Our most anticipated early Black Friday tablet deals are now in full swing, with entry-level slates having fallen well beyond 50% off and premium models receiving rare price cuts mere weeks before the rush. Apple iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Google’s Pixel Tablet, and Amazon Fire devices are among those in the mix, while the best offers have already been matching traditional Cyber Week lows — so say major price trackers and retail analytics firms.
Why the early push? Retailers have been pulling forward promotions to flatten demand and steer clear of last-minute fulfillment crunches. Industry data from Adobe’s retail research division showed electronics discounts peaking in the vicinity of Cyber Week in recent years, but tablets have consistently fallen among the earliest and most discounted product categories available. Elsewhere, IDC would tell you that Apple and Samsung are largely responsible for the biggest chunk of shipments on a global basis. That is where you’re seeing the largest and most consistent discounts across those lineups.
Where the greatest early Black Friday tablet savings lie
Amazon Fire tablets are easily the best when it comes to raw percentage lopped off, with models such as the Fire HD 10 often dropping well below $70 — more than half off MSRP. They are perfect to snuggle up with on the couch, kid-friendly devices, and also great as travel streamers. Just be aware that the ad-supported models are cheaper but contain lock-screen ads, and app selection is focused on Amazon’s store instead of Google Play.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab family is getting deeply discounted early, particularly for its bargain-focused FE and A-series tiers. In previous years, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ quite regularly land at 20%–35% off, making these 90Hz displays, included S Pen stylus support, and DeX desktop mode much easier for students and note-takers to reach after tax season. Budget contenders like the Tab A9+ typically plummet to under $200, a price ideal for consuming media and light work without accessories.
Google’s Pixel Tablet remains one of the very best deals that includes the speaker-charging dock. We’re seeing cuts of around 30% off the bundle price, essentially ending up with a tablet that doubles as a smart display and home control hub. For homes already reliant on Google Assistant and Cast, this is a tidy all-in-one solution that really can be useful around the house, beyond its screen.
Apple iPads don’t usually see cuts as steep as 50 percent, but you will find solid discounts on the 13 models available. The baseline iPad is near all-time lows, which are frequently in that $300 range, and iPad Air price drops typically dip into the double digits. If you want great display quality, long-term software support, and access to the broadest range of creative and pro apps available, these early iPad deals are already difficult to turn down — particularly if you’re not in need of the bleeding-edge Pro devices.
What to look for before you click buy on a tablet deal
Start with the screen. Being OLED, Samsung’s more premium S-series tablets have deeper blacks and better HDR for movies and design work. Many midrange models now come with 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates that make scrolling and stylus latency significantly better. If you’re more focused on reading and taking notes, a clear LCD with decent brightness and an anti-reflective coating may be the better value.
Check the chip and RAM. Apple’s A- and M‑series silicon continues to outclass the competition in app performance and longevity, while on Android, Qualcomm’s best Snapdragon parts fight Google’s Tensor chips closely when it comes to multitasking or AI features. Target at least 6GB of RAM on Android tablets for fluid switching; iPads get by with a bit less, but they are more comfortable the higher up you go in storage capacity.
Account for accessories. Most Samsung tablets come with the S Pen, a huge cost-saver for artists and students. Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories are great but also an extra cost — sometimes, far more — stacked on top of the discount that the tablet itself gets. If you mostly just want a portable typing setup, third-party keyboards can fill the void.
Think long-term support. Apple usually offers strong iPadOS updates for years. Recent Galaxy Tabs from Samsung still get multiple years of Android updates and security patches. The Pixel Tablet gets regular feature drops from Google. Fire tablets get updates at a more limited pace and are really better suited to streaming, browsing the web, and kids’ content than pro workflows.
Timing and target prices for the best early tablet deals
Early Black Friday is no longer just for filler; it’s when some of the best tablet prices actually land. Based on retail analytics and historical lows tracked across major stores, these are solid targets to watch:
- iPad (current mainstream model): about $300 for base storage, sometimes with added gift cards or AppleCare discounts.
- iPad Air: the triple-digit discounts are in fine fettle; anything near previous lows is a must-grab, especially if you’ll be adding a Pencil.
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE: mid-$300s for the smaller size and less than $500 for the FE+ are great prices for a 90Hz panel and S Pen in the box.
- Pixel Tablet with dock: in the high-$200s to low-$300s, this is a strong number for the 2‑in‑1 tablet–smart display concept.
- Fire HD 10: about $70 is the big moment at more than 50% off, a solid buy for casual use.
Mind retailer extras, too. Gift card bundles, trade-in credits, extended returns, and financing promos can sway the math even if the sticker price matches the prior year’s low.
Avoid common pitfalls when scoring early tablet deals
Verify model years and storage tiers — an attractive price can obscure a previous generation or only 64GB of storage that quickly fills up. Check Wi‑Fi vs. cellular; LTE/5G versions cost more and add flexibility. If you purchase a Fire tablet, consider whether ad-supported lock screens are okay with you. And use price history tools or retailer “price-match” policies if a better markdown surfaces later in the week.
Bottom line on early Black Friday tablet deal strategy
If you’ve been holding off on pulling the trigger, don’t — several of the very best early Black Friday tablet deals are already available and more than worth buying now to avoid scrambling at the 11th hour.
Look for Fire tablets at 50%-plus off, Samsung’s FE tablet models in significant midrange cuts, Google’s Pixel Tablet bundle near the floor (crack! bad pun), and iPads with rare but significant reductions. Have your targets in place, consider accessories, and act fast when a price hits the range that works for you — in this cycle, the appetizer is now the main course.