Small but powerful, 8-inch tablets strike an ideal balance between the portability of smartphones and the functionality of full-sized tablets. With slim, lightweight designs and screens perfect for web browsing, ebooks, videos and more, they have become a popular choice for everyone from students to travelers.
In 2023, 8-inch tablets continue to get faster, sleeker and pack even bigger batteries into their compact frames. Whether you need a device for media, gaming, work or just staying connected on the go, there are excellent options across a range of budgets.
We‘ve researched all the latest releases to pick out the top 8-inch tablets that deliver strong performance, long battery life and great usability:
Best Overall: Apple iPad Mini 6
With Apple‘s trademark sleek design and the powerful A15 Bionic chip also found in the iPhone 14 series, the iPad Mini 6 packs incredible performance into its thin 7.9-inch footprint. The sharp Liquid Retina display features True Tone and P3 wide color for stunning image quality indoors and out. iPadOS 16 brings desktop-class capabilities like Stage Manager multitasking to make the most of the fast M1 processor.
The iPad Mini 6 works seamlessly with accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 and Smart Keyboard for creative work and productivity. Up to 10 hours of battery life plus WiFi 6 and 5G keep you powered through the day. Simply put, it‘s the best overall user experience you‘ll find in a mini tablet today.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 7.9 inches
- Display: Liquid Retina (2266×1488), True Tone, P3 Wide Color
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- RAM/Storage: Up to 8GB RAM, up to 256GB storage
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hrs
- Ports: USB-C
- Accessories: Apple Pencil 2, Smart Keyboard
Ideal For: Creative professionals, productivity users, media consumption
Best Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab A8 beats out the Android tablet competition with smooth everyday performance, a great screen and excellent battery stamina. The 10.5-inch LCD display looks sharp, while the stereo speakers fill any room with immersive sound. Powered by a capable 6nm octa-core chipset and 4GB RAM, the A8 handles gaming, multitasking and more without hiccups.
One UI‘s intuitive interface makes getting work done easy, especially with the S Pen for precise inputs (sold separately). Video calls come through clearly on the sharp 5MP front camera. At over 13 hours per charge, the huge 7,040mAh battery ensures you keep moving without worrying about plugging in.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 10.5 inches
- Display: 1200 x 1920 LCD
- Processor: 6nm octa-core @2GHz
- RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB, up to 1TB microSD
- Battery Life: 13+ hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone
- Accessories: S Pen (sold separately)
Ideal For: Everyday home use, students, entertainment
Best Battery Life: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Amazon‘s Fire tablets are known for their exceptional battery life at affordable prices, and the Fire HD 8 Plus continues that trend. With Amazon‘s Fire OS based on Android 11 underneath a sleek 8-inch HD display, you get seamless access to Amazon Prime content and Alexa voice integration. The 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 3GB RAM keep apps like Prime Video, Kindle and more running smoothly for hours on end.
Support for fast charging over USB-C helps offset the need, but even heavy use can easily cross 13 hours on a single charge. There‘s 32GB built-in storage plus room for up to 1TB more via microSD card. It‘s also the first Fire tablet with wireless charging support. For staying powered all day without spending a fortune, the Fire HD 8 Plus is unmatched.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 8 inches 1200×800 HD display
- Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core
- RAM/Storage: 3GB/32GB, up to 1TB microSD
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hrs
- Ports: USB-C, aux jack, microSD slot
- Wireless charging support
Ideal For: Prime content viewers, casual users, kids
Best for Portability: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
Rugged tablets bring durability and reliability to challenging working conditions. Samsung‘s Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is a compact rugged slate that withstands harsh treatment while packing impressive specs. The 8-inch LCD screen features gloved multi-touch support and visibility in direct sunlight, while military-grade durability testing ensures it keeps ticking through dust, shock and extreme temperatures.
With an octa-core chipset, 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, it delivers smooth performance for field work. The huge removable battery runs for over 14 hours per charge. There‘s also a 13MP rear camera, fingerprint reader, face recognition and Samsung DeX support. For portable computing that goes anywhere and keeps up with the workload, the Tab Active4 Pro is a formidable choice.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 8 inches 1200×1920 LCD
- Durability: MIL-STD-810H compliant
- Processor: Octa-core 2.2GHz
- RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
- Battery Life: Over 14 hours
- Ports: USB-C, POGO pin charging
- Accessories: S Pen, carrying cases
Ideal For: Field service, industrial, military, manufacturing
Best Budget Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 8
Amazon‘s Fire tablet line strikes an outstanding balance between price and performance. For basic tasks like web browsing, streaming shows, ebooks and more, the affordable Fire HD 8 handles it all. The 8-inch HD touchscreen is bright and vivid, while dual stereo speakers fill compact spaces with decent audio.
A 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM keep Fire OS moving smoothly between apps. There‘s 32 or 64GB onboard storage augmented by up to 1TB extra via microSD card. Like all Fires, the HD 8 offers seamless access to Amazon‘s content ecosystem. Support for USB-C quick charging helps offset the middling battery life. For the price, it‘s an unmatched value.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 8 inches 1200×800 HD
- Processor: 2.0GHz quad-core
- RAM/Storage: 2GB/32GB or 64GB
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hrs
- Ports: USB-C, aux jack, microSD slot
- Accessories: Cases, stands
Ideal For: Basic users, kids device, Prime content viewers
Best for Gaming: Nvidia Shield Tablet K1
Mobile gamers know Nvidia‘s gaming-first Shield tablets offer some of the best Android gaming experiences around. Although several years old, the Shield Tablet K1 still outpaces newer slates thanks to its powerful Tegra K1 processor and 2GB RAM actively cooled by a fan system rare in tablets. The 8-inch 1080p screen keeps up with fast-paced games, while dual front-facing speakers create engrossing game audio.
With ample room for saved games via microSD slot, over 10 hours of battery for extended play sessions, plus access to Nvidia gaming ecosystem features like GameStream, the Shield Tablet K1 remains a top pick for Android gamers today in 2023. Its gamer-centric design still outclasses newer attempts.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 8 inches 1920×1200 IPS
- Processor: Nvidia Tegra K1 2.2GHz + fan cooling
- RAM/Storage: 2GB/16GB + microSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours gaming
- Ports: mini-HDMI, Micro-USB 2.0, 3.5mm stereo jack
- Accessories: Shield controller (sold separately)
Ideal For: Mobile gamers, Nvidia ecosystem users
Best Value Tablet: Amazon Fire 7
If rock-bottom pricing is the main concern, it‘s impossible to beat Amazon‘s Fire 7 tablet. Sure, the modest 1GB RAM and low-power quad-core processor manage only basic tasks. But for casual media usage, web browsing, ebook reading and even some light games, the Fire 7 gets it done. The 7-inch touchscreen looks decent, while Fire OS offers deep Alexa and Amazon services integration.
On-device storage is limited at just 16 or 32GB, but room for up to 512GB more via microSD card helps. Battery life is rated at up to 7 hours. While no powerhouse, the durable design and wallet-friendly price make the Amazon Fire 7 the top value tablet out there. Pick up a case and it‘s ready for kids too.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 7 inches 1024×600
- Processor: Quad-core 1.3GHz
- RAM/Storage: 1GB/16GB or 32GB + microSD
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
- Ports: USB 2.0, aux jack, microSD slot
- Accessories: Cases, stands
Ideal For: Basic users, kids device
With so many capable 8-inch tablets now available, it‘s important to weigh a few key factors when choosing the right one to suit your needs and budget:
Operating System
The first big decision is which platform you want – Apple‘s iPadOS found on the iPad Mini, Amazon‘s Fire OS on Fire tablets, or Google‘s Android OS running on most others.
iPadOS offers incredible performance and App Store access, but at higher costs. Fire OS deeply integrates Amazon ecosystem features, though app selection is more limited. Tablets running plain Android offer flexibility and customization for experienced users.
Screen Size
Eight-inch screens dominate the "small tablet" segment today, hitting the sweet spot between true portability and functionality. Seven-inch options like the Fire 7 save money but feel more cramped, while larger 10-inch+ models encroach on laptop territory. Consider how much viewing area you need.
Performance & Features
Look at processor, RAM, benchmark results and hardware capabilities offered when gauging real-world speed and multitasking limits. Things like display resolution/quality, storage space, battery capacity, camera specs, accessories support and durability claims also impact the experience. Match features to actual needs.
Use Cases
Figure out your main tablet applications – school notes, creative apps, office work, industrial usage, mobile gaming? Different tablets excel across categories, with selections tailored towards entertainment, education, artists, business users and more. Setting clear use expectations helps choose the best device.
Accessories & Ecosystem
Will you want to use an active stylus for notes or drawing? A case for protection? A keyboard for productivity? Things like Apple Pencil, laptop-style keyboard cases and game controllers greatly enhance tablet capabilities if supported. Also consider wider ecosystem benefits like Apple‘s Continuity or Amazon Prime content perks.
Can an 8-inch tablet replace a laptop or PC?
- For lighter computing it can. iPadOS brings trackpad support plus features like Sidecar to extend screens. Android tablets utilize Samsung DeX desktop-style interfaces. But for intensive applications, a PC or Mac is still best.
How much tablet performance do I really need?
- Everyday media usage doesn‘t require cutting-edge speed. Shop based on intended use cases. Entry-level chips and 2GB RAM work for basic needs, while creatives need powerhouses like the iPad Mini 6.
What accessories are recommended?
- Keyboard cases add laptop-style functionality for writing and controls. Active pens like the Apple Pencil transform tablets into digital notepads. Rugged cases add protection, while USB hubs or wireless mice/keyboards enable desktop setups.
Should I worry about mobile malware or viruses?
- Not as much. Apple vets all apps, while Google also scans the Play store. Avoid sideloading random apps, keep system updates current, use reputable anti-malware apps, and exercise caution on unsecured networks.
How long will a tablet last before needing an upgrade?
- Hardware lifespan varies, but expect 3-5 years from a mid-tier model with average use before feeling sluggish. High-end options like iPad Pro lasts even longer thanks to cutting-edge components and ongoing software updates.
In 2023, buying the right 8-inch tablet is easier than ever thanks to an abundance of excellent options catering to all types of personal and professional needs. Weigh your intended uses, must-have features and budget to narrow down top contenders.
Power users should grab the awesome iPad Mini 6 for unmatched Apple ecosystem integration and raw performance. Shoppers wanting flexibility at a lower cost can find fantastic Android tablets like the Galaxy Tab A8 with One UI‘s intuitive features. And extreme battery life for less is the driving force behind Amazon‘s affordable Fire HD 8 Plus.
No matter if your priority is getting creative work done on the go, marathon media viewing, intensive 3D gaming or just basic web browsing at bedtime, today‘s 8-inch tablets rise to the challenge while slipping easily into bags, cases and hands thanks to their slimline yet mighty designs.
