The cheapest tablets in South Africa are usually those for kids. They usually have lower capabilities, but may sometimes be able to do some real work.
With the increasing demand for portable digital devices for school, work, and entertainment, tablets have emerged as an affordable, versatile option—especially in price-sensitive markets like South Africa.
Whether you’re a student attending virtual classes, a parent seeking educational tools for your child, or simply someone looking for a device for casual browsing, there’s a growing selection of budget-friendly tablets to choose from.
Top 10 Cheapest Tablets In South Africa
1. Alcatel 1T 7″ (3G, 32GB)
Price: ~R799
Specs: 7″ display, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage, Android 10 Go
Best For: Kids, light browsing, ultra-budget use
Why Buy It: This no-frills tablet is a fantastic option for first-time users, kids’ learning games, or streaming cartoons on Wi-Fi. Its lightweight build makes it easy for little hands, though it’s best paired with a bumper case.
2. VGKE Kiddies Tablet (7″)
Price: ~R1,499
Specs: Android 11, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, colorful silicone case
Best For: Toddlers, preschoolers, parental-controlled environments
Why Buy It: Tailored for children with a rugged shell and preloaded educational apps. It features child-friendly UI and built-in safety settings to limit screen time and website access. Ideal for early learners at home.
3. Mecer Xpress Smartlife 10.1″
Price: ~R1,969
Specs: 10.1” screen, Android 11 Go, quad-core processor
Best For: Casual streaming, older kids, light work
Why Buy It: Known as one of South Africa’s trusted value tech brands, Mecer delivers respectable hardware at a fraction of the price. The 10.1″ screen is bright enough for Netflix and classes, and the USB-C charging is a modern touch.
4. Oukitel OT6 Kids Tablet (10.1″)
Price: ~R2,499
Specs: 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 8000mAh battery
Best For: Intensive child use, long battery needs
Why Buy It: Oukitel has carved a niche for solid builds at low prices. The OT6 shines with double the RAM of rivals, great for multitasking and learning apps. The 8000mAh battery can last nearly two days on standby.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Wi-Fi (64GB)
Price: R2,499–R2,999
Specs: Octa-core, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, Android 13
Best For: Teens, students, casual users wanting a name brand
Why Buy It: Samsung’s budget range continues to impress with this surprisingly powerful and elegant tablet. It benefits from Samsung’s security updates, screen quality, and smooth performance. An incredible buy for the price.
Where to Buy Budget Tablets in South Africa
Finding the best price involves knowing where to look:
Major Retail Chains
Game
Makro
HiFi Corp
Incredible Connection
Often offer competitive in-store bundles and occasional clearance deals.
Online Platforms
PriceCheck: Great for comparing models across multiple vendors
Takealot: Regular flash sales, express shipping
Loot.co.za and PC International: Offer import options and lesser-known brands
Classifieds and Refurb Platforms
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines for gently used or surplus stock
Always check for IMEI and device condition before meeting a seller
Tips for Buying a Cheap Tablet Wisely
Double-check battery specs: Tablets with less than 4000mAh may require frequent charging
Storage matters: Look for expandable memory slots; 32GB fills up fast with videos and apps
Insist on a warranty: Even budget models should have at least 6-month coverage
Avoid brandless imports: Some low-cost imports lack support, updates, or spares
Read user reviews: Real-world tests will tell you if the device heats up, freezes, or breaks down easily
Why Buy A Budget Tablet In 2025?
Technology is evolving fast, but prices have remained challenging—especially amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising global production costs. Still, budget tablets are thriving, offering:
Affordability without sacrificing basic functionality
Portability, making them perfect for school and travel
Touchscreen experience useful for young learners and elderly users alike
All-day battery life on many entry-level models
With mobile-first internet use growing in South Africa, budget tablets are often a family’s first or second device—bridging digital divides and improving access to education and remote services.
What to Expect from a Tablet Under R3,000
When scouting for tablets in this price range, you won’t find flagship-level specs, but you will find capable devices for light tasks:
Feature Expectation
Screen Size 7″–10.1″ LCD
RAM 1GB–4GB
Storage 16GB–64GB (often expandable)
Cameras Basic front and rear (2MP–8MP)
Battery Life 4–10 hours depending on use
Operating System Android Go, Android 11–13, or custom UI
These tablets excel at YouTube, Zoom, Google Classroom, eBooks, games like Subway Surfers, and light productivity apps like Word or Excel.
Alternatives to Traditional Tablets
If budget is really tight, consider:
Used Tablets
Opt for refurbished Samsung Tab A models or older Huawei MediaPads. These often outperform brand-new budget models and cost less.
Mini Laptops (Netbooks)
Some mini-laptops cost under R3,000, run Windows, and include a keyboard—ideal for school tasks and light office work.
Education-Focused Devices
Nonprofit and educational brands sometimes offer ultra-low-cost tablets to schools and learners. For instance, Snapplify and EduTabs partner with institutions to deliver learning tablets with courseware installed.
How Budget Tablets Are Transforming South Africa
In schools and rural areas, tablets are becoming gateways to online learning. Budget-friendly devices, especially when distributed in bulk or subsidized, are empowering thousands of students to attend virtual classes, access eBooks, and acquire digital literacy.
NGOs and government programs are increasingly integrating low-cost tablets into social development initiatives—enabling job seekers, farmers, and entrepreneurs to gain access to information, finance, and markets.
The ripple effect of accessible tech is enormous: literacy improves, employability grows, and connectivity expands far beyond the city grid.
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Final Thoughts
The cheapest tablets in South Africa are not always the biggest names in the market. Gone are the days when decent tablets cost a fortune. South Africa’s affordable tech scene is maturing fast, with options that suit virtually every user—from a R799 starter to a name-brand tablet under R3,000.
The key is knowing your needs: Are you buying for a child? Is productivity important? Do you need great battery life for remote learning or field use?
By matching your use case with the right specs—and keeping an eye on reputable vendors—you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a smoother, more productive digital experience.