How to buy a tablet at a good price: new and used models
Who the tablet is for decides everything
For a child and for watching videos, an inexpensive model with a reliable screen and a sturdy case is enough. For study and notes, a stylus and good battery life help. For drawing you need pen support and a bright screen, and for work a keyboard and enough storage. So start not with the brand, but with the answer to what you will do on it.
On BlaBlaPrice you just describe your task and budget, and sellers send offers themselves. It is free for the buyer, and your phone number stays hidden.
What to look at in the specs
- Storage. 64 GB runs out fast if you download films and games; 128–256 GB is more comfortable. Not every model has a memory card slot.
- Screen size. 8 inches is compact, 10–11 is good for video and work, 12 and above for drawing and documents.
- Connectivity. A Wi-Fi-only model is cheaper; one with a SIM or LTE is handy on the move, but you need a data plan.
- Display. IPS or OLED, refresh rate, brightness.
New or used
A new tablet comes with a brand warranty and a new battery. A used one is usually cheaper, especially with Apple models, which hold their price for a long time. For a used one, check the remaining battery capacity, whether the screen has scratches, whether the buttons and cameras work, and whether the previous owner's account has been unlinked.
What to put in your request
- Model, or a brand if you are still choosing.
- New or used and battery condition.
- Storage and screen size.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi only or with a SIM.
- What for: child, study, drawing, films, work.
- Colour and what's in the box: case, stylus, keyboard, charger.
- Warranty and budget.
Example: “I'm looking for an iPad Air 5, 256 GB, Wi-Fi, grey, new or used with battery health of at least 90%. With a case and stylus, brand warranty, delivery to Perth. Budget up to $930.”
How to compare offers
Compare the same storage, generation and connectivity type, because the model name is often the same while prices differ because of these. Ask about the warranty, not just the price, and whether the charging adapter is in the box. For a child, ask whether service support and spare parts are available.
BlaBlaPrice shows the offer that is best on substance first, with seller reviews next to it. Sellers see where their offer ranks, so they tighten up their terms. More on the page “How it works”.
Before buying you may need a case or screen guard from tablet accessories. If you mostly read books, look at e-readers, and for drawing, graphics tablets.
