8-inch tablets are bigger than smartphones but are considered small in the tablet category.

Due to their size, they are portable and lightweight, making them a great gadget for traveling.

With an 8-inch tablet, you can play games, watch movies, browse the web and social media, get some reading done, and give it to your kids to get an hour of peacetime.

The 8-inch tablet market has shrunk over the years because smartphones are getting bigger and bigger, eliminating the need for small-size tablets.

ipad mini compared to iphone size 8inch tablet vs iphone 6 inch

My criteria include a screen size of at least 8 inches(no bigger than 8.9 inches) with a decent display, a decent processor, good battery life, and at least 32GB of storage.

Best 8-inch Tablet
iPad Mini 6

iPad Mini 6

  • OS: iPad OS
  • CPU / GPU: Apple A15 Bionic 
  • Storage: 64 GB / 256 GB
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Camera: 12 MP + 12 MP
  • Display: 8.3 inches
  • Resolution: 1488 x 2266 (~327 ppi)
  • Weight: 0.65 lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 5078 mAh (Up to 10 hours)

The iPad Mini 6 is the best 8-inch tablet out there, period. And, it is also the smallest offering in Apple’s tablet lineup. Featuring a beefy A15 Bionic and a newly designed chassis that provides the same edge-to-edge display we’ve gotten used to with the iPad Pro, the iPad Mini 6 definitely stands apart.

 It has a ton of exciting colors, allowing Apple to aim at the more casual user rather than the hardcore professional. However, that isn’t to say that the tablet doesn’t perform well. It supports the Apple Pencil Generation 2, has decent speakers, a gorgeous 2266×1488 fully-laminated display, and runs the latest and greatest in iPadOS and will be supported still for several years.

It’s great for someone who loves watching movies/content on a screen bigger than their smartphone and takes a quick note here and there. 

 With 9-10 hours of screen on time, the iPad Mini 6’s cellular variant also ensures that you are on the go no matter what. Plus, the Mini 6 is excellent for video calls, especially considering the fact that it has a 12 MP front-facing camera that ensures you are in the middle with its feature ‘center staging.’

The iPad Mini is equipped with a USB-C port, just like the rest of the iPad lineup. But unlike other iPads, iPad Mini doesn’t have an official keyboard. All you have is the onscreen one, but you can buy one, just not from Apple. 

Excellent software and support, dazzling 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, boasting the A15 Bionic chip for lightning-fast performance. It’s equipped with 5G capabilities, supports the Apple Pencil 2, and features a sleek design. All this makes it the best 8 inch tablet in the world.

 

 

Pros
  • Fast and capable
  • Will feature software support for 5+ years
  • Has excellent cameras and is great for video calls
Cons
  • No Face-ID
  • Jelly screen
  • No Magic Keyboard
  • Hard to take notes for people with big hands
Best Seller
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

  • OS: Android 11, Fire OS 8
  • CPU / GPU: Mediatek MT8169A
  • Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • Camera: 2 MP + 5 MP
  • Display: 8.0 inches
  • Resolution: 800 x 1280 (~189 ppi)
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 4850 mAH (Up to 12 hours)

Amazon’s tablet ecosystem presents a unique take on the entire premise of owning a tablet. Instead of paying a larger price upfront, Amazon locks you into its ecosystem and focuses on the very basics. 

 While this may seem like an ideal premise, it suits a select few individuals who are willing to take Amazon’s drawbacks into accord. For instance, as soon as you get the tablet, you’ll immediately be locked into Amazon applications. While the tablet does run Android, you won’t be able to access the Google Play Store or any Google-supported application out of the box, but stay assured, you can install Google Play Store on Amazon tablets.

Besides that, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus comes at a great price(~$159); you’ll be able to save $25 if you opt for an ad-supported version, which includes ads in the operating system itself. I found this quite annoying, especially because most advertisements used to pop up on the lock screen or while casually using the tablet, which led to me randomly tapping on them often.

 Besides that, the tablet is fine. It contains 3 GBs of RAM, and an 8-inch, 1280×800 display with large bezels around the side. The display leaves a lot to be desired, the colors are washed out especially compared to the iPad Mini 6. But, it’s also much cheaper than the iPad Mini 6, so it isn’t really a fair comparison.

 Now, the reason why this tablet still takes up a second is simple, it achieves everything there is to expect from an 8 inch tablet. You aren’t going to be using this for school or note-taking.

It can handle basic tasks like: reading, light games, web browsing, emails, social media, video calls, communication with alexa, online shopping, etc. 

Couple that with the fact that you also have wireless charging makes it a sweet deal. 

 

Pros
  • Very cheap
  • Great battery life
  • Wireless charging
  • Allows for Alexa support

 

Cons
  • Performance can feel sluggish at times
  • No Google Play Store by default (but can be installed)

     

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

  • OS: Android 13
  • CPU / GPU: MT8768T Helio P22T
  • Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB
  • RAM: 2 GB / 3 GB / 4 GB
  • Camera: 8 MP + 2 MP
  • Display: 8.7 inches
  • Resolution: 800 x 1340 (~179 ppi)
  • Weight: 0.80lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 5100 mAh (Up to 10 hours)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a great tablet for its size and price. Featuring USB-C connectivity, 10 hours of battery life, up to 4 GBs of RAM, and an 8.7-inch 1340×800 screen, it checks all the boxes.

But, moving outside the box, the tablet features a display that looks nice and bright, colors aren’t extremely washed out, and it seems to adhere to Samsung’s quality standards when it comes to producing displays of reasonable quality. Yes, it isn’t the sharpest display out there, coming at 179 ppi. But I wouldn’t really call it a poor display by any sense of the imagination.

In terms of performance, don’t expect it to tie up to the iPad Mini 6. But, it still performs fine in its own right. You can get away with a light and casual gaming. But, after a while, you are going to run into frame rate issues that’ll plague your entire gameplay session. So, I wouldn’t really recommend this tablet for that PUBG or Fortnite session. However, if it’s a long reading or movie-watching session you are after, then the A7 Lite should be able to net you 10 hours of battery life, which is great for a tablet in this form factor.

If you want a 8 inch tablet for light gaming content watching and that costs under $200, this is a solid option. 

 

Pros
  • Has LTE+WiFi option
  • Great price
Cons
  • The display doesn’t really have great resolution
  • Performance can get be sluggish
Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro

Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro

  • OS: Android 13
  • CPU / GPU: MediaTek G99
  • Storage: 256 GB
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Camera: 5 MP (front) + 13 MP (rear-camera)
  • Display: 8.4 inches
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1200
  • Weight: 0.67lbs
  • Port: USB-C
  • Battery: 5000 mAH (Up to 9 hours)

This 8.4-inch tablet with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels(IPS screen), running Android 13 and the MediaTek G99 chipset, can handle almost anything. 

Whether you are a gamer or a content enthusiast, this tablet has your needs covered. It has 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, and you can even extend it to 5125GB with a micro SD card. The iPlay 50 Mini Pro could handle games as: Fortnite, Alian Isolation, Half-Life 2, etc.

It lasts 8-9 hours, which gives you almost all day to play games or watch content. Another thing that sets it apart from other tablets is the fast charging. It has 18W PD Fast.

Overall, a compact, powerful, and versatile 8 inch tablet.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • A lot of storage
  • A lot of memory
  • LTE connectivity (4G)
Cons
  • Only one speaker
Amazon Fire HD 8

Amazon Fire HD 8

  • OS: Android 11, Fire OS 8
  • CPU / GPU: Mediatek MT8169A
  • Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Camera: 2 MP + 5 MP
  • Display: 8.0 inches
  • Resolution: 800 x 1280 (~189 ppi)
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 4850 mAH (Up to 12 hours)

The Amazon Fire 8 and Fire 8 Plus share the exact same specifications except for a few key differences. They are as follows:

  • Charging: The Amazon Fire 8 features slower charging at 5 hours for a total charge while the Fire HD 8 Plus clocks out at 3 hours.
  • Wireless Charging: The Fire 8 does not feature wireless charging while the Fire HD 8 Plus does.
  • Cameras: The Fire HD 8 Plus features a 5 MP camera while the Fire HD has a 2 MP camera.
  • RAM: The Fire HD 8 Plus has an extra gigabyte of RAM coming in at 3 GB while the Fire HD 8 has 2 GBs of RAM.

So, besides all the differences I have just listed, there’s really no difference between the two tablets. Now, this begs the question, what should I pick up from these tablets? For most, I recommend opting for the Amazon Fire 8. 

 Why? Well, the differences between the two tablets aren’t really worth spending more money over. For instance, the extra RAM allows you to multitask and makes the device a bit faster. The CPU is the same. If you are going to be experiencing lag on one tablet, you are bound to have it on the other, too.

 If there was a change in the front cameras, I’d be happy to recommend the Fire 8 Plus to everyone. But, since it’s the rear camera that gets bumped up, there’s no major advantage to having a better rear shooter either.

 Lastly, while the charging does make a difference, it still isn’t worth paying extra over, especially on a tablet that’s meant to be budget-oriented anyways. And, wireless charging really is a gimmick when it comes to tablets as you will seldom need to use it. Plus, I’d rather use my tablet plugged in a cable rather than wait for it to slowly wireless charge.

 So, yes, while the Fire 8 Plus is arguably better in a few ways than the Fire 8, that’s why it’s ranked second. But, if you don’t care for the differences, I suggest opting for the ad-free version of the Fire 8 instead to save a few extra dollars. 

 

Pros
  • Very cheap
  • Great battery life
  • Allows for Alexa support

 

Cons
  • No Google Play support by default (but can be installed)
  • Performance can feel sluggish at times
  • No wireless charging
Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4)

Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4)

  • OS: Android 13
  • CPU / GPU: Mediatek MT8768 Helio A22 
  • Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB
  • RAM: 3 GB / 4 GB
  • Camera: 2 MP + 5 MP
  • Display: 8.0 inches
  • Resolution: 1280×800
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 5100 mAH (Up to 11 hours)

The Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4) doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. And, at this price point, I’d be scared if they attempted to do so. But, here’s the deal, I really like this tablet for what it’s worth. It has a decent 8” 800×1280 LCD display with a 5100 mAh battery and 10W fast charging.

 It runs on MediaTek A22 chipset. The tablet just doesn’t really push out as many frames when gaming or provide the butter-smooth performance you’d want from a tablet. But it really isn’t very expensive either(it costs less than $100). So, that’s a drawback you have to make.

It’s a good device for anyone seeking an affordable and compact tablet for entertainment, browsing, and staying connected

 

Pros
  • Great design
  • Excellent battery life
  • Charges faster than most other tablets
Cons
  • Poor speakers
  • Poor performance
  • Cameras are relatively grainy
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4

  • OS: Android 10, upgradable to Android 11
  • CPU / GPU: Exynos 7904
  • Storage: 32 GB
  • RAM: 3 GB
  • Camera: 8 MP + 5 MP
  • Display: 8.4 inches
  • Resolution: 1200×1920 (~270 ppi)
  • Weight: 0.68 lbs
  • Port: USB Type-C
  • Battery: 5000 mAH (Up to 9 hours)

Released in 2020, Samsung A 8.4 got a lot of things right. Firstly, it comes with a 1920×1200 resolution screen tuning it up to 270 ppi. This means that you’ll be able to actually view 1080p video, unlike most of the entries in this list.

 And, if you are just going to be watching YouTube and want a cheap tablet, no need to look further; you’ve got the winner: buy this one. But, if you decide to do anything more with your tablet, we would like to recommend something more powerful. This is because this tablet can run only Android 11. It’s no longer supported. 

You can still get the apps, but you can’t get the latest app versions that are created for Android 13 or newer.

 So, performance is abhorrent, to say the least. The tablet can be super laggy when performing heavy tasks. But it handles well things like light gaming, social media, web, etc. 

The cameras are actually pretty good, though, since it comes in at 5 megapixels and actually leads it to be quite nice for video calls.

Overall, it’s a good tablet, very cheap, it’s 8.4-inches big, but the biggest problem is that is no longer supported, if that doesn’t bother you it’s a solid choice, with decent build. 

 

Pros
  • Has an LTE variant
  • One of the best displays in this list
Cons
  • No longer supported
  • The speakers aren’t great
  • WiFi signal strength is relatively weak due to old chipset

Which Is Better, A 7-Inch Tablet Or An 8-Inch Tablet?

7-inch tablet vs 8-inch tablet

Bigger isn’t always better. When you’re shopping for a TV, it makes sense to go bigger because it will be stationary on your TV stand.

However, when it comes to tablet screens, it’s a bit different. You’ll often hold the tablet in your hands while watching unless, of course, you have a stand. In most scenarios, you’ll be holding your tablet, and the larger it is, the heavier it gets. With added weight, your hands can tire more quickly.

With an 8-inch tablet, you get bigger screen real estate, but it’s also a bit heavier. Smartphones are designed in the perfect size to fit our pockets, but you won’t be able to fit 7-inch or 8-inch tablet into your pocket.

With the 7-inch tablet, you will get a bit smaller screen that won’t fit in your pocket anyways, and it will be a bit lighter.

I personally believe an 8-inch tablet is a better choice, but of course, it’s subjective, and there are more tablets to choose from in the 8-inch category; they have better processors, they have more storage, and they are faster.

Which Is The Lightest 8-inch Tablet?

Tablet:Weight
iPad Mini 60.65lbs
Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro0.67lbs
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite0.8lbs
Amazon Fire HD Plus 80.75lbs
Lenovo Tab M80.67lbs
Amazon Fire HD 80.74lbs
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.40.68lbs

iPad Mini 6 is the lightest 8-inch tablet. Weighting only 0.65lbs the WiFi model. The WiFi + Cellular model weighs a bit more: 0.66lbs.

Why I Ranked The iPad Mini 6 Above The Amazon Fire 8 Plus

The iPad Mini 6 trumps the Amazon Fire 8 Plus in every meaningful capacity.

  • It has a better display 🖥️
  • It has a better processor ⚡
  • It has stylus support ✏️
  • It has better software 👨‍💻
  • It has a better camera 📷
  • It has better speakers 🔊

Both of the tablets have excellent battery life. 🔋

All in all, they are both great tablets, but the iPad Mini 6 offers a bit more of everything. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better for everyone. If you just want a tablet for video-watching, e-reading, or other basic tasks, Amazon Fire makes a lot more sense. It’s also a lot cheaper than the iPad Mini 6.

iPad Mini Costs ~$499, while Amazon Fire costs ~$134

Is There a 9-inch Tablet?

In April 2023, Lenovo introduced the impressive Lenovo Tab M9.

Notably, it stands out since it’s the only 9-inch tablet from respactable tablet brands, making it a unique choice for tech enthusiasts.

9-inch tablet
Lenovo Tab M9
  • 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a sharp 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
  • Powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor for seamless performance
  • Offers up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage
  • Equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera to capture your precious moments
  • Features dual stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience
  • Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile connectivity options
  • Boasts a slim and lightweight design, making it highly portable
  • Features a long-lasting battery for extended usage
  • Available in stylish Storm Grey and Platinum Grey color options

Verdict: What’s The Best 8-inch Tablet?

At present, there are no competitors for the iPad Mini 6 in the 8-inch category of tablets. It’s boasting an impressive 8.3-inch display. It stands out with its exceptional screen quality, robust battery life, and superior audio performance compared to other tablets in this category. Moreover, none of its competitors can match the processing power of the iPad Mini, making it capable of handling even the most demanding games and a wide range of applications.

All of us have different preferences, but this is my list and here are my top picks:

  • iPad Mini 6 Is the best overall.
  • Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is the best budget pick.
  • Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro is my personal favorite. (It surprised me)

The Alldocube iPlay 50 Mini really surprised me. It costs less than $200 but offers value as it would cost $400+.

Best OveralliPad Mini 6
Best BudgetAmazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Editor’s ChoiceiPlay 50 Mini Pro

The tablets on the list cost anywhere from $100 to $499. If you decide to go for a cheaper option, I suggest you lower your expectation of what the tablet is capable of, don’t use your brand new premium smartphone as a comparison.

Most of the tablets on the list are for basic tasks: web browsing, email checking, lightweight apps, video and movie watching, and, of course, games, but if you want to game on your 8-inch tablet, I suggest picking a tablet with a power processor.

Check Out Other Sizes:

Best 7-inch Tablets
Best 10-inch Tablets

Best Large Screen Tablets

ernests embutnieks wolfoftablet
Founder & Chief Editor | +37122300405 | ernests@wolfoftablet.com | + posts

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.