Android Tablet – Budget Friendly

[Doron]

Hi, I love your blog and have been a lurker for quite a while now.
After buying a Chinese branded phone and being very happy with it (Zuk Z2), I am now looking at buying a Chinese android tablet and hope you can assist me in selecting the most cost effective one for my needs.
I am predominantly going to use the tablet when I go overseas as I wont be taking a computer with me. It’ll mostly be used for movies, web browsing and the odd game here and there. I don’t mind if it is dual boot or not, as I will mostly use the android interface unless the windows boot runs smoother (not too fussed either way).
My main concern is which would be most cost effective. I was initially looking at the Teclast X80 PRO as it seemed very high value for money (Full HD screen, decent processor and light weight) however as the battery is a bit of a downfall, I’m not sure whether I should upgrade to something with a more stable battery life.
My 2nd option was the Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 as it looks to be the best 8″ tablet around if you don’t mind MIUI and not having an sd card. As I will probably be using a HDD via OTG, i don’t think this will be too much of an issue for me. Do you think the 16GB varient will be sufficient for general MIUI? I know I can modify the 64GB varient to dual boot. Do you think it’s really worth the extra $80 (AUD)?

Just to put that in perspective, I can get a x80 Pro for $100 AUD, the Xiaomi MiPad 2 16GB for $200 or the 64GB for $280 AUD.
If I’m looking at the 64GB variant, that’s almost triple the price of the x80 pro, is it really that much better?

Or is there another model of tablet that you’d recommend around this price range instead? I just want a smooth tablet experience where I wont run into too many issues and is on the more portable side. I don’t mind charging the tablet on the plane if it dies, but if I’m using the OTG cable I don’t think I can charge it at the same time. The screen size would ideally be under 10″ but I dont really mind a 10″ tablet if it’s not going to weigh a tonne and feel like a brick.

Another option I’ve found is the Xiaomi Mi Pad (original) 64GB for $160 (AUD) at gearbest with coupon MiPad64G, could this be another good option instead?

If you were in my situation, which tablet would you select as best value for money to be used whilst travelling?
Thanks and I really appreciate your guidance in this decision.   @chris

[Chris G]

Hi,

I would personally go for the Mi Pad 2, its build quality and screen is far superior to the X80 Pro. And it’s Z8500 is a step up in terms of speed thanks to dual-channel RAM support and not just single like the Z8300. If you can I would go for the Mi Pad 2, it’s well worth it.

Chris | Admin
Please support us and help keep TechTablets online. Affiliate revenue is used to pay for the server, studio apartment (Techtablets HQ) and buy new tech to review. Without it, this site would be dead.
Next up for review:
Ordered and waiting for my: BMAX S15 & Teclast F6 Plus
Currently testing: LG G8X & Redmi K30

[Doron]

Thanks for your reply, I was thinking along the same lines. Would u opt for the 64Gb for the extra $80 or do you think the 16Gb would be sufficient in this scenario? I know it’s personal preference but still curious about your opinion on that one.

Thanks again     @chris

[Doron]

Would you also say that the MiPad 2 is worth the extra $120 over the original Mi Pad (almost double the price)?
I don’t really care about the support for Windows. Do you think being stuck in kitkat would be an issue?
I’m also not all that fussed about the plastic backing as it would be used in a folio case at all times.

[Chris G]

@diiipaty

16GB if fine if you don’t plan to storage a lot of music or movies etc. I personally go for the larger storage if possible. More is always useful and then I’m not limited as much.

I do think it’s worth the extra 100%, also the front is glass and the back is aluminium. No plastic on it, well just around the 3.5mm jack.

Chris | Admin
Please support us and help keep TechTablets online. Affiliate revenue is used to pay for the server, studio apartment (Techtablets HQ) and buy new tech to review. Without it, this site would be dead.
Next up for review:
Ordered and waiting for my: BMAX S15 & Teclast F6 Plus
Currently testing: LG G8X & Redmi K30

[Author]

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