most accessible tablet.
Discover more about the Apple iPad (A16) in our detailed review.
Explore all the top products of 2025.
