Best 8-inch Tablets

1. Apple iPad Mini (7th gen)

The Apple iPad Mini (7th gen) is currently the best and newest 8-inch tablet the money can buy. This device was released in 2024, October and runs on iPadOS 18 and will be able for updates at least for 7-years.

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iPad Mini Specs

• Operating System: iPad OS
• Display Size: 8.3-inches
• Resolution: 1488 x 2266
• Processor: Apple A17 Pro
• Battery Life: ~10 hours
• Stylus Support: Yes
• WiFi+LTE Support: Yes

It runs on an Apple A17 Pro (3nm) Bionic chipset and has eSIM and nano-SIM support. The tablets has 8GB RAM and comes with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB internal storage. As every other iPad, iPad Mini doesn't support memory card slot, but you can upgrade the stroage with iCloud. 

The screen is a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 500 nits, a ~77.4% screen-to-body ratio, and a 60Hz refresh rate.(Many expected that new iPad Mini to have at least 90Hz) Also, the resolution is 1488 x 2266 pixels(same as the 6th gen), with a ~327 ppi density and a 3:2 ratio. The iPad Mini is built from aluminum and has a glass front. The display uses scratch-resistant glass and has an oleophobic coating too.

iPad Mini 7th gen is compatible with Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro. This gives it the functionality to take notes on it, draw and of course, navigate the device. 

There are two cameras, a 12MP wide main and a 12MP ultrawide selfie. Due to the great selfie camera, it's perfect for quick Zoom calls and Skype calls. The tablet has a USB-C port. Which is mainly for charging, but you can add other accessories using that port, like external keyboards, external cameras, printers, hard drives, mouses, etc.

This iPad Mini is offered in 4 colors : Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight. The starting price is $499 for the new iPad Mini, depending on the storage options you choose.

Our Take

The new iPad Mini (7th gen) is the best and most advanced 8-inch tablet currently available. With a powerful A17 Pro chipset, extended update support, and a sleek, portable form factor, it’s perfect for everyday tasks and on-the-go productivity. It supports Apple Pencil for note-taking and drawing, offers great cameras for video calls, and comes in multiple colors and storage options. While some might wish for a higher refresh rate display, it still provides an excellent tablet experience for its price.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a budget-friendly 8.7-inch Android tablet released in October 2023. It comes with Android 13 and the promise of an upgrade to Android 14, ensuring you stay up-to-date with software and security.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Specs

• Operating System: Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1)
• Display Size: 8.7-inches
• Resolution: 800 x 1340
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm)
• Battery Life: ~10 hours (5100 mAh)
• Stylus Support: No
• WiFi+LTE Support: Yes (cellular model)
  
  

 Under the hood, it’s powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, paired with options of 4GB or 8GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB internal storage. A dedicated microSD card slot allows for easy storage expansion—something many higher-end tablets no longer offer.

The display, a TFT LCD with an 800 x 1340 resolution, is decent for everyday usage like browsing and streaming, though it’s not as vibrant or sharp as premium panels. With its lightweight build (about 11.7 ounces) and sturdy feel, the Tab A9 is comfortable to hold and easy to travel with. It includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and LTE support in the cellular model, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who still prefer wired audio. The battery provides around 10 hours of use, and the tablet charges via a USB-C port with up to 15W fast charging support.

Camera-wise, the Galaxy Tab A9 features an 8MP main camera and a 2MP selfie camera—sufficient for video calls, simple snapshots, and scanning documents, but not for serious photography. Available in Graphite, Silver, and Navy, the tablet starts at around $200, making it a great value option for those on a budget.

Our Take

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 offers an excellent entry point into the Android tablet world. While it doesn’t boast the sharpest display or the most powerful performance, it provides reliable everyday functionality, software longevity, and expandability at a very wallet-friendly price. The inclusion of a headphone jack and microSD slot are thoughtful touches that many users will appreciate. If you’re looking for a straightforward tablet that covers the basics without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Tab A9 is a solid choice. It doesn't support stylus.

3. Lenovo Legion Y700

The Lenovo Legion Y700 is a high-performance 8.8-inch tablet released in October 2024, aiming squarely at power users and gamers.

Legion Y700 Specs

• Operating System: Android 14
• Display Size: 8.8-inches (IPS LCD, 165Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, 500 nits)
• Resolution: 1600 x 2560
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
• Battery Life: ~10 hours (6550 mAh)
• Stylus Support: No
• WiFi-only: Yes (no cellular connectivity)

Equipped with Android 14, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and up to 16GB of RAM alongside UFS 4.0 storage, it’s built for smooth multitasking, heavy gaming, and lightning-fast responsiveness. Its 165Hz IPS LCD display with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support makes it a standout choice for those seeking fluid visuals in fast-paced games, plus it offers a peak brightness of 500 nits for clear visibility even in well-lit conditions.

The tablet doesn’t feature cellular connectivity or expandable storage, but comes in generous configurations of 256GB/12GB RAM and 512GB/16GB RAM. It’s just about 0.3 inches thick (7.8mm) and weighs around 12.35 ounces, making it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions. Audio is tuned by JBL and delivered through stereo speakers, and while there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, you can connect your favorite headset via USB-C or Bluetooth. With a 6550 mAh battery and 68W fast charging, you’ll spend more time playing and less time tethered to a charger.

The camera setup includes a dual rear camera (13MP wide and 2MP macro) and an 8MP front-facing camera, which are modest but sufficient for quick snapshots or video calls. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 support and two USB-C ports (3.1 Gen2) with DisplayPort 1.4 for versatile external display and accessory connections. Available in Black and priced around $650 in the U.S., the Legion Y700 is an investment for serious tablet gamers and content consumers.

Our Take

The Lenovo Legion Y700 is all about delivering top-tier performance and display quality in a compact form. Its high-refresh-rate screen, powerful internals, and fast charging capabilities set it apart, catering well to gamers and media enthusiasts. While it lacks certain conveniences like cellular connectivity, a memory card slot, or a headphone jack, it compensates with cutting-edge specs, premium audio, and a sleek design. If you’re looking for a tablet that can handle demanding games and give you a visually immersive experience, the Legion Y700 is worth considering.

4. Amazon Fire HD 8

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The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) remains a budget-friendly tablet choice, priced at just $99.99. It runs Amazon’s Fire OS, which funnels users into Amazon’s ecosystem with curated content and limited app availability from its Appstore.

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) Specs

• Operating System: Fire OS (based on Android)
• Display Size: 8-inches (LCD)
• Resolution: 1280 x 800
• Processor: 6-core 2.0GHz ARM-based CPU (unspecified model)
• Battery Life: ~10 hours
• Storage: 32GB (3GB RAM), 64GB (4GB RAM), microSD card slot for expansion
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only, Bluetooth 5.2
• Price: Starting at $99.99

Compared to its predecessors, it offers slightly improved RAM and can comfortably handle everyday tasks like streaming videos, reading e-books, and browsing the web. Its biggest drawbacks are the so-so display, underwhelming audio, and limited camera performance, though the device still provides good battery life and a durable build.

Our Take

The 2024 Fire HD 8 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it holds its ground as a bargain tablet for casual use. While the screen and speakers won’t blow you away, it’s more than enough for simple entertainment and basic web use, especially considering its low price tag. If you’re looking for sharper visuals, more power, and less restrictive software, stepping up to the Fire HD 10 or a pricier tablet might be worth it. But for cost-conscious shoppers who mainly want a handy, reliable device for Amazon content and light tasks, the Fire HD 8 fits the bill.

5. Alldocube iPlay50 Mini Pro

The Alldocube iPlay50 Mini Pro, released in January 2024, delivers impressive specs for its price range. Its 8.4-inch, high-resolution display (1200 x 1920) stands out, making it ideal for streaming movies and TV shows, browsing the web, and reading.

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iPlay50 Mini Pro Specs

• Operating System: Android OS
• Display Size: 8.4-inches (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio)
• Resolution: 1200 x 1920 pixels (~270 ppi density)
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 MT6789
• Battery Life: ~9 hours (5000 mAh)
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB (No mention of expandable storage)
• Camera: 13MP main, 5MP selfie
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi only (No cellular info available)

It's powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the tablet handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some gaming with ease. Though battery life is around 9 hours—fine for a day’s use—the build quality is rather basic, and it lacks premium extras found in pricier tablets.

The camera setup, with a 13MP rear and a 5MP front camera, is solid for video calls and occasional snapshots. While the device doesn’t offer advanced features or cellular options, the available 128GB or 256GB storage configurations provide ample room for apps, media, and personal files. Overall, it’s a cost-effective option that balances performance, display quality, and storage in an affordable and compact package.

Our Take

The Alldocube iPlay50 Mini Pro is an excellent pick for anyone wanting a sleek, budget-friendly tablet primarily for media consumption. Its high-resolution display and robust specs outperform many competitors in its price class, making streaming sessions and multitasking notably smooth. While the build quality and battery life aren’t exceptional, and fancy extras are absent, the tablet delivers a dependable and visually pleasing experience for day-to-day use at a reasonable price.

8-inch Tablets Advantages

• Portability and Comfort: Striking a balance between a smartphone’s convenience and a larger tablet’s immersive screen, 8-inch models are easy to hold in one hand, making them perfect for commuting, traveling, or relaxing at home.
• Ideal Screen Size: With more visual real estate than a phone yet still compact, 8-inch tablets offer a comfortable experience for reading e-books, browsing the web, and watching videos—without feeling unwieldy.
• Lightweight Design: Their smaller size translates to lighter weight, so they’re less likely to weigh down your bag or strain your wrists during extended use.
• Cost-Effective Options: Often priced more affordably than their 10-inch and larger counterparts, 8-inch tablets provide a budget-friendly way to enjoy both entertainment and productivity on the go.

 

How To Choose an 8-inch Tablet

• Identify Your Primary Use Case: If you’re mostly interested in entertainment—like streaming videos, reading e-books, or playing casual games—prioritize display quality, battery life, and speaker performance.
• Consider Productivity Needs: For work or creative tasks, look for a tablet with a fast processor, ample RAM, and possibly stylus support for easy note-taking or sketching.
• Check Storage Options:If you plan on downloading lots of apps, storing movies, or saving offline content, opt for a model with generous internal storage or a microSD card slot for easy expansion.
• Assess Software and Ecosystem: Make sure the tablet runs on up-to-date software, offers reliable brand support, and has access to a robust app library. This ensures long-term usefulness and security.
• Think About Budget and Longevity: Consider how much you’re willing to spend and how long you expect to keep the device. Investing a bit more in quality and future-proofing can be worthwhile over time.