Best Tablet For Ebooks 2021
Forget fancy features and sky-high prices! You, savvy shopper, are looking for the absolute best tablet to devour ebooks without emptying your wallet. This guide is for the pragmatic reader, focused solely on value and functionality. We'll dissect the market to find the champions of ebook reading on a budget.
Why Tablets for Ebooks Still Matter (Even With E-Readers Around)
Dedicated e-readers are great, sure. But tablets offer versatility you can't ignore. Think: access to millions of books through various apps, web browsing, and even the occasional game.
Plus, many of us already own a tablet, making it a multi-functional device. Why buy another single-use gadget when you can optimize what you already have?
The Frugal Five: Top Tablets for Ebooks in 2021
Here's a curated list for different budget tiers. Each offers a great ebook reading experience without breaking the bank. We'll cover the Amazon Fire HD 8, Lenovo Tab M8, Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Apple iPad (9th Generation), and the Alldocube iPlay 40 Pro.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (The Budget King)
The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the undisputed champion of affordable tablets. It's perfect for reading, browsing, and streaming on the go. Its low price makes it a no-brainer for budget-conscious ebook lovers.
However, be prepared for Amazon's ecosystem lock-in and slightly weaker performance. You get what you pay for.
Lenovo Tab M8 (Solid All-Rounder)
The Lenovo Tab M8 offers a more stock Android experience than the Fire HD 8. It’s a decent choice for those who prefer Google's ecosystem. The display is good for reading, and the battery life is acceptable.
It won't win any performance awards, but it's a reliable and affordable option.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (Portable and Polished)
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a slim and stylish tablet perfect for reading on the go. It boasts a vibrant display and the trusted Samsung brand name. It integrates seamlessly with other Samsung devices.
Keep in mind, you are paying a slight premium for the brand. Performance is adequate, not exceptional.
Apple iPad (9th Generation) (The Premium Pick)
If you're willing to stretch your budget, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) offers unmatched performance and a superior reading experience. The Retina display is easy on the eyes, and the App Store has a vast library of reading apps. It's the most expensive option on the list, but it offers the best value for the money, especially if you are already an Apple user.
Be warned, accessories add to the cost. But the iPad is the best all-around tablet for almost any use case.
Alldocube iPlay 40 Pro (The Dark Horse)
Don't overlook the Alldocube iPlay 40 Pro. It packs a surprising punch for its price point. A larger screen and decent performance make it suitable for immersive reading sessions.
Brand recognition isn't high. But if you're adventurous, it's a steal.
Tablet Specs Showdown
| Tablet | Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Battery Life (Reading) | Price (USD) | Performance Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire HD 8 | 8" | Quad-Core 2.0 GHz | 2 GB | 32 GB | 12 hours | $89.99 | 6 |
| Lenovo Tab M8 | 8" | MediaTek Helio A22 | 2 GB | 32 GB | 18 hours | $119.99 | 5 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | 8.7" | MediaTek Helio P22T | 3 GB | 32 GB | 12 hours | $159.99 | 6.5 |
| Apple iPad (9th Generation) | 10.2" | A13 Bionic | 3 GB | 64 GB | 10 hours | $329.00 | 9 |
| Alldocube iPlay 40 Pro | 10.4" | MediaTek Helio G90T | 8 GB | 128 GB | 7 hours | $200.00 | 8 |
Note: Performance scores are based on general usage and benchmark tests.
What Do the People Say? (Customer Satisfaction)
Here's a simplified look at customer satisfaction based on online reviews:
- Amazon Fire HD 8: Generally positive for the price, but complaints about Amazon's software.
- Lenovo Tab M8: Mixed reviews, praising battery life but criticizing performance.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Well-regarded for its design and brand, but performance concerns are common.
- Apple iPad (9th Generation): Overwhelmingly positive, with praise for performance, display, and app ecosystem.
- Alldocube iPlay 40 Pro: Positive for the price, with caveats about brand reliability.
The Hidden Costs: Tablet Maintenance
Don't forget about potential maintenance! Screen protectors and cases are essential. With Apple's iPad, repairs outside of warranty can be expensive. For budget tablets, replacement might be more cost-effective than repair.
Consider purchasing extended warranties, especially for pricier models.
Making the Right Choice
Consider your budget first and foremost. Then, weigh the factors mentioned in this article. Don't get swayed by marketing hype. Base your decision on your needs and tolerance for compromise.
Ready to Read?
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, go forth and choose the perfect ebook tablet for your budget! Click the links to check current prices and read more reviews before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size tablet is best for reading?
Generally, 8-inch to 10-inch tablets are ideal. They offer a good balance between portability and readability.
Is an LCD or AMOLED display better for reading?
AMOLED displays offer deeper blacks and better contrast. However, LCD screens are perfectly adequate for reading and often more affordable.
Can I read Kindle books on non-Kindle tablets?
Yes! The Kindle app is available on most tablets.
How much storage do I need for ebooks?
Ebooks don't take up much space. 32GB is usually sufficient, but consider 64GB if you plan to download a lot of audiobooks or other media.
Do I need Wi-Fi to read ebooks?
You only need Wi-Fi to download books. Once downloaded, you can read offline.
