In a world where smartphones are getting bigger and laptops are getting lighter, the 8-inch tablet seems to be the perfect in-between device.
It’s compact and portable, making it easy to take on the go, yet it still offers a large enough screen to comfortably browse the web, watch videos, read e-books, or play games.
Also Read: Best Gaming Tablets for Any Budget
Whether you’re looking for a device to stay connected on the go or a portable entertainment center, an 8-inch tablet might just be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s jump into the best 8-inch tablets!
Discover the Best 8-Inch Tablets
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 Enterprise Edition
Best 8-inch tablet
- CPU: Exynos 9810 (8-core 2.7GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Operating System: Android 10, upgradable to Android 12
- Battery Capacity: 5050mAh
Whether you work outside and need a rugged workhorse tablet meant to withstand the elements, or you just want a top-notch tablet that’s jam-packed with features, you’ll definitely want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 Enterprise Edition.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 Enterprise Edition comes with plenty of power under the hood – an 8-core 2.7GHz Exynos 9810 CPU and 4GB of RAM give it plenty of horsepower for any task. But what really makes this tablet stand out is its enterprise features, starting with the battery.
This tablet features a user-replaceable battery, allowing you to easily swap the battery. It also runs in “No Battery Mode”, allowing you to use the tablet strictly from a wired power source, making it great for use in vehicles or as a kiosk tablet.
The Galaxy Tab Active3 also features a wireless DeX mode, effectively making the tablet an ad hoc laptop with the addition of a screen and computer peripherals. And with its MIL STD 810H and IP68 ratings, it’s durable and guaranteed to stand up to the toughest conditions, making this a great tablet for work and long-term use.
2. Apple 2021 iPad Mini
Best 8-inch Apple tablet
- CPU: Apple A15 Bionic (6-core, 2.93GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Operating System: iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 16.1
- Battery Capacity: 19.3Wh
Being one of the most prominent and premium brands in the consumer technology space, it’s no surprise that Apple takes a spot at the top of the list with its 2021 iPad Mini.
The 2021 Apple iPad Mini is a highly capable tablet offering a range of features for both personal and professional use. Under the hood is the A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine and 4GB of RAM, which provides fast and efficient performance that can easily handle demanding tasks. And its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display provides clear and crisp visuals with accurate colors, thanks to its True Tone and wide color technologies.
The iPad Mini also features landscape stereo speakers that deliver rich and immersive audio, while its Wi-Fi 6 compatibility makes it snappy and suitable for streaming. And it’s available in a range of colors, including purple, starlight, pink, and space gray, allowing you to choose a color that suits your style.
3. Vanquisher SV-86H
Best 8-inch Windows tablet
- CPU: Intel Atom X5 Z8350 (4-core 1.92GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
- Battery Capacity: 7800mAh
Microsoft’s foray into the mobile space has been largely overshadowed by Android and IOS’s dominance in the market. But when you need to use Windows and don’t want to haul around a bulky laptop, a Windows tablet is a good option. And if you’re looking for a great 8-inch Windows tablet, you won’t find much better than the Vanquisher SV-86H.
Running on Windows 10 Pro (64-bit), the Vanquisher SV-86H comes with an Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU and 4GB of RAM, providing just enough power for a snappy and responsive experience in everyday tasks like video streaming and web browsing.
It’s also extremely durable, meeting the MIL-STD810G standard for vibration, shock, and drops, as well as liquid resistance with an IP67 rating. It also has great battery life, thanks to its 7800mAh battery, making it a good choice whether you’re constantly on the go.
Aside from the familiar Windows environment, it also comes with connectivity options not seen on most other 8-inch tablets, including HDMI 1.4a Type C, full-size USB 3.0, a 5V 3A DC jack, and 12-pin POGO pin for use with a POGO dock. All of this together makes for an excellent tablet and an ideal choice if you’re married to the Windows ecosystem.
4. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
Best budget 8-inch tablet
- CPU: Mediatek MT8169A (6-core 2.0GHz)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Operating System: Android 11, Fire OS 8
- Battery Capacity: 4850mAh
Since Amazon entered the tablet market, they’ve become a mainstay in many homes, effectively balancing a low price with decent performance. And the latest Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is no exception.
An upgrade to the Fire HD 8, the Fire HD 8 Plus features an enhanced hexa-core processor and 3GB of RAM, providing up to 30% more performance over the nonplus model. It also comes with additional features, including much-needed built-in wireless charging, a 9W power adapter, and an impressive 13-hour battery, making it a great tablet for all-day use while on the go.
For storage, it comes in 32GB or 64GB options, with a microSD card reader that can accept cards up to 1TB, allowing for more than enough storage. It’s also a great family-friendly option, thanks to its compatibility with Amazon’s Kids+ subscription software, which allows you to lock down the tablet for your children.
The Fire HD 8 Plus also comes with Show Mode compatibility, effectively doubling the functionality of the tablet to function as an Echo Show when you’re not using it. At its economical price, it offers decent performance and a plethora of great features, making this a great choice if you want a quality tablet at an affordable price.
5. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Honorable Mention #1
- CPU: Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T (6-Core 2.3GHz)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Operating System: Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
- Battery Capacity: 5100mAh
If you want a top-quality budget tablet, but you don’t want to restrict yourself to Amazon’s ecosystem (which doesn’t come with the Google Play Store), then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a great alternative.
The performance of the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is fast, thanks to the hexa-core Mediatek MT8768T Helio P22T CPU and 3GB of RAM it comes with. This lightweight device is easy to carry around, while its sleek metal body that not only looks great, but adds extra durability to handle everyday wear and tear. And its long-lasting battery and fast charging allows you to top it up quickly while on the go and ensures that you won’t have to worry about running out of juice during long binges.
While the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite may not be the best tablet on the market, it is an affordable option that offers a lot of value for its price. With decent performance, battery life, and a durable lightweight design, it’s a great option if you want a premium tablet on the cheap.
6. Lenovo Tab M8
Honorable Mention #2
- CPU: Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (4-core 2.0GHz)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Operating System: Android 9.0 (Pie)
- Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
If you’re looking for a more economical Android tablet, while still getting a quality device, then the Lenovo Tab M8 is an excellent choice.
This tablet is a bit older, running Android 9 Pie, but still offers enough in the way of performance and usability for light tasks like watching videos and browsing the web, thanks to its Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 processor and 3GB of RAM.
One of the standout features of the Tab M8 is its long battery life, with a 5000 mAh battery capacity that allows you to watch or browse all day long without the need to recharge. Despite its age, it also comes with a beautiful full HD display for pristine visuals, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to offer modern connectivity for a snappy and responsive Internet experience.
Overall, the Lenovo Tab M8 allows you to take advantage of yesterday’s high-end hardware in order to get a great tablet with quality components at an economical price. It’s a great choice if you want an inexpensive device for casual use or something to give your kids.
Transform Your Digital Life
With the rise of larger smartphones and lighter laptops, 8-inch tablets provide a portable and comfortable way to browse the web, watch videos, read e-books, or play games.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 Enterprise Edition is our top pick for those looking for a rugged tablet with enterprise features, while the Apple 2021 iPad Mini is a premium choice for personal and professional use. The Vanquisher SV-86H is the best option for those who need to use Windows on the go, and the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is the best budget tablet for everyday use.
