The hunt for a truly inexpensive tablet under $500 can feel like navigating a minefield. While name-brand Windows tablets are largely out of the question at this price point, the landscape of Chrome OS and iPadOS devices offers some compelling choices. This review directly compares two popular contenders: the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 and the Apple iPad (10th generation), both available for under $400. Which budget champion will claim victory? Let’s dive in.
Specs and Configurations: A Closer Look
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 offers two configurations. The base model ($360) boasts a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a vibrant 10.95-inch FHD+ IPS display. Upgrading to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage bumps the price to $400. Crucially, this includes a detachable keyboard and a magnetic cover with a built-in kickstand. An active pen is available as a $20 add-on.
The Apple iPad (10th Generation), a 2022 release that saw a price drop in 2024, starts at $349. This entry-level model features the powerful Apple M14 Bionic chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, all powering a crisp 10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 IPS display. For double the storage (256GB), the price jumps to $499. Adding 5G cellular connectivity further increases the cost to $499 for 64GB and $649 for 256GB. While the iPad offers a lower entry price, storage upgrades and 5G significantly increase the overall cost.
Operating Systems: Chrome OS vs. iPadOS
Before we delve into the hardware, let’s examine the operating systems. The Chromebook Duet 11 runs Chrome OS, which has evolved considerably from its humble beginnings as a browser-based platform. While more capable than its initial iteration, it still lags behind Windows and macOS in functionality, relying heavily on Android apps for advanced tasks and gaming. However, it offers seamless integration with Google services and now supports Google’s Gemini AI features.
In contrast, the iPad runs iPadOS, Apple’s mobile-first operating system. Although not as feature-rich as desktop OSes, iPadOS boasts a massive app library optimized for tablet use. The user experience is often considered more refined and elegant than Chrome OS, providing comparable functionality with broader support and app ecosystem.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Tablets
Both tablets exhibit a slim, lightweight design. The Chromebook Duet 11, constructed from aluminum, offers a simple yet acceptable aesthetic in a single gray color. Its included magnetic cover doubles as a convenient kickstand. The iPad, equally thin and light, is slightly more compact due to slimmer bezels and comes in a more stylish selection of four colors. While well-built and robust, it requires a separate purchase for a case (Apple’s Smart Folio costs $70), although a wide range of third-party accessories is available.
The Chromebook Duet 11’s included keyboard, while contributing to its affordability, falls short in terms of usability. The cramped layout, small keycaps, and uncomfortable switches are significant drawbacks. The touchpad, though functional, is also quite small. Apple’s Magic Keyboard ($249), while significantly more expensive, offers a vastly superior typing experience. Fortunately, many cheaper alternatives for the iPad exist, surpassing the Chromebook’s offering.
The Chromebook Duet 11’s active pen costs $20, compared to the Apple Pencil at $79. Although both offer stylus functionality, the iPad’s app ecosystem provides a more extensive and refined digital inking experience. Connectivity is comparable, with both tablets featuring a USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and keyboard connectors. The iPad’s advantage lies in its optional 5G cellular connectivity (nano-SIM and eSIM) for broader internet access beyond Wi-Fi 6, which is supported by both tablets.
Performance: A Stark Contrast
Both tablets leverage lightweight operating systems and efficient ARM-based chipsets. The Chromebook Duet 11 offers a choice of 4GB or 8GB RAM, while the iPad is limited to 4GB. However, performance disparities are significant. During testing, the Chromebook Duet 11 exhibited noticeable lag and hesitation, even with basic browsing, highlighting the limitations of the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor. Geekbench 6 scores revealed a single-core score of 743 and a multi-core score of 1690 – underwhelming results.
In stark contrast, the iPad’s Apple M14 Bionic chipset, while a couple of years old, delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Geekbench 6 scores exceeded 1500 in single-core and 4000 in multi-core tests. This superior performance also translates to a notably better gaming experience on the iPad.
Display Quality: A Visual Showdown
Both tablets boast IPS displays with similar screen sizes (10.95-inch for the Chromebook Duet 11 and 10.9-inch for the iPad). However, the Chromebook Duet 11’s FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, while the iPad’s 2360 x 1640 display employs a more square 4:3 aspect ratio. This results in a sharper, more visually appealing display on the iPad, arguably better suited for note-taking and inking. Subjectively, the iPad’s display exhibits superior brightness and more dynamic colors, further enhanced by Apple’s True Tone feature for ambient light adjustment. The Chromebook Duet 11’s display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and visual impact of the iPad’s display.
Portability and Battery Life: A Close Call
Both tablets are remarkably portable, though their differing aspect ratios subtly affect the in-hand feel. The kickstands on both tablets provide convenient desktop use. Battery life is expected to be comparable, with both tablets likely providing around 10 hours of use depending on usage patterns. Their similar battery capacities and efficient ARM chipsets contribute to this near-identical performance.
The Verdict: iPad Takes the Crown
The good news is that exceptional tablets are available for under $400. The bad news for Lenovo is that, in this comparison, only the iPad earns the title of budget king. While the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 boasts affordability and the inclusion of a keyboard and kickstand, these advantages are overshadowed by the iPad’s superior performance, vibrant display, and much more comfortable keyboard experience. If you’re seeking a fantastic tablet without breaking the bank, the Apple iPad is the clear winner.
