Why I recommend this budget Android tablet over models that cost three times as much

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• This is a great value tablet, with a 12-inch display and running Android 15.
• While performance is on the lower end of the spectrum, this is still more tablet than most people need.
• The tri-fold case leaves a little to be desired, and there’s nowhere to store the stylus.

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The quality of budget Android tablets continues to amaze me, and Blackview — a company renowned for its ruggedized smartphones — has consistently delivered impressive devices. The latest Mega 2 tablet is no exception, offering a solid combination of features and performance at a price that’s hard to beat.

Also: The best cheap tablets of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

The Mega 2 starts with a 12-inch FHD+ 2K (1200 x 2000 pixel) display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It boasts an impressive 84.9% screen-to-body ratio, delivering clear, crisp, and vibrant visuals. Whites are bright and clean, while blacks are deep and rich. While there are higher-end displays on the market, this one is more than adequate for most users.

Under the hood, the Mega 2 is powered by an octa-core Unisoc T615 processor paired with an Arm Mali G57 GPU. It comes with 12GB of RAM, which can be expanded by an additional 24GB using system storage, and 256GB of internal storage. If you need more space, the tablet supports microSD/TF cards for expansion of up to 2TB.

To keep things running cool, the tablet features an integrated cooling system designed to maintain internal temperatures below 38.7°C, even under heavy loads.

Two Smart-PA dual-BOX speakers located under the screen handle audio, which delivers surprisingly rich sound for a budget tablet. You won’t get the sharpest sounds in voices and high-pitched instruments, but there’s certainly some oomph from the speakers.

Also: Why I prefer this Lenovo tablet over the iPad for multimedia consumption (and it’s on sale)

Regarding cameras, the Mega 2 includes an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and face unlock, and a 16-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing photos and 1080p video at 30fps. Let’s be honest, you’re not going to use a budget Android tablet’s cameras for much photo-taking, but for the occasion, document scans, and video calls, the setup here is just adequate.

The hardware does a good job of keeping the system running smoothly. However, I recommend boosting the extended memory to the full 24GB, which noticeably improves performance during heavier workloads.

Also: I tested a large-screen tablet that gave me zero iPad Pro envy (and it’s on sale)

In terms of raw performance, the Mega 2 sits on the lower end of the spectrum. It achieved Geekbench 6 scores of 423 (single-core) and 1,341 (multi-core), along with a GPU score of 706, while on AnTuTu, it scored 318,569. While these numbers may not blow you away, they’re more than sufficient for running Android 15 features like Magic Eraser and Split Screen. The tablet also handles games, media playback, and productivity apps without major issues.

The Mega 2 is powered by a 9,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. The battery delivers approximately 12 to 15 hours of mixed use and an impressive 900 hours (37 days) of standby time.

The tablet is housed in a sleek, fingerprint-resistant aluminum shell that measures 282 x 177 x 8 mm and weighs 617 grams. For comparison, the latest Apple iPad measures 249 x 180 x 7 mm and weighs 481 grams for the Wi-Fi + cellular version. 

Also: I gave up my Kindle and iPad within hours of testing this tablet – and it’s on sale

The Mega 2 also comes with a tri-fold case and a stylus. While the case does a good job protecting the tablet, its stand feature feels a bit flimsy, and there isn’t a place to store the stylus, which is a missed opportunity, especially for designers who want a more robust budget Android tablet.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Now, let’s talk about the price. The Blackview Mega 2 is priced at $329 on Amazon (but discounted to $199 with the clip-on coupon) or $241 directly from Blackview (excluding shipping and additional taxes). For comparison, the new iPad starts at $449 for the equivalent Wi-Fi + cellular version with 256GB of storage. 

At this price point, the Mega 2 is a solid tablet packed with potential — especially if you take advantage of the extra 24GB of expandable RAM. The caveat here is Android versus iPadOS, which is more intuitive and reliable.

A few years ago, a tablet with these features would have cost a small fortune. But thanks to the rapid pace of technological advancements, you can now get a capable device like the Mega 2 at a budget-friendly price. While it’s not the fastest tablet by any measure, the Mega 2 is still more tablet than most people need. 

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