Many people today opt for smaller tablets, although our flexible and foldable smartphones may eventually earn a larger slice of the market. A small tablet makes a fantastic digital companion. They're great for reading on the beach, watching videos, or entertaining the kids on long car trips. These small devices -- with display sizes ranging from around six to 10 inches -- can be just as powerful as their larger counterparts, offering rapid performance, access to your favorite apps, and vibrant displays. If you're looking to purchase your first tablet, you should consider one of these small, light, and often budget-friendly options. Some of our favorites include the iPad Mini and Amazon's Fire tablet lineup.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
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Best tablet deals of the week $140 (save $80) $274 (save $75) $230 (save $170) $70 (save $70) $190 (save $90) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best small tablet right now?My pick for the best small tablet is the iPad Mini (7th gen), thanks to its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weight of just under one pound. In addition, Apple tablets have long been considered some of the best in the market. ZDNET performs extensive hands-on testing with various tablets of all sizes while we are compiling our recommended tablets list. We have researched and tested compact-sized tablets from Samsung, Apple, Amazon, and other brands for those looking for something more portable. Also: The best large tablets you can buyIn our August update, we added the Boox Palma Pro 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 as new top picks. The best small tablets of 2026 Maria Diaz/ZDNET Apple's iPad Mini is our top pick for the best small tablet as a compact, powerful device that ticks many boxes.Why we like it: We like the iPad Mini due to its A17 Pro Chip -- the same powerful processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max -- that is also compatible with Apple Intelligence. The iPad Mini was updated last year with new features. These include Apple Pencil Pro support and Apple Intelligence capabilities like Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos.There's a spot on the right side of the tablet to charge the Apple Pencil, making it a great tablet for those who value the option to draw or write notes. Customers who bought the iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by its battery life, durability, and display. They also noted its portability, which allows it to fit in purses and bags, particularly for entertainment purposes.Review: Apple iPad Mini (seventh-generation)Who it's for: ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the Apple iPad Mini and said, "The iPad Mini 7 is compact and fast, and its Apple silicon processor is built to last for years." She also added, "Buy the iPad Mini 7 for the entertainment tablet it is." So, if you want an all-rounder and a device that is suitable for streaming and other entertainment purposes, consider this option.Who should look elsewhere: If you aren't a fan of the Apple ecosystem, check out my other top picks.iPad Mini tech specs: Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | Processor: A17 Pro | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Colors: Space gray, blue, purple, starlight | Cameras: Rear: 12MP, 4K video Front: 12MP UltraWide with Center Stage | Weight: 0.65 pounds | Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery life: 10 hours
