A small tablet is a Goldilocks device. It provides a bigger screen than even the largest smartphone (foldable models, excepted) but a much more compact form factor than a full-sized tablet or even small laptop. We have discussed reasons to get a tablet, but why would you want a small one? There are many ways they come in handy.

They’re easy to hold in the hand for a second-screen experience without draining your phone’s battery. They are perfectly pocketable devices for use on-the-go as well. It might be so you can read during your public transit commutes to the office or school, or to watch videos while on a plane.

If you can find a great compact tablet with premium features, even one with the most basic functions (many have outdated processors and lesser specs), you may find you use it more than you thought you would. Now comes the question: which are the best small tablets out there? We’re here to help.

Apple iPad Mini (2024)

Despite its diminutive form factor, the new Apple iPad Mini packs a pretty big punch with an A17 Pro chip, support for Apple Pencil Pro, and compatibility with all the latest Apple Intelligence features. It has a decently sized 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and comes in Blue, Purple, Starlight, or Space Grey. All-day battery life makes it perfect for creative tasks, work on the go, and entertainment. It even has a 12MP wide back camera. With 128GB storage to start, double that of the previous generation model, it’s an ultra-fast, snappy, responsive, and functional mini tablet. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, you can enjoy features like Writing Tools that make working on the go feasible, even without a physical keyboard case. Get the cellular model and you can use this tablet in place of your phone while conserving the cellular device’s precious battery life. The Apple iPad Mini starts at just $679 ($599 for education), making the price point even more accessible than an iPhone.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

Arriving in Canada three years ago, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite remains one of the most feature-rich and affordable small tablets that offers great bang for your buck. At under $200, you get an 8.7-inch display in an 8mm thin package that weighs just 366 grams. Snap photos or record video using the 8MP back and 2MP front cameras, and store them in the 32GB on-board storage, or add a microSD card for up to 1TB. It can run for up to 11 hours per charge and comes in Mystic Silver or Dark Grey. Equipped with a MediaTek processor and running the admittedly outdated Android 11 OS, it’s a device everyone in the family can use. Plus, with a two-month subscription to YouTube Premium with purchase, you’ll have access to tons of content from the get-go.

Amazon Fire Tablet 7

Amazon Fire tablets are limited in some respect because they don’t afford access to the Google Play Store, only Amazon’s own store. But for $80 for the Amazon Fire Tablet 7, you can’t go wrong if you want an affordable secondary device with a small screen you can take with you virtually anywhere. Released way back in 2022 but still the most current option in the line of this size, you get 10-hour battery life, 16GB or 32GB storage (expand up to 1TB with an optional microSD card), 2GB RAM, and a quad-core processor. This isn’t an ultra-powerful tablet, but for basic tasks, it will do the trick. It’s a great tablet for students and travelers. Add an Amazon Kids+ subscription and you can get a curated experience for younger ones, too. For smaller kids aged 3-7, consider the Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet, which is a bit more expensive but comes with a two-year worry-free experience (Amazon will replace it if it breaks), sturdy bumper case, and a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription.

Lenovo Tab M9

Toeing the line between small and full-sized tablet, the Lenovo Tab M9 has a 9-inch IPS display so you get a bigger screen experience than with the others on this list. Powered by a MediaTek processor with 3GB RAM, it isn’t ultra-powerful, but it will meet simple surfing and streaming needs. You’ll get a decent 12 hours of battery life per charge along with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It even has a headphone jack for private listening. It comes pre-installed with Android 12, which is several generations behind. But you’ll still be able to access basic apps from Google Play Store. Snap photos and videos with the 8MP rear and 2MP front cameras. At under $200, the price is right.

BOOX Go6 Mini eReader

Technically, the BOOX Go6 mini eReader, as with other devices in the company’s line, is an eReader with an ePaper display, not a tablet. But it still offers a tablet-like experience with the benefit of being limited in functions (and thus distractions) and easier on the eyes. It comes loaded with Android OS and has an ultra-compact 6-inch HD Carta 1300 E Ink monochrome display. Along with being able to open various document formats and features specific for e-reading, like highlighting and annotating, it also runs an open version of Android OS 12. This means it comes with access to the Google Play Store for downloading and using compatible apps, and even has built-in speakers and mic. The best part about this eReader/tablet device is that you can access apps and other features on the go without all the other distractions that usually come along with coloured LCD and LED screens. Plus, it lasts for days per charge, and you can expand memory via microSD card. Selling for US$150, this model is super affordable, too.

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