If you don't want to buy an expensive iPad, you will find many good Android alternatives that Stiftung Warentest has tested. ntv.de presents the five best tablets up to 500 euros, the cheapest of which you can get for around 260 euros. The cheapest, well-tested device only costs around 130 euros.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, demand for tablets regularly increases significantly as they are popular gifts. The top devices often cost 800 euros and more, but there are also numerous good and affordable offers. You can save a lot of money if you buy a device without cell phone reception, i.e. that can only access the Internet via WLAN. In most cases, this is sufficient, and if you want to surf or check emails on the go, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot.
ntv.de has selected the five best tablets up to 500 euros and the cheapest device with a good overall rating from the Stiftung Warentest test table. The prices mentioned are always those of the Wi-Fi-only variants, even if models with mobile phone reception were tested. That doesn't make a difference because the relevant tests were carried out with a WiFi connection.
iPad 10
The simplest iPad 10 with 64 gigabytes (GB) of flash memory is, with a quality rating of 2.0, the best tablet you can currently get for under 500 euros. You can find it online for just under 380 euros including shipping. The product testers rated the general functions, which include computing and graphics performance, Internet surfing or the quality of photos and videos, as good. The same applies to the display, handling and versatility.
The testers only found the battery satisfactory, taking into account not only the running time, but also, among other things, the charging time and the ability to change the battery yourself.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, which is available with 128 GB of memory that can be expanded using microSD cards for 375 euros, also received the same overall grade as the iPad 10. Its battery performed very well, and Warentest rated the screen, handling and versatility as good. The small weak point of the tablet is the functions, which were only rated as satisfactory.
The versatility of the Galaxy Tab Active5 includes the fact that an input pen is included in the scope of delivery. The device is also particularly robust and, according to Samsung, suitable for outdoor use even in extreme weather conditions.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Third in the league of tablets with a quality rating of 2.0 is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is available with 128 GB of memory from around 390 euros. The device also ships with a stylus and has received very similar reviews to the Galaxy Tab Active5. Its functions are only satisfactory, display, handling and versatility are good. The highlight of the tablet is the very long-lasting battery, which was graded with a straight A.
Google Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet placed just behind the top trio. The model with 128 GB of storage can be found online for around 440 euros. The product testers rated the functions as good, as well as the screen, handling and battery. They found the versatility, i.e. the included hardware and software, merely satisfactory.
A special feature of the Pixel Tablet is that when combined with a charging stand, it becomes a so-called smart display. This means, among other things, that it then permanently displays the weather and time as well as other selected information on the lock screen. Two large online retailers are currently offering this combination for 500 euros including shipping.
Xiaomi Pad 6
The price-performance winner is the Xiaomi Pad 6. The model with 128 GB of memory is currently available for around 260 euros, but this tablet also received a quality rating of 2.1. Due to the lack of instructions for use, the testers rated the handling and versatility as satisfactory. However, the functions and screen passed the test with good grades, and the battery even performed very well.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
If you want to spend even less money, you can still find a more than acceptable tablet. The cheapest device overall that Stiftung Warentest found to be good is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9. After all, the tablet, which costs around 130 euros, achieved a quality rating of 2.4. Its memory is 64 GB and can be supplemented with microSD cards.
The display, battery and handling of the tablet performed well. Its versatility and functions received only satisfactory marks. However, since this is mainly due to the lack of a USB-C power supply and uninspiring cameras, this will not bother many users.
