Top 10 Best Tablets for Students 2021
This is a list of top tablets that we recommend for students in 2021 as you head back to school. If you have not read our guide on how to choose a tablet that is suitable for you, check it out here.
For this article, we will be sharing our views on what are the best tablets for students based on the key usage as below.
Light usage: For basic textbook reading, note taking, online assessments and video calls
Medium usage: For word processing, presentations and learning.
High usage: creative work, photo and video editing
Light Usage
Light usage in our definition means basic ebook reading, browsing, digital note taking, doing online assessments and video calls for online learning. For this usage purpose, we will be looking at tablets with front facing cameras, without a need for a stylus or keyboard, entry level chipset and enough memory to run apps and store e-textbooks and notes.
The 4 tablets that we recommend here cost less than RM600.
1. Lenovo Tab M7 – RM 449
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Small & portable • Blue light protection screen | • 1GB Ram, may make tablet slower when running heavy apps • Screen size may be restrictive for other functions such as typing |
This is the smallest tablet in this list, coming in at 7” screen size making it ultra portable. This model has been discontinued by Lenovo but you still can find it being sold by various sellers. Running on Andriod Pie (9th) operating system, it allows you to have access to Android Apps via the Google Play Store. It is great for reading assignments, and if you do not want to carry a heavy laptop to class to refer to the textbook, this is a good consideration as it can last up to 10 hours. However at 1GB RAM, do not expect it to handle heavier duty apps or games that require too much resources. One interesting feature worth mentioning is that it has a TUV certified screen that cuts back on blue light to make longer hours of reading and viewing more comfortable.
2. Huawei Matepad T8 – RM449
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • 12 hours long battery life • Extendable SD card storage | • Not all apps may be available on Huawei App Gallery and have to do side-loading (direct install) |
With its pocket friendly prices, Huawei Matepad packs basic specifications and battery for up to 12 hours of basic usage such as web browsing, local video playback. Its screen and reading settings are optimized for ebook reading so you can ensure you are almost holding a book. It is small and light (310g) enough to be able to hold on one single hand. On top of that, it packs a 2GB RAM and 16GB storage and has an extendable SD card storage capability should you need more space to store other files. Furthermore, the Matepad T8 runs on EMUI 10 which is based off Andriod 10 OS so you can side-load (aka directly install) Android Apps if you cannot find the app on the Huawei App Gallery.
3. Samsung Tab A 8.0 (T295 2019) – RM599
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • 3GB RAM to handle everything from gaming to studying to videos • Portable and light | • Stylus sold separately |
The Samsung Tab A 8.0” is a super portable tablet that has a good sized screen for reading, a 2nd screen for video calls and video watching. It can work with a stylus for other purposes such as note-taking. The 3GB RAM is good enough for light usage that we prescribe above. The good thing about this tablet is its weight and size – making it easy to bring around and fit into most bags and easy to hold for long periods of time. It comes originally with 32GB of storage and has an expandable slot up to 512GB of storage.
4. Amazon Fire HD10 – RM609
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Good sized screen • Useful assistant if you are used to Alexa voice commands | • Apps may be limited; need to do some configurations to get the apps you want |
This is the only Amazon tablet in this list of recommended tablets. Based on our detailed research, it deserves a mention because it is powered by Alexa, Amazon’s AI voice assistant. Students who require a more hands-free and voice-led experience, can consider this tablet that boasts a full HD 10.1” screen, quad core processor that has the familiar apps to ensure you get a complete experience.
Ask Alexa about the weather, open apps, news, and if your room is wired up in a smart way, you can ask it to control the lights and music. With a 2MP resolution front & back camera that takes 720P videos, it is perfect for online learning and video calls with family and friends. This tablet does not have Google Play store pre-installed, but can be installed so that you can also enjoy the Andriod Apps. The Amazon App store comes pre-installed but due to geographical differences, using the tablet in Malaysia will have certain limitations as it is primarily made for the USA.
Medium Usage
For medium usage, on top of needs under ‘light usage’, we included word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets and this combination will require a keyboard, mousepad or additional ports such as USB, display ports etc and better processing power to handle more complex applications.
In this category, the price ranges from RM601 to RM1999
1. Apple iPad (2019) 7th Gen
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Good screen size • Multitasking capability | • Expensive original accessories; 3rd party available • iOS ecosystem may not be suitable or familiar with everyone |
The 2019 Apple iPad is a good choice for medium usage, a big enough 10.2” screen, with enough processing power from the A10 chip and compatible smart keyboard to handle word processing and allow typing from the Smart Keyboard. With the ability to do multitasking, you are able to do research on your browser on one half of the screen and your word or powerpoint document on the other half. There are also other 3rd party keyboards from brands such as Logitech which cost cheaper than Apple’s. If you are more familiar with the iOS ecosystem, you should be able to get the hang of this fast.
2. Microsoft Surface Go 2
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Light and portable • Built-in keyboard | • It may seem more like a touch screen laptop than a tablet • Original Microsoft accessories can be quite expensive |
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a very portable weighing at only 544 grams, equipped with a 10.5” touchscreen, 10-hours long battery life designed to keep up with you for your learning needs. With the keyboard, use it like a laptop or tablet for with Microsoft operating system and office suites. The Surface Go Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately so make sure you budget a little more if you want to get them both.
3. Huawei Matepad 10.4
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • 4GB RAM can handle most type of common tasks • Multi-tasking ability | • Some apps that are not on Huawei App Gallery may have to be sideloaded or downloaded from 3rd party app marketplaces |
The Huawei Matepad 10.4 is considered one of the higher end Huawei tablets. There are many model variations to choose from, starting with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. On top of that, it has accessories such as a stylus, keyboard which can increase it’s versatility with multi-tasking ability to do research and write reports or do presentations.
The only downside currently for Huawei devices is that it is not connected to the Google Play Store. Apps will have to be downloaded separately or through the Huawei App Gallery. Nevertheless, we believe most popular apps will be made available on the Huawei App Gallery as well.
High Usage
For high end usage, we’ve included more intensive functions such as photo editing, video editing, and other creative works. This is for students in the art courses and prefers to depend on a single device for all their requirements. Accessories and specifications that are important includes: stylus, bigger screens, large storage to store video files, and strong processing power.
In this category, the price ranges from RM2000 onwards.
1. Apple iPad Pro 11
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Big screen • Advanced usage such as AR and 3D purposes are possible | • Original accessories are expensive and costs can add up substantially |
The iPad Pro 11 is the flagship model for Apple’s iPad range and it comes in 2 sizes. It’s portability and Lidar camera properties allow creatives to go beyond the general creative work and work on 3D and augmented reality work. Powered by the A12Z bionic chip, it is touted to be faster than laptops and has better cooling systems to make it run at its optimum. So you can expect this work machine to handle anything you throw at it and never touch another device. A cool accessory is the Magic Keyboard which comes with a trackpad and a charging pod and when the iPad is attached, it makes it seem that it is ‘floating’ in the air.
2. Samsung Tab S7/S7+
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Stylus experience is seamless from storage to usage • Big screen makes it easy to do reading, note-taking and gaming. | • Price is on the higher end for tablets. |
This is another flagship model from the Samsung lineup and is almost comparable to the Apple iPad Pro in terms of specs and accessories. The stylus experience is optimised with the tablet such that there is even a magnetic strip behind the tablet for the stylus. It also comes in 2 screen sizes, 11” for the S7 and 12.4” for the S7+, both good sizes for portability and for doing many functions that categorizes it under the heavy duty usage. Beyond learning and education, it can also be used for gaming and is compatible with external gaming controllers for the ultimate tablet experience.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
| Pro(s) | Con(s) |
| • Can double-up as a laptop too if needed • Has USB-A & USB-C ports | • Price is on the higher end for tablets. |
This is also the flagship model from the Microsoft Surface family. Students who want the familiar Windows interface can consider this seriously as it acts and almost costs the same as a laptop but with tablet features such as a touch screen, stylus and portability associated with tablets. With a large screen size of 12.3 inches, you get a good size for both laptop and tablet usage. This tablet can convert into a laptop, works with a stylus and mouse making it seem more like a laptop than a tablet. Compared to the other tablets, this model has more connectivity ports than others with USB-A, & USB-C ports available to connect to display, external storage devices and other accessories.
With that, we conclude our list of 10 best tablets for students based on different types of usage. Simply start with the daily use case for your tablet, and decide on your budget range to select the best tablet and accessories for your needs. Remember to use our PriceShop price comparison feature to get the best price with a trusted merchant for your purchase!
