Small-sized tablets have been gaining ground in the catalogs of major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, due to their ease of handling and portability in bags or backpacks when compared to larger models. Despite this, they still offer a superior screen to smartphones, making them ideal for those looking for a compact device to watch movies and series.
Tecnoblog has prepared a detailed guide presenting six options for tablets with screens up to 9 inches. These choices range from entry-level devices, suitable for simple daily activities, to more sophisticated models that deliver top performance. Below, the pros and cons of each device are analyzed.
iPad mini
The iPad mini features an 8.3-inch screen and weighs 293 grams in the Wi-Fi configuration. Its dimensions facilitate transport in small backpacks and allow the device to be used with one hand; however, it does not support Apple's magnetic keyboards.
With a thickness of 6.3 mm, it is thinner than the Xiaomi Pad Mini, which measures about 6.46 mm, but thicker than the two Huawei MatePad Mini models mentioned in this guide.
Huawei MatePad Mini
A major advantage of this model is the 3nm A17 Pro processor combined with 8GB of RAM, ensuring high performance in productivity tasks, illustrations, gaming, and artificial intelligence. The Huawei MatePad Mini features an 8.8-inch OLED screen, measuring 19.8 cm in height by 12.7 cm in width, with only 0.5 cm thickness and weighing approximately 255 grams. It is notably lighter than the iPad mini despite having a larger screen.
Its construction uses magnesium and fiber alloy in the rear finish and is equipped with the Kirin 9010 processor and 8GB of RAM, resources sufficient for multitasking and popular games. The main drawback lies in the operating system: HarmonyOS does not natively include the Google services package. However, it is possible to use the GBox application, which functions as a virtual environment to access the Play Store and Android ecosystem apps without difficulty.
The highlight of the MatePad Mini PaperMatte Edition is its screen, which employs technology designed to reduce reflections and mimic the feel and texture of paper. This makes this version attractive for readers and for use in brightly lit areas, as the 1,800 nits brightness optimizes content viewing.
The MatePad Mini PaperMatte has a thickness of approximately 5.2 mm and weighs 260 g. Compared to the standard MatePad Mini, the difference is minimal, only 0.1 mm and 5 grams, maintaining essentially the same level of portability. Among its specifications, the model features an 8.8-inch 2.5K OLED screen, a 6,400 mAh battery with good autonomy, and support for 66W fast charging.
The Xiaomi Pad Mini also has an 8.8-inch screen, but with 3K resolution, a high refresh rate, and a considerable weight of 326 grams. Overall, these specifications surpass those of other models in the guide, benefiting the movie and series experience in high definition, although the greater weight hinders portability.
Despite its compact form factor, it has a 7,500 mAh battery and 67W charging, allowing for over 15 hours of video playback, according to Xiaomi. Its processor, the Dimensity 9400+ (3nm), is also a strong point, capable of running heavy games, editing applications, and multitasking.
The Galaxy Tab A11 is classified as an entry-level tablet, featuring an 8.7-inch screen, 8 mm thickness, and a weight of 335 grams. Its compact design is suitable for transport, although it is thicker than the ultra-light models mentioned before and heavier to use with one hand.
This device uses the Helio G99 processor, a basic chip aimed at web browsing and entertainment, as more demanding applications may experience freezing during use. Furthermore, support for a microSD card up to 2TB is a relevant feature for users who store many files, something not available in other models.
Lenovo Tab One
The Lenovo Tab One is another tablet aimed at everyday tasks, such as reading, browsing, videos, and light applications, thanks to its Helio G85 processor and 4GB of RAM. With a thickness of 8.5 mm, it is the thickest model among the six tablets in this guide. However, it weighs about 15 grams less than the Galaxy Tab A11. The Tab One has an 8.7-inch screen and a 5,100 mAh battery, making it the most affordable option from Lenovo.
When selecting the best portable tablet, it is crucial to observe the weight, thickness, and technical performance specifications, rather than focusing solely on portability. Tablets with 8.7″ and 8.8-inch screens offer a larger viewing area than large-screen smartphones while maintaining compact dimensions. For those who value mobility and one-handed use, this smaller format can be a viable alternative.
Additionally, the tablet provides a larger surface area for texts, PDFs, and books compared to a cell phone, while remaining compact. The MatePad Mini PaperMatte is an excellent choice for reading, prioritizing screen technology to view text and reduce user eye strain.
The decision on which tablet is ideal depends on the consumer's priorities. The iPad mini is compact and has a high-performance processor (A17 Pro), while the MatePad Mini can be very useful for studying, offering a larger screen and lower weight, for example. If the goal is to find a more economical model, options like the Galaxy Tab and Lenovo Tab One can meet this need.