The best small tablets you can buy: Expert tested
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There are a ton of advantages of having a smaller tablet--it's more portable, charges faster, and is often way less costly than larger options.
The display sizes of small tablets can range from six to 10 inches. Despite the size, many still offer long battery life, fast performance, vibrant displays, and plenty of customizable features. Our top picks include the iPad Mini (7th gen) and other best small Android tablets like the Boox Tab Mini C or cheap small tablets.
What is the best small tablet right now?
Based on our extensive hands-on testing with various tablets of all sizes, our pick for the best small tablet is the iPad Mini (7th gen), thanks to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weight of just under one pound.
We have also researched and tested compact-sized tablets from Samsung, Amazon, and other brands for those looking for something more compact and easy to carry. Read on to find out our top recommendations for the best small tablets to buy.
Also: Best Windows tablet in 2025
The best small tablets of 2025
Apple's iPad Mini is our top pick for the best small tablet thanks to its A17 Pro Chip--the same powerful processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max--that is also compatible with Apple Intelligence.
The iPad Mini was updated last year with new features including support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence capabilities that include Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos.
There's a spot on the right side of the tablet to charge the Apple Pencil, making it a great tablet for those who value the option to draw or write notes. Customers who bought the iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by its battery life, durability, and display. They also noted its portability to fit in purses and bags, particularly for entertainment purposes.
Review: Apple iPad Mini (7th generation)
ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the Apple iPad Mini and said, "The iPad Mini 7 is compact and fast, and its Apple silicon processor is built to last for years." She also added, "buy the iPad Mini 7 for the entertainment tablet it is."
If you're interested in picking up an iPad Mini, Amazon and Best Buy are offering $100 off the 128GB model, bringing the cost down to $399.
iPad Mini tech specs: Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | Processor: A17 Pro | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Colors: Space gray, blue, purple, starlight | Cameras: Rear: 12MP, 4K video Front: 12MP UltraWide with Center Stage | Weight: 0.65 pounds | Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery life: 10 hours
If you're looking for something even smaller and cheaper than the iPad Mini, the Amazon Fire 7 tablet is a great budget tablet pick. The Fire tablet's 7-inch screen has a 1024 x 600 display, so you can stream movies or play video games without hauling around a bulky product.
Former ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani reviewed the Amazon Fire 7 tablet and said it offers "a well-rounded experience as long as you take the cost into account when setting expectations." Even though performance may be a bit slow, Cipriani said that's expected at an affordable price point, considering the tablet is a colorful Kindle, a dedicated Alexa smart display, and a smart home controller all in one device.
Review: Amazon Fire 7 (2022)
Along with the ability to ask Alexa questions, you can view and manage your Alexa-connected smart home devices. You can control cameras, lights, and outlets using your voice or by tapping the dedicated Devices button in the bottom navigation bar.
While the 16GB model is out of stock at many retailers, you can opt for a refurbished item or the 32GB version at Amazon with an $80 price tag. If you're willing to pay a little more, you can remove lockscreen ad support.
Amazon Fire 7 tech specs: Display: 7-inch, 1024x600 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8168V/B | Storage: 16GB or 326GB | Colors: Black, denim, or rose | Cameras: 2 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 720p HD video recording | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Dimensions: 7.11 x 4.63 x 0.38 inches | Connections: 2 USB-C, 3.5mm jack | Battery life: 10 hours
The upgraded 12th-generation Kindle offers most of the specs from the previous model, with a few new additions. These include different exterior colors (Matcha and Black), a brighter front light, a higher contrast ratio, and a faster page-turn rate.
ZDNET editor Nina Raemont also tried the new Kindle hands-on and was particularly impressed with its lightening-fast performance, especially when compared to older models.
Review: Amazon Kindle (12th generation)
"While I was reading, I noticed that the page-turning and book-loading speeds were significantly quicker than on my Kindle Oasis or Kindle Paperwhite from 2022," she wrote.
The anti-glare 300ppi display makes it easy to read in any light, and dark mode is a warm welcome when you're trying to read at night without letting blue light interrupt your sleep cycle. Plus, its small size (it weighs just .35 pounds) means it'll fit most bags and backpacks, so you can take your library with you wherever you go.
The 12th-generation Amazon Kindle is available for a budget-friendly price of $100 at Amazon and Best Buy.
Amazon Kindle tech specs: Display: 6-inch, 300ppi glare-free | Storage: 16GB | Colors: Black or denim | Weight: 5.56 ounces | Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: Up to six weeks
Samsung's tablet lineup spans price, capability, and screen size. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small Android tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. Its 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it worthy of streaming, working, and more.
The Tab A7 Lite is portable enough to take anywhere, and is especially pragmatic if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the metal frame adds some added ruggedness.
In addition, you can expand your storage beyond the 32GB or 64GB allotted. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage, twice as much as the previous model. Overall, 91% of Best Buy customers would recommend buying this tablet, giving it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
ZDNET author Charlie Osborne, who contributed to this article, selected this model to help a family member start a new business. The reason? It's affordable, has a small enough form factor to slip easily into a handbag, and is able to handle day-to-day tasks such as checking email and using mobile apps with ease.
You can pick up this tablet for $170 at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tech specs: Display: 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8768N | Storage: 32GB or 64GB | Colors: Gray | Cameras: 2MP front and 8MP rear | Weight: 0.81lbs | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C | Battery: 10 to 12 hours
What is the best small tablet?
The best small tablet is the iPad Mini because of its sharp display and impressive cameras. Plus, the A17 Pro chip is packed with power in a small package. But if you're unsure, the factors below may sway your decision.
Tablet | Price | Screen size | Display |
Apple iPad Mini | $399 | 8.3 inches | Liquid Retina |
Amazon Fire 7 | $80 | 7 inches | 1024x600 pixels |
Amazon Kindle | $100 | 6 inches | 300ppi glare-free |
Samsung Galaxy A7 Lite | $170 | 8.7 inches | 1340x800 pixels |
Which small tablet is right for you?
| Choose this small tablet... | If you want... |
| Apple iPad Mini | The best overall small tablet with USB-C port for quicker charging and data transfers. It also comes equipped with Apple Intelligence. |
| Amazon Fire 7 | A budget-friendly and well-rounded tablet with excellent battery life and smart assistant functionality. Its 7-inch screen has a 1024x600 display. |
| Amazon Kindle | A small and portable tablet designed for reading with dark mode and six weeks of battery life. Its 300ppi is the same display as the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis. |
| Samsung Galaxy A7 Lite | A small Samsung tablet with expandable storage and an exceptional battery life. The tablet allows for up to 1TB of expandable storage. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best small tablets:
We know there are a lot of tablets and tablet sizes to choose from, but ultimately, these factors should be considered before making a purchase:
- Size: These tablets range between six and eight inches, which defines a tablet as small. Consider whether you want one of the smallest options or you want a model at the higher end of the range.
- Display: Small tablets shouldn't have to compromise on an already smaller display, and many tablets now pack a punch in relation to resolution and display technologies.
- Use cases: One of the most important deciding factors in selecting a new tablet is what you plan to use it for. If you intend to use resource-heavy applications, for example, opt for a model with a powerful processor. You may prioritize storage space if you want a tablet for storing TV shows, books, and films.
- Battery life: A device's battery life is important no matter its size, so we considered devices that can last you all day -- but expected battery life can vary.
- Operating system: What's your favorite mobile operating system? Your choice of small tablet may hinge on whether you like iOS, Android, or another OS.
- Accessories: While a small factor in your decision, you might want a specific color, case, or stylus. Research what's available before you buy.
- Price: Tablets vary in price range from affordable to expensive depending on brand and purpose, so we made sure to choose tablets at various price points to accommodate different budgets.
How we test tablets
The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
- Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.
We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.
Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.
- Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.
- Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.
Small tablet FAQs
What is the smallest tablet screen size?
The smallest tablet screen size on the market is 6 to 7 inches. Anything smaller would be more similar to a smartphone.
It's why you want to consider your primary uses when considering which small tablet is right for you. To demonstrate, if you travel often, one with a smaller screen will be perfect for carrying/using on an airplane. If your aim is to read more e-books or draw, you'll want one with a larger screen.
What brand of tablet is best?
Tablets made by Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft are the best-made tablets in terms of quality. Amazon has well-rounded tablets in its Fire lineup but with fewer performance-focused features. Boox is also proving to be an industry underdog, with impressive tablets that function as e-readers and illustrators.
Keep in mind in certain cases (Apple, Samsung), you can pair your other devices with the tablet. In the case of Apple tablets, you can log in using your Apple ID to access the same apps, pictures, and more from your phone on your iPad.
Meanwhile, with Samsung devices, you can implement Samsung Flow. Download the app on your phone and tablet. You can connect your tablet to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Are mini Android tablets worth it?
Yes, they can be. Small Android tablets allow you to do everything you would normally do, like reading e-books and video calling, without the higher price tags.
Their lightweight body and compact design make them perfect traveling companions. So, if you're searching for the best Android tablet with great battery life and lightweight design, the minis are an enticing choice.