Let’s be honest for a minute—whenever we see “AI” and “Budget” in the same headline, we usually start hunting for the catch. We’ve been trained to think the cool, brainy features are locked behind thousand-dollar paywalls. But that dynamic is shifting. According to Telset, TECNO just threw a massive wrench in the gears with the release of the MEGAPAD SE. This isn’t just another slab of plastic; it’s a device sitting in the sub-3-million IDR range (think $130-$150 USD) that claims to bring genuine Artificial Intelligence to students and workers who don’t have a CEO’s budget. It’s a big deal because it challenges the idea that productivity tools have to be luxury items.
The Full Story: More Than Just a Screen
If you’ve shopped for tablets recently, you know the drill. It’s a bit of a mess. You either shell out a fortune for an iPad Pro or you grab a cheap Android slate that starts choking the moment you open three tabs. TECNO seems to have spotted this massive gap.
Launching in Jakarta on February 9, 2026, the MEGAPAD SE is pitching itself as an “AI for All” device. But let’s look past the marketing slogans for a second. The hardware is surprisingly robust. We are talking about a 7mm ultra-thin metal body. That’s significant. Usually, at this price point, you’re holding creaky plastic that feels like a toy. TECNO went with metal, giving it that premium, cool-to-the-touch feel that screams durability.
Visually, they’ve gone with an 11-inch FHD+ screen. To me, 11 inches is the “Goldilocks” size—not too small for split-screen work, but not so massive that it becomes a burden in your backpack. It’s running a 90Hz refresh rate, which is quickly becoming the bare minimum for a smooth experience. Seriously, if you’ve ever gone back to 60Hz after using 90Hz, you know how jarring the stutter can be. Good on TECNO for avoiding that pitfall.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a Qualcomm octa-core processor. While they haven’t plastered the specific model number everywhere yet, sticking with Qualcomm over lesser-known chipsets usually guarantees better driver support and battery efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, the screen hits 440 nits of brightness. That’s decent for indoor use, though you might struggle a bit under direct, harsh sunlight at a beach cafe.
The “Ella” Factor: AI That Isn’t Gimmicky?
Here is where things get interesting. The star of the show isn’t the screen; it’s the software integration. TECNO has baked their AI, “Ella,” directly into the system. This isn’t just an app you download; it’s part of the OS plumbing.
They’ve included an AI Quick Button. Think of it like the Action Button on high-end phones, but for getting stuff done. One press calls up Ella to handle tasks. For students, this is huge. Imagine slogging through a dense PDF and needing a quick summary or translation without jumping between apps. You press the button, ask the question, and get back to work.
Then there’s the AI Writing Tool. We all know the struggle of composing professional emails or polishing up an essay at 2 AM. This tool acts like a built-in editor, handling proofreading, tone adjustment, and text refinement. It’s essentially having a simplified version of Grammarly or ChatGPT baked right into your keyboard.
For the creatives (or those of us who draw like toddlers), the AI Drawing Board is a fun addition. You sketch a rough stick figure, and the AI interprets what you were trying to do and renders a better version. It’s a great way to visualize ideas quickly, even if you lack technical artistic skills.
Why This Matters
You might be thinking, “Okay, but is it as good as a high-end tablet?” No, obviously not. But that’s the wrong question. The real question is: Is it good enough to replace a laptop for 80% of users?
This launch is crucial because it signifies the democratization of AI hardware. Until now, on-device AI was a luxury feature. By bringing these capabilities to the entry-level market, TECNO is forcing the hand of bigger competitors. Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO can no longer release “dumb” budget tablets. They have to compete with a device that offers active assistance, not just passive media consumption.
Furthermore, for the education sector in developing markets, this is a game-changer. A student can now access translation, summarization, and writing aids on a device that costs a fraction of a laptop. It levels the playing field significantly.
Real-World Use Cases
Let’s break down who actually benefits from this:
- The University Student: You’re in a lecture hall. You snap a photo of the whiteboard. The AI extracts the text instantly. You use the split-screen to watch a tutorial while taking notes. The low blue light certification keeps your eyes from frying during finals week.
- The Gig Worker/Freelancer: You need to send an invoice or a pitch email while on the train. The AI Writing Tool polishes your quick drafted text into professional business English. You look competent without needing your laptop.
- The Parent: You want a device for the kids, but you don’t want them just watching mindless videos. The AI drawing tools encourage creativity, and the robust metal build means it might actually survive a drop or two.
Looking Ahead
Here is my take on where this goes next. We are likely going to see a “Feature War” in the budget segment throughout late 2026. Hardware specs like RAM and storage have plateaued; you can only stuff so much into a cheap tablet. The new battleground is software intelligence.
However, a word of caution: Software support is key. The hardware is there, but will TECNO keep Ella updated? Will the AI models improve over time, or will they stagnate? The success of the MEGAPAD SE will depend entirely on how well the software holds up after six months of use. If the AI becomes slow or buggy, the button becomes useless. But if they nail the optimization, this could be the best-selling tablet of the year in its category.
FAQ
Can the AI features work offline?
Most on-device AI features for budget devices require an internet connection for complex processing, though basic commands might work locally. We are waiting for full confirmation on which specific Ella features are cloud-based versus on-device.
Is the 11-inch screen too big for reading e-books?
Not really. While it’s larger than a Kindle, the 7mm thickness and lightweight metal build make it comfortable for two-handed reading. Plus, the Eye Care certification helps reduce strain during long sessions.
Can this replace a laptop for work?
For light work like emails, document editing, and web research, absolutely. However, for heavy video editing or complex coding, you will still want the raw power of a PC or laptop.
Does it come with a stylus?
The news release highlights the AI Drawing capabilities, which strongly implies stylus support. However, you should check the local retail package to see if the pen is included in the box or sold separately.
How does the Snapdragon chip handle gaming?
It’s a Qualcomm octa-core, so expect solid performance on games like Mobile Legends or PUBG Mobile at medium settings. The 90Hz screen will help with fluidity, but don’t expect flagship-level frame rates on heavy titles like Genshin Impact.
The Bottom Line
The TECNO MEGAPAD SE is a bold move. It’s trying to prove that you don’t need to be rich to have a smart assistant in your pocket. By combining a premium metal build with genuinely useful AI tools, it offers a value proposition that is hard to ignore.
If you are a student on a budget or looking for a secondary device that does more than just play Netflix, this deserves a serious look. It’s not just about the hardware anymore; it’s about how smart that hardware can be.
Keep an eye on this one—it might just change what we expect from “cheap” tech.
This article is sourced from various national news outlets, including Telset. All presentation and analysis represent our editorial perspective, without any intention to disparage or harm any party.
