8-inch tablets, while larger than smartphones, fall into the compact tablet category. Their size ensures portability, making them ideal for travel.
An 8-inch tablet allows for diverse activities like gaming, movie watching, web browsing, social media use, reading, and providing entertainment for children. The market for 8-inch tablets has declined with the trend of increasingly larger smartphones, rendering smaller tablets less essential.
For those who prioritize portability without compromising functionality, 8-inch tablets with pen support are the ideal choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the top picks for the best 8-inch tablets, designed to enhance your digital experience.
5 Best 8-Inch Tablets
1. iPad Mini 6
The iPad Mini 6 stands as the best 8-inch tablet, boasting the A15 Bionic chip and an edge-to-edge display. With vibrant colors targeting casual users, it supports Apple Pencil Gen 2, offers a stunning 2266×1488 display, and runs the latest iPadOS for extended support. Ideal for media consumption and note-taking, it ensures on-the-go connectivity with a 9-10 hour screen time.
Featuring a 12 MP front camera for video calls, USB-C port, and 5G capabilities, it lacks an official keyboard but excels with software, performance, and design. Pros include speed, long-term support, and camera quality, while cons involve no Face-ID, a jelly screen, and limited keyboard options.
2. Apple iPad Mini 5
The Apple iPad Mini 5, featuring a 7.9-inch display, stands just on the cusp of the 8-inch category. Despite its slight deviation, we include it for consideration. Released in 2019, this iPad Mini showcases a robust performance with its A12 chipset, offering users the ability to engage in diverse activities, from graphic design to movie downloads and note-taking. The tablet’s durability extends its usage for up to 10 hours on regular use, and its dual cameras, capable of recording 720p videos, add versatility.
Operating on iOS and boasting a hexa-core A12 chipset, the iPad Mini 5 provides outstanding quality and performance. With storage options of 64 GB and 256 GB, it caters to various needs, albeit at a higher price point.
3. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
The Fire HD 8 Plus offers faster charging (3 hours vs. 5 hours), wireless charging, a 5 MP rear camera (compared to 2 MP in Fire HD 8), and an additional gigabyte of RAM (3 GB vs. 2 GB).
However, the overall differences might not justify the extra cost for most users. The tablets are similar in CPU performance, and unless specific features like extra RAM or a slightly better rear camera are essential, the Fire HD 8 is recommended for its cost-effectiveness. The ad-free version of the Fire HD 8 is suggested to save extra dollars.
4. Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4)
The Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4) maintains simplicity without attempting to revolutionize the tablet landscape, which is understandable given its affordable price. Boasting a decent 8-inch 800×1280 LCD display, a 5100 mAh battery with 10W fast charging, and powered by the MediaTek A22 chipset, the tablet falls short in delivering high-end gaming performance.
However, considering its cost (below $100), this compromise may be acceptable. With a focus on affordability and compactness, it serves as a good option for users seeking an economical tablet for entertainment, browsing, and basic connectivity.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4, released in 2020, offers a commendable 1920×1200 resolution screen with a pixel density of 270 ppi, ensuring a quality viewing experience. It excels in displaying 1080p videos, making it an ideal choice for YouTube enthusiasts seeking an affordable tablet.
However, with limited support—only running on Android 11—and no compatibility with newer Android versions, its performance for more advanced tasks is hindered. Despite potential lagginess during heavy operations, the tablet handles light gaming, social media, and web browsing well. The 5-megapixel cameras contribute to decent video call quality.
While the tablet has become unsupported, its budget-friendly nature, 8.4-inch size, and satisfactory build make it a viable option for users unperturbed by the lack of updates.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 8-inch tablet with pen support depends on your specific needs and preferences. Elevate your digital creativity and productivity with these top picks in the 8-inch tablet category.