Best 8-inch Tablets
When it comes to finding the perfect balance between portability and performance, 8-inch tablets are a standout choice. Compact enough to slip into a bag yet powerful enough to handle everyday tasks, these tablets are ideal for reading, streaming, browsing, and gaming on the go. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, an 8-inch tablet offers the versatility and convenience you need without sacrificing screen real estate.
4 Advantages Of Buying Small Tablet
Small tablets, typically ranging from 7 to 8 inches, offer several advantages:
Portability and Ease of Use: Small tablets offer exceptional portability due to their compact size and lightweight design, easily fitting into a bag or even a large pocket. This makes them perfect for users on the go, whether traveling, commuting, or running daily errands. Additionally, their smaller form factor makes them easier to handle and use with one hand, which is particularly beneficial for activities like reading, browsing, or casual gaming.
Enhanced Battery Life: Due to their smaller screens and lower power consumption, small tablets often have longer battery life compared to their larger counterparts, making them reliable for extended use throughout the day.
Cost-Effective: Generally, small tablets are more affordable than larger models. This makes them a budget-friendly option for users who need a device for basic tasks like web browsing, e-reading, or streaming without investing in a more expensive tablet.
Convenient for Kids and Students: Their compact size makes them a good choice for children and students who need a portable device for educational apps, e-books, and light multimedia use, while being easier to manage and carry.
List Of The Best 8-inch Tablets
While 8-inch tablets offer great portability and versatility, they aren’t as popular as larger models, leading to a more limited selection on the market. This can make finding the right one a bit challenging, but there are still some excellent options worth considering and here are the best options to choose from:
Note: All the tablets featured in this list have been rated on a scale from 1 to 10 specifically within the 8-inch category. This means their scores reflect their performance, features, and overall value compared to other 8-inch tablets, helping you make a more informed decision based on their suitability for your needs.
Best Overall
- Compact and Lightweight
- Powerful Performance
- High-Quality Display
- Stylus Support
- Pricey for the Size
- Limited Storage Options
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iPad OS |
| Screen Size | 8.3-inch (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1488 x 2266 pixels (~327 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Battery | Li-Po 6000 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| Released | 2021, Sep |
The Apple iPad Mini 6, released in September 2021, brings a powerful, compact experience in an 8.3-inch format, making it ideal for those who value portability without sacrificing performance. Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, the iPad Mini 6 will handle multitasking, gaming, and media consumption effortlessly. With a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display that delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, this tablet is perfect for reading, streaming, and even creative tasks like digital drawing, thanks to its support for the Apple Pencil (2nd gen). The 12 MP front and rear cameras offer excellent quality for video calls, content creation, and photography, while its 5G connectivity ensures fast internet speeds wherever you go. Typical users of the iPad Mini 6 range from students and professionals seeking a lightweight device for note-taking, drawing, and productivity to casual users who want a compact tablet for on-the-go entertainment.
However, with the estimated release of the iPad Mini 7th generation rumored to be in late 2024, some might consider waiting for the latest updates. The new model is expected to bring improvements in processing power, battery life, and possibly new features that could further enhance the user experience.
Best Android
- Affordable Price
- Compact and Portable
- Expandable Storage
- Upgradeable Software
- Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera Quality
- Limited Performance for Heavy Tasks
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 8.7-inch (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels (~179 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, AF |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 5100 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Released | 2023, Oct |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, released in October 2023, is a budget-friendly 8.7-inch tablet designed for users looking for a compact device that handles everyday tasks efficiently. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, it offers decent performance for web browsing, streaming, and casual gaming, making it an ideal choice for students, kids, or anyone who wants a secondary device for light use. The TFT LCD display provides a large enough screen for reading and media consumption, while its lightweight design and relatively small size make it highly portable. With options for both Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, users can stay connected on the go, making this tablet a versatile choice for those who need a simple, affordable device.
Key features include expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rarity among modern tablets. The Galaxy Tab A9 also comes with Android 13 and is upgradable to Android 14 with One UI 6.1, ensuring access to the latest software updates and features. It’s a great fit for people searching for an 8-inch tablet that balances affordability and basic functionality, though it may not satisfy those looking for higher-end specs or more premium features.
Best For Gaming
- High-Performance Specs
- 144Hz Display
- Ample Storage
- Great Audio
- Fast Charging
- No Cellular Connectivity
- Heavy
- No 3.5mm Headphone Jack
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 8.8-inch (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels (~343 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Qualcomm SM8475P Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP, (wide) |
| Selfie Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 6550 mAh, Last up to 10-hours |
| Colors | Gray |
| Released | 2023, Jul |
The Lenovo Legion Y700, released in July 2023, is a powerful 8.8-inch gaming tablet designed for gamers who want a compact yet highly capable device. Featuring a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and a 144Hz IPS LCD display with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, the Legion Y700 offers an immersive and responsive gaming experience. The tablet’s large 6550 mAh battery with 45W fast charging ensures extended playtime, while the dual USB Type-C ports provide flexibility for charging and peripherals. With stereo speakers tuned by JBL, the sound quality is exceptional, enhancing both gaming and multimedia use.
The Lenovo Legion Y700 is not just for gaming; it’s also ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity. The 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage, expandable via a microSD slot, offers ample space for apps, games, and media. However, it’s important to note that the tablet lacks cellular connectivity, making it best suited for use where Wi-Fi is available. It’s an excellent choice for gamers looking for a portable device with high performance and a display optimized for fast-paced action.
Most Popular
- Affordable Pricing
- Wireless Charging:
- Alexa built-in
- Good Battery Life
- No Cellular Connectivity
- Lower Resolution Display
- Limited Storage and RAM
- Poor Camera Quality
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Screen Size | 8-inch (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels (~189 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 5 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Last up to 13-hours |
| Colors | Gray |
| Released | 2022, Sep |
For those searching for the best tablets under $200, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (2022) offers a compelling blend of affordability and functionality. Announced in September 2022, this tablet stands out with its 8-inch IPS LCD display, providing decent clarity and brightness for everyday tasks. Powered by a Mediatek MT8169A chipset and a hexa-core CPU, it handles typical activities such as web browsing, streaming, and e-reading smoothly. With 3GB of RAM and storage options of 32GB or 64GB (expandable via microSD), it offers limited space for apps and media. The Fire HD 8 Plus also supports wireless charging, a feature not found in the base model Fire HD 8, making it a more convenient choice for users who prefer the flexibility of charging their device without plugging in.
In addition to its practical features, the Fire HD 8 Plus includes stereo speakers, a 5 MP rear camera, and a 2 MP front camera, which are sufficient for video calls and casual photography. It runs on Android 11 with Fire OS 8, providing access to a range of apps and Alexa integration for voice commands. While it lacks cellular connectivity and NFC, its overall value and performance make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a budget-friendly tablet that performs well in various scenarios.
Best For Movies
- High-Resolution Display
- Good Performance
- Decent Cameras
- Average Battery Life
- Basic Build Quality
- No Advanced Features
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS |
| Screen Size | 8.4-inch (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels (~270 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | MediaTek Helio G99 MT6789 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 13 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh, Last up to 9 hours |
| Colors | Grey |
| Released | 2024, Jan |
The Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro is a standout option for those looking for an affordable 8-inch tablet with impressive specs. Released in January 2024, this tablet features an 8.4-inch display with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, providing a sharp and vibrant viewing experience ideal for web browsing, streaming, and reading. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset with 8GB of RAM, it delivers smooth performance for multitasking, casual gaming, and daily tasks. Available in storage options of 128GB or 256GB, the tablet provides ample space for apps, media, and files, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
The iPlay 50 Mini Pro excels in areas like display quality and multitasking capability, outperforming many competitors in the budget tablet category. With a 13 MP main camera and a 5 MP front camera, it offers decent camera performance for video calls and casual photography. Its 5000 mAh battery provides up to 9 hours of use, making it a reliable companion for daily activities. For those searching for a cheap 8-inch tablet that does not compromise on performance, the Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro offers a well-rounded package.
Most Affordable
- Affordable Price
- Alexa
- Good Battery
- Limited Storage and RAM
- No Wireless Charging
- No LTE
- Poor Camera Quality
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Fire OS |
| Screen Size | 8-inch (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels (~189 ppi density) |
| Processor (Chipset) | Mediatek MT8169A |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Main Camera | 5 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 2 MP |
| Battery | Last up to 13-hours |
| Colors | Black, Denim, Rose |
| Released | 2022, Sep |
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022) is an affordable 8-inch tablet that offers solid performance for everyday tasks, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious users. Featuring an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, it provides a decent viewing experience for browsing, streaming, and reading. Powered by the Mediatek MT8169A chipset and a hexa-core CPU, it is suitable for light multitasking and casual use. Available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD) and 2GB of RAM, the Fire HD 8 is ideal for basic usage such as browsing the web, watching videos, or using Alexa voice commands.
While similar to the Fire HD 8 Plus, the base model has a few key differences. The Fire HD 8 comes with 2GB of RAM compared to the 3GB found in the Plus model, and it lacks the wireless charging capability that the Plus version offers. Despite these differences, the Fire HD 8 remains an excellent choice for those seeking one of the best tablets under $200, providing a balanced mix of performance, storage, and functionality for day-to-day use.
Comparison
| Tablet Model | Operating System | Screen Size | Resolution | Max Battery Life | Max Storage | Screen To Body Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Mini 6 | iPad OS | 8.3-inch | 1488 x 2266 | 10h | 256GB | ~77.4% |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | Android OS | 8.7-inch | 800 x 1340 | 10h | 128GB | ~81.7% |
| Lenovo Legion Y700 | Android OS | 8.8-inch | 1600 x 2560 | 10h | 512GB | ~83.0% |
| Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | Fire OS | 8-inch | 800 x 1280 | 13h | 64GB | ~66.9% |
| Alldocube iPlay Mini 50 Pro | Android OS | 8.4-inch | 1200 x 1920 | 9h | 256GB | ~80.1% |
| Amazon Fire HD 8 | Fire OS | 8-inch | 800 x 1280 | 13h | 64GB | ~66.9% |
Why There’s a Limited Selection of 8-inch Tablets?
There are limited options for 8-inch tablets primarily because they sit in a unique position between large-screen smartphones and larger tablets, making them less appealing to many consumers. With the rise of smartphones featuring 6.5-inch or larger displays, the difference in screen size between these phones and 8-inch tablets is minimal. As a result, many people opt for a larger smartphone that offers similar functionality without the need for an additional device. This overlap reduces the demand for 8-inch tablets, leading manufacturers to produce fewer models in this size range.
What Are The Best 8-inch Tablets? – Summary
- Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen – Best Overall
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Best Android
- Lenovo Legion Y700 – Best For Gaming
- Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus – Most Popular
- Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro – Best For Movies
- Amazon Fire HD 8 – The Cheapest
These 8-inch tablets each offer unique strengths that cater to different needs, from powerful performance and high-quality displays to budget-friendly pricing and specialized use cases. Whether you’re looking for the best overall experience, a versatile Android option, or a tablet optimized for gaming or entertainment, there’s an 8-inch tablet to suit your preferences.
FAQ’s
The lightest 8-inch tablet currently available is the iPad Mini 6th Gen. Weighing just 293 grams (Wi-Fi version) or 297 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular version), it is incredibly portable and easy to carry, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Its lightweight design, combined with powerful performance and a high-resolution display, makes it a top choice for users looking for a compact and versatile tablet.
The newest 8-inch tablet on the market is the Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro, which was released in January 2024.
