Many individuals at the moment go for smaller tablets, though our flexible and foldable smartphones could finally earn a bigger slice of the market. A small pill makes a improbable digital companion. They’re nice for studying on the seaside, watching movies, or entertaining the kids on lengthy automobile journeys. These small units — with show sizes starting from round six to 10 inches — might be simply as highly effective as their bigger counterparts, providing speedy efficiency, entry to your favourite apps, and vibrant shows.
In the event you’re seeking to buy your first pill, it is best to think about one among these small, mild, and sometimes budget-friendly choices. A few of our favorites embrace the iPad Mini and Amazon’s Fireplace pill lineup.
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What’s the greatest small pill proper now?
My choose for the most effective small pill is the iPad Mini (7th gen), due to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina show and weight of slightly below one pound. As well as, Apple tablets have lengthy been thought of a few of the greatest available in the market.
ZDNET performs in depth hands-on testing with numerous tablets of all sizes whereas we’re compiling our really useful tablets checklist. We have now researched and examined compact-sized tablets from Samsung, Apple, Amazon, and different manufacturers for these on the lookout for one thing extra transportable.
Additionally: The best large tablets you can buy
In our August replace, we added the Boox Palma Professional 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as new prime picks.
The perfect small tablets of 2026
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Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Apple’s iPad Mini is our prime choose for the most effective small pill as a compact, highly effective machine that ticks many packing containers.
Why we prefer it: We just like the iPad Mini attributable to its A17 Professional Chip — the identical highly effective processor discovered within the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max — that can also be appropriate with Apple Intelligence.
The iPad Mini was up to date final 12 months with new options. These embrace Apple Pencil Professional assist and Apple Intelligence capabilities like Writing Instruments, the redesigned Siri, Precedence Notifications and Messages, Summarization instruments, Sensible Reply, and the Clear Up device in Images.
There is a spot on the fitting aspect of the pill to cost the Apple Pencil, making it an awesome pill for individuals who worth the choice to attract or write notes. Prospects who purchased the iPad Mini reported in critiques that they had been impressed by its battery life, sturdiness, and show.
Additionally they famous its portability, which permits it to slot in purses and luggage, notably for leisure functions.
Overview: Apple iPad Mini (seventh-generation)
Who it is for: ZDNET author Maria Diaz examined the Apple iPad Mini and mentioned, “The iPad Mini 7 is compact and quick, and its Apple silicon processor is constructed to final for years.” She additionally added, “Purchase the iPad Mini 7 for the leisure pill it’s.” So, if you need an all-rounder and a tool that’s appropriate for streaming and different leisure functions, think about this selection.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In the event you aren’t a fan of the Apple ecosystem, try my different prime picks.
iPad Mini tech specs: Show: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina show | Processor: A17 Professional | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Colours: Area grey, blue, purple, starlight | Cameras: Rear: 12MP, 4K video Entrance: 12MP UltraWide with Heart Stage | Weight: 0.65 kilos | Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery life: 10 hours
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Amazon
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing even smaller and cheaper than the iPad Mini, the Amazon Fireplace 8 pill is a great budget tablet choose.
Why we prefer it: The Fireplace pill’s 8-inch display screen has a 1280 x 800 HD show, so you may stream films or play video video games with out hauling round a cumbersome product.
It is an improve on the legacy Fireplace 7, which can also be an awesome entry-level pill. This upgraded mannequin presents 32GB of storage, which might be expanded as much as 1TB, alongside improved processing energy and as much as 13 hours of battery life. There are additionally two cameras, one entrance and one rear-facing.
Together with the flexibility to ask Alexa questions, you may view and handle your Alexa-connected smart home devices. You may management cameras, lights, and retailers utilizing your voice or by tapping the devoted Gadgets button within the backside navigation bar.
Who it is for: Anybody who needs a small, reasonably priced pill for streaming, studying, and leisure outdoors of the Apple iOS ecosystem.
This pill might be bought on Amazon for $65, which is greater than affordable for a small pill. In the event you’re prepared to pay somewhat extra, you may take away lockscreen advert assist.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need extra energy, think about an Apple iPad Mini as a substitute.
Amazon Fireplace 8 tech specs: Show: 8-inch, 1280 x 800 show | Processor: Hexa-core 2.0 GHz | Storage: 32GB+ | Colours: Black, hibiscus, emerald | Cameras: 2MP entrance 720p, 5MP with 1080p HD video recording | Weight: 11.8 ounces | Dimensions: 7.94 x 5.4 x 0.37 inches | Connections: 2 USB-C | Battery life: 13 hours
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Nina Raemont/ZDNET
If you need a pill primarily for studying on the street or at night time, Amazon’s Kindle must be in your radar.
Why we prefer it: The upgraded Twelfth-generation Kindle presents many of the specs from the earlier mannequin, with a couple of new additions. These embrace completely different exterior colours — Matcha and Black, a brighter entrance mild, a better distinction ratio, and a sooner page-turn fee.
ZDNET editor Nina Raemont additionally tried the brand new Kindle hands-on and was notably impressed with its lightning-fast efficiency, particularly when in comparison with older fashions.
Overview: Amazon Kindle (12th-generation)
“Whereas I used to be studying, I observed that the page-turning and book-loading speeds had been considerably faster than on my Kindle Oasis or Kindle Paperwhite from 2022,” Raemont wrote.
The Twelfth-generation Amazon Kindle is accessible for a budget-friendly worth of $90 at Amazon.
Who it is for: Anybody who needs a pill primarily for studying extra comfortably than what you count on from conventional pill screens.
The anti-glare 300ppi show makes it simple to learn in any mild, and darkish mode is a heat welcome whenever you’re making an attempt to learn at night time with out letting blue mild interrupt your sleep cycle. Plus, it weighs simply .35 kilos, which means it’s going to match most luggage and backpacks.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need a pill extra geared towards productiveness or leisure apps, think about one among my different suggestions.
Amazon Kindle tech specs: Show: 6-inch, 300ppi glare-free | Storage: 16GB | Colours: Black or denim | Weight: 5.56 ounces | Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery: As much as six weeks
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Samsung/ZDNET
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 is a small Android pill that mixes affordability and usefulness.
Why we prefer it: Samsung’s tablet lineup spans worth, functionality, and display screen dimension, and the A11 has an 8.7-inch display screen with a 1340×800 show, making it worthy of streaming and fundamental duties.
The Tab A11 is transportable and particularly pragmatic in case you’re utilizing it to entertain youngsters with academic apps. Plus, the steel body provides some ruggedness. The pill has 64GB of storage and permits as much as 2TB of expandable storage.
Who it is for: This reasonably priced Samsung pill has a sufficiently small kind issue to slide simply right into a purse, and is ready to deal with day-to-day duties corresponding to checking electronic mail and utilizing cellular apps with ease. Plus, it is priced at $138 and sometimes goes on sale for even much less.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need a pill for studying or heavy useful resource use, this may not be the fitting choice for you. Try one other of my favorites.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 tech specs: Show: 8.7-inch, 1340×800 show | Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 | Storage: 64GB | Colours: Grey or Silver | Cameras: 5MP entrance and 8MP rear | Weight: 1.1 lbs | Dimensions: 8.31 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Kind-C 2.0 | Battery: 5100 mAh
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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
In the event you actually need one thing small, the Boox Palma Professional 2 is by far the smallest on our checklist, extra intently resembling a smartphone than an precise pill.
Why we prefer it: However for individuals who prioritize portability, this 6.13-inch machine packs loads of punch right into a small package deal. The backlit Kaleido 3 coloration show resembles a newspaper or journal, with a extremely customizable vary of preset refresh modes and coloration choices.
Like Onyx’s different Boox tablets, the Palma 2 Professional runs Android 15 and, with entry to the Google Play Retailer, permits customers to entry any downloadable apps like Pinterest, Kindle, and extra.
Overview: Boox Palma Pro 2
Who it is for: Its compact dimension is good for anybody who needs a one-handed machine that serves as a notepad for fast ideas. , because it handles extra like a smartphone and fewer like a Kindle or pill. The pen-on-paper expertise of note-taking is beautiful, with minimal lag and a responsive really feel due to the Boox Ink Sense Plus stylus.
Who ought to look elsewhere: This machine’s small dimension is a part of its drawbacks, sadly. Palm interference is inevitable, and the textual content can seem small and faint in case your settings aren’t optimized.
Boox Palma Professional 2 tech specs: Show: 6.13-inch Kaleido 3 coloration show | Processor: Octa-core + BSR | Storage: 8GB | Colours: White or Black | Cameras: 16MP Rear Digicam with LED Flash | Weight: 6.2 oz | Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.35 inches | Connections: USB-C, Hybrid SIM Card Slot | Battery: 3,950mAh
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The perfect small pill is the iPad Mini due to its sharp show and spectacular cameras. Plus, the A17 Professional chip is full of energy in a small package deal. However in case you’re uncertain, the components beneath could sway your resolution.
|
Pill |
Value |
Display screen dimension |
Show |
|
Apple iPad Mini |
$489 |
8.3 inches |
Liquid Retina |
|
Amazon Fireplace 8 |
$65 |
8 inches |
1280 x 800 pixels |
|
Amazon Kindle |
$90 |
6 inches |
300ppi glare-free |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 |
$138 |
8.7 inches |
1340 x 800 pixels |
|
Boox Palma Professional 2 |
$400 |
6.13 inches |
824 x 1648 pixels |
|
Select this small pill… |
If you need… |
|
Apple iPad Mini |
The perfect total small pill with a USB-C port for faster charging and information transfers. It additionally comes geared up with Apple Intelligence. |
|
Amazon Fireplace 8 |
A budget-friendly and well-rounded pill with affordable battery life and sensible assistant performance. Its 8-inch display screen has a 1280×800 show. |
|
Amazon Kindle |
A small and transportable pill designed for studying with darkish mode and 6 weeks of battery life. Its 300ppi is identical show because the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Oasis. |
|
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 |
A small Samsung pill with expandable storage and an distinctive battery life. The pill permits for as much as 2TB of expandable storage. |
|
Boox Palma Professional 2 |
A note-taking pill that matches into the palm of your hand, permitting you to take notes on the go and. |
We all know there are loads of tablets and pill sizes to select from, however in the end, these components must be thought of earlier than making a purchase order:
- Measurement: These tablets vary between six and eight inches, which defines a pill as small. Take into account whether or not you need one of many smallest choices otherwise you desire a mannequin on the larger finish of the vary.
- Show: Small tablets should not must compromise on an already smaller show, and plenty of tablets now pack a punch in relation to decision and show applied sciences.
- Use instances: One of the necessary deciding components in choosing a brand new pill is what you propose to make use of it for. In the event you intend to make use of resource-heavy functions, for instance, go for a mannequin with a strong processor. Chances are you’ll prioritize space for storing if you need a pill for storing TV exhibits, books, and movies.
- Battery life: A tool’s battery life is necessary irrespective of its dimension, so we thought of units that may final you all day — however anticipated battery life can range.
- Working system: What’s your favourite cellular working system? Your selection of small pill could hinge on whether or not you want iOS, Android, or one other OS.
- Equipment: Whereas a small think about your resolution, you may want a selected coloration, case, or stylus. Analysis what’s out there before you purchase.
- Value: Tablets range in worth vary from reasonably priced to costly relying on model and objective, so we made positive to decide on tablets at numerous worth factors to accommodate completely different budgets.
The ZDNET staff selected the entire tablets included on this checklist based mostly on their efficiency when tested in the real world. After we check tablets, we sometimes observe the identical routine for each to see which performs greatest.
- Show: We measure the brightness stage in numerous lighting situations and assess coloration accuracy.
We additionally examine the show’s efficiency with what the producer promised, check the display screen’s responsiveness to the touch, and assess the efficiency of any further options, like a producer’s stylus.
-
Efficiency: For real-world efficiency metrics, our reviewers measure how rapidly the pill reacts to enter, assess recreation efficiency and body charges, check how the pill handles having a number of apps operating concurrently, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the pill’s temperature throughout intensive duties.
- Battery life: We check completely different eventualities for battery life, together with measuring how lengthy the battery lasts whereas streaming, net looking, utilizing productiveness apps, and taking part in video games.
- Digicam and audio: For cameras, we consider options like decision, aperture, low-light efficiency, autofocus accuracy, dynamic vary, coloration accuracy, picture high quality, sharpness, and video high quality. For audio, we have a look at the sound high quality and total listening expertise, together with audio readability at completely different volumes, stereo separation of left and proper audio channels, most quantity stage in numerous environments, and if there may be perceived distortion.
For a deeper look into our testing course of, try our complete tablet testing methodology.
Newest information
- Amazon is reportedly working on vital modifications to its Fireplace pill vary. The working system hasn’t at all times been well-liked with each consumer, so a brand new Fireplace pill operating on Android may be on the horizon.
- In the event you’re inquisitive about creating a wise residence system, a tablet can develop into a wonderful hub in your controls.
- Kindles from 2012 or earlier stopped accessing the Kindle Store and ended software program updates in Might.
The smallest pill display screen dimension available on the market is six to seven inches. Something smaller could be extra much like a smartphone.
It is why you wish to think about your main makes use of when contemplating which small pill is best for you. To display, in case you journey typically, one with a smaller display screen will probably be good for carrying/utilizing on an airplane. In case your intention is to learn extra e-books or draw, you will need one with a bigger display screen.
Tablets made by Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft are the best-made tablets when it comes to high quality. Amazon has well-rounded tablets in its Fireplace lineup however with fewer performance-focused options. Boox can also be proving to be an trade underdog, with spectacular tablets that perform as e-readers and illustrators.
Consider in sure instances, you may pair your different units with the pill. Within the case of Apple tablets, you may log in utilizing your Apple ID to entry the identical apps, photos, and extra out of your telephone in your iPad.
In the meantime, with Samsung units, you may implement Samsung Circulate. Obtain the app in your telephone and pill. You may join your pill to your telephone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Sure, they are often. Small Android tablets permit you to do all the things you’ll usually do, like studying e-books and video calling, with out the upper worth tags.
Their light-weight physique and compact design make them good touring companions. So, in case you’re looking for the best Android tablet with nice battery life and light-weight design, the minis are an attractive selection.
The smallest iPad is the iPad Mini which has a display screen dimension of 8.3 inches. It is also light-weight at slightly below one pound.
Newest updates
- August 2026: We added the Boox Palma Professional 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as prime picks and up to date copy and pricing all through.
Different tablets we have examined
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Amazon/ZDNet
This tiny pill is huge on enjoyable, with one 12 months of Amazon Youngsters+ included within the worth. The 7-inch pill additionally options easy-to-set-up parental controls and a sturdy case. Better of all, it is presently on sale for less than $70.
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Amazon
The $110 Lenovo Tab One is a superb various in case you’re on the lookout for an entertainment-first pill. This mannequin presents an 8.7-inch HD show, 64GB of storage, and as much as 12 hours of streaming on a single cost.
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If you would like to discover extra of the most effective tablets in 2026, try our guides on the best tablets in the market total, the most effective Android tablets around, and our favourite Samsung tablets at the moment.
Tablets Reviewed & In contrast
