The Moto Pad 2026 could very well be the top budget tablet available for purchase.

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      Motorola has made it challenging to justify spending more on a tablet.

      Motorola has been steadily producing some of the best budget smartphones for years. Now, it's applying that same approach to tablets with the launch of the new Moto Pad 2026, which at $249, might be the best value tablet currently available.

      Is this the budget tablet that students have been anticipating?

      Even with its low cost, the Moto Pad features an all-metal design with rounded edges, offering a more premium feel than its price would imply.

      It sports an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and sharp visuals. Whether you're reading textbooks, watching lectures, or accessing notes in class, the screen is designed to meet all your needs.

      The quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support are quite impressive for this price point, as budget tablets usually come with just a dual-speaker setup. This feature, along with the high-resolution display, makes it a solid choice for entertainment.

      Additionally, the tablet is equipped with a substantial 7,040mAh battery, providing up to 12 hours of streaming on a single charge. On paper, it checks all the essential boxes, and at this price, it seems like an ideal device for students and children.

      What about performance and connectivity?

      The Moto Pad is powered by a MediaTek D6300 5G chip, allowing for internet access without being tied to Wi-Fi. For students or those frequently on the go, the built-in 5G connectivity is a notable benefit.

      You can access 5G directly on the tablet without needing to tether to your phone for internet access. Using your phone as a hotspot can drain its battery quickly, so the Moto Pad’s 5G capability not only facilitates easier online use but also conserves your phone's battery.

      The Moto Pad 2026 will be available for purchase on April 30 via T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, priced at $249.99 on Motorola.com. For a 5G tablet at this cost, it's hard to find a compelling reason to consider alternatives.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of experience covering the consumer technology sector.

      Samsung has introduced its new Pro Keyboard for the Tab S11 Ultra, which is priced similarly to MacBook devices.

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      Apple's entry-level iPad may finally enhance its performance.

      The 2026 iPad is focused on performance rather than design.

      Apple's budget-friendly iPad has traditionally emphasized value, but it hasn't always excelled in performance compared to the company's Pro models, which boast higher power due to their M-series chips. However, the 2026 iPad might finally receive the performance upgrade it needs.

      Apple is apparently preparing to launch a new entry-level iPad in a few months.

      Apple's most affordable iPad is set for a significant update soon. This time, the changes appear to go beyond a simple processor upgrade. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company has been on course since last year to introduce a refreshed entry-level iPad in the first half of 2026, coinciding with the iOS 26.4 release window, which lasts until May 2026.