What brand is good for a sub RM1000 tablet? Mainly used for reading PDF files and surfing. Maybe some netflix and youtube. My dad is currently using a Samsung Tab A7 (or something, I forget the model) but the screen is small and 2GB ram means even the interface is not smooth

Based on my research, Samsung seems to be good for long lasting and also gives updates for a long time. But the Tab A9 is 4gb ram. Even if I bump up the budget a bit for the Tab S6 Lite, its still 4gb ram. I'm doubtful 4gb ram will be usable for the next 5 years or so.

So I looked at Redmi, they have some budget models with 6gb and even 8gb but I saw some posts about poor quality, made in India and melting cpu? And the worst thing I saw was about ads. I'm not sure how the ads appear, since whoever mentioned it on reddit wasn't specific... does it pop up when doing random stuff with your wi-fi on? Or just via browsers? Or just via their bloatware? Is it hard to uninstall the bloatware?

And then I looked at Honor Pad X8a, RM749 with 8GB ram. How is it? Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this brand? I only know its a Huawei sub-brand.

I didn't check any other brands, because my head was starting to throb...

Appreciate any comments and suggestions

If just for reading pdf, surfing, Netflix and YouTube you can't go wrong with an iPad. No need the latest even older model works awesome.

For tablet ram should be at least 8gb for long lasting

Ipad 9 when there is promo is below 1k
if can top up, ipad 10th around 1.2-1.3k
Else redmi pad pro rm8xx for 6gb/128gb
Mi pad 6 during promo also below 1k

Dad had the first generation Ipad (its still working!) Its a bit troublesome to move files in and out. Everything need iTunes. Especially since he has a ton of own PDF files. Don't really want to touch Apple again.

6gb or 8gb android was what I was thinking of, because 4gb is just too dated. Same thing with desktop PCs... its criminal to still sell 8GB models but at least for that you can plug in your own upgrades.


Do you have experience with Redmi? I'm concerned about the ads and the lastibility

If you just need a cheap reading tablet and occasional YouTube binge and not too picky, can look at the teclast tablets. My kids use them and they have surprisingly lasted well over 3 years and still going strong in the hands of those gremlins.

I think I paid 600ish for them back then (P20HD) and I think they should have newer models out by now.

I got fed up of them breaking iPads over and over again.

This post has been edited by jaycee1: Feb 27 2025, 11:57 AM

I've never heard of that brand... a quick check its really cheap. I wonder if there is a catch. Seems like have to buy online only because I've never seen their shop in malls. Will do more research thanks!

you are right if you don't have apple product eco system sometimes its quite challenging but in 2025 you can just upload those pdf in google drive and open it from there. I personally use iPad Pro and iPad mini . Fluidity and stability apple is still the best my old iPad mini after so many years still works smoothly as an ebook reader

This post has been edited by aspire2oo6: Feb 27 2025, 12:01 PM

I didn't think of that! Now its worth considering although still leaning on Android. Have Goodreader and some other apps purchased way back then I wonder if its still there... have to recover my apple ID lol

Not to say android not good but for those mentioned tasks you plan to do iPad still the best. If for android tablet for 8gb ram its slightly above RM1000

Here
Xiaomi Pad
https://shopee.com.my/product/698003580/274...1hoClvUQAvD_BwE

Honor
https://shopee.com.my/HONOR-Pad-X9-LTE-7(4-...492.23173567109

Well your dad's 1st gen ipad proves that Ipad is the lasting tablet to own.

No experience. For phones both android and ios is ok. But for tablet, msot of my friend even android users will recommend ipad.

This post has been edited by vince316: Feb 27 2025, 01:21 PM

my mom still have the 1st gen iPad. Just that old games still can play. Cannot update cannot download apps. If ts want an android just make sure its 8gb or more ram

Teclast has been around for some time already. Just that it fly's under most people's radar because they avoid cheap Chinese tablets which is understandable since most of them are pretty crap.

However , there are decent Chinese brands like teclast that have been around a while. But most of them are running lower powered CPUs. But if you just want light use, it's fine.

You can try tech tablets you tube channel, he reviews a lot of the cheap Chinese phones/tablets/gadgets.

It's certainly cheap, but buying online only have its own set of problems.

The Honor X9 looks good, with free keyboard. Leaning towards that now especially since can get from a physical shop.

L platform birthday is just around the corner, should be somewhere in march. Wait for promo and grab ipad 9th within your budget or top up little bit to get ipad 10 online.

Ipad is the best choice for tablet currently and it just cost a little more compared to honor x9. Nowadays it's getting easier to transfer file from apple to Android unlike old time. Reliable & easy to use for elderly and easier after sales service.

Better avoid those cheap brand like telcast. Reliability is a question and if anything go wrong, it's very difficult to get after sales service. Just top up a bit and get an ipad will be the best choice.

This post has been edited by wolf1991: Feb 27 2025, 02:36 PM

I agree on the telecast. Its crappy brand my friend buy before. Better buy a better brand like honor or Xiaomi better iPad

I didn't expect so many people recommend iPad! Budget can stretch, RM1k is just a guide but definitely not going much higher than that. I can't imagine buying a tablet for more money than I paid for my Dell Inspiron 2in1.

However, I'm guessing buying online will be out. Dad likes to touch things before buying, especially expensive things. And with physical shop you can just go back there if got problem.

Don’t just see the current value. For same price of an Android tablet the iPad can last and perform better at least 3 to 5 years longer will update, fluidity, stability .

If one person says something is good, maybe it’s just their opinion. If ten people say it, maybe it’s luck. But if hundred of people say iPads last longer and perform better, they’re probably right.

Maybe you didn’t look proper the spec of tablet people recommend those are low and mid end processor so how long do you think it can last

This post has been edited by aspire2oo6: Feb 27 2025, 06:41 PM

When i tell ppl i use samsung tablet,many ask why samsung, ipad is the best
I ask how can use ipad for call, how to use whatsapp
And ios is trash for me

Lol you are right bro.
when I got the ipad, I was amazed where they don't have WhatsApp. 😂

Samsung tab is the best true, can have True calling via cellular.

But ipad is the best. Lol

To use native whatsapp, the device must able to use call and SMS, ipad cannot do both
Even wifi samsung tab cannot search whatsapp