Cheap Tablets: 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For

The Appeal and Pitfalls of Affordable Tablets

Tablets represent a compelling category of mobile devices, positioned between the portability of smartphones and the functionality of laptops. While not universally essential, they hold a strong appeal for many users seeking a versatile digital experience.

However, the tablet market is diverse, with options ranging from high-end devices like the iPad and Microsoft Surface to more budget-friendly alternatives. Choosing a less expensive tablet requires careful consideration to avoid disappointment.

Investing in a premium tablet from leading brands, or a well-researched affordable option, is crucial. A poorly selected cheap tablet can quickly become a frustrating experience, making a slightly larger investment worthwhile.

Key Considerations When Purchasing a Budget Tablet

Several factors are critical to evaluate when considering a cheaper tablet. Ignoring these aspects can significantly detract from the overall user experience.

• Display Quality: A low-resolution screen can make reading and viewing media unpleasant.
• Processor and RAM: Insufficient processing power and memory will result in slow performance and lag.
• Storage Capacity: Limited storage space can quickly become a constraint, especially for apps and media files.
• Battery Life: Short battery life diminishes the tablet’s portability and convenience.
• Operating System and Updates: An outdated or unsupported operating system poses security risks and limits functionality.

These five elements are paramount. Their absence, or inadequacy, won't necessarily render a tablet unusable, but they will substantially reduce its desirability.

Ultimately, a thoughtful approach to selecting a cheap tablet can yield a satisfying device. Prioritizing these key features will help ensure a positive and productive user experience.

Operating Systems

The tablet market continues to evolve rapidly. Consequently, some lower-priced tablets may feature older, unsupported, or obsolete operating systems. It’s advisable to steer clear of tablets that come pre-loaded with the following:

Android 2.3 & Earlier

Initial versions of Android were not optimized for tablet devices. Version 3.0 (Honeycomb) represented the first Android release specifically designed for tablets. This was followed by Version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), intended for all mobile platforms.

Tablets utilizing Android 2.3 or an earlier version typically deliver a suboptimal user experience. While manual upgrades to Ice Cream Sandwich may be feasible with sufficient hardware capabilities, this process isn’t suitable for all users.

WebOS

webOS is another operating system that may be encountered on certain tablets. The HP TouchPad, a tablet from Hewlett Packard that received positive reviews but ultimately didn’t achieve significant market share, is a prime example.

Although it’s possible to install Android or Linux on the TouchPad, individuals who prefer not to engage in extensive hardware modifications should avoid this device.

Windows CE

Microsoft has responded to the growing popularity of tablets with the development of Windows 8, which was designed with touchscreen functionality in mind. Prior to Windows 8, Windows CE existed.

You can still find Windows CE on some tablets, both affordable and more expensive. However, it often fails to meet the expectations of users familiar with the performance of iPads or Android tablets.

Applications

The Google Play store, serving the Android operating system, presently features approximately 500,000 applications (a curated selection of the top options is available). Conversely, the iTunes App Store, for iOS devices, offers a catalog of at least 650,000 apps (our recommended choices can be found here).

Microsoft’s app ecosystem for Windows 8 currently lags significantly behind these numbers, though future growth is possible. The key takeaway is that choosing widely adopted platforms ensures access to the applications you desire and have observed others utilizing.

App Availability and Licensing

Selecting an alternative operating system will inevitably restrict your application choices. Consider this carefully when making your decision.

A further consideration regarding apps is the licensing status of more affordable Android tablets. These devices may not have official authorization to install the complete Google Play suite.

Despite Google Play being open-source, the version pre-installed on these tablets might be incomplete. This can result in certain applications being unavailable through search, as was discovered during a recent purchase of a budget Android tablet.

Therefore, it’s important to verify app compatibility before committing to a less mainstream tablet option.

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: A Comparison

When considering touchscreen devices, such as tablets and smartphones, two primary technologies are employed: resistive and capacitive touchscreens.

Each type presents distinct advantages. Resistive screens excel in precision and are particularly well-suited for operation with a stylus.

Key Differences Explained

Conversely, capacitive touchscreens are recognized for their speed and heightened responsiveness. It’s important to note that neither technology is inherently superior; rather, they deliver different user experiences.

For tablets geared towards the average consumer, a capacitive screen generally provides a more satisfying experience.

This is demonstrably true, as leading tablets like the iPad and other high-end models consistently utilize capacitive touchscreen technology.

However, a significant number of budget-friendly tablets still incorporate resistive touchscreens.

This choice can substantially diminish the device’s usability, especially when engaging in tasks demanding swift and seamless control.

Even simple activities like browsing the internet can become noticeably more cumbersome with a resistive touchscreen.

Therefore, the touchscreen type is a crucial factor when evaluating a tablet’s overall performance and suitability for intended use.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Problems

When purchasing an affordable tablet, two key aspects of internet connectivity require careful consideration.

The initial point, while seemingly straightforward, is often overlooked. Many budget-friendly tablets are exclusively equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. Therefore, avoid assuming mobile internet access without a separate tethering arrangement to a smartphone or the creation of a personal hotspot.

Wi-Fi Performance Limitations

A further concern pertains to the Wi-Fi range exhibited by some lower-cost tablets. This limitation was personally observed after the acquisition of a budget Android device.

Optimal performance is generally maintained when the tablet is used within close proximity to the wireless router. However, moving to different areas of a home, such as the kitchen or an upper floor, can significantly degrade the connection speed.

Consequently, internet access may become frustratingly slow or entirely unusable beyond a limited range.

Understanding these potential connectivity issues is crucial before finalizing a purchase.

• Wi-Fi-only models require external tethering for mobile access.
• Reduced Wi-Fi range can limit usability in larger spaces.

Careful evaluation of these factors will help ensure a satisfactory user experience with your new tablet.

Battery Performance in Tablets

Modern iPads are capable of running for as long as 10 hours on a single charge. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 provides up to 10 hours of usage. The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity distinguishes itself with an impressive battery life, reaching up to 14 hours.

Limitations of Budget Tablets

In contrast, more affordable tablets typically exhibit significantly shorter battery lifespans. Most budget options achieve a maximum of six hours, while a substantial number offer only two to four hours of operation.

This reduced battery capacity, when considered alongside potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues, restricts the usability of cheaper tablets.

Consequently, these devices are generally best suited for indoor environments. This is where both a power source and a Wi-Fi router are readily accessible.

Battery life is a crucial factor when considering tablet portability and convenience.

Final Thoughts

The intention of this piece isn't to discourage the purchase of an affordable tablet outright. Indeed, I believe in thoroughly investigating all available options and selecting the device that aligns with your specific requirements and budget.

However, there are potential drawbacks to consider when opting for a lower-priced tablet, some of which may only become apparent after you've acquired the device.

Potential Issues with Budget Tablets

It's important to remember that exceptionally low prices often indicate underlying compromises. A gadget priced significantly below market value likely has a reason for being so.

The following are five primary potential problems you might face with a cheap tablet, though the list is likely not exhaustive.

• Performance limitations can hinder the user experience.
• Build quality may be substandard, leading to durability concerns.
• Software support could be lacking, resulting in security vulnerabilities.
• Display quality might be poor, impacting visual clarity.
• Limited storage can restrict the number of apps and files you can store.

To mitigate the risk of dissatisfaction, it may be prudent to invest slightly more in a reputable device like a Google Nexus 7 or a Kindle Fire HD. Alternatively, an iPad Mini could be considered if that aligns with your preferences.

Image Credits: John Karakatsanis, Noah (ax0n), Dru Kelly, Intel Free Press, Tsahi Levent-Levi, Methodshop