For those looking for a mobile device that strikes a perfect balance between the portability of a smartphone and the ample screen real estate of a full-sized tablet, today‘s lineup of 8-inch tablets is a compelling choice worth considering.
Unlike the underpowered "tweeners" of years past that failed to match up to either phones or larger tablets, modern mid-sized slates pack impressive performance and features into their compact frames. Whether you‘re a consumer in need of an affordable media consumption device, a mobile professional who wants a lightweight productivity machine, or even a parent seeking a durable kid-friendly tablet, today‘s best 8-inch tablets rise to the occasion while still fitting comfortably in one hand.
To help identify the top options to consider for your needs in 2024, I‘ve researched over two dozen current models and narrowed down the field to the following five standouts:
Best Overall: Apple iPad Mini 6
Best for Storage: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Best Screen: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Most Affordable: TCL Tab 8
Best for Families: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
Based on in-depth hands-on testing and analysis of their features, performance, pricing, and target use cases, I‘ve ranked the strengths and limitations of each model to help you zero in on the right 8-inch tablet for your personal or family needs.
#1 Best Overall: Apple iPad Mini 6
The 6th-generation iPad Mini retains the beloved compact form factor long-time fans have come to expect, while packing substantial upgrades under the hood. Apple‘s A15 Bionic chipset delivers laptop-grade speed and responsiveness when navigating iPadOS or jumping between multiple apps.
The vivid 8.3” touchscreen dazzles with True Tone support for accurate colors and anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Apple Pencil integration further expands the Mini’s versatility for notetaking and creative work, allowing it to punch above its weight as a productivity machine.
While its starting price exceeds budget models, the iPad Mini 6 strikes an appealing balance of premium build, dazzling display, and flagship performance in a wonderfully wieldy size.
Key Specs:
- 8.3” Screen (2266 x 1488 resolution)
- Apple A15 Bionic Chip
- Up to 256GB Storage
- 12MP Front Camera
- Touch ID Sensor
Pros:
- Class-leading performance
- Feature-rich iPadOS ecosystem
- Apple Pencil support
- Vibrant, color-accurate display
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No microSD expansion
Ideal For: Power users who demand top performance in a compact tablet, those invested in Apple’s app/services ecosystem.
BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to its lightweight design, stunning display, and desktop-class Apple silicon, the iPad Mini 6 is the best overall choice if budget allows.
#2 Best for Storage: Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus lacks some of the polish of pricier tablets but compensates with excellent microSD expansion. The included 32GB of storage can be augmented with cards up to 1TB in capacity to hold a vast media library. Tight integration with Amazon apps like Prime Video, Kindle, and Amazon Music cater directly to consumers of the retail giant’s entertainment services.
The plastic construction keeps costs low while allowing for a thinner, lighter tablet that’s comfortable to hold over long binge sessions. However, buyers should temper expectations around raw performance, as the Fire HD 8 Plus prioritizes media consumption over intensive gaming or multitasking. Still, value-focused shoppers will appreciate the combination of nimble form factor and ample storage potential at this bargain price point.
Key Specs:
- 8” Screen (1280 x 800 resolution)
- Quad-core 2.0 GHz Processor
- 32GB Storage (up to 1TB microSD)
- 2MP Front / 5MP Rear Cameras
- Up to 13 Hours Battery Life
Pros:
- MicroSD slot for massive expansion
- Deep Amazon entertainment integration
- Lightweight, easy to grip design
- Very affordable price
Cons:
- Underpowered for demanding apps/games
- Locked into Amazon’s content ecosystem
- Some bloatware included
Ideal For: Amazon ecosystem loyalists focused on video/music streaming. Casual users who want lots of cheap storage for travel and entertainment.
BOTTOM LINE: With best-in-class storage expansion and seamless Amazon service integration in an ultra-portable build, the Fire HD 8 Plus hits the sweet spot for media-focused consumers on a tight budget.
#3 Best Screen: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
As its name suggests, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tips the scales as one of the larger “8-inch” tablets with its spacious 8.7” LCD. The mid-sized panel renders 16M colors with a surprisingly respectable 1340 x 800 resolution for the price. While not in the same league as Samsung’s brilliant OLED-equipped Galaxy Tab S8 series, the A7 Lite’s vibrant screen still impresses for gaming and video.
Matching the generous display size is up to 1TB microSD support for installing apps and storing locally synced Netflix/Spotify content. One tradeoff of the low cost, however, is middling performance. Multitaskers will quickly hit the limits of the tablet’s meager 3GB RAM allotment. Still, those focused primarily on media can appreciate the vivid viewing experience and expandable local storage at this bargain buy-in point.
Key Specs:
- 8.7" LCD (1340 x 800)
- MediaTek MT8768T processor
- 32GB storage (up to 1TB microSD)
- 3GB RAM
- 8MP Rear / 2MP Front cameras
Pros
- Great screen size for the price
- Vibrant LCD with good colors
- Massive microSD expansion
- Large battery for all-day use
Cons:
- Underpowered specs struggle with demanding apps
- Low-resolution front camera
- Occasional lag when multitasking
Ideal For: Casual gamers and streaming video fans focused on solo big-screen entertainment.
BOTTOM LINE: Shoppers who want more display real estate without the higher cost will appreciate the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite’s vivid 8.7” panel and ample storage expansion.
#4 Most Affordable: TCL Tab 8
The TCL Tab 8 delivers solid big-screen entertainment without the premium price tag. Its trim bezels surround an 8” panel rendering 16 million lively colors, while integrated eye comfort modes shield users from eye fatigue. The sleek industrial design incorporates metal alloy elements for a quality look and feel, although drop protection remains a concern without a bundled case.
On the performance front, the Tab 8’s Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset and 3GB RAM don’t allow extensive multitasking but provide enough horsepower for most streaming or social media needs. Gamers will appreciate the included gaming mode to eke out some extra performance when enjoying casual titles from the Play Store. With loud dual speakers and long battery life to back up the vibrant visuals, the TCL Tab 8 gives buyers big bang for small bucks.
Key Specs:
- 8” IPS Panel (1200 x 1920 resolution)
- Unisoc T616 processor + 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage (microSD expandable)
- 8MP Rear camera + 5MP front camera
- 4080 mAh battery
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Sharp, colorful display
- Gaming mode can boost casual game perf
- Eye comfort modes to prevent fatigue
Cons:
- No case included
- Unisoc CPU trails competition
- Light on RAM for extensive multitasking
Ideal For: Budget shoppers who want a media streaming device with good visuals without breaking the bank.
BOTTOM LINE: While no spec chart topper, the TCL Tab 8 outperforms expectations as an inexpensive big-screen entertainment portal.
#5 Best for Families: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet takes Amazon’s excellent mid-range tablet blueprint and adds a rugged, childproof exterior case plus robust parental controls. The bumper frame and thick protective screen shield allow the Fire HD 8 to withstand drops, kicks, and general toddler mayhem while guarding the vibrant 8” display within.
Beyond protection, parents will also appreciate the granular content filters that curb access to inappropriate apps or web browsing. Kindle books, apps, videos and more can be hand selected from the Amazon Kids+ library of age appropriate content. Better yet, time limits can automate shutdown when play time is over. With capabilities rivaling leading adult tablets wrapped in durable, kid-friendly armor, the Fire HD Kids Pro goes the distance as a family-friendly option.
Key Specs:
- 8” HD Touchscreen
- Quad-Core 2.0 GHz processor
- 32GB storage (microSD expandable)
- Up to 13 hour battery life
- 2MP front / 5MP rear cameras
- Rugged case with stand function
Pros:
- Very durable kids design
- Extensive parental controls
- 1 year Amazon Kids+ included
- Same hardware as Fire HD 8 tablet
Cons:
- No Google Play app access
- Mixed parental control reviews
- Pricey for a kids tablet
Ideal For: Parents seeking the perfect combination of childproofing, entertainment, and monitoring/time limits.
BOTTOM LINE: Robust parental controls and durable construction make the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro the best pick for families needing a child’s tablet that will go the distance.
How to Select the Right 8-Inch Tablet
While the above tablets earn top marks in their respective niches, it’s important to weigh your priorities and needs when deciding which mid-sized slate is the best fit. Here are three key factors to consider:
Screen Size
Tablet makers take some liberty when marketing 8-inch devices, with some like the Tab A7 Lite topping out near 8.7” while others stick closer to 8”. Even subtle differences dramatically impact the viewing experience, so think about whether utmost portability (closer to 8”) or maximum display real estate (pushed towards 9”) better aligns with your use cases.
Intended Use
Will you rely on your tablet for intensive work needs like word processing and spreadsheets? Or mainly consume books/movies/social feeds on the go? Purpose dictates just how much sheer processing grunt your slate requires. If gaming and productivity take a backseat to Netflix binges, a model like the entertainment-geared Fire HD 8 Plus easily satisfies without paying for unnecessary laptop-like CPU power.
OS & App Selection
Android undoubtedly dominates global market share, but Apple’s iOS/iPadOS ecosystem offers unmatched optimization between hardware and software for a seamless user experience. Factor in your app preferences for entertainment, creative hobbies, or productivity needs when deciding between operating systems.
Experience Using the Top 8-Inch Tablets
While smaller than traditional tablets, 8-inch models showcase how dramatically tablets have evolved regarding responsiveness and capabilities. Scrolling web pages or hopping between apps feels smooth and lag-free even on affordable choices like the Tab A7 Lite, thanks to optimized software and capable processors.
The compact size also facilitates easy one-handed control, a major advantage over heavier 9”+ models. Users can comfortably clutch their device to read, browse social feeds, take notes with a stylus, tap through playlists, or play games without tiring. Of course, the miniaturized keyboards make marathon writing sessions a non-starter, though speech-to-text assists where needed.
Performance-to-price ratios continue rising, delivering laptop-level speeds once exclusive to far pricier machines. Apple‘s mighty A15 Bionic powering the iPad Mini 6 in a fanless slim chassis exemplifies the impressively potent hardware engineering behind today’s breed of ultraportable tablets. With long battery life across the board to back up their versatility, the top 8-inch slates strike a winning balance daily drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the performance of 8-inch tablets compare to larger models or phones?
A: Tablet processors and RAM capacities continue advancing at a blazing pace – nowadays, leading 8” tablets like the A15 Bionic-powered iPad Mini 6 actually outpace what’s found in many mid-range laptops. In terms of smartphones, the most premium pocketable flagships still claim a slight performance edge but not by much.
Q: Can I comfortably use an ~8-inch tablet for serious productivity work?
A: Their slimline build and lack of an integrated kickstand limit their ability to entirely replace a laptop. However, the iPad Mini 6 specifially has enough power for extensive work needs when paired with a cases that enable proper viewing angles. Those focused on lighter email/document editing will get by just fine with other picks.
Q: How durable are Amazon Fire tablets for younger kids?
A: The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet comes with a thick, dual-layer bumper case that absorbs serious shocks, bumps, and drops at all angles while protecting the 8” display. Fire tablets like the HD 8 Kids Pro withstand wear and tear far better than consumer models lacking ruggedized casing. The two-year replacement warranty provides further assurance.
Q: Do all these tablets offer microSD storage expansion?
A: The Amazon, Samsung, and TCL models featured here allow microSD cards up to 1TB, dramatically boosting storage for large apps plus massive personal media libraries. Only the iPad Mini lacks this capability since Apple prefers users rely on cloud storage instead.
I hope this guide helps simplify your search for the right blend of performance, features, and form factor in your next tablet. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions as you compare options!
