Best 8 Inch Tablets In 2024
Discover the power of portability: Find the best 8-inch tablet for all your needs
Tablets have found their way into the everyday lives of many consumers. From designers and developers to just pure media consumers, tablets have become a go-to gadget for everyone. They come in various sizes and have better battery life and display specs than phones. Due to this, tablets are the way to go if you want to play games on the go, consume media, or speed up your workflow. Turns out that the best 8-inch tablets can do that quite well.
Furthermore, they are ideal for task management and creating an overall productive workflow due to their large screen size. And since we are mainly talking about 8 inch tables, they are pretty compact and can be carried easily in your everyday bag. So, there are not many reasons not to buy a tablet these days, as they are pretty economical.
To assist you in finding the best tablet for your budget and needs, we have compiled a list of the best 8 inch tablets on the market right now. We took into account everything from processing power to crisp displays.
| # | Preview | Name | Award | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Apple iPad Mini 6 | Editor's Choice | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | Best Small Android Tablet | Check Price |
| 3 |  | Realme Pad Mini | Best Value | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Amazon Fire HD 8 | Best For Kids | Check Price |
| 5 |  | Lenovo Tab M8 3rd Gen | Entry-Level Pick | Check Price |
| 6 |  | Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus | Best for Reading | Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Apple iPad Mini 6 |
| Award | Editor's Choice |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite |
| Award | Best Small Android Tablet |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 3 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Realme Pad Mini |
| Award | Best Value |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 4 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Amazon Fire HD 8 |
| Award | Best For Kids |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 5 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Lenovo Tab M8 3rd Gen |
| Award | Entry-Level Pick |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 6 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus |
| Award | Best for Reading |
| Details | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-04-25 at 17:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You Should Trust Us – Best 8 Inch Tablets
Here at appuals.com, we admire portable devices such as retro handhelds, laptops, and of course, tablets. Our highly enthusiastic team is well-versed in the intricacies of tablets, and we are always looking forward to the next best thing, whether that’s from Samsung, Apple, or someone else.
Hassam Nasir, one of our lead writers for the hardware section and resident nerd, has been fascinated by tablets for a long time. He has gone through a lot of different iPads and tablets after first getting his iPad 2 way back in 2011. Even before that, Hassam has always approved of portable devices like the Gameboy Advance, Sony PSP, and more.
Needless to say, he’s big on the user experience front and has a lot of knowledge regarding the technology surrounding tablets and other portable devices. However, separating specs and marketing gimmicks from real-world user experience is more important. So, we made sure we covered all aspects in this roundup.
Under his expertise, our veteran team of writers test each device thoroughly before reporting about it. We check for issues with performance, display, and battery life, software quirks, and more.
Quality and durability testing of tablets is where our team shines. When writing our reviews, we always keep the user’s perspective in mind. We can help you in your search for a suitable tablet, whether you require a cheap alternative or the best one available.
1. Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen
Editor's Pick
Pros
- Attractive Design
- 6-core CPU
- Crisp Display
- Apple Pencil 2 support
Cons
- Slow charging speed
- Expensive
OS: iPad OS | Resolution: 2266×1488 pixels | Processor: A15 Bionic chip | RAM: 4GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cameras: 12MP front, 12MP back
Check PriceWe are starting our list with the king of the hill, the iPad Mini 6. You cannot go wrong with the iPad mini 6, as it is good across the board. Firstly, let’s talk about the design and build. The iPad mini comes with an aluminum body in four color variants. The sides are squared, which makes it easier to hold the iPad. For a cleaner appearance, the home button has also been removed, and the top power button now houses Touch ID. The port is USB-C. Overall, the build and design are pretty solid.
In addition to its attractive appearance, the iPad Mini has a sturdy display with a clear 2266 x 1488 pixel resolution that is bright, sharp, and vibrant, making for a great viewing experience. The speakers are excellent and deliver a wonderful audio experience, making it perfect to watch movies on.
The iPad Mini 6’s main advantage is its support for the Apple Pencil 2, making it an excellent choice for digital artists and students. Additionally, there are great apps on the Apple Store for drawing, with Procreate being one of the more popular ones. It is also a great tool for students; the apple pencil allows for easy notetaking in the classroom.
In terms of battery life, the iPad Mini 6 is decent enough, and gets you through the day. It averages about 7-8 hours of screen on time, which is not bad considering the high-resolution display. However, the fact that the charging speed is slow is somewhat disappointing.
Moving on to the camera, the iPad Mini 6 features a 12 MP front and back camera, which is quite decent for a tablet, as most of them have pretty bad cameras. With that said, tablets are generally not used for taking pictures, but it is nice to have the option.
Let’s talk about processing power. The iPad mini features the A15 Bionic chip. The A15 Bionic is a 6-core CPU that performs well, from gaming to normal tasks. The iPad Mini 6 is fast and smooth. Considering Apple, you can expect great performance from their products. It also comes with the new and improved iPad OS 14.
Overall, the iPad mini 6 is a great pick. It has great features across the board and the support for excellent apps on the App Store is a major plus point for many buyers. The processor, camera, and display are all top-notch, and the support for the Apple Pencil 2 makes it an excellent choice for designers, students, and productivity enthusiasts alike.
2. Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Best Small Android Tablet
Pros
- Fast Performance
- Sturdy Build
- Supports fast charging
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Low-resolution display
- Lacking cameras
OS: Android 11 | Resolution: 1340 x 800 pixels | Processor: MediaTek Helio P22T | RAM: 3/4 GB | Storage: 32/64 GB | Cameras: 2MP front, 8MP back
If you are a fan of Android, then our next pick is for you. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is currently the best 8 inch Android tablet on the market. Samsung did a great job with this one; from the design to the performance, everything is made to be premium.
The design and build quality are excellent; the Tab A7 Lite has a glass front, an aluminum back, and plastic sides for improved grip. Overall, the tablet feels high-end, and it also feels fairly light, making carrying it easy.
Apart from the looks, the Tab A7 Lite has a great display. It has an 8.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels. Although the resolution is low, it provides a sharp and vibrant display, making it ideal for media consumption.
This tablet also performs well, thanks to the MediaTek Helio P22T, an octa-core processor that ensures a smooth user experience. In addition, the processor works together with the PowerVR GE8320 graphics powered by 3GB and 4GB RAM options to handle everyday processes pretty seamlessly. If you are into gaming do checkout our review of the best RTX 4080 GPUs.
Apart from the excellent processing power, the Tab A7 Lite does not lack when it comes to battery life. The A7 lite has a 5100 mAh battery with 15 watts of fast charging, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice.
This device’s camera is nothing special; it has 2 MP front and 8 MP back cameras, both of which are adequate. Samsung definitely saved some money in the camera department. Fortunately, they are decent enough for video conferences, but don’t come close to the iPad Mini.
To summarize, the Tab A7 Lite is an excellent choice for Android users. It has all of the features that a good tablet should have. The battery life, processing power, and overall appearance are all pretty good.
3. Realme Pad Mini
Best Value
Pros
- Matte Finish Back
- Decent performance
- Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
Cons
- Cameras are not the best
- Low-res display
OS: Android 11 | Resolution: 800 x 1340 pixels | Processor: Unisoc Tiger T616 | RAM: 3/4 GB | Storage: 32/64 GB | Cameras: 5MP front, 8MP back
Next on our list is the Realme Pad Mini, the tablet with the best price-to-performance ratio. The Realme Pad Mini is a mid-to-low-priced tablet with premium features. With an aluminum back and a glass front, this tablet has a sleek design. It is available in two color options: blue and gray, both of which look fantastic.
Aside from its sleek design, the Realme Pad mini is also powerful. With an octa-core processor and up to 4GB of RAM, this tablet performs admirably. Furthermore, it also comes with the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, so you can enjoy even higher-end games comfortably. Speaking of performance you can also checkout our roundup of the best RTX 4090 Graphic Cards.
In terms of display, the Realme Pad Mini has an IPS LCD with a resolution of 800 x 1340 pixels, which is adequate for an 8 inch tablet. This allows for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Realme chose to save money on the cameras, as the Pad Mini has an 8-megapixel back camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, both of which are on the low end. It can take decent pictures in good lighting but struggles in low-lit environments.
To sum it up, the Realme Pad Mini is perfect for value-conscious consumers. For an affordable price, it comes packed with premium features.
4. Amazon Fire HD 8
Best For Kids
Pros
- Integrated Alexa
- Durable
- Affordable
- Decent performance
- 12-hour battery life
Cons
- 2GB Ram
- Flood of Amazon apps
OS: FireOS | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | Processor: Mediatek MT8168 | RAM: 2 GB | Storage: 32/64 GB | Cameras: 2MP front, 8MP back
If you are looking for a tablet for kids and don’t want to spend a lot, then the Amazon Fire HD 8 is for you. With a really affordable price tag, the Amazon Fire HD 8 comes with good features and specs. It is perfect for browsing the web, watching Netflix, reading books, or just casual gaming. All in all, this is a great tool for media consumption.
Its solid and durable design makes it a great choice for kids, as they can be rough with it and it won’t break. The performance is not up to par with the latest and greatest. It features the MediaTek MT8168 chip, which is a decent chip that will get the job done without any hiccups.
Additionally, it comes with 32 or 64 GB (two variants) of storage and 2 GB of RAM, which is a downside, but you can use a microSD card to extend the storage if need be. Furthermore, it has great battery life, lasting up to 12 hours. And if even if you run out you can use a quick charge 3.0 charger to get you on your way again.
The interesting part of this tablet is the FireOS. This OS comes packed with Amazon apps and services, which may be a downside for some people or a plus for others. There is, however, Amazon’s own app store, where you can download all the apps you need. The Amazon Appstore is actually quite nice for a third-party store. It has most of the popular apps, and the interface is quite nice as well.
However, the fact that installing some Google apps can be a bit frustrating might push some people away. Still, if you’re just buying a tablet for a kid, they won’t notice the difference. Fortunately, you do get access to the Kindle library.
Overall, the Fire HD 8 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a secondary tablet for everyday use. The specs are adequate, but the build quality is excellent, making it an excellent gift for children.
5. Lenovo Tab M8 3rd Gen
Entry-Level Pick
OS: Android 11 | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | Processor: Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T | RAM: 2/3 GB | Storage: 32/64 GB | Cameras: 2MP front, 5MP back
The second-to-last pick for the best 8 inch tablet is the Lenovo Tab M8 (3rd Gen). It is a budget tablet with some pretty attractive features. The design is sleek and modern, with a clean matte finish on the back and glass on the front. Even for a budget tablet, the build and design feel premium.
The tablet has decent specs in addition to its aesthetics. It comes with the octa-core MediaTek MT8768T Helio P22 with 3GB RAM. The 3 GB of RAM is unfortunate, as most modern games and apps now require more memory to function properly.
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Although the Smart Tab M8 has some appealing features, its performance falls short, even for a tablet in its price range. If you’re looking for a device to keep your kids entertained, this could be a good option with plenty of activities.
It can be useful if your primary purpose is to watch YouTube videos and use them as a voice assistant while doing work. Basic tasks such as sending emails and making video calls should be manageable, but they may not be the best choice for more demanding tasks.
The battery performance, on the other hand, is quite admirable. With a 5100 mAh Lithium Polymer battery, the tablet can last for up to 15 hours easily, giving you plenty of juice to binge your favorite shows or movies.
Overall, the Lenovo Tab M8 is an excellent entry-level option for any consumer. It functions great as a secondary entertainment device. Despite its lack of performance, the Tab M8 can help a lot with basic tasks and has a long battery life.
6. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Best for Reading
OS: FireOS | Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | Processors: Arm Cortex-A53 | RAM: 3 GB | Storage: 32/64 GB | Cameras: 2MP front, 5MP back
If you’re looking for a budget tablet specifically for reading and browsing the web, then the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is an excellent choice. With its affordable price tag, this tablet comes packed with features and specs that are perfect for these activities.
The tablet’s solid and durable design makes it a great option for kids or anyone who may be rough with their devices. Although the performance isn’t the best, it does include the Arm Cortex-A53 chip. It is a is capable of handling simple tasks smoothly. It also has 32 or 64 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM. The storage can be expanded with a microSD card if necessary. Furthermore, it boasts great battery life, lasting up to 12 hours. This makes it ideal for prolonged reading or web browsing sessions.
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The FireOS, which comes with the tablet, is specifically designed for reading and browsing, It comes with features such as Amazon’s app store and services. The Amazon Appstore has a large selection of popular apps. It is simple to find what you’re looking for when reading or browsing.
In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is an excellent choice for a low-cost tablet designed specifically for reading and browsing the web. It has great features, a solid and durable design, and a low price. Making it an excellent tool for these activities.
Expert Advice: How to Choose the Best 8 Inch Tablet for Your Needs
With tons of options on the market, choosing a good tablet for you can be overwhelming.
With the right information, you can find a tablet that meets your requirements while remaining within your budget. That’s why our team has made this brief buyer’s guide for you.
This buyer’s guide will go over key factors to consider when selecting an 8 inch tablet, such as storage, performance, display, speakers, and gaming capabilities. By the end of this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision when buying an 8 inch tablet.
Storage
One of the most important things to consider when buying a tablet is its storage capacity. This refers to the amount of storage space available for apps, media files, documents, and other items. If you plan to store a lot of movies, photos, or games, you may need more storage. Look for tablets that have at least 64 GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Performance
The performance of a tablet refers to how well it can handle the tasks you want to do. If you plan to play games, use several apps at once, or run demanding apps, you’ll need a tablet with a fast processor and enough memory. Look for a tablet with a minimum of 3 GB of RAM and a processor that has at least four cores.
Display
The display is one of the most important aspects of a tablet and will have a significant impact on your overall user experience. Look for a tablet with a high-resolution display, ideally with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels or higher. The display should also have good color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles.
Speakers
Good-quality speakers are essential for enjoying multimedia content such as movies, music, and games on your tablet. Look for a tablet with front-facing speakers or those that are located at the side of the device for better sound quality. Additionally, consider the volume and sound quality of the speakers.
Gaming
If you’re a gamer, it’s important to choose a tablet that can handle your favorite games. Look for a
tablet with a fast processor, enough memory, and a high-quality graphics processor. Some tablets also come with game controllers that can make playing games easier and more immersive.
Battery Life
The battery life of a tablet is also an important consideration. Look for a tablet that has a long battery life, ideally one that can last for at least 8 hours on a single charge. This will ensure that you can use your tablet for an extended period without having to charge it.
Is an 8 inch Tablet Enough?
When deciding on the size of a tablet, it’s important to consider your requirements. An 8 inch tablet is a good size for basic tasks like web browsing, reading e-books, and watching videos. It’s compact, making it convenient to carry around and use on the go.
If you need to use your tablet for more demanding tasks like gaming, photo editing, or heavy multitasking, an 8 inch tablet may not be the best choice. In this case, you might want to go with a larger tablet with a larger screen size, such as a 10-inch or 12-inch tablet. Larger tablets provide more robust performance, making them better suited for demanding tasks.
Ultimately, it all depends on your particular requirements, whether you want something for entertainment or work. While an 8 inch tablet may be ideal for some, others may require a larger screen size to meet their requirements. It’s essential to consider your specific requirements and make a decision based on them.
Insider Tips: Essential Information for Buying the Best 8-inch Tablet
While we have already covered the prime aspects of buying the best tablet for yourself, it is also important to be aware of the additional aspects that can impact your decision. These factors can include the tablet’s operating system, App support, etc. To make an informed purchase, it’s crucial to consider both the primary and secondary factors involved in choosing the best 8 inch tablet for your needs.
Operating system
An 8-inch tablet typically runs on a popular operating system, such as Android or iOS, and may also have a third-party operating system tailored specifically for the tablet’s manufacturer, like the FireOS on Amazon tablets.
iOS has the best UI and features and works hand-in-hand with the hardware to give you a smooth experience. The main reason Apple products feel so fast and efficient is because of the OS.
Android, on the other hand, is open source. Many manufacturers, build their own OS on top of Android. Android itself is well-built and offers good performance, though the UI can be a bit complicated at times.
Third-party operating systems like Amazon FireOS, which are generally built on Android, have their own pros and cons. If you use Amazon services on a daily basis, the Fire OS is perfect for you, as it comes with all of them integrated into the device, making it easier to manage.
It’s important to consider the operating system and what you’re familiar with before purchasing a tablet.
App support
When it comes to app support, it’s essential to consider what apps you need for your specific use case. Popular app stores like the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store offer a vast selection of apps, including productivity, gaming, and entertainment apps. Be sure to check that the tablet you’re interested in supports the apps you need.
Designing or drawing
If you’re interested in using your tablet for digital art or graphic design, you may want to consider the quality of the tablet’s screen and the availability of stylus support.
A high-resolution display with accurate colors and good viewing angles is essential, and a stylus can provide more precision when drawing.
Right now, Apple iPads are the best for digital art because of the Apple Pen and the wide range of design apps available. Secondly, iPads have the best screens and color accuracy in the market right now.
Multitasking
If you plan on using your tablet for multitasking, you may want to consider its processor and RAM. A tablet with a fast processor and sufficient RAM will perform better when running multiple apps simultaneously.
A fast-performing table is essential if you want to accelerate your workflow. So, consider checking and researching the specs of the tablet you want.
Storage
The storage capacity of a tablet is another important factor to consider. You’ll need enough storage to store your apps, documents, photos, and other content. Some 8 inch tablets may come with expandable storage options, such as a microSD card slot, allowing you to increase the tablet’s storage capacity if necessary.
Best 8 inch tablets - FAQs
8 inch tablets are quite good for simple tasks like browsing, reading, and pure entertainment, but a larger tablet may be preferable for more demanding tasks..
8 inch tablets are ideal for children because the screen size is large enough for them and they are reasonably priced. The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is an excellent choice for children.
8 inch tablets are ideal for media consumption, reading, or web browsing, whereas 10-inch tablets are better suited for more demanding tasks such as task management
The best 8 inch tablet for artists or designers is undoubtedly the iPad Mini 6 because of the Apple Pencil 2 support and the availability of great apps like Procreate.
