The best mini tablets can be a practical size for daily use. They bridge the gap between a large smartphone and one of the best full-size tablets money can buy. A tablet for a student, commuter, or holidaymaker should be big enough to be usable and small enough to be portable. A smaller tablet, typically called a mini tablet, serves as an excellent in-between.
Tablet computers come in a range of sizes, from 10" tablets and beyond. But chasing an ever-larger screen can sometimes be an unnecessary expense for those who like to travel light. That's where mini tablets come in, but - as you'd expect - when you shrink things down you have to sacrifice more than just screen size. When choosing the best tablet deals for you, which features can you afford to lose in the name of portability and convenience? That's where our expert recommendations come in.
The best mini tablets of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall mini tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 64GB Wifi Android Tablet - View at Amazon
• Best budget mini tablets: HUAWEI MediaPad T5 10.1 Inch 32GB - View at Amazon
• Best Samsung mini tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 - View at Amazon
• Best Apple mini tablet: Apple iPad Mini (2021) - View at Currys
Happily, despite cutting some technical corners compared to their larger cousins, 'mini' does refer mainly to the screen size. The processors carried by these smaller tablets are mighty. Documents and spreadsheets can be updated, images can be created and edited, and even light video editing can be achieved. You can update your social media and stream the latest shows from your favourite subscription services too. They often have a battery life of at least 10 hours, which is more than enough for day-to-day use.
In our expert roundup, we've covered a range of products, including budget-friendly mini tablets. Additionally, if you're looking for the best tablet for kids, a mini tablet should definitely be a consideration. So, let's explore the big world of powerful little screens.
The best mini tablets of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall mini tablet
Description
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite has a slim, stylish and compact design meaning it's readily convenient and able to be carried anywhere. But, it's got a slightly larger screen than the others on our list, at 10.4". A speedy processor, fast charging and scratch-resistant screen make this mini tablet a worthy contender on our list of the best. But what really assures its place is the pairing of that extra screen size with the included S Pen - Samsung's answer to the Apple Pencil. Your ability to get creative, use your own handwriting with the S Pen, as well as stay entertained really make this a brilliant all-around alternative to more expensive Apple tablets.
But, if you are brave enough to let a child loose on it, there's a fingerprint-resistant coating on the screen, as well as advanced Parental Control. Samsung Kids is readily available for their engagement at a moment's notice as well. Best of all, there's a massive 3-year warranty. Just a stunning tablet and a brilliant deal.
Pros
- A generous and vibrant screen for a mini tablet - ideal for usability
- The inclusion of the S Pen is a welcome bonus and keeps fingerprints at bay
- The fast processor and upgradable storage via Micro SD mean this will handle plenty of productive tasks
Cons
- The screen quality is good, but we wish it was OLED instead of LCD
Best budget mini tablet
Description
Huawei's MediaPad M5 Lite is a remarkable device, loaded with a screen that provides excellent detail. The 16:10 aspect ratio makes it perfect for watching your favourite movies.
Running on EMUI 8.0, inside the shell sits 2GB of RAM and a 2.36Ghz processor, which works to deliver a smooth, intelligent and more intuitive user experience. 2MP and 5MP cameras adorn the front and rear. Dual speakers provide high-quality and robust audio. For the price, you won't find better for simple functionality done right.
Pros
- The 10-inch screen is a great widescreen format for movies and more
- Respectable RAM and processor for a budget tablet
- It's a lightweight tablet with good battery life - take it anywhere
Cons
- The large screen bezel makes the design a little dated
Best Apple mini tablet
www.currys.co.uk
Description
As in the world of full-sized tablets, Apple is the name to beat. The iPad mini (2021) tops our list because, without question, it's the best mini tablet available today - at least, until the rumoured 7th generation version surfaces in 2024. Its crisp screen is hugely impressive, with a 60Hz refresh rate and 1488 x 2266 pixels. The LCD delivers brilliant colours, and the pixel density means that reading on here is a real delight. There are two versions available, one with 64GB storage and one with 256GB. Both have 4GB RAM which works wonders with the super-smart and efficient Apple A15 Bionic chip.
There are two 12MP cameras, one forward-facing and the other for snapping selfies, and 4K recording is also supported (main camera only). The stereo speakers kick out a surprising volume, and though there's no 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth can get your headphones connected in no time (or pick up a Lightning-to-3.5mm converter).
Physically, the iPad mini (2021) has had a little spruce up, with more angular edges and camera bezel. This brings it more in line with the aesthetics of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 ranges. It also supports the Apple Pencil, ideal if you're the arty type.
Pros
- Signature Apple design and build - you won't find a better-engineered device
- The screen is clear and vivid - ideal for gaming, videos and more
- The twin 12MP cameras are a good spec for a small tablet like this
Cons
- No memory card slot or standard headphone jack (the same for all new Apple devices)
Best Samsung mini tablet
Description
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a great tablet for casual users. The Octa Core processor and 3GB won't stand up to the most demanding technical apps, but for streaming, light gaming, social media and web browsing, this Samsung mini tablet is ideal. In many ways, this excels at being a solid, reliable but average tablet - and that adds up to making it the best Samsung a sensible amount of money can buy. The HD 8.7-inch LCD screen offers a precise image and the 7-10-hour battery life can withstand a good boxset binge. The One UI interface is a clean and intuitive delight to navigate, and the hardware itself is lightweight and slim, providing a nice in-hand feel. Also, Samsung has optimised the essential control interface so it can easily be operated with one hand for busy multitaskers.
Storage is only 32GB, but this is easily boosted via a microSD card. Photography or video addicts may want to do this, as the 8MP rear camera can capture some pretty decent shots too.
Pros
- The minimised bezel is excellent for a good screen-to-body ratio
- The storage is expandable to 1TB - so you'll always have space when you need it
- The excellent main camera and powerful processor are going to make this a powerhouse of a tablet for everyday uses
Cons
- The 8MP main camera means you may need to upgrade the storage capacity
Best mid-budget mini tablet
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
When the iPad Mini was released in 2012, it redefined the tablet marketplace. All these years on, it still delivers. While not as powerful as the 2021 A15 model above, the 2019 version of the iPad mini still wows. As a testament to just how popular it still is, it's almost impossible to buy new - but thankfully this eBay seller has a 1-year guarantee on its renewed tablets which means you have just the same peace of mind. Plus, of course, you're getting a brilliant Apple iPad for a really low price.
Its Apple A12 Bionic chipset still runs like a dream, handling even the most demanding apps. The 7.9 Retina display comes with True Tone, a valuable feature which maintains image clarity no matter your surroundings. The 8MP camera captures in 1080p HD. The 10-hour battery life will keep you working throughout the day and the Lightning connector will quickly recharge you.
It's even compatible with the Apple Pencil (first gen only) and Bluetooth keyboards, lending its power to both administrative and creative endeavours.
Pros
- The beautiful 7.9-inch Retina screen is a joy to use
- The fast A12 Bionic chipset may be a few years old but beats many more recent non-Apple tablets
- It's compatible with Apple Pencil (first gen) - ideal for creatives travelling light
Cons
- Non-Apple fans can find larger screen sizes elsewhere
Best Amazon Fire mini tablet
Description
Amazon's new and improved Fire HD 10 tablet is a no-fuss tablet for those seeking quick access to entertainment features. Like the previous model, Prime Video, Prime Music, Audible and Kindle are all integrated into the OS for ease of access.
The 10.1-inch HD screen is a great upgrade for fans looking to maximise their streaming and gaming displays - plus it's 10% brighter than the previous version. The 2Ghz processing speed with 3GB RAM handles most applications well. Alexa is built-in, providing access to all that the assistant has to offer, and the battery life reaches up to 12 hours. Storage-wise, Amazon has definitely geared this tablet up for expansion to store all of those apps and games they have on offer - all the way up to 1 TB via microSD. If you're already an Amazon user, this is a no-nonsense highly capable mini tablet.
Pros
- The 10.1 inch screen is larger than most and ideal for accessing Amazon content and other streaming video platforms
- The ability to easily upgrade storage makes this a flexible choice for media fans
- Strengthened aluminium silicate glass will keep this safe from everyday bumps and scratches
Cons
- Integrated Ads - great for keeping the price down, but annoying to some
Best mini tablet for entertainment
Description
A very respectable and affordable offering, the Fire HD Plus offers 3GB RAM and 2Ghz of processing power and features full Amazon eco-system integration, distraction-free Game mode, a softened look, and increased battery life over the Fire HD 8. All that performance really shines on the HD IPS screen which really delivers quality streaming entertainment. App support includes BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and NOW.
It's a Qi-certified device, and you can add on a dedicated charging port which activates 'Show mode' while recharging the device. This mode mimics an Echo Show device, providing the user with full hands-free Alexa control and all that every voice assistant can do. While plugged in via a USB-C adapter, the Plus also charges more quickly than the others in the range, hitting full charge after only four hours. Battery life tops out at 12 hours. There's a lot of power here for the price - stunning.
Pros
- As a 2022 model, this has a fast processor - great for light gaming and videos
- It includes Echo Show / Alexa functionality - perfect for voice-controlling your smart home
- Expandable storage via SD card
Cons
- Amazon, not Google Play store, on Fire devices
Best mini tablet for kids
Description
The Fire HD Kids tablet follows on from the success of 2019’s Fire 7 Kids Edition by offering parents the chance to provide their young ones with a tablet while addressing the financial weight, and online safety concerns.
The Kids Edition of the Fire 8 is effectively just the Fire HD 8 in a rugged, protective shell. It comes in three bright colours as well. Reassuringly, adults will have access to Amazon Parent Dashboard for all kinds of settings for peace of mind. Also, the Kids Edition comes with one free year of Amazon Kids+ for tons of extra apps and games. The device carries a two-year guarantee, too. Although, If your child is fast becoming a teen, you may want to ditch the kid-safe aesthetic and head towards budget Android tablets instead.
Pros
- The durable build can withstand a lot of dropping and handling
- Plenty of parental controls to keep tabs on how it's used
- There are a lot of available apps and it comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids+ for free
Cons
- Setup involves linking to Amazon - so not as simple as some
The best mini tablets of 2024: Buyer's guide
Make sure you measure up
One of the main reasons you're probably considering a mini tablet is the size. That means you may have tried to use a larger tablet and found it to be too heavy or cumbersome. What you really need is something lightweight and easy to slip into a bag. Therefore, although all of our selections above are 'mini', some can end up weightier or slightly larger for your needs. If you have a favourite bag, case or stand - measure up first. Then double-check the specs of the best mini tablets on your shortlist.
Consider what you want to do with your mini tablet
Many people see mini tablets as toys - they're convenient for killing time on long trips. You can have easy access to games, email and social media. The benefit for those users is having all the functionality of a smartphone but with a bit more screen real estate to enjoy it on. The right mini tablet choice for you will have enough power - whether that's fast graphics for gaming, compatibility with accessories like pens, or sheer processor power for more intensive tasks.
Screen quality and brightness
With any device with a screen on the smaller side, particularly one that you can carry around, you need to look after your eyes. If you plan to use your mini tablet on holiday, outside in bright light, you'll need to choose the best mini tablet screen too. Some types of screen technology, such as old-fashioned LCD, are just not up to modern standards where brightness is concerned. Also, reflections can be an issue, so pick a screen with an anti-reflective coating to cut down on those. Contrast and colour vibrancy also count, and these are often excellent on the latest AMOLED, OLED and Apple's Retina screens.
Protect that little screen
It's easy to get carried away with smaller devices, and that means they can slip out of your hand that much easier. Don't be fooled by claims of being 'drop-proof' or 'impact-resistant' - the best way to protect your miniature pal is with a tablet case or cover. They're affordable and can add a splash of personalisation to your new tablet as well.
The best mini tablets of 2024: Frequently asked questions
What's the best mini tablet?
Which of the tablets we’ve recommended is the best is all down to personal preference and need, preferred operating system and budget.
The Apple iPad mini is a brilliant tablet and the best mini option you can buy, offering impressive performance and that coveted intuitive and reliable ecosystem synonymous with the Apple name. For those wanting to taste the excellence of Apple's portable devices, the Apple iPad mini (2019) offers up a slightly less-powerful choice, which still outperforms most modern mini tablets at a more stomachable cost.
Both of Amazon’s Fire tablets provide premium performance at a really affordable price. However, some users may feel that the Amazon-centric UI and app availability is too restrictive for their needs.
What's the best Android mini tablet?
Huawei’s MediaPad M5 Lite (64GB, 4GB RAM model) gives users a really powerful tablet running on the ever-flexible Android system. Both software and hardware coalesce to create an impressive and compelling product. As this Android tablet is hard to come by, we've found the nearest best model, the HUAWEI MediaPad T5.
What can I do on a mini tablet?
Mini tablets are perfect for daily use. Unlike large tablets like the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro, they can easily be carried and used in a number of situations. They're easier to slip into your bag or jacket pocket, plus they don't take up much room when they're charging on your sideboard. Above all, by going for a cheaper model, such as a budget iPad, they offer a large saving over larger models.
While large-screened tablets are impressive, the screen size is more useful for those working on tablets. Using creative drawing tablets with design apps has become an essential tool for many professionals. Those of us looking to stream on Netflix, check emails, catch up on the news and Skype with loved ones won't find much additional value in larger, more expensive screens.
William Lobley is the Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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