The Best Mini Tablets
As technology improves and designs become more efficient, it’s only natural that the devices we use become smaller and more convenient. Tablets are no exception. If the size of the original iPad is a bit too big for your taste, don’t worry. There are more miniature-sized tablets popping up all the time, and we’re here to help you sort through them. We’ve put together a list of the best mini-tablets available on the market today so you can find the one that’s right for you.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best mini tablets on the market, we considered their operating system, price, overall features, and functionality. For example, if you want a classic tablet that has great specs and storage space to spare, the 2021 Apple iPad Mini is a great all-around option. If you want something a little more affordable that’s loaded with features and has a faster performance than most competitors, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a sure winner. Read on to see all our top picks and find the mini tablet that’s right for you.
Apple 2021 iPad Mini
A modern classic
When it comes to tablets, you can’t go wrong with the original. The Apple iPad was the first device to bring tablets into the mainstream, and it’s been a classic ever since. This miniature model is just a smaller version, but it’s packed with all the same perks. You can expect the same speed, versatility, and intuitive user experience that you would get with a standard iPad, only with a smaller size and price tag. It even has options for different storage amounts and colors. If you’re not sure where to start with your tablet search, this is a great first step.
Pros:
- A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Liquid Retina display has great picture quality and vibrant colors
- 12MP picture quality for front and rear-facing cameras
- Landscape stereo speakers
Cons:
- Pricier than other options
Apple iPad Mini Refurbished 5th Generation
Second hand
Pre-owned has become a dirty word in the tech world due to scams and false advertising, but from a legitimate seller, these refurbished products can be a great way to get quality equipment at a good price. This refurbished iPad Mini proves it with its vibrant retina display, great storage space, and amazing cosmetic condition. Even the battery is guaranteed to work at close-to-brand-new capacity. You can get a quality iPad with no significant damage, no dead pixels, and no hassle. With its significant discount compared to brand-new models, this bargain is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Excellent condition
- Compatible with Apple Pencil
- FaceTime HD and iSight cameras
- Touch ID security
Cons:
- Although excellent condition is guaranteed, there may be minor cosmetic damages
UJoyFeel Kids Tablet
Play time
Kids are naturally enthralled by tablets because of their glowing screens, entertainment value, and captivating content for short attention spans. Some parents are reluctant to hand them over to such small eyes, but some have embraced the tablets for their educational potential and effortless distraction for ornery children. Whatever your purpose, these tablets from UJoyFeel are designed specifically for kids. Everything from their colorful exterior to their compact size and their built-in handle is made just for your little ones. This tablet comes ready to use right out of the box with many free pre-installed learning apps. If you’re looking for a kid-proof tablet in terms of content and durability, this is the tablet for you.
Pros:
- Has parental controls to block content
- Built-in handle
- Front and rear cameras
- Comes with learning apps pre-installed
Cons:
- Not as fast or efficient as other tablets
Amazon Fire 7 tablet
Don't break the bank
If you’re looking to get a new tablet but you’re tight on cash, this Amazon Fire tablet may be the one for you. This extra-small tablet has a 7-inch screen for extreme portability and a newer quad-core processor for faster speeds. It has 2 gigs of RAM and options for either 16 or 32 gigs of storage space. If you want to expand the storage space, you can add a microSD card for up to 1 TB of space. Best of all, the price is less than half of most other competing tablets. For streaming, surfing the web, and staying connected on a budget, this Amazon Fire tablet is in a league of its own.
Pros:
- Great price
- Comes in three different color options
- Compact, lightweight design
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
Cons:
- The ad-supported option features sponsored ads on the lock screen
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Charge it up
If you’re tired of running to an outlet to recharge your tablet every few hours, it might be time for a new purchase. Lucky for you, this Samsung Galaxy A7 Lite is packed with plenty of battery power to spare. You can charge it once to use it all day long, and it has fast charging capabilities so charging is quicker than ever. On top of that, it boasts an 8.7-inch screen, beautiful picture quality, great sound, and a durable design. For the price, it has its fair share of perks that make it perfect for casual users looking for a practical alternative to the iPad. For Android lovers around the world, this is a great tablet option.
Pros:
- Multi-device technology allows it to sync up with your Samsung smartphone
- Fast-charging capabilities
- Expandable storage of up to 1 TB
- Durable metal frame
Cons:
- Although the tablet supports fast charging, the included charging cable isn’t capable of it
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference in size between a regular iPad and an iPad mini?
The regular iPad has a 10.9-inch display and the iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch display, so the difference is about two and a half inches. This may not seem to be a major gap, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to convenience and portability.
How small do mini tablets get?
Most mini tablets don’t get any smaller than seven inches. Any smaller, and it might as well be a phone. The size range for most mini tablets is 7-9 inches, making them roughly two inches bigger than a phone and two inches smaller than a standard tablet. Even though their functions are different than those of a smartphone, they have enough in common that it’s important to have some size differences.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.