All tablets may seem similar in design but how they feel in your hands acts as a major deciding factor.
Users having small palms feel uncomfortable with 10” tablet models yet they don’t like to settle in for an 8” model low on their desired features. In short, it’s not a straightforward task.
In this article, we have shortlisted some best-performing tablets taking into account the common user interests like reading, watching movies, or official working purposes.
The best part, they are cheaper than you think.
Now let’s move on to the list ..
Best 8-inch Tablets
1. Fire HD 8 Plus
Amazon is beating the top position with its own Fire HD 8 Plus. The best part is – you get 3 GB RAM and option for wireless charging that are not available in any other Fire Models.
But for wireless charging, you have to use a made-for-Amazon charging dock. Relax, they are available plenty in numbers.
Comparing it with Fire HD 8, we get 30% faster processing owing to the Quad-core processor. That being said, expect flawless gaming experience without any glitch.
On top of that, you have a 5000 mAH battery to backup power for the entire day. This could be your ideal bet as the best 8-inch tablet under $200.
As an Amazon device, it comes with Alexa support including on/off toggle to go hands-free at any moment. With Game Mode on, you can play games without any distraction for an optimized gaming experience.
But, it has a small disadvantage- it doesn’t officially support Google Apps. You can easily add it with Amazon fire toolbox 7.2 though.
Let’s know in the comment section below if you need us to explain a step-by-step process for that.
With sufficient screen size and lightweight body, Fire HD Plus 8 can be your single source for great entertainment and downtime.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8″ HD| Resolution: 1280 x 800 (189 ppi) | Storage: 32 or 64 GB (expandable up to 1 TB) | CPU: Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Ports: USB-C (2.0) | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | RAM: 3GB | Camera: 2 MP front- and rear-facing
Pros
- 12-hour battery + Wireless Charging
- Powerful Quad core Processor
- 1-TB Expandable storage
- Wireless charging
Cons
- Google Play not supported
2. Galaxy Tab A 8.0”
Who needs an Android-dedicated Tab? Here is your pick. Samsung has always been the winner when it comes to camera quality. With an 8 MP rear camera, it offers several shooting modes with pro features like ISO sensitivity, exposure value, white balance, and color tone. Even with four people on video chat, it doesn’t lag in its flawless performance.
With this model, Samsung has tried to outsmart Amazon’s Fire HD 10, both price and functionality wise. You get all the features in less price. Even you get an extended 13+ hours of battery life with a 5000-mAH battery – A clear declaration of war, isn’t it?
Watching your favorite movies in 1280 x 800 pixels gives you big on entertainment. The dual speakers are even strategically placed in the body to create enriched sound quality.
As it has been designed with minimum bezel, you get maximum on-screen content space in a slim, comfortable form. However, don’t expect much storage capacity as it can only hold a maximum up to 512 GB with an external microSD slot (Not USB 2.0).
Technical Specifications
Display: 8.0″| Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels | Storage: 32GB | CPU: Quad 2.0 GHz | Ports: USB 2.0 | Battery Life: 13 hours | RAM: 3GB | Camera: 2 MP front, 8MP rear
Pros
- 32 GB Built-in memory
- 13 hours long backup
- Minimum bezel, Maximum View
- Wifi + Bluetooth
Cons
- Limited external storage capacity
3. Huawei MediaPad M3 8.0
Huawei MediaPad M3 has been co-engineered with Harman/Kardon for an auditory sound accomplishment. Powered with Huawei’s SWS 3.0 technology, it delivers a theatre-like experience with precision signal processing.
It comes with a fingerprint sensor unlike many other models within this budget. Particularly, it beats Nexus 9 with its smooth tactile feedback and moonlight silver color.
Keeping the fundamental demand in mind, it features a 2560 x 1600 pixel IPS display with 8MP cameras both at the front and back. The screen flaunts ultra 2K display and emits professional Hi-Fi sound.
That means, your elite gaming and smooth video calling needs are met eloquently. Though it supports loudspeaker and earphone calling, you will not find a receiver- compromised easily with AKG H300 earphones (comes with the package).
Unlike iPad Mini 4, MediaPad M3 has speakers on either side to offer immersive listening experience. However, you should not expect high audio at maximum volume; it’s a low bass model.
With the best 3DMark score, Huawei MediaPad M3 is a beauty with a brain (speed of performance) to outsmart iPad Mini 4 and Samsung Galaxy S2 8.0 with ease. Thus, making it one of the best 8-inch tablets for gaming.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8.4 inches| Resolution: 2560Ă—1600 Pixels | Storage: 4GB | CPU: HI Silicon octa-core processor | Ports: Micro USB port | Battery Life: 9 Hours | RAM: 3GB |Audio: SWS 3.0 stereo sound effect | Camera: 8 MP front & rear camera
Pros
- Ultra K Display
- Professional Hi-Fi Sound
- 8 MP cameras (front and back)
- Co-engineered with Harman/Kardon
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity option
4. Huawei MediaPad M5
If you need an advanced takeover of our last pick, MediaPad M5 would be your ideal bet. What really takes us by surprise is its superfast charging (0-100% in 1.9 hours) and smart power-saving technology to provide backup for 11 hours.
Remember we complained about low bass in M3? Well, it supports High-res audio to promise more bass and less distortion than its ancestor.
For gamers, there is a clever balance of color and contrast ratio for offering a better viewing experience- all credit goes to Huawei ClariVu technology. The algorithms sensibly arrange unclear frames to bring immersive gaming experience.
Its 8.4” body feels light in hands and the curved edges give it an air of luxury indeed. It produces 135% of the sRGB gamut as compared to iPad (119%), and SamSung Tab 4 10 Plus (109%). So, you get a good screen for High definition entertainment.
The M5 rotates 180 degrees and sadly doesn’t have 360-degree orientation. However, it will hardly put any impact on your viewing experience.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8.4″ 2.5D | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixel | Storage: 64GB | CPU: Kirin 960 series octa-core chipset | Ports: USB C charge port | Battery Life: 10 Hours | RAM: 4GB | Charging Time: 1.9 hrs | Audio: Dual Harman Kardon-Tuned Speakers | Camera: 8 MP Front & 13 MP Rear
Pros
- Intelligent color management by Huawei ClariVu
- Fast charging (1.9 hours)
- Hi-Res Audio output
- Curved edge 2,5 D Glass
Cons
- No headphone jack- have to go wireless if required
5. Vankyo MatrixPad S8
This one takes the limelight because of its palm-size design and long-lasting battery. The tablet measures 8.18 x 4.90 x 0.36 inches and weighs only 11.2 ounces.
Unlike Huawei MediaPad M5, it takes 3 hours to get fully charged but lasts long – 10 to 13 hours, depending upon the intensity of usage.
You get two types of connectivity – Wifi and Bluetooth- which keeps your chances of losing healthy internet connection at a bay. However, it does not support cellular data (GSM) which is pretty much not an issue in these days of hotspot era.
MatrixPad S8 comes with Android 9.0 out-of-the-box, a boon for android users indeed. Also, it comes with an in-built GPS feature.
If you love traveling, you can save money on subscribing to premium navigation applications. That makes it an ideal 8-inch tablet for business.
No one is perfect and so is this tablet. The wifi strength is good but not strong enough to hold the signal if you’re accessing from another room.
The speaker is at the back, somewhere lagging to create the surrounding sound experience.
If you can ignore these two aspects, Vankyo MatrixPad S8 can definitely please you without burning your pocket.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8”| Resolution: 1280×800 Pixel | Storage: 32 GB| CPU: 1.3GHz Quad-core processor | Ports: USB 2.0 | Battery Life: 10 Hours | RAM: 2GB | Charging Time: 2 Hours | Camera: 2MP Front & 5MP Rear
Pros
- 178° wide-viewing angle
- 64 bit speedy quad-core processor
- Eye Care technology
- built-in GPS
Cons
- Poor WiFi strength
6. Dragon Touch Notepad Y80
This is a budget-friendly tablet for performing light tasks and getting entertained with 8” HD IPS Display. As you get 32GB internal storage (which is expandable up to 128 GB) you can store tons of books, music and movies for your entertainment.
The 4000 mAH battery fuels itself with a micro USB charger and offers an average battery life of four to six hours.
Coming to its technical configuration, it features the latest Android 9.0 Pie OS powered with a stable Quad-Core processor clocked at 1.5GHz per sec.
This means you can rest assured of hassle-free gaming experience with smooth and powerful performance.
With a built-in Google Assistant, you can activate hands-free mode to control your device with a voice command.
Furthermore, it is kids-friendly with smart child lock and eye-protection- a best 8-inch tablet for reading.
On comparison mode, it matches with Dragon Touch Max10 Tablet in several ways such as Flash Memory (32 GB), Display (IPS HD), Connectivity (Bluetooth, and Wifi), and port quality (Type C).
So, anyone in need of these basic requirements with 2GB RAM should consider Dragon Touch Notepad Y80 over Max10 Tablet to save money.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8”| Resolution: 1280×800 pixel | Storage: 32GB | CPU: 1.5GHz quad-core processor | Battery Life: 4 Hours | RAM: 2GB | Audio: Dual speakers | Camera: 8MP rear and a 5MP front
Pros
- Best 8 inch tablet under $100
- Android out-of-the-box (9.0 Pie)
- IPS HD Display
- Quad-core processor
Cons
- No 5G Support
7. Lenovo Tab 4
Lenovo advertises it under the tagline “Theatre-Like Multimedia”. It indeed offers what it promotes.
You get a brilliant 1280X800 HD display coupled with Dolby Atmos sound out of 2x Front Speakers. The screen is beautiful and mimics big-screen entertainment with snappy and fast performance.
The best part is its multi-account facility to have more than one user profiles in a single tablet. Your personal fingerprint will directly take you to your own personal space.
Irrespective of profile numbers, it performs well with the Quad-core Snapdragon processor clocked at 1.4 GHz per second. You get 2 GB RAM (Same as Lenovo Tab 4 10) which pretty much assures a lag-free performance.
What’s more? You get 20 hours of power backup to avoid charging hassles when you’re not home. However, this maximum backup scenario is easy to experience with a WiFi + LTE model rather than a WiFi model.
It comes loaded with a lot of Lenovo Software such as SHAREit, SYNCit, Framework and some other third party applications such as Google calendar, Netflix, Skype and MS office.
Plus, it has slots for dual SIM which makes it oblivious for voice calling indeed.
In short, it is the best 8 inch tablet under $300 to transform your entertainment experience.
Technical Specifications
Display: 8″ Resolution: 1280X800 | Storage: 16GB | CPU: 1.4GHz Quad-Core Processor | Ports: USB 2.0 | Battery Life: 20 Hours | RAM: 2GB | Audio: Built-in dual-stereo | Camera: Rear 5MP & Front 2MP
Pros
- 64-bit Quad-core processor
- Dolby Atmos and Built-in Dual Stereo
- 20 hours battery life
Cons
- OS takes 10 GB memory
Conclusion
Just because you are settling up for a best 8-inch tablet, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on essential features. All shortlisted tablets stand up to that principle. However, we would appreciate your suggestions to increase the options even further. We will be looking forward to your valuable comments below.
