Do you dream of a device that fits perfectly in one hand but still gives you enough screen space for fun and work? That sweet spot in the tablet world, the 8-inch size, promises just that balance. But let’s be honest: finding the *right* 8-inch tablet can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. You want portability for reading on the go, but you don’t want a screen so small that watching videos becomes a chore. Manufacturers pack these smaller devices with different chips, cameras, and operating systems, making comparisons confusing and frustrating.
Choosing the wrong one means you might end up with slow performance or a battery that dies too quickly. This guide cuts through the noise. We researched the best options available right now, focusing on what truly matters for everyday users like you. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which 8-inch tablet offers the best value, speed, and screen quality for your needs.
Ready to discover the perfect compact companion? Let’s dive in and explore the top contenders in the exciting 8-inch tablet market!
Top 8 Inch Tablet Recommendations
- COMPACT SIZE, COMPACT FUN – The Lenovo Tab One is compact, efficient, and provides non-stop entertainment everywhere you go. It’s lightweight and has a long-lasting battery life so the fun never stops.
- SIMPLICITY IN HAND - Add a touch of style with a modern design that’s tailor-made to fit in your hand. It weighs less than a pound and has an 8.7” display that’s easy to tuck in a purse or backpack.
- NON-STOPPABLE FUN – Freedom never felt so sweet with all-day battery life and up to 12.5 hours of unplugged YouTube streaming. It’s designed to charge 15W faster than previous models so you can spend less time tethered to a power cable.
- PORTABLE MEDIA CENTER - Enjoy vibrant visuals, immersive sound, and endless entertainment anywhere you go. The HD display has 480 nits of brightness for realistic graphics and dual Dolby Atmos speakers that provide impressive sound depth.
- ELEVATED EFFICIENCY - Experience the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and 60Hz refresh rate that ensure fluid browsing, responsive gaming, and lag-free streaming.
- Fire HD 8 Plus offers everything you get with a Fire HD 8 and more - wireless charging, 9W power adapter, 3 GB RAM, 2 MP front-facing and 5 MP rear-facing cameras. New design is thinner and lighter than previous gen and has a screen made with strengthened aluminosilicate glass. As measured in tumble tests, Fire HD 8 Plus is twice as durable as Apple iPad mini (2021).
- Fast and responsive - Enhanced hexa-core processor for more responsive performance (up to 30% faster than previous gen Fire HD 8 Plus) so you can get more done. Check email, tackle your to-do lists, browse the web, and more.
- Great for on-the-go - Up to 13 hours of reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music. Hassle-free wireless charging dock (dock not included) offers easy charging anywhere. Choose from 32GB or 64GB (up to 1TB of expandable storage via microSD card).
- Relax and unwind with your favorite content from Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported. Subscription for some apps required).
- Stay connected with friends and family - Ask Alexa to make video calls or download apps like Zoom.
- UNLOCKED ON THE GO —Compatible with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Networks
- MILITARY-GRADE DESIGN (MIL STD 810H, IP68 S Pen + Anti Shock): Conquer the elements and don’t sweat the accidents. Dust, dirt, sand and water won’t get in your way with the IP681 rated Galaxy Tab Active3 and it’s S Pen. It’s even MIL-STD-810H2 compliant, so you can drop it from a height of 1.5M and it’ll absorb the shock.
- LONG-LASTING, FAST-CHARGING and REPLACEABLE BATTERY plus NO BATTERY MODE: Power through any project thanks to a long-lasting battery that won’t stop until your day does. Need to work even longer? The battery is also fast charging and replaceable, so you won’t lose a second in the field. The Galaxy Tab Active3 works in No Battery Mode when it’s connected to a dedicated power source making it a great in vehicle or fixed kiosk solution.
- WIRELESS DeX: Do more with a single device. With Samsung Wireless DeX, you can boost productivity and use your Galaxy Tab Active3 like a PC — that way you save money and your team can bring important tools into tough environments without having to haul around multiple devices or even a cable.
- ENHANCED TOUCH CAPABILITY : The gloves don’t have to come off, so your team stays safe and dry while they get more done. With enhanced touch capabilities settings, they can take advantage of an intuitive touchscreen, even while wearing gloves at work.
- 8.7" (220.5mm), 1340 x 800 (WXGA+), TFT, 16M colors, Android 13, One UI 5.1
- 64GB ROM, 4GB RAM, Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), Octa-core, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 8MP, AF, Front Camera: 2MP, 5100 mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0
- International Model without Domestic Warranty. Please note, this device does not support E-SIM. The device is Fully Unlocked with T-Mobile Only. Most Other US carriers will not allow calling feature to work on this device. Most other US carriers may not recognize International IMEI's as compatible. Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
- Fire HD 8 offers an 8" HD display for seamless streaming and gaming, coupled with a 5MP rear facing camera for photos—with a thin, light, durable design.
- Responsive with all day battery life - Includes 3GB RAM (50% more than 2022 release), 32GB of storage, and up to 1 TB of expandable storage (sold separately). Up to 13 hours of reading, browsing the web, watching videos, gaming, and listening to music at home and on-the-go.
- Save time, get creative - Enjoy three smart tools to help you send polished emails, quickly summarize webpages, and create unique wallpapers.
- Stream or download your favorite shows, movies, and games (like Minecraft, Roblox, and more). Enjoy your favorite content from Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported. Subscription for some apps required).
- Stay connected with family and friends - ask Alexa to make video calls to friends and family or download apps like Zoom.
- DISPLAY: 8" 1280x800 HD Features a vibrant LCD screen perfect for multimedia viewing and daily tablet use
- PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a responsive 2.0 GHz Quad Core processor and adequate 3GB RAM for smooth multitasking and app operation
- STORAGE: 32GB Built-in memory for apps, photos, and media with expandable storage options
- CONNECTIVITY: Supports Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity for internet browsing and wireless streaming capabilities. Check with your service provider for compatibility.
- PORTABILITY: Slim, lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use on-the-go for entertainment and productivity. Size 8.24"(L) x 4.93"(W) x .34"(D) Weight 10.93 oz. Accessories must be model-specific; choose cases/screen protectors made for this model.
- 🚀 [High Performance with Expandable Storage]Powered by a quad-core processor and the latest Android OS, this 8-inch tablet delivers smooth performance for apps, videos, and daily tasks. With 32GB of internal storage and support for up to 512GB micro SD card expansion, you’ll have plenty of space for eBooks, photos, videos, and games
- 🚀 [High Performance with Expandable Storage]Powered by a quad-core processor and the latest Android OS, this 8-inch tablet delivers smooth performance for apps, videos, and daily tasks. With 32GB of internal storage and support for up to 512GB micro SD card expansion, you’ll have plenty of space for eBooks, photos, videos, and games
- 👁️ [Vivid IPS Display with Eye Comfort]Featuring a brilliant 8-inch HD IPS display with 1280×800 resolution, the L8 tablet offers vibrant colors, crisp text, and stunning visuals. Specially designed with an Eye Health mode, it reduces blue light for a more comfortable experience during long reading or viewing sessions
- 📸[ Dual Cameras & Ultra-Portable Design]Capture life’s moments with dual cameras—2MP front and 8MP rear. Slim, lightweight, and easy to take anywhere, this tablet is ideal for video calls, photos, reading, or watching shows at home or on the go. Minimal bloatware and no ads ensure a clean, user-friendly experience
- ✅ Reliable Support & Worry-Free Guarantee We stand behind the quality of our L8 tablet. If you encounter any product defects, we offer free replacements. Our dedicated support team is ready to provide timely tech assistance and ensure a satisfying customer experience. Reach out anytime via email
- This pre-owned or refurbished product has been professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new. How a product becomes part of Amazon Renewed, your destination for pre-owned, refurbished products: A customer buys a new product and returns it or trades it in for a newer or different model. That product is inspected and tested to work and look like new by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Then, the product is sold as an Amazon Renewed product on Amazon. If not satisfied with the purchase, renewed products are eligible for replacement or refund under the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
- Portable Tablet - Weighing just 310g, TCL TAB 8 tablet is an idea for people on the go so you can easily hold it with one hand. The comfortably compact form factor helps keep your hands from getting tired, even when you've been playing for hours.With the 2-angle foldable tablet case, you could place the tablet anywhere.
- Record your Fun - 32 GB of internal storage (up to 512 GB of expandable storage with microSD, sold separately). Enjoy your favorite apps through the Google Play Store.
- Long-lasting Android Tablet - 4080mAh Battery supports 8 hours of online video, so you no longer have to worry about disconnection when studying in split screen.
- See Brighter Colors - See 16 million colors on a compact 8" HD screen with thin 9.8mm bezels. 3 types of eye protection modes (dedicated modes and features optimize brightness and E-book reading modes) allow you to switch freely according to your needs. Works Stable, Runs Smooth - Enjoy streaming videos and have a wifi connection. Switch between apps without lagging on Android 11. Google Assistant gives you hands-free voice control.
The Essential Guide to Buying Your Perfect 8-Inch Tablet
Eight-inch tablets are fantastic! They strike a great balance. They are big enough for watching videos but small enough to hold easily with one hand. Choosing the right one can feel tricky. This guide helps you find the best fit for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Display Quality
The screen is the most important part. Look for tablets with a high resolution. Higher resolution means sharper pictures. Aim for at least 1280 x 800 pixels. Better screens use IPS technology. IPS screens let you see the picture clearly, even when you look at them from the side.
Performance Power (Processor and RAM)
The processor (or CPU) is the tablet’s brain. A faster processor makes apps open quickly. More RAM (Random Access Memory) helps you run many apps at once without slowing down. For smooth use, try to find at least 3GB of RAM.
Battery Life
Nobody likes a dead battery. Check the advertised battery life. Look for tablets that offer 8 hours or more of regular use. This lets you read or watch movies during long trips.
Storage Space
Storage holds your apps, photos, and downloaded movies. 32GB is a decent starting point. If you download a lot, choose 64GB or more. Always check if the tablet lets you add a MicroSD card. This is a cheap way to add more space later.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Body Construction
Most 8-inch tablets use plastic bodies. Plastic keeps the tablet light and cheaper. Premium tablets might use aluminum. Aluminum feels stronger and looks nicer. Check the bezel size—thinner bezels (the border around the screen) make the tablet feel more modern.
Screen Protection
Tough glass protects the screen from scratches. While the specific glass type matters, generally, newer tablets offer better scratch resistance. If kids use the tablet, a sturdy case is a must-have accessory.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Software Experience
The operating system (OS) matters a lot. Android is common. Check which version of Android the tablet runs. Newer versions get security updates longer. Some manufacturers add extra software that you cannot remove, which can slow things down.
Connectivity
Ensure the tablet has fast Wi-Fi capabilities (like Wi-Fi 5 or 6). If you plan to use it outside the house often, look for models that support cellular data (4G LTE). This often costs more but provides internet access anywhere.
Camera Capabilities
Tablet cameras are usually not as good as phone cameras. If you only use the camera for quick video calls, the standard cameras are fine. High-quality photography is not a selling point for most 8-inch tablets.
User Experience and Use Cases
The 8-inch size is excellent for portability. You can easily slip it into a large purse or small backpack.
- Reading: The size feels close to a paperback book, making it comfortable for long reading sessions.
- Media Consumption: Great for watching Netflix or YouTube on the go, like on a train or plane.
- Light Gaming: Simple games run well. Very demanding 3D games might struggle if the processor is weak.
- Cooking: You can prop it up easily on a kitchen counter while following a recipe.
A good 8-inch tablet should feel responsive when you tap and swipe. Heavy tasks are best left to larger tablets or laptops.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 8-Inch Tablets
Q: Are 8-inch tablets good for taking notes?
A: Yes, they are excellent for quick note-taking using a stylus or your finger. They are lighter to hold than a full notebook.
Q: Should I buy a tablet with Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus Cellular?
A: If you always use Wi-Fi at home or work, Wi-Fi only saves money. Choose Cellular if you need internet access while traveling away from Wi-Fi hotspots.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: Most users need at least 32GB. If you download many movies for offline viewing, aim for 64GB or ensure it has an expandable MicroSD slot.
Q: Can I use an 8-inch tablet as an e-reader?
A: Absolutely. They are often preferred over larger tablets for reading because they are easier to hold for long periods.
Q: Are these tablets powerful enough for schoolwork?
A: For typing essays, research, and video conferencing, yes. They handle standard educational apps very well.
Q: What operating system is better, Android or Fire OS?
A: Android (like Samsung or Lenovo) gives you access to the full Google Play Store. Amazon Fire OS is cheaper but limits which apps you can easily download.
Q: How durable are 8-inch tablets?
A: Their smaller size makes them inherently a bit tougher to drop than 10-inch models. However, always invest in a protective case.
Q: Do 8-inch tablets support a keyboard attachment?
A: Many models offer Bluetooth keyboards designed specifically for them. This turns the tablet into a very compact mini-laptop.
Q: What is a “Retina” or high-DPI screen?
A: These terms mean the screen has very small dots (pixels). This makes text and images look incredibly smooth, almost like paper.
Q: Is 3GB of RAM enough for modern tablets?
A: Yes, 3GB is usually enough for basic tasks, browsing, and light multitasking on an 8-inch device. 4GB or more offers extra future-proofing.