Samsung tablet prices range from about $150 to $900 depending on the model, screen size, and storage capacity

Samsung makes tablets in three main product lines, and the price you pay depends on which line you choose and how much storage space you need. The Galaxy Tab A series costs the least, starting around $150 for a basic 8-inch model. The Galaxy Tab S series costs more—between $350 and $900—because it has a larger screen, faster processor, and better display. The Galaxy Tab Active line, built for outdoor and rugged use, falls in the middle at roughly $400 to $600.

Storage capacity also affects price. A 64 GB model costs less than a 256 GB model in the same product line, usually by $50 to $150. If you want cellular connectivity (4G or 5G) instead of just Wi-Fi, add another $100 to $150 to the price. Prices also shift based on sales, retailer, and whether you buy the current model or an older one that Samsung has discounted.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung's cheapest tablets (Galaxy Tab A) start around $150 for Wi-Fi models with 64 GB of storage.
  • Premium Samsung tablets (Galaxy Tab S) range from $350 to $900 depending on screen size and storage.
  • Adding cellular connectivity costs an extra $100 to $150 on top of the Wi-Fi price.
  • Storage upgrades from 64 GB to 256 GB typically add $50 to $150 to the base price.
  • Prices vary by retailer and drop when older models are replaced by new ones.

Galaxy Tab A: The Budget Option

The Galaxy Tab A is Samsung's entry-level tablet line, aimed at people who want basic browsing, video watching, and light work tasks without spending much. An 8-inch Galaxy Tab A with 64 GB of storage and Wi-Fi only costs around $150 to $180. A 10-inch model with the same storage runs $200 to $230. If you step up to 128 GB of storage, add roughly $50.

The Tab A has a slower processor than Samsung's premium models, so it handles heavy gaming or video editing less smoothly. The screen is also less bright and has lower color accuracy. For everyday tasks—email, social media, reading, streaming video—it works fine. Cellular versions of the Tab A cost about $100 to $130 more than the Wi-Fi model.

Galaxy Tab S: The Premium Line

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S series is the high-end option, with better screens, faster processors, and more RAM. The smallest model, the Tab S6 Lite, starts around $350 for a 10-inch Wi-Fi tablet with 64 GB. The Tab S9 FE, a mid-range Tab S model, costs $350 to $400. The full-size Tab S9 Ultra, with an 14.6-inch screen, runs $800 to $900 for the Wi-Fi version with 256 GB.

Tab S tablets have AMOLED or high-refresh-rate LCD screens that are much brighter and more colorful than Tab A screens. They come with a stylus (called the S Pen) that lets you draw, take notes, and navigate the tablet with more precision. The processor is faster, so games and creative apps run smoother. Cellular versions cost $100 to $150 more, and upgrading storage from 128 GB to 256 GB or 512 GB adds $100 to $200.

Galaxy Tab Active: Built for Tough Conditions

The Galaxy Tab Active line is designed for outdoor work, construction sites, and environments where a regular tablet might break. These tablets are waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant. The Tab Active Pro costs around $400 to $500 for a Wi-Fi model with 64 GB. The Tab Active 4 Pro, the newest model, runs $500 to $600.

You pay more for the rugged design and durability features, not for a faster processor. The screen is smaller (8 inches) and less colorful than Tab S models. The battery is larger and lasts longer. If you work in harsh conditions or need a tablet that can survive drops and water exposure, the Tab Active line makes sense. If you just want a tablet for home use, the Tab A or Tab S is a better value.

Where Prices Vary Most

The same Samsung tablet model can cost different amounts at different retailers. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Samsung's own website sometimes have different prices on the same day. Sales and discounts happen regularly—especially around holidays, back-to-school season, and when Samsung releases a new model. When a new Tab S comes out, the previous generation often drops $100 to $200 in price.

Carrier pricing also matters if you want cellular. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sometimes offer discounts on tablets if you add them to an existing plan or bundle them with a phone contract. Buying refurbished or open-box tablets from authorized retailers can save 10 to 30 percent, though you lose some or all of the manufacturer's warranty.

Storage and Memory Upgrades

Most Samsung tablets come in 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB storage options. The 64 GB model is the cheapest but fills up quickly if you store videos or large apps. The 128 GB model is usually the best balance between price and usable space. The 256 GB model costs $50 to $150 more and is worth it only if you store a lot of media or use the tablet for creative work.

RAM (the memory that affects how fast the tablet runs) also varies by model. Budget Tab A models have 3 to 4 GB of RAM. Tab S models have 6 to 12 GB depending on the size and price. More RAM means smoother multitasking, but for most people, 6 GB is enough. You cannot upgrade storage or RAM after you buy the tablet, so choose carefully at purchase time.

Cellular vs. Wi-Fi Only

A Wi-Fi-only tablet is cheaper upfront but only works where you have a Wi-Fi network. A cellular tablet (with 4G LTE or 5G) costs $100 to $150 more but works anywhere you have cell service. You also have to pay a monthly bill to a carrier for the cellular connection—usually $10 to $30 per month depending on the data plan.

For most people, Wi-Fi is enough because tablets are usually used at home or in places with free Wi-Fi. Cellular makes sense if you travel often, work outside the home, or need the tablet to be reachable at all times. Calculate whether the extra upfront cost plus monthly bills make sense for how you actually use the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest Samsung tablet I can buy?

The Galaxy Tab A 8-inch with 64 GB of Wi-Fi storage costs around $150 to $180. This is Samsung's entry-level model and handles basic tasks like browsing, email, and video streaming. It has a slower processor and dimmer screen than more expensive models but works fine for everyday use.

How much more does a cellular tablet cost than Wi-Fi only?

Adding cellular (4G or 5G) costs $100 to $150 more than the Wi-Fi version of the same model. You also pay a monthly carrier bill, usually $10 to $30 depending on your data plan. Calculate the total cost over two years before deciding whether cellular is worth it for your needs.

Do older Samsung tablet models get cheaper when new ones come out?

Yes. When Samsung releases a new Tab S model, the previous generation typically drops $100 to $200 in price at most retailers. Older Tab A models also drop, though usually by smaller amounts. If you are not attached to the newest features, waiting for a price drop can save you money.

Is it worth paying more for a Galaxy Tab S instead of a Tab A?

It depends on what you do. If you watch a lot of video, use creative apps, or play games, the Tab S's brighter screen and faster processor are worth the extra cost. If you mainly browse and read, a Tab A does the job for less money. The Tab S also comes with a stylus, which Tab A does not.

Can I use a Samsung tablet without paying for cellular service?

Yes. Even if you buy a cellular model, you can use it on Wi-Fi without activating a carrier plan. You just lose the ability to use it where there is no Wi-Fi. Many people buy Wi-Fi-only models to avoid the temptation to pay for cellular they do not need.