Best 8-Inch Tablet

Is an 8-inch tablet screen too big? Too small? Nope, it’s just right. Check out our reviews to find out exactly which tablet is right for you.
best 8 inch tablet
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Last Updated on November 30, 2021

Even Goldilocks knew it’s not always a good idea to go for something just because it’s the biggest or the smallest, and that sometimes, being somewhere in the middle is juuust right.

She may have been talking about porridge in a fairy tale from generations ago, but the same logic can still apply to modern-day scenarios and make just as much sense. Take tablets, for example. Too small (7-inches) and you’ll struggle to see the screen, whereas too big (9-10 inches or above) and you’ll have to lug around the hefty device on your own shoulders.

That’s why 8-inch tablets have seen a surge in popularity recently, as they hit the sweet spot of screen sizes and are able to suit a range of different needs. Even narrowing the decision down this far still leaves you with a wide range to choose from, so we’ve reviewed 5 of the best available options for you to compare, plus a buyer’s guide and an FAQ section.

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Buyer’s Guide

Android vs. Apple vs. Windows

Even the biggest technophobes will be aware of the animosity between Android and Apple, with each operating system vying for a greater share of the market. Windows is another contender at the tablet table, but they don’t dominate the industry in quite the same way.

Choosing between these three operating systems is the first challenge you’ll face in your decision-making, but it will shape the whole experience of using your device. Some people opt for an operating system that matches their mobile device for easier syncing and file or data transfers, whereas for others this won’t be an issue.

Another thing to consider is the different apps each option has to offer, as some are only compatible with certain operating systems. There’s no point buying a tablet for illustrations, for example, if your favorite editing app isn’t available with that system.

Display

Having a high-quality display is one of the main reasons many people decide to buy a tablet as it provides a larger screen than your phone without the hassle of having to carry a laptop.

Some tablets will offer HD resolution which is perfect if you’re planning on using your tablet mostly for watching movies and streaming videos. It’s also ideal for photo-editing as you’ll be able to see the images in greater detail with better clarity.

You can determine the display quality of a tablet by looking at the pixels per inch of the screen rating, as this will tell you whether images will appear crisp or blurred on your screen.

Storage Capacity

The majority of modern tablets come with enough storage capacity to suit all your basic needs, but if you’re planning on saving large files or working with high volumes of video or photo images, you might need something that has a little bit more to offer.

It’s not just the stock storage capacity that you need to think about, as having additional USB ports, for example, allows you to plug in additional storage in the form of a MicroSD or an external hard drive. You may also benefit from HDMI ports or audio jack outputs.

Bear in mind, however, that you’ll usually have to pay more for a tablet with a larger storage capacity, so it’s worth making sure you only choose one with a size that you think you’ll actually end up using else it’s a waste of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best 10-inch Tablet?

The long and short of it is, we believe the Amazon Fire HD 10 is the best 10-inch tablet currently available. To see some other great alternatives check out our article on the best 10-inch tablet here.

What is the Best Tablet for Seniors to Use?

If you’re looking for a tablet for your grandma or grandpa, an 8-inch tablet is the perfect size. It’s big enough for them to clearly see the screen without being too heavy to hold. We recommend the Fire HD 8-Inch Tablet because of it’s easy user interface and clear layout.

Can I Zoom on a Tablet?

Anyone else find it scary how ‘Zoom’ has become a verb these days, just like Google? Seeing as everyone is using it so much, you’ll be pleased to know that you can download it onto most tablets via the appropriate app store as well as a number of other apps.

Best Overall

Fire HD 8-Inch Tablet

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From the moment they brought out their first Kindle device, Amazon has been a fierce competitor in the tablet industry. Their Fire HD 8-inch tablet is one of their more recent releases and as such is equipped with some of the most advanced technology.

New 2.0 GHz quad-core processors mean this tablet can run up to 30% faster than former models and, once charged, it offers you 12 hours of video streaming, online shopping, general internet browsing, watching movies, or listening to music. It’s hugely versatile.

It’s also easier to charge thanks to the USB port outlet and can reach full power in just 5 hours. The cable and adaptor are both included with the purchase, and you can download your favorite apps via the Amazon Appstore, although Google Play is not supported.

As well as using it for personal fun, you can stay on top of everything by utilizing the email app, video calling function, reminders, to-do lists, and any other organizational apps you use. Whatever you’re planning on using it for, the Fire

Best for Kids

Amazon Fire HD 8-Inch Kids Edition Tablet

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If you’re looking for something that’s more kid-friendly, Amazon brought out a Fire HD 8-inch kids edition tablet designed specifically for the purpose of entertaining your children. It’s not a toy, however, and comes equipped with exciting technology that your kids will love.

One of the great features of this tablet is the child-friendly settings and parental lock controls that allow you to limit what type of content your children have access to, especially online. This includes being able to set time restrictions to avoid overuse.

Included with your purchase is a 1-year subscription to the Amazon Kids+ streaming service which includes access to over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, and educational content for learning as well as play.

With 32 GB of internal storage, you can download all of these without worrying about running out of space too soon, and you also receive a child-proof case and tablet stand and a 2-year worry-free warranty when you buy one of these tablets. Talk about great value for money!

Best Audio

Samsung Electronics 8-Inch Galaxy Tab

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Next, we selected a Samsung Electronics 8-inch Galaxy tablet which comes highly recommended if positive reviews are anything to go by. It’s another great choice in a line-up of impressive tablets, especially if long-lasting battery life is at the top of your priorities list.

The speakers are designed to deliver surround sound audio that makes listening to your tablet just as much fun as watching your tablet. There’s plenty of things you can use this versatile tablet for.

It also features a camera that’s decent quality and it has a front-facing camera for those golden hour selfie shots. Why not upload them straight to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the same device – this Samsung makes it easy thanks to the simple user interface.

It’s difficult to give an exact approximation of the battery life because this is something that is so dependent on the level of use, but this tablet is expected to last for up to 13 hours when fully charged, which is backed up by positive customer reviews that suggest that the battery life is pretty good.

Best Battery

Lenovo Tab 8 Inches

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The Lenovo tablet we looked at didn’t disappoint us either, offering a combination of stunning performance and stylish design. The Android tablet is as quick as it is powerful thanks to the 2.0 GHz quad-core processor it runs on and the Android 9 Pie technology.

The aesthetic look is sleek and modern so it wouldn’t be out of place on any office desk space, and there’s a full metal cover with an 82% panel-to-body ratio that protects it against damage as well as adding to the overall vibe.

You’ll be impressed by the quality of the 8-inch HD 1280 x 800 display screen as it presents cleaner, crisper images with brighter, more vibrant colors. It’s a great option for streaming videos or for editing images due to the precise pixelation and the high level of detail.

When you need to connect to the internet, you can use either the built-in Bluetooth 5.0 or the WiFi connection. It also features a camera so you can capture and post your favorite moments using the same device, and the battery should last all day when fully charged.

Best Budget Option

VANKYO MatrixPad 8-Inch Tablet

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Last up, we have the VANKYO MatrixPad 8-Inch tablet, a more affordable option for those looking to spend under $100 on a new tablet. Despite its slightly lower price, it still comes packed full of features and functions to wow you and to keep you entertained.

With a quad-core processor and 2 GB RAM, this tablet is ideal as it has better integration and offers an improvement in performance, all whilst consuming less power. Launch apps in seconds and stream video without interruption for the ultimate smooth user experience.

The GMS-certified MatrixPad S8 tablet features Android 9.0 Pie OS and comes with a number of free Google apps pre-downloaded for an even faster setup. Despite its average 8-inch size, it has an above-average amount of storage space so it’ll be a while before that “free up space” warning message pops up on your screen.

The images that appear on this 8-inch screen are a feast for the eyes with high definition IPS display in 1280 x 800 resolution. You can enjoy bold, fully saturated colors and crystal clear visuals which are what make this tablet particularly great for streaming and video editing.

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