The 7 Best Small Tablet For 2025, Tested And Researched

Michael Brown By, Michael Brown
Updated
Best Small Tablet
Best Small Tablet

Summary

Best Overall

Apple iPad mini A17 Pro

The Apple iPad mini A17 Pro packs incredible power into a remarkably portable frame. With its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and blazing-fast A17 Pro chip, it brings the full iPad experience anywhere you go.
Best For The Price

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is designed for those who want entertainment, creativity, and productivity in one sleek package. The small, lightweight S Pen makes taking notes and sketching easy, and it fits effortlessly in your bag for inspiration or work.
Best Battery

Lenovo Tab M9 Tablet

The Lenovo Tab M9 Tablet is the perfect everyday companion for learning, and relaxation. With a 9-inch HD display and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, it delivers a cinematic experience you can take anywhere.

Small tablets have carved out a loyal following among users who value portability without sacrificing performance. While larger models like 11-inch and 13-inch tablets are popular for multitasking and creative work, not everyone needs that much screen space or wants to carry it around. For those who prefer a device that slips easily into a bag, fits comfortably in one hand, and still delivers strong everyday performance, a small tablet is the ideal middle ground.

These compact devices are perfect for reading, streaming, note-taking, or managing light productivity tasks on the go. They’re also great companions for students, travelers, and professionals who want a versatile device that can handle both leisure and work.

For most users, the Apple iPad mini A17 Pro offers everything necessary. It features an advanced A17 Pro chip, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and excellent battery life, all packed into a sleek, durable design. Ahead, we’ll share our research on the best small tablets available today—highlighting models that deliver impressive display quality, reliable performance, and exceptional portability for users with different needs and budgets.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Apple iPad mini A17 Pro
Our Score:
9.7
Apple

The iPad mini A17 Pro takes Apple’s smallest tablet and turns it into a true performance powerhouse. Powered by the advanced A17 Pro chip, it handles everything from multitasking to gaming with smooth precision. Apps launch instantly, and creative tasks like photo editing or video trimming feel effortless. With Apple Intelligence built in, it becomes even smarter, helping you write, organize, and express ideas more naturally while maintaining strong privacy safeguards.

Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is a visual delight, offering sharp detail, wide color coverage, and True Tone technology that keeps visuals natural under any lighting. The ultra-low reflectivity also makes it comfortable to use indoors or outdoors. Battery life easily lasts through a full day, and with USB-C and Wi-Fi 6E, staying connected and transferring files is a breeze.

While it only features a 60Hz refresh rate, motion still feels responsive thanks to Apple’s optimization. For most users, it’s not a dealbreaker, especially when balanced against the device’s power and portability. Compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Smart Folio, the iPad mini A17 Pro proves that great things can indeed come in small packages.

TOP Choice #2 Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Our Score:
9.6
Samsung

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite brings together portability and practicality in a way that feels seamless. Its crystal-clear display makes streaming and gaming visually engaging, and the Dolby Atmos surround sound adds depth to every scene and soundtrack. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows or diving into a creative project, the experience feels smooth and enjoyable.

What truly sets it apart is the included S Pen, which allows you to take notes, draw, or annotate documents with precision. It’s especially handy for students or professionals who want a paper-like writing feel without carrying extra tools. The tablet’s clean, modern design and newly introduced Mint color add a touch of style, while Samsung DeX mode enhances productivity by turning your tablet into a more desktop-like workspace.

Although you’ll need to purchase a microSD card and Type-C power charger separately, these additions are easy to find and give you flexibility in storage and charging options. Overall, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite remains an excellent mid-range tablet that delivers creative versatility and everyday convenience—all at an appealing price point.

TOP Choice #3 Lenovo Tab M9 Tablet
Our Score:
9.5
Lenovo

The Lenovo Tab M9 Tablet is built to keep you streaming and exploring all day long. Its 9-inch HD display offers bright, crisp visuals ideal for watching shows, reading, or browsing the web, while Dolby Atmos audio creates a surprisingly rich soundstage for a compact device. The 5100 mAh battery is great because it can play videos for up to 13 hours, which is great for trips or extended study sessions when you don't want to have to worry about recharging.

Performance is smooth thanks to the MediaTek G80 Octa-Core processor, which handles everyday tasks and light gaming with ease. With up to 32GB of storage, you’ll have room for your favorite apps, photos, and downloads. The addition of Google Lens brings a layer of smart functionality, letting you identify objects, translate text, or get quick help with assignments directly from the camera. Facial recognition adds convenience and peace of mind, offering quick, secure access without needing a password.

The only slight drawback is that the included cover feels a bit flimsy, but it still provides basic protection and can be easily upgraded to a sturdier one if preferred. 

4 SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A9 Tablet
Our Score:
9.4
Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Tablet brings enjoyment in a compact, modern design. Its large, bright display with a 60Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals whether you’re browsing, watching videos, or gaming. Even under bright sunlight, the screen remains clear and vibrant, making it great for outdoor use. Backed by dual speakers, it offers surprisingly rich and immersive audio that enhances movies, music, and video calls.

Furthermore, the Tab A9 runs efficiently with up to 4GB of RAM, keeping multitasking smooth when switching between apps. The built-in 64GB storage provides ample space for your essentials, and if that’s not enough, you can expand it up to 1TB with a microSD card. Features like split-screen multitasking allow you to work across two apps simultaneously—ideal for productivity or studying.

While it does not support eSIM, the tablet still functions seamlessly with Wi-Fi or T-Mobile networks. Plus, Samsung’s ecosystem integration features, like Quick Share and Continue Apps, make switching between Galaxy devices effortless. 

5 Amazon Fire HD 8” tablet
Our Score:
9.2
Amazon

The Amazon Fire HD 8” Tablet is a reliable, affordable option for everyday entertainment and productivity. Its 8-inch HD display offers clear visuals for watching shows, reading, or gaming, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere. It operates better and lasts longer than earlier generations, whether you're streaming movies or browsing the web. This is because it has 3GB of RAM and a battery that lasts up to 13 hours.

With access to popular apps like Hulu, TikTok, Instagram, and more through Amazon’s Appstore, it’s easy to stay entertained, though Google Play isn’t supported. This tablet also introduces new smart tools for productivity, such as summarizing webpages or helping you craft polished emails quickly. Alexa integration adds even more convenience, allowing you to control smart home devices, listen to music, or make hands-free video calls using apps like Zoom.

Setting up the Fire HD 8” for the first time can take a bit of patience, but once configured, the experience is smooth and intuitive. Overall, this tablet is a dependable and budget-friendly companion for families, students, and casual users.

6 Lenovo Tab One 8.7" Tablet
Our Score:
9.1
Lenovo

The Lenovo Tab One 8.7" Tablet keeps things simple, smooth, and portable. Its 8.7-inch HD display with 480 nits of brightness delivers crisp, colorful visuals, while the dual Dolby Atmos speakers elevate the experience with surprisingly rich and clear sound. Weighing less than a pound, it’s effortless to hold, making it ideal for long reading sessions or watching your favorite videos on the go.

The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and 60Hz refresh rate make sure that browsing, streaming, and casual gaming all go smoothly. The 12.5-hour battery life is great because it lets you use it all day without having to charge it all the time. Plus, it charges quickly at 15W, so it's ready to go again in no time. Lenovo also included a folio case for extra protection and hands-free viewing, which is a nice touch that makes the device easier to use.

While the tablet may lag slightly during heavier multitasking, it still runs efficiently for everyday tasks. Google Kids Space adds an extra layer of family-friendly functionality, offering safe, curated content for children. Overall, the Lenovo Tab One 8.7" is an excellent choice for those who are seeking a fun and compact tablet.

7 Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7"
Our Score:
9.0
XIAOMI

Running on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad Se 8.7" feels modern and intuitive. Its 8.7-inch HD LCD display offers clear, colorful visuals for movies, gaming, or reading, while the slim bezels make it comfortable to hold for long periods. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset and paired with 4GB of RAM, it handles multitasking, casual games, and productivity apps with ease. You can also expand storage via microSD, giving plenty of space for photos, downloads, and videos.

Camera performance is modest but dependable, featuring an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera for quick snapshots or video calls. The large 6,650 mAh battery ensures all-day use, ideal for travel or long work sessions. It also includes a USB-C port, headphone jack, and Bluetooth 5.3 for flexible connectivity options.

While the charging speed is a bit slow compared to higher-end tablets, the long battery life helps offset that minor drawback. With Android 14 and Xiaomi’s smooth HyperOS interface, navigation feels simple and refined. Overall, the Redmi Pad Se 8.7" is a reliable, budget-friendly tablet that fits perfectly into both leisure and light work routines.

What to Look For in a best small tablet?

The best small tablet is assessed based on many factors. best small tablet research varies depending on the type, feature, and quality of this product. It is not too complex to cover, yet we will give you some buying guide and solutions to these problems.

Please take a closer look at best small tablet characteristics below would be beneficial for you. Let’s look through and keep in mind:

Screen & Audio

When buying a tablet, the first thing you should look at is the screen size and quality. It's often the most used component. A tablet with a 10 inch screen and Full HD resolution is a good choice. Tablets with 7-inch and 8-inch screens may be small and lightweight, but they can feel cramped when browsing the internet and taking online classes.

Hardware Connections

While connections are important for laptops and PCs, it is less relevant for tablets. Tablets use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well as apps to store and transfer data. Apple tablets lack hardware connections. However, adapters can be attached to the dock port of the tablet or added wirelessly using purpose-built gadgets. Android tablets offer more options in terms of hardware connections. They have a USB port and HDMI-out.

Online Access

Many tablets come with Wi-Fi, while others offer mobile broadband, 3G and 4G for data. However, this requires you to sign up for an additional plan. Another option is the Wi-Fi only tablet. They can be used over Wi-Fi, just like the name implies, and also via your smartphone's mobile hotspot feature (standard on all new models). If your 3G plan is not sufficient, you might consider a 4G tablet that comes with its own plan.

Storage

The capacity of most tablets ranges from 16GB up to 128GB. The type of use you make for your tablet will determine how much storage you need. Most tablets can be used for browsing the Internet, checking email, streaming video and similar content.

Battery

One charge should be enough to last for a tablet through mixed use. Look at reviews on all of the tablets that you have shortlisted. For a 10-inch tablet to be reliable, it should contain a minimum of 7,000mAh. Tablets with larger screens (11-inch and 12-inch) should pack close to 10,000mAh to keep them going for a full day. Although not all devices can be rated on battery capacity, you should still consider other factors such as battery life. Reviews and test results are a good way to get an idea of what the actual battery life is.

Cameras

Tablets have less importance than smartphones for cameras. It should still have an 8MP, 12MP, or F2.0 aperture camera, as well as 4K 30fps video recording (although 1080p is acceptable if the tablet costs less than $100). Look out for 5MP front-facing cameras that record Full HD video. This ensures that you video will appear clearer when video calling or conference with people on the other end of the call.

Software

No matter if you're buying an iPad, an Android tablet or a smartphone, ensure that your device is pre-installed using the most recent version of the operating systems. It should at least include a guarantee of an upgrade to iOS or Android. The newest Android version is 11 and iPadOS version 14 in 2020.

FAQs

What screen size is considered a small tablet?

Small tablets typically have screen sizes between 7 and 9 inches, offering a compact design that’s easy to hold with one hand and ideal for travel, reading, or streaming.

Do small tablets support stylus input?

Several premium small tablets support stylus input, such as the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) for the iPad mini and the S Pen for Samsung tablets, making them great for drawing, taking notes, or marking up documents.

How long does the battery last on a small tablet?

Most small tablets offer 8 to 12 hours of battery life, depending on usage, brightness, and performance settings.


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About Michael Brown

Michael Brown

Michael Brown has been the lead editor of the website display-central.com for a long time. He's been a technology examiner for almost a decade, specializing in the display solutions such as laptops, projectors, and TVs, and Mobile devices. Michael will provide you with helpful and relevant knowledge and advice based on his technical background.