December 2025 is an ideal time to find the best 8-inch tablets that offer compactness and affordability. These tablets bridge the gap between smartphones and larger devices, providing a bigger screen while still being easily operated with one hand. This size is perfect for entertainment, reading eBooks, or handling light work during travel.
Several manufacturers continue producing capable 8-inch tablets with prices ranging roughly from $135 to $460. Key features include Dolby Atmos sound, fast charging technology, and long-lasting battery life, making these devices versatile for daily use. When selecting an 8-inch tablet, it is important to consider the display quality, processor, RAM, and battery capacity. Below are four recommended compact tablets available in December 2025 that deliver great value.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 LTE
The Galaxy Tab A9 LTE sports an 8.7-inch screen with high brightness and Widevine L1 certification. This ensures clear and vibrant visuals whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Powered by the Helio G99 chipset, it handles light gaming and multitasking efficiently. The tablet weighs just 332 grams, providing comfortable usage throughout the day. With LTE connectivity, it supports calls and internet access without relying on WiFi. Multitasking is enhanced with the ability to open up to seven active windows simultaneously. The WiFi variant is priced at around $135.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite LTE
This model features an 8.7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1340 pixels suitable for multimedia consumption. It comes equipped with an 8 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front camera for video calls and casual photography. The MediaTek Helio P22T processor paired with 3 GB RAM supports everyday tasks smoothly. A 5,100 mAh battery with 15 W fast charging keeps it powered through a full day. Additionally, it offers dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound and a 3.5 mm audio jack for wired headphones. The storage capacity is 32 GB, expandable up to 1 TB via microSD, costing approximately $165.
3. Realme Pad Mini
The Realme Pad Mini offers an 8.7-inch display that includes dark mode, reading mode, and Eye Comfort settings suited for extended use. Its battery life is impressive, with a tested endurance of over 16 hours on PCMark benchmarks. The device boasts a slim profile at 7.6 mm thickness, making it lightweight and stylish to carry. It supports dual SIM hybrid slots and microSD expansion up to 1 TB. Using UFS 2.1 storage, it provides faster data transfer speeds and responsiveness. The inclusion of a 3.5 mm audio jack and a child-friendly mode with minimal ads are value-added features. The price is about $160.
4. iPad Mini 6 (2021)
This is the premium choice with an 8.3-inch display and the powerful A15 Bionic chip, delivering outstanding performance for gaming and multitasking. It excels in handling demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact without lag. The device has 4 GB of RAM, made efficient by iOS optimization. Benchmark tests via Geekbench 5 score around 4,700, comparable to the iPhone 13. Its camera setup includes a 12 MP rear shooter and an ultrawide 12 MP front camera with Center Stage for automatic facial tracking in video calls. The base 64 GB model is priced near $460.
These four tablets combine portability with varied strengths tailored to different budgets and user needs in December 2025. Their compact sizes lend themselves perfectly to travel or daily commuting. When purchasing, it is recommended to buy from official retailers to ensure warranty coverage and to take advantage of possible year-end promotions.
