The Benefits of Smaller Tablets: A Comprehensive Guide
Smaller tablets offer numerous advantages: they are highly portable, charge quickly, and generally cost less than their larger counterparts. Display sizes for small tablets typically range from six to ten inches. Despite their compact size, many small tablets come with impressive features like extended battery life, fast performance, vibrant displays, and plenty of customizable options.
Top Picks for Small Tablets
Based on extensive testing and research, our top recommendations for small tablets include the iPad Mini (7th gen), Boox Tab Mini C, and other noteworthy Android tablets. Here are our top choices:
| Tablet | Category | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Mini (7th gen) | Best Small Tablet Overall |
|
| Amazon Fire 7 Tablet | Best Budget Small Tablet |
|
| Boox Tab Mini C | Best Small Tablet for Note-taking |
|
| Amazon Kindle (12th gen) | Best Small Tablet for Reading |
|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | Best Samsung Small Tablet |
|
Detailed Reviews and Recommendations
Apple iPad Mini (7th gen)
The iPad Mini is our top choice for the best small tablet thanks to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display and powerful A17 Pro Chip. This tablet supports advanced features, including Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence capabilities, making it ideal for both entertainment and productivity.
Customer reviews praise the iPad Mini for its durability, superb display quality, and portability. The device fits easily into purses and bags, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Currently, it is available at Amazon for $399, making it an affordable option for a high-end device.
Specifications:
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display
- Processor: A17 Pro
- Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Camera: Rear: 12MP, Front: 12MP UltraWide
- Weight: 0.65 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches
- Battery life: 10 hours
Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet is an excellent choice. Its 7-inch screen and multiple functionalities make it great for streaming, gaming, and as a dedicated Alexa smart display. Despite its lower price, the Fire 7 offers a robust battery life and a well-rounded user experience.
Specifications:
- Display: 7-inch, 1024x600 Display
- Processor: MediaTek MT8168V/B
- Storage options: 16GB or 326GB
- Camera: 2 MP front and rear
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Battery life: 10 hours
Boox Tab Mini C
The Boox Tab Mini C stands out as the best small tablet for note-taking. Its 7.9-inch electronic ink display and advanced note-taking templates make it ideal for students, professionals, and artists alike. The tablet's long-lasting battery and customizable settings further enhance its appeal.
Specifications:
- Display: 7.9-inch screen, electronic ink
- Processor: Advanced Octa-core
- Storage: 64GB
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Battery: 5,000mAh Li-ion Polymer
Amazon Kindle (12th gen)
For avid readers, the 12th-generation Amazon Kindle is the top pick. It offers features such as a glare-free display, faster page-turning, and extended battery life, making it perfect for long reading sessions. The compact design also ensures it fits easily in most bags and backpacks.
Specifications:
- Display: 6-inch, 300ppi glare-free
- Storage: 16GB
- Colors: Black or Denim
- Weight: 5.56 ounces
- Battery life: Up to six weeks
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is an affordable and versatile small tablet, ideal for both work and entertainment. Its 8.7-inch display provides a good viewing experience, while the expandable storage (up to 1TB) makes it a flexible option for all types of users.
Specifications:
- Display: 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display
- Processor: MediaTek MT8768N
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable up to 1TB
- Weight: 0.81 pounds
- Battery life: 10 to 12 hours
Conclusion: Which Small Tablet is Right for You?
The best small tablet is the one that fits your specific needs. Whether you prioritize performance, budget, note-taking capabilities, or reading, there's a tablet on this list for you. Here’s a quick summary to help you make your decision:
| Tablet | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Apple iPad Mini | The best overall small tablet with powerful features and Apple Intelligence. |
| Amazon Fire 7 | A budget-friendly option with excellent battery life and smart assistant functionality. |
| Boox Tab Mini C | Great for note-taking, reading, and illustrations with customizable settings. |
| Amazon Kindle | Ideal for reading with a glare-free display and long battery life. |
| Samsung Galaxy A7 Lite | An affordable and portable Samsung tablet with expandable storage. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Tablet
- Size: Ensure the tablet size suits your portability needs.
- Display: Higher resolution and display technologies are preferable.
- Use Cases: Align the tablet's capabilities with your primary uses.
- Battery Life: Look for a battery life that suits your daily needs.
- Operating System: Choose between iOS, Android, or other OS based on preference.
- Accessories: Consider available accessories and their compatibility.
- Price: Tablets come in various price ranges, pick according to your budget.
Our Testing Methodology
The ZDNET team tests tablets for their real-world performance, including metrics such as display quality, battery life, and processing speed. We aim to provide thorough and unbiased reviews to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
