What are the Best Small Android Tablets?

Source: Androidsage.com

Introduction

Small Android tablets have become quite popular lately. They're perfect for people who want a device bigger than a phone but smaller than a laptop. These tablets are great for reading, watching videos, playing games, and even doing some work on the go. Their compact size makes them easy to carry around, and they usually come at a more affordable price than larger tablets.

Key Takeaways:

Small Android tablets are perfect for on-the-go activities like reading, gaming, and light work, offering a balance between smartphones and larger tablets with their compact size and affordability.
When choosing a small Android tablet, focus on display quality, performance, storage, battery life, and build quality to find the best fit for your needs, whether for reading, drawing, or note-taking.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Android Tablet

Display Quality

When picking a small Android tablet, the display quality is super important. You want a screen with good resolution so everything looks sharp and clear. Higher resolution means you can see more details, which is great for watching movies or reading. The type of display technology also matters. For example, OLED screens offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, making everything look more lifelike.

Performance

Performance is another key factor. A tablet with a fast processor and plenty of RAM will run smoothly and handle multiple apps at once without slowing down. If you plan to use your tablet for gaming or heavy multitasking, look for one with a powerful processor and at least 3GB of RAM. This ensures that your tablet won't lag or freeze when you need it most.

Storage Capacity

Storage capacity is crucial, too. You'll need enough space to store your apps, photos, videos, and other files. Look for a tablet with at least 32GB of internal storage. Some tablets also offer expandable storage options, like a microSD card slot, so you can add more space if you need it. This is especially handy if you plan to download a lot of content.

Battery Life

Battery life is vital for portability. You don't want your tablet dying on you in the middle of the day. Look for a tablet with a long-lasting battery, ideally one that can last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge. This way, you can use it throughout the day without constantly searching for an outlet.

Build Quality

Lastly, consider the build quality. A tablet made from durable materials will last longer and withstand daily wear and tear. Look for tablets with a sturdy design and good build quality. Some tablets even come with features like water resistance, which can be a bonus if you're prone to spills or plan to use your tablet outdoors.

Top Small Android Tablets of 2024

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Specifications:

Display: 8.7-inch WXGA+ (1340 x 800) TFT
Processor: MediaTek Helio P22T
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32GB, expandable via microSD up to 1TB
Battery: 5,100mAh
Operating System: Android 11

Reasons to Buy:

Affordable: Great value for the price.
Compact Design: Easy to carry around.
Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot for additional storage.

Reasons to Avoid:

Low Resolution: Display could be sharper.
Limited Performance: Not suitable for heavy multitasking or gaming.

Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus

Specifications:

Display: 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) IPS
Processor: Quad-core 2.0 GHz
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD up to 1TB
Battery: Up to 12 hours
Operating System: Fire OS

Reasons to Buy:

Affordable: Budget-friendly price.
Alexa Integration: Hands-free Alexa support.
Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option.

Reasons to Avoid:

Fire OS Limitations: Limited app availability compared to standard Android.
Average Performance: Not the fastest tablet around.

Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)

Specifications:

Display: 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) IPS
Processor: MediaTek Helio A22
RAM: 2GB or 3GB
Storage: 32GB, expandable via microSD up to 128GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Operating System: Android 11

Reasons to Buy:

Affordable: Good price for the features.
Solid Build Quality: Durable and well-built.
Decent Battery Life: Lasts a full day with moderate use.

Reasons to Avoid:

Limited Storage: Internal storage could be higher.
Basic Performance: Not ideal for demanding apps or games.

Best Budget Small Android Tablets

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet

Specifications:

Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600) IPS
Processor: Quad-core 1.3 GHz
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 16GB or 32GB, expandable via microSD up to 512GB
Battery: Up to 7 hours
Operating System: Fire OS

Reasons to Buy:

Very Affordable: One of the cheapest tablets available.
Compact Size: Extremely portable.
Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot for more storage.

Reasons to Avoid:

Low Performance: Limited RAM and processor speed.
Low Resolution: Display isn’t very sharp.

Boox Tab Mini C

Specifications:

Display: 7.8-inch E Ink color screen
Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB, expandable via microSD
Battery: 3,000mAh
Operating System: Android 11

Reasons to Buy:

E Ink Display: Great for reading with minimal eye strain.
Color Screen: Supports color, unlike most E Ink displays.
Good Performance: Decent specs for a budget tablet.

Reasons to Avoid:

Limited App Compatibility: Some apps may not work well on E Ink.
Average Battery Life: Could be better for an E Ink device.

Specialized Small Android Tablets

Best Small Tablet for Reading

For bookworms, the Amazon Kindle series stands out. These tablets are designed specifically for reading, featuring e-ink displays that mimic real paper. This means less strain on your eyes, even during long reading sessions. The Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis models offer adjustable warm light, waterproofing, and weeks-long battery life, making them perfect for avid readers. They also support various formats, including PDFs and audiobooks, giving you flexibility in how you consume your content.

Best Small Tablet for Note-Taking

If jotting down notes is your thing, look for tablets with stylus support. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro are excellent choices. These tablets come with responsive styluses that make writing feel natural. They also have apps like Samsung Notes or Microsoft OneNote, which sync your notes across devices. With features like palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, these tablets make note-taking a breeze, whether you're in a meeting or a classroom.

Best Small Tablet for Drawing

Artists will appreciate tablets with high precision and pressure sensitivity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and the Huawei MatePad Pro are top picks. These tablets come with advanced styluses that offer thousands of pressure levels, allowing for detailed and nuanced artwork. They also have large, vibrant screens that display colors accurately, making your drawings come to life. With apps like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, these tablets turn into powerful digital canvases.

How to Choose the Right Small Android Tablet for You

Identify Your Needs

First, figure out what you'll use the tablet for. Are you a reader, an artist, or someone who needs a portable device for work? Knowing your primary use will help you focus on the features that matter most. For instance, if you love reading, a tablet with an e-ink display would be ideal. If you're into drawing, look for one with a high-quality stylus and a large screen.

Compare Specifications

Once you know what you need, start comparing different models. Look at key specs like processor speed, RAM, storage capacity, and battery life. A faster processor and more RAM will make the tablet run smoother, especially if you multitask. Adequate storage is essential for saving apps, documents, and media files. Don't forget to check if the tablet supports expandable storage through microSD cards.

Read Reviews and User Feedback

Before making a final decision, check out expert reviews and user feedback. Reviews can give you insights into the tablet's performance, build quality, and any potential issues. User feedback is also valuable as it provides real-world experiences from people who have used the tablet. Look for consistent comments about battery life, screen quality, and overall satisfaction to make an informed choice.

Wrapping Things Up

Technology keeps evolving, and small Android tablets are a testament to that. They offer a sweet spot between smartphones and larger tablets, making them perfect for various activities like reading, gaming, or even light work. When picking one, keep an eye on display quality, performance, storage capacity, battery life, and build quality. Whether you're an artist, a student, or just someone who loves gadgets, there's a tablet out there that fits your needs. So, dive in, find the right one, and enjoy the blend of portability and functionality these compact devices bring to the table!

Introduction to Small Android Tablets

This feature enhances user experience by optimizing screen brightness based on ambient light. It automatically adjusts brightness levels to reduce eye strain and save battery life. Additionally, it provides a manual override for users preferring custom settings. The feature also integrates with night mode, reducing blue light exposure during evening hours.

Compatibility and Requirements for Small Tablets

To ensure your device supports the feature, check these requirements and compatibility details:

Operating System: Your device must run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later. Older versions won't support the latest features.
RAM: At least 2GB of RAM is necessary. Devices with less memory may experience lag or crashes.
Storage: Ensure you have a minimum of 4GB of free storage. This space is needed for installing updates and storing data.
Processor: A quad-core processor or better is recommended. Slower processors might struggle with performance.
Screen Resolution: The feature works best on devices with a 720p resolution or higher. Lower resolutions may affect display quality.
Bluetooth: If the feature involves connecting to other devices, Bluetooth 4.0 or newer is required.
Wi-Fi: A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for features that rely on internet access.
Battery: Ensure your device has a battery capacity of at least 3000mAh. Intensive features can drain power quickly.
Permissions: Grant necessary permissions like location, camera, and microphone access. Without these, some features won't function.
App Version: Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed. Older versions might lack new features or improvements.

Check these details to confirm your device's compatibility.

Setting Up Your Small Android Tablet

Unbox your tablet carefully.
Press the power button to turn it on.
Select your preferred language.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network by choosing it from the list and entering the password.
Sign in to your Google account or create one if you don't have it.
Agree to the terms and conditions.
Set up a screen lock (PIN, pattern, or password).
Choose whether to restore apps and data from a previous device or set up as new.
Enable or disable Google services like backup, location, and more.
Customize your home screen by adding apps and widgets.
Update your tablet's software if prompted.
Install any additional apps from the Google Play Store.
Adjust settings like brightness, volume, and notifications to your liking.
Sync your email, calendar, and contacts if needed.
Explore the pre-installed apps and features.

Maximizing Your Small Tablet's Potential

Reading: Adjust the brightness to a comfortable level. Use night mode to reduce eye strain during late hours.

Gaming: Ensure the battery is fully charged. Close background apps to boost performance. Use a game controller for better control.

Drawing: Get a stylus for precise input. Use apps like Procreate or SketchBook. Adjust the pen sensitivity settings for smoother lines.

Watching Videos: Connect to a Wi-Fi network for better streaming quality. Use headphones for immersive sound. Download videos for offline viewing.

Taking Notes: Use apps like Evernote or OneNote. Sync notes with the cloud for access on other devices. Utilize voice-to-text for quick note-taking.

Traveling: Download maps for offline use. Use a protective case to prevent damage. Keep a portable charger handy.

Reading Comics: Use apps like ComiXology. Adjust the zoom for better readability. Organize your library for easy access.

Video Calls: Use a stand to keep the tablet steady. Ensure a good internet connection. Use earbuds with a mic for clear audio.

Cooking: Use a stand to keep the tablet at eye level. Use apps like Yummly for recipes. Enable voice commands to navigate without touching the screen.

Studying: Use flashcard apps like Quizlet. Organize study materials in folders. Set reminders for study sessions.

Fitness: Use fitness apps like MyFitnessPal. Track workouts with wearable devices. Watch exercise videos for guided workouts.

Photography: Use the grid feature for better composition. Edit photos with apps like Snapseed. Backup photos to the cloud.

Social Media: Use widgets for quick access. Manage notifications to avoid distractions. Use privacy settings to control who sees your posts.

Shopping: Use apps like Amazon or eBay. Save items to wishlists for later. Use price comparison tools to find the best deals.

Music: Use streaming apps like Spotify. Create playlists for different moods. Use Bluetooth speakers for better sound quality.

Troubleshooting Common Tablet Problems

Battery draining too fast? Lower screen brightness, close unused apps, and turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not needed.

Tablet running slow? Clear cache, uninstall unused apps, and restart the device.

Apps crashing often? Update the app, clear its cache, or reinstall it.

Wi-Fi connection issues? Restart the router, forget the network on the tablet, and reconnect.

Screen freezing? Force restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Storage full? Delete unnecessary files, move data to an SD card, or use cloud storage.

Tablet not charging? Check the charger and cable for damage, try a different outlet, or clean the charging port.

Bluetooth not working? Turn Bluetooth off and on, unpair and re-pair the device, or restart the tablet.

Sound issues? Check volume settings, ensure headphones are properly connected, or restart the device.

Camera problems? Clear the camera app cache, update the app, or restart the tablet.

Privacy and Security Tips for Tablets

When using small Android tablets, security and privacy are crucial. Always enable screen locks like PINs or patterns. Update your device regularly to patch vulnerabilities. Be cautious with app permissions; only grant what's necessary. Use encrypted connections, like VPNs, for safer browsing. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. Install reputable antivirus software to fend off malware. Regularly back up data to prevent loss. Disable Bluetooth and location services when not in use. For added privacy, consider using apps with end-to-end encryption for messaging. Always log out of accounts after use.

Comparing Small Android Tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: Pros: Affordable, decent battery life, good build quality. Cons: Lower resolution screen, average performance.

Amazon Fire HD 8: Pros: Budget-friendly, good battery life, Alexa integration. Cons: Limited app selection, slower performance.

Lenovo Tab M8: Pros: Solid build, good display, affordable. Cons: Mediocre camera, average performance.

Apple iPad Mini: Pros: High performance, excellent display, vast app ecosystem. Cons: Expensive, not Android.

Huawei MediaPad T3: Pros: Affordable, decent display, good build. Cons: Older Android version, average performance.

Alternative: Microsoft Surface Go 2: Pros: Versatile, good performance, Windows OS. Cons: Expensive, heavier.