Buying a tablet on AliExpress: a good deal or a scam?

Buying a tablet on AliExpress: good or bad idea?

If you’re looking for great value for money, the platform offers many attractive models. But between good deals and disappointing products, it’s best to know where you’re headed.

In this article, we’ll see how to choose the right tablet, which criteria to watch out for, and which models are really worth it.

Top 5 Tablets with the Best Value for Money on AliExpress

Here are five tablets that offer excellent value for money on AliExpress. These models combine performance, battery life, and display quality, all at an affordable price.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro

Featuring a 12.1-inch LCD screen and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, this tablet is perfect for multimedia and light gaming.

Its long battery life and large screen make it an ideal choice for daily use.

✓ Average price: €180

2. Honor Pad X8e

With an 11-inch LCD screen and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, this tablet is well-suited for browsing, streaming, and office tasks.

Its lightweight format is a plus for those who want a tablet that’s easy to carry.

✓ Average price: €99

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE

Its 10.9-inch TFT screen and Exynos 1380 processor provide a smooth experience.

Shipped with an S-Pen, it’s ideal for note-taking and drawing. A great choice for creative users.

✓ Average price: €269

4. Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE

With a high-quality screen, good battery life, and balanced performance, this tablet is perfect for everyday tasks such as office work, reading, and video.

An affordable alternative for versatile use.

✓ Average price: from €119

5. OnePlus Pad 2

Known for its smoothness and power, this tablet targets users looking for high performance. Its fast processor and high-resolution display ensure a fluid experience.

✓ Average price: from €420

How to Choose Your Tablet on AliExpress?

1. Identify Your Needs

Before buying, determine the main use of your tablet:

• Office tasks and browsing: 3 to 4 GB of RAM is enough for basic tasks.
• Streaming and multimedia: go for a Full HD screen and 4 to 6 GB of RAM for smooth viewing.
• Gaming and performance: choose a powerful processor (Snapdragon, MediaTek) and 6 to 8 GB of RAM.
• Drawing and graphics: an active stylus and a good refresh rate will improve precision.

2. Choose Reliable Brands

Some Chinese brands offer good value for money. Among the most famous:

Xiaomi, Teclast, Chuwi, Lenovo, ALLDOCUBE, Blackview, Oukitel. Each has its specialties, so read reviews to confirm their reliability.

3. Check Reviews and the Android Version

• Only order models rated 4.5 stars or more.
• Look at photos and buyer feedback to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Make sure the Android version is recent and receives updates.

4. Consider Shipping and Warranty

• Whenever possible, choose a European warehouse to avoid customs fees.
• Check the warranty mentioned in the listing.
• Opt for AliExpress Standard Shipping, which is more reliable and often faster.

5. Compare with Other Platforms

If the price is similar on Amazon, Cdiscount or Rakuten, those sites generally offer a better warranty in France.

Which Tablets Not to Buy on AliExpress

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a tablet on AliExpress is relying only on the product images. The pictures are often overly enticing and don’t always reflect the actual product.

Many cheap tablets are actually underpowered and almost unusable:

• Low-quality materials: fragile plastic, poor screen quality, sloppy finishes.
• Terrible performance: outdated processors, insufficient memory (often 1 to 2 GB of RAM), limited storage.
• Outdated operating system: some tablets claim a recent Android version but actually run on a very old, modified version.
• Tiny battery: battery life is usually too short for normal use.

In the end, these models are not real tools but rather useless toys, unable to handle even the simplest tasks properly. To avoid disappointments, choose reputable brands and carefully read buyer reviews.

Should You Buy a Tablet on AliExpress? Our Opinion

Buying a tablet on AliExpress can be a great option for those looking for good value for money. However, it’s essential to take certain precautions to avoid bad surprises.

We recommend checking out our article How to Find a Good Product on AliExpress to learn how to spot the best models and trustworthy sellers.

If you have the budget, Apple and Samsung remain the top references in terms of quality and reliability. But if your goal is to find a powerful tablet at a lower cost, AliExpress offers interesting alternatives, especially during great promotions. By following the right criteria, you can get a good deal without compromising on quality.