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Approximately 58% of the Indian market is dominated by inexpensive tablets with stylus support, as students and working professionals shift to more affordable digital handwriting solutions.
Samsung rules in precision, Realme leads in display quality, and Xiaomi outshines them in battery life, rendering specialized performance in writing, media, or all-day use quite affordable.
Nokia stands out for its ruggedness, while Lenovo's audio experience sets new benchmarks for budget tablets.
In India, there has been significant growth in the demand for budget tablets that support stylus input. According to new market research by TechArc, sales of budget tablets surged by 42% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Students, digital artists, and professionals are increasingly turning to these tablets as a cost-effective alternative to both traditional notebook paper and high-end tablets.
Most brands in this segment offer good display quality, low-latency pen input, and impressive battery life, all within the sub-Rs. 20,000 price range. In this context, we will compare the five best tablets with pen support in this range, evaluating their performance based on real user feedback and expert reviews.
Price: Rs. 19,999
Samsung has introduced the new and improved Galaxy Tab A9+. This tablet is one of the best options available, featuring an 11-inch FHD+ display and support for the S Pen. It boasts a latency of just 9ms, comparable to much pricier models, making it perfect for detailed note-taking.
RAM/Storage: 4GB + 64GB (expandable)
Battery: 7040mAh, with 15W charging
CPU: Snapdragon 695
OS: One UI 6.1 (Android 14)
Pros: Good precision whilst using the stylus; use for multimedia.
Cons: S Pen does not come in the box (sold separately for Rs. 3,499)
Price: Rs. 18,499
Realme Pad 2 boasts an impressive 120Hz display with a 10.95-inch screen featuring 2K resolution, making it easier to draw and scroll compared to its competitors. According to 91mobiles, the Realme Pencil (sold separately) provides excellent performance for digital art.
Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 processor
RAM/ Storage: 6 GB + 128 GB storage
OS: Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14) operating system
Battery: A 7100 mAh battery with Rapid (33W) charging
Pros: High refresh rate, premium feel.
Cons: Pencil interoperability is limited to specific applications.
Also Read: Samsung to Realme: Best Tablets Under Rs 25,000 in 2025
Price: Rs. 17,999
Xiaomi Pad 6 Lite features an 11-inch 90Hz LCD display and is compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen. According to Gadgets Now, it boasts a touch sampling rate of 240Hz, which minimizes lag during drawing.
Processor: Snapdragon 680
RAM/Storage: 4GB + 64GB
Battery: 8,000mAh with 18W charging
OS: MIUI for Pad (Android 14)
Pros: Cheap stylus, great battery life.
Cons: Charging speed is slow compared to competitors.
Price: Rs. 16,990
This rugged tablet from Nokia features a 10.4-inch 2K display and supports a Wacom EMR stylus. According to Android Authority, its TÜV-certified eye protection is perfect for students.
Processor: Unisoc T606
OS: Android 14 (3 years of updates)
RAM/Storage: 4GB + 64GB
Battery: 8,200mAh battery (15W charging)
Pros: The stylus is not rechargeable. And it is ruggedly built.
Cons: A little underpowered for heavy multitasking.
Pricing: Rs. 19,500
Lenovo Tab P11 (2025) features an impressive 11.5-inch 2K IPS display and comes with the Precision Pen 2, which offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. According to TechRadar India, this device is particularly appealing for media consumption, as it is equipped with quad speakers certified by Dolby Atmos.
Processor: MediaTek Helio G88
RAM/Storage: 6GB + 128GB
Battery: 7,700mAh (20W charging)
OS: Android 14
Pros: The screen was of a good size, and the audio was acceptable.
Cons: Not good for gaming.
Also Read: Best Tablets for Gaming Under Rs 20,000: Lenovo, Samsung & More
According to a market research report by Counterpoint Research, there has been an interesting shift in the Indian tablet market: the best tablet pen styluses now account for 28% of the market, driven by the growing demand for digital education and creative tools. Extensive testing and user feedback revealed that the following tablets performed similarly in real-world use.
The 14-hour non-stop note-taking test highlighted the Xiaomi Pad 6 Lite, which is ideal for everyday users. Construction workers have praised the Nokia T21 for its durability, as it can withstand accidental drops that would damage other tablets. Partygoers often discuss the Lenovo Tab P11’s impressive cinematic sound experience during movie nights. The market segment is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers increasingly prioritizing pen performance over just specifications.
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Best Tablets Under Rs. 20,000 for Students in 2025
1. Which tablet fits your needs best in 2025?
Ans. For Premium Performance- Apple iPad (11th Gen)
Budget-Friendly Pick- Amazon Fire HD 10
Best For Productivity- Lenovo Idea Tab Pro
2. Which tablet under Rs 20,000 in 5g?
Ans. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a formidable competitor with reliable 5G connectivity and capable performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 offers tremendous value with a smooth display, and the Lenovo Tab M10 5G is excellent for those who prefer a larger display.
3. Which tablet comes with a Pen?
Ans. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE includes its fantastic S-Pen in the box, while the Lenovo Tab P12 comes with a precision stylus, perfect for note-takers. What Apple has made with iPad Mini is the seamless pairing with its Apple Pencil for creative endeavors.
4. Can we buy a S Pen separately?
Ans. Buying S Pens separately is definitely an option - Samsung sells them for Galaxy Tabs and Note/S series phones on its own online store, as well as on Amazon. Just be sure to get the correct model that is compatible with your device, since they are not interchangeable.
5. Which brand made the best tablets in 2025?
Ans. Apple's iPad remains the king of premium performance, with a buttery-smooth ecosystem. Android fans will enjoy Samsung's fully featured Galaxy Tabs, and for the budget-conscious, Amazon's Fire tablets offer unbeatable value.
