Best Tablet for Value Right Now

AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 19:00

The battery or charging port in my Huawei Mediapad M3 8.0 WiFi version from Amazon many years ago is busted and it just connects and disconnects continuously now barely charging and probably destroying the battery further.

As an example overnight it charged something like only 40% where normally it would get to full charge with an overnight charge.

So I am looking for a repair shop or service to replace the battery and maybe charging port (although the charging port seems still very tight and working it must just be the battery then that needs replacing).

So now I'm looking for another good value tablet as it seems a lot of the current tablets are very expensive and nothing is filling the tab s2 / Huawei Mediapad M3 8.0 range which was around $300-$400 a few years ago around the 2016-2018 tablet era.

If anyone is knowledgeable in this space right now I'm interested to hear your recommendations.

Preferably 7-10 inches and as light weight as possible.

Main usage will be just media consumption.

Only need WiFi but I don't mind getting 4g if I have to.

Computing Tablet

Comments

  • MS Paint on 20/02/2021 - 19:08

    Best Tablet for Value Right Now

    This?

    • Nugs on 20/02/2021 - 19:09
      -1

      what makes it "Extra Generic"
      .

    • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 19:13
      +1

      How many do I have to take so I can watch Netflix and YouTube

      • holdenmg on 20/02/2021 - 19:15

        This is a big seller at the moment to FB, ScoMo and the Treasurer.

        • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 19:16

          Does it come in deep navy blue

  • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2021 - 19:47
    +9

    The answer is iPad and has been for years. Unless you are really clumsy and need a plastic screen because you drop it weekly, then an Android might suit you better. Otherwise an iPad will last you longer than Androids do, get more updates for longer, it will feel faster for longer, it will have more and better apps, screen quality will be better for the price, battery life is good, build quality is better. You do need the cellular version if you want built in GPS, otherwise the wifi version will do you just fine.

    • Mechz on 20/02/2021 - 20:03
      +5

      Sure, if you like paying 3x the cost of something else that would do the job fine.

      • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 21:08
        -3

        There are some things that Apple has that Android does not.

        For a long time Solomon's boneyard and Solomon's Keep was only available on Apple.

        Another apple exclusive that I still want to play a decade later is https://www.gamesradar.com/au/iphone-game-of-the-day-biodefe…

        I played it on my iPhone 3GS given to me by my dad that and Solomon's Boneyard and Solomon's Keep was probably the best games I ever played on a mobile.. years of gaming on an Android and no one has recreated it yet for Android.

        Raptisoft LLC finally brought it to Android almost a decade later but yeah the zombie defence game still remains an Apple exclusive.

        Lots of games and apps are still Apple exclusives so now I am trying to figure out if there is anything that I want from Apple enough to get an iPad.

    • pao2x on 20/02/2021 - 20:03
      +3

      iPad is best value for tabs, app compatibility, screen, reliability and software updates. Although op can consider samsung a7 if you want a limitless data plan at 1.5mbps for $20/month with it.

      • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 20:28

        it will only be use for home use so just wifi version is really only needed

        although that is a nice deal if i didnt have a mobile with boost mobile $300 plan already.. just recharged recently so not looking for another data plan atm.. 240gb is enough for 12 months.. i used about 65% last 12 months and even if i stream on the train every day i should still be just under 20gb a month

        thanks though

    • burningrage on 20/02/2021 - 20:09
      +1

      For me, strangely enough, the best tablet is actually my Samsung Galaxy Book 2018 (Detachable i5)

      I know people will say that's a Mobile PC but they classed it as Tablet on their website.

      • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 20:48

        I will keep it in mind but the 754 grams vs the 326 grams on the Huawei Mediapad M3 8.0 wifi version will start to be noticeable while watching a netflix movie or tv show in bed not to mention Youtube deep dives that just never end.. yeah lightweight in my use case scenario is best.

        I have a desktop pc with a nice 40 inch 4k 60hz monitor for upright viewing but for bed viewing i use my 8 inch tablet that is lightweight.

        If I was gonna go "big" I was looking at the Lenovo Chromebook Duet at ~$500 AUD but there is no memory card slot and no headphone jack so it is not perfect but for the price it is a good size and internal specs if it drops below $300 AUD or close I might just get that unless I find something better.

        Yeah the android tablet market is in a weird place right now nothing really stands out in the 8 inch market.

        • cheapjack on 21/02/2021 - 08:01

          Chromebook duet at big W often drops under $400 mark at Officeworks and big W
          I think $327 is lowest price ever from memory

        • burningrage on 21/02/2021 - 09:59

          Yes. it is much heavier but the 12" real estate makes a huge difference. Plus it's AMOLED and being PC, can do more things than I'd say IPAD/Android.

          In fact, I like it so much I have been hunting for its successor but Samsung these days are into FLEX mobile PC which is not detachable but foldable.

          That, I am not interested.

    • mrvaluepack on 20/02/2021 - 20:14
      +2

      Agree, even though I use android phones, iPads are the only tablets that makes sense in terms of value, usability and range of apps.

    • ESEMCE on 20/02/2021 - 20:30
      +1

      For more general use I'd normally agree but for this use case (media viewing) a device with landscape Stereo speakers sounds like it would be a better choice.
      Like this for $299
      https://www.binglee.com.au/lenovo-za3v0030au-yoga-smart-tab

      • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2021 - 20:35

        I’m too used to my ipad pro’s banging speakers, I’m not sure what the standard ipad or Air sound like in comparison for movie and tv audio.

        • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 20:50

          I am honestly considering an Apple tablet just need to find out what are the major differences now.

          Is itunes free how does it work.

          I use spotify for now but when my premium runs out I will be looking at alternatives again soon.

          There are some games actually and some apps I want to try on Apple so maybe it is time I convert after being a stubborn longtime android only fan since its inception.

          Is this the year AlienC becomes an Apple convict I mean convert.. stay tuned and find out more in the next episode.

          • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2021 - 21:08

            @AlienC: If you want music there is now the Music app, a paid service like Spotify. You van listen to the three recorded live stations for free though. You can add your own music somehow if you’re paid. You can use any music app you want to play your mp3s if you still bother with mp3s.

            Best value with Apple services is if you can get five other people to join you in a family who will pay their share a year upfront. For less than half the price of a single music subscription you can get all six premium apple services. Apple News+ lets you read Time magazine for free, for example. $40 a month is like $6.66 per person.

            • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 21:11

              @AustriaBargain: Ah yeah looks like then I will just stick with Spotify for now hopefully they don't die anytime soon.

              Spotify and Youtube music is where all my music is stored atm.

              I do have mp3's but they feel so archaic at times and being stuck with limited options it is nice to tap into the infinite every now and then.

      • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 21:00

        I have honestly been curious about this tablet it has almost everything.

        Only gripe is the 580 grams weight, 10.1 inch size which I have tested before and it was just a bit too large for long periods of viewing and the mediocre SoC which means less multi tasking ability think not being able to run discord and games for the very rare occasion I might try to do that otherwise it seems perfect.

        The hook in the kickstand is a genius idea honestly if I get a portable stand with an adjustable movable hook I won't even need to hold it in bed just hang it like a picture frame that is pretty genius then the 10.1 inches and 580 grams won't be an issue.

        This might be my last resort if I can't find anything lightweight or smaller which is my ideal first choice.

        Thanks Einstein.

        • Indomietable on 20/02/2021 - 22:51

          You burn calories while holding it!

    • AlienC on 20/02/2021 - 21:05
      +1

      Apple is good even an older generation one as I don't want to spend more than $400 on a tablet at this point in time.

      I looked at the Apple Airs a few years ago when I was looking at my current Huawei Mediapad M3 8.0 wifi version and honestly I wanted to switch over but I wanted to minimise my charger and cable ecosystem so I chose devices that used only one charging port and was done with it.

      This was extremely convenient as I could just interchange the cables without having to think much about it.

      As an example I got a wireless headset last year during Black Friday sales and it charges via usb c.

      I am stuck in the micro usb 2.0 ecosystem and so had to buy a bunch of usb c cables which added to the cost of the headset no big deal but I have way too many cables atm lol.

      If I got some Apple products I would need to find another spare port in my bedroom just for an apple charger which would bring my total used slots to 8 or 9 if you count the outlet lol.

      Not gonna daisy chain a third powerboard as I already think two daisy chained powerboards is already pushing it.

      Just small food for thought for my special use case scenario.

      • YadaYadaYada on 21/02/2021 - 01:15

        If you have a charger issue, may I suggest something like

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/594740

        Great for travelling as well because you just need to swap the figure 8 cable for the various country equivalents.

        Anker, blitz wolf, etc also make similar products.

        • AlienC on 21/02/2021 - 02:52

          Thanks I might look into it to replace my cheap big w 2 port usb charger.

          Some of the comments says there is some coil whine though that might be annoying to sleep with at night.

          • YadaYadaYada on 21/02/2021 - 11:04

            @AlienC: Well try one of the other brands then if you don’t like that one. They’re all posted on ozbargain relatively often. Any of those will be better than the cheap big w one because they’ll charge your devices at the right current required by each device rather than a combined 2A or what not. Check whether any of your devices need PD (power delivery) since there are some USB chargers that offer that too.

  • ozbs25 on 21/02/2021 - 00:47

    Have you tried charging it wirelessly? My wife had issues with charging her Nexus 7 as the port was not holding the cable correctly unless you had it just at the right angle. I bought a wireless charger and it's been charging pretty steadily since. Maybe borrow someone else's wireless charger for a night and see if it works for you?

    • AlienC on 21/02/2021 - 02:48

      Unfortunately my tablet does not have wireless charging afaik.

      • ozbs25 on 21/02/2021 - 11:17

        Sorry, I only did a very quick search for wireless charging and your tablet last night before I replied and the first google link seemed to suggest it did. Will probably come back and see what you go with as whilst our tablets are still doing ok they are like 8 years old.

  • WizMuncher on 21/02/2021 - 08:41
    +1

    It wouldn't be hard to fix yourself. Here's the part list:

    New battery: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001323752416.html?spm=a2g0o…

    Comes with all the tools required as well - USD16.26 (free shipping).

    Charging Charger Port Board Dock Connector Flex Cable: https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32952166541.html @ USD3.67 + USD4.98 shipping = USD8.55

    Total price is USD24.81 or AUD30.25.

    Here's a video showing how to get the device open and take the charging port out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aVQLW62g-g Once it's out you just replace it with the new one doing everything in reverse.

    Of course it would pay to replace the charging port first so you'd only be looking at USD8.56 or AUD10.88 to fix it if the battery is okay.

    Even if you do get a new tablet I think it's worth fixing the old one as a backup, or a hand me down, to sell it, or even give to charity.

  • 87percent on 21/02/2021 - 10:37
    +1

    Using those cheaper android tablets is so frustrating.

    • AlienC on 21/02/2021 - 10:48

      They seem to be ok but a lot of them don't have netflix support so no netflix hd playback only sd playback which can be a dealbreaker for some people like me.

      But for all other uses they are ok I have seen.

  • jackspratt on 21/02/2021 - 11:25

    https://www.kimovil.com/en/tablets

    Include as many filters as you like.

  • Techie4066 on 21/02/2021 - 15:06

    Purchased an as new Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 off Gumtree for $120 or thereabouts a few months ago for a grandfather. Hadn't been used and is still very responsive. It has many great software features over the iPad such as large icons on the home screen. Runs Android 7 with a recent Samsung UI, has everything you need.

  • lenjet on 21/02/2021 - 15:10
    +1

    I picked this up late last year (yes I won the auction)… second hand but true to the description it was practically new… great consumption device https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174539332996

    • AlienC on 22/02/2021 - 20:02

      Nice buy.

      Good price.

      But for me I realised early on in the tablet game that 10.1 inches is too big for my hands and close to 500g is too heavy for long periods of use.

      For a long time I used the original samsung galaxy tab https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_10_1_p7510-3894.… this one.

      It was 100g heavier than your tablet but same size.. it felt solid and like a brick.. once or twice it slipped through my hands and fell on my teeth and head.. not a nice feeling lol.

      But yeah 8 inches is ideal for me i can maybe push 9 but 10 inches is too awkward to hold especially with one hand it is near impossible for long periods of time.

      Right now I am trying to find old articles of tablets that were rivals to the great Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_s2_8_0-7439.php and see if they have gone down in price otherwise I will just snag a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2.

  • AncientWisdom on 21/02/2021 - 18:06

    I was in the same situation a few months ago, my conclusion was either Samsung A7 2020 or Samsung S6 lite (depending on budget). Otherwise iPad.

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