Why I use this $100 Android tablet more than my iPad Pro – and don’t regret it

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Built to the quality levels I’ve come to expect from Blackview.
• It punches above its price point in terms of hardware.
• Expanded memory does need to be pushed to the max to get the best performance.

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Blackview, a brand primarily recognized for its rugged smartphones, has also ventured into the tablet market, offering devices that strike an impressive balance between performance and affordability. 

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The updated Blackview Tab 90 Wi-Fi (2025 version) is an 11-inch tablet that’s a prime example, delivering solid features at a budget-friendly price.

This screen is Widevine L1 certified, enabling high-definition streaming from platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. While it’s not the most advanced display on the market, it offers vivid colors, bright whites, and deep blacks, making it more than adequate for everyday use. 

The tablet also measures 9.5mm, which feels super thin but is just an illusion because my iPad is half as thick again. 

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Under the hood, the tablet comes with 4GB of RAM (expandable up to to 8GB), and 128GB of internal storage. It also includes a TF (microSD) slot that supports up to 1TB of additional storage, making it highly versatile for users with large media libraries. The cameras are respectable for a budget device, with a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera.

The Unisoc UMS9230 processor powers the tablet, replacing the previous Unisoc Tiger T606. Both are octa-core chips running at 1.6GHz, with the newer processor offering slight efficiency improvements. While not a powerhouse, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, especially when paired with the expanded RAM.

In terms of battery life, the 8,200mAh battery provides up to 10 hours of general use, which is sufficient for most users. However, the tablet only supports 10W fast charging, meaning it takes about an hour to reach 30% and nearly four hours for a full charge. While this certainly wouldn’t be considered “fast,” it’s acceptable for a device in this price range. 

The standout feature of the Tab 90 Wi-Fi is its inclusion of Android 15, which significantly enhances the tablet’s performance and usability. The updated operating system feels streamlined and responsive, especially when paired with the full 8GB of expanded RAM. 

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Features like handwriting recognition and multitasking run smoothly, making the tablet feel much more premium than its price suggests. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

At its regular price of $150, the Blackview Tab 90 Wi-Fi is a great deal. (At the time of writing, it’s even been discounted down to around $99 with the Amazon coupon.) This makes it an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone needing a reliable tablet for environments like workshops or kitchens, where pricier devices like iPads might risk damage.

Despite owning an iPad Pro, I found myself reaching for the Tab 90 Wi-Fi more often. It delivers everything I need from a tablet at a fraction of the cost. While it’s undeniably a budget device, its combination of features, performance, and price makes it a compelling option for anyone looking for a capable, affordable tablet.