The 8-inch tablet form factor is the ideal compromise between portability and functionality. These devices are small enough to carry around easily, yet big enough to provide a great viewing experience for streaming, browsing, and even light productivity tasks. If you’re in the market for a new 8-inch tablet, here are some of the best options to consider in 2024.
Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen)
Key Features
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- Processor: A15 Bionic chip
- Storage: Available in 64GB or 256GB
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera, 12 MP front camera with Center Stage
- Battery Life: Ten hours or more of web browsing or video watching
- Operating System: iPadOS
Why it’s great
The iPad Mini remains one of the top choices for those seeking a compact, powerful tablet. The 6th-generation model offers a bright, vibrant display with true-to-life colors, making it perfect for reading, gaming, and streaming. The A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks, while the Center Stage feature makes video calls a breeze.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Key Features
- Display: 8.0-inch TFT display
- Processor: Unisoc T618 octa-core processor
- Storage: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB options (expandable with microSD)
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
- Battery Life: 13 hours of video playback
- Operating System: Android 11
Why it’s great
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers solid performance for its price point, making it an excellent budget option. While it doesn’t have the same power as some premium models, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, reading, and media consumption. The 8-inch screen is a great size for portability, and the battery life is impressive.
Lenovo Tab M8 (2nd Gen)
Key Features
- Display: 8-inch HD display
- Processor: MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor
- Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front camera
- Battery Life: Video playback for no less than 18 hours
- Operating System: Android 10
Why it’s great
Lenovo’s Tab M8 is a strong contender in the budget tablet space. It offers decent performance for everyday activities like reading, browsing the web, and watching movies. The battery life is fantastic, and the 8-inch HD display, while not as sharp as more expensive tablets, provides a satisfying viewing experience. This tablet is ideal for those looking for a no-frills device at an affordable price.
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024)
Key Features
- Display: 8-inch HD display
- Processor: Quad-core processor
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (expandable with microSD)
- Camera: 2 MP front and rear cameras
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours of mixed-use
- Operating System: Fire OS (Amazon’s customized version of Android)
Why it’s great
The Amazon Fire HD 8 continues to be one of the best budget tablets available. It’s great for media consumption, offering easy access to Amazon’s vast library of movies, TV shows, and e-books. The tablet is also ideal for reading and browsing, and its affordability makes it a fantastic choice for kids or casual users. The Fire HD 8 also comes with Alexa built-in, offering smart home functionality and voice assistance.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Key Features
- Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen (slightly larger than 8 inches but still compact)
- Processor: Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3
- Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB SSD
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Operating System: Windows 11
Why it’s great
Though a little larger than the typical 8-inch tablet, the Surface Go 3 is still highly portable. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a tablet that can function as a mini laptop. With its Windows operating system and full desktop functionality, it’s perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who needs to run full desktop applications on the go. The high-quality display and long battery life also make it ideal for media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro
Key Features
- Display: 8-inch TFT display
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB (expandable)
- Camera: 13 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
- Battery Life: 15 hours of use
- Operating System: Android 12
Why it’s great
For those who need a rugged, durable tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is a fantastic option. Designed for tough environments, this tablet is water-resistant, drop-resistant, and built to withstand extreme temperatures. It’s a great choice for those who work in construction, fieldwork, or outdoor environments. Despite its durability, it still offers high-end performance for everyday tasks.
Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite
Key Features
- Display: 8.0-inch Full HD display
- Processor: Kirin 659 octa-core processor
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB (expandable with microSD)
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
- Battery Life: Video playback for up to 12 hours
- Operating System: EMUI 8.0 (based on Android)
Why it’s great
The Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite provides a solid combination of performance and display quality. The 8-inch Full HD screen is great for media and gaming, while the 4GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking. The tablet also has good battery life and supports a stylus, making it a great choice for note-taking or drawing.
Nokia T20
Key Features
- Display: 8-inch 2K display
- Processor: Unisoc T610
- Storage: 32GB (expandable with microSD)
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Operating System: Android 11
Why it’s great
Nokia’s T20 offers a premium build and performance at an affordable price. With its sharp 2K display, the tablet is great for streaming, reading, and casual gaming. The device also runs on a clean version of Android, ensuring a smooth user experience. Its large battery provides a great lifespan for long usage periods, making it an excellent tablet for day-to-day use.
Quick Comparison of the Best 8-Inch Tablets
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the top 8-inch tablets in 2024, including key specifications and their price ranges. This table highlights the features that matter most and can assist in selecting the best tablet for your needs.
| Tablet | Display | Processor | Price Range |
| Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen) | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina | A15 Bionic Chip | $499 – $649 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | 8.0-inch TFT | Unisoc T618 | $169 – $219 |
| Lenovo Tab M8 (2nd Gen) | 8-inch HD | MediaTek Helio A22 | $119 – $169 |
| Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) | 8-inch HD | Quad-core processor | $89 – $129 |
| Microsoft Surface Go 3 | 10.5-inch PixelSense | Intel Pentium Gold / Core i3 | $399 – $629 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro | 8-inch TFT | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G | $649 – $729 |
| Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite | 8.0-inch Full HD | Kirin 659 | $199 – $279 |
| Nokia T20 | 8-inch 2K | Unisoc T610 | $179 – $239 |
Key Considerations When Choosing the Best 8-Inch Tablet
When choosing an 8-inch tablet, it’s critical to take your demands and tastes into account. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best device for your lifestyle:
- Performance: Ensure the tablet has a capable processor for smooth multitasking, app performance, and gaming. Look for models with powerful chips like the A15 Bionic (iPad Mini) or Qualcomm Snapdragon (Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro) for optimal performance.
- Display Quality: The quality of the screen matters, especially if you plan on using the tablet for media consumption or work. High-resolution displays such as Liquid Retina (iPad Mini) or Full HD (Lenovo Tab M8) provide crisp, clear visuals.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life is essential for portability and convenience. To make sure you can use tablets all day without constantly recharging them, look for ones with a battery life of at least 8 to 10 hours.
- Durability: If you need a tablet for outdoor work or travel, consider a rugged model with durability features like water resistance, shockproof design, and military-grade certifications. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is a great choice for this.
- Storage Capacity: Depending on your usage, choose a tablet with adequate storage. Think about models with extendable storage options or 64GB or more of internal storage if you intend to save a lot of movies or documents.
- Price: Establish your spending limit and look for a tablet that meets your requirements without going over it. Tablets range from budget-friendly options like the Amazon Fire HD 8 to premium choices like the iPad Mini, so there’s a tablet for every price range.
How to Get the Most Out of Your 8-Inch Tablet
Once you’ve chosen the best 8-inch tablet for your needs, it’s important to maximize its potential. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your device:
- Customize Your Settings: Tailor your tablet’s settings to suit your preferences. Adjust display brightness, set up notifications, and enable features like dark mode or split-screen for multitasking to enhance your user experience.
- Use a Keyboard or Stylus: For increased productivity, consider pairing your tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard or stylus. A keyboard is perfect for typing documents and emails, while a stylus can help with note-taking or graphic design.
- Download the Right Apps: Make sure to install apps that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s for work, media, gaming, or fitness. Popular apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Netflix will allow you to fully utilize the tablet for various tasks.
- Keep Your Tablet Secure: Protect your device with a passcode or biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID or fingerprint). Also, regularly back up your data and enable security software to keep your tablet safe from malware and theft.
- Optimize Battery Life: To extend the life of your tablet’s battery, control app usage, close background programs that aren’t being utilized, and turn off functions like Bluetooth and location services when not in use.
- Explore Accessories: Accessories like protective cases, screen protectors, and portable chargers can add convenience and longevity to your tablet. A good case can also provide additional protection from drops and scratches.
Final Thoughts
Your particular requirements will determine which 8-inch tablet is ideal for you. If you prioritize performance and a top-tier display, the iPad Mini is hard to beat with its powerful A15 Bionic chip and vibrant Liquid Retina display. The Lenovo Tab M8 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 provide excellent value and strong performance for people on a tight budget without going over budget. If you need a durable device for work or outdoor activities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is an excellent rugged option, designed to withstand tough environments. No matter your preference, an 8-inch tablet is a fantastic companion in 2024 for both work and play.
Key Takeaways:
- For premium performance and display quality: The iPad Mini (6th Gen) is ideal, offering a fast A15 Bionic chip and a stunning Liquid Retina display that ensures top-tier performance and an immersive viewing experience.
- For budget-friendly options: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Lenovo Tab M8 provide excellent value for the price, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks like browsing and media consumption without straining your budget.
- For durability in tough environments: The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is built for rugged conditions, making it the best choice for outdoor work or environments that demand a durable, water-resistant, and drop-resistant device.
- For versatility and portability: For things like video streaming, light productivity, and browsing, 8-inch tablets are the ideal size for on-the-go use since they strike a wonderful mix between portability and performance.
FAQs
What are the advantages of an 8-inch tablet over larger tablets?
An 8-inch tablet strikes a perfect balance between portability and screen size. It’s small enough to carry around easily, fitting into bags or even large pockets, yet still provides enough screen real estate for comfortable browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks.
Are 8-inch tablets good for gaming?
Yes, many 8-inch tablets offer good performance for casual gaming, especially models like the iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab A8, which feature powerful processors and vibrant displays. However, for more graphically demanding games, a larger tablet or a gaming-specific device may be more suitable.
Which 8-inch tablet has the best display?
The iPad Mini (6th Gen) stands out for its high-quality display. Its Liquid Retina display, which offers wide color support and True Tone, produces crisp pictures and brilliant colors for a remarkable viewing experience.
Can 8-inch tablets handle work-related tasks like email and document editing?
Yes, many 8-inch tablets, especially the iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro, are capable of handling work-related tasks like emailing, editing documents, and using productivity apps. With additional accessories like a keyboard, these tablets can serve as lightweight alternatives to laptops.
Are 8-inch tablets good for outdoor use or work in harsh conditions?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is designed for rugged use and is ideal for outdoor work. It offers water resistance, shockproof durability, and military-grade certification, making it a great choice for professionals who need a durable device in tough environments.