The Best Small Tablets of 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed
The latest review of small tablets highlights their affordability, portability, and impressive performance, making them a popular choice among consumers. The top recommendation is the iPad Mini (7th gen), celebrated for its powerful A17 Pro chip and vibrant display, while other noteworthy options include the Amazon Fire 7 and Boox Tab Mini C. As the tablet market continues to evolve, these devices cater to various needs, from entertainment to productivity, proving that smaller screens can deliver significant value.
The rising demand for small tablets suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more portable devices that maintain high functionality, challenging traditional notions about screen size and performance.
What innovations can we expect in the small tablet market as manufacturers strive to meet diverse user needs and preferences?
Apple's latest iPad lineup offers a range of options, catering to both casual users and professionals, ensuring that there is a suitable tablet for everyone. The entry-level iPad remains a solid choice for everyday tasks, while the iPad Pro stands out for those seeking high performance and advanced features, albeit at a steep price. With the recent announcements of new models featuring upgraded processors and increased storage, consumers have even more choices to consider when selecting the ideal iPad for their needs.
This extensive variety in the iPad lineup reflects Apple's strategy to dominate the tablet market by appealing to diverse user preferences and budgets, ultimately fostering brand loyalty.
As technology continues to evolve, what features do you believe will define the next generation of iPads, and how will they impact user experience?
The ranking of best gaming mini PCs by Notebookcheck highlights the growing trend of compact systems delivering high performance in a space-saving form factor. These mini PCs, often compared to gaming laptops, offer a unique blend of portability and processing power, making them an attractive option for gamers and professionals alike. With integrated graphics and dedicated graphics cards, these models cater to various needs, from everyday tasks to demanding gaming applications.
The proliferation of compact gaming PCs underscores the evolving expectations of users seeking high-performance systems in smaller form factors, forcing manufacturers to innovate and optimize their designs.
How will the increasing popularity of mini PCs impact the long-term viability of traditional tower PCs as a preferred choice for gamers and content creators?
The OnePlus Pad 2 is positioned as a formidable competitor in the tablet market, offering premium hardware, an impressive battery life, and an excellent display, all at a price point of $480 following a promotional discount. While it excels in multimedia consumption and multitasking capabilities, it still faces challenges associated with Android's adaptability for larger screens, particularly for productivity tasks. OnePlus's integration features with its smartphone ecosystem further enhance its appeal, making it a strong choice for users seeking a versatile entertainment device.
The OnePlus Pad 2 exemplifies how competitive pricing combined with high-quality features can disrupt established markets dominated by brands like Apple and Microsoft.
What impact will the rise of budget-friendly tablets have on consumer preferences and the overall tablet market in the next few years?
The 11th-generation iPad offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a Retina Display, A16 chip, and all-day battery life, making it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet. Starting at $349, the new 11-inch iPad provides impressive performance and features that justify its lower price point. Although it lacks some premium features like Apple Intelligence and Face ID, the iPad's value proposition lies in its affordability.
The iPad's low price point is likely to appeal to students, freelancers, and casual users who need a reliable and feature-rich tablet without breaking the bank.
How will the increasing competition from Android tablets and Chromebooks impact Apple's strategy for the iPad, particularly at the lower end of the market?
Apple's latest entry-level iPad (A16) showcases a performance boost with its new A16 chip and increased storage, despite not supporting Apple Intelligence features. The device maintains an appealing design and functionality, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, gaming, and streaming. While it lacks some advanced capabilities, it remains a compelling option for users seeking a reliable tablet experience at an accessible price point.
This release reinforces Apple's strategy of offering a diverse range of iPads that cater to various user needs, emphasizing value without compromising core performance.
How might the absence of Apple Intelligence affect user adoption and the overall perception of the entry-level iPad among tech enthusiasts?
The Honor Pad V9 has emerged as a formidable competitor in the tablet market, boasting exceptional features such as impressive battery life, advanced AI capabilities, and superior audio quality. Its ability to seamlessly transition between work and entertainment, along with its customization options, sets it apart from other Android tablets and even Apple's offerings. While it excels in many areas, the tablet still faces challenges typical of the Android ecosystem, particularly concerning app stability.
The Honor Pad V9 exemplifies how innovation in the Android tablet space can challenge established players like Apple, potentially reshaping consumer preferences toward more versatile and affordable devices.
Will the growing capabilities of mid-range Android tablets prompt a shift in how consumers perceive value in the tablet market?
The leaked specs and unofficial renders of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE Plus suggest that Samsung is gearing up to launch a mid-range tablet series that could challenge Apple's entry-level iPads. The tablets are expected to feature modest specs, with 10.9-inch or 13.1-inch displays, Exynos 1580 chipsets, and up to 12GB of RAM. With their rumored prices and potential features like support for the S Pen stylus, these tablets may appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to iPads.
The mid-range tablet market is often overlooked in favor of premium offerings, but the success of Samsung's FE series could signal a shift towards more affordable options that still offer quality features.
Will Samsung's focus on mid-range tablets help to disrupt Apple's dominance in the market, or will it simply create a new segment for competing brands?
Honor might get into the compact flagship Android smartphone trend this year, with a new version of its current Magic7 with a smaller display. The OEM's putative "OnePlus 13T" rival's main selling point might be joined by others such as an ultra-slim build in 2025. The habitually accurate tipster Digital Chat Station asserts that one of the OEM's next premium devices will have a display of 6.3 inches in diagonal length, just like the Xiaomi 15 and rumored OnePlus 13T.
As smartphones continue to evolve towards thinner and lighter designs, the proliferation of compact flagship models could signal a shift away from traditional bulkier phones, forcing manufacturers to rethink their product strategies.
What implications might the rise of miniaturized flagships have for phone manufacturers' approach to display technology, particularly in terms of optimizing power consumption while maintaining visual quality?
Apple has introduced a revamped iPad Air featuring the new M3 chip, significantly enhancing processing power and graphics capabilities, while also updating its entry-level iPad with improved storage and speed. The updated iPad Air aims to stimulate a decline in Apple’s iPad revenue, attributed to the competitive tablet market and stagnant iPhone sales. With the addition of new Magic Keyboards and advanced AI functionalities, Apple is positioning its tablets to better compete against rivals in the tech industry.
This strategic update reflects Apple's efforts to regain market share in the tablet segment, emphasizing innovation in performance and user experience amidst growing competition from other tech giants.
How might these new features influence consumer preferences in the tablet market, especially in a landscape increasingly dominated by AI technologies?
Our experts tested the best iPad keyboard cases from Apple, Logitech, Zagg, and more to find the perfect balance of protection and productivity. An iPad keyboard case does more than just protect your device. It turns your tablet into a portable workstation capable of handling emails, managing projects, taking notes, and writing documents. However, not all keyboard cases are created equal. Some offer a laptop-like experience, while others feel more lightweight. Some are made for the rugged outdoors and construction sites.
The vast array of options available in the market today highlights the incredible versatility of iPad keyboard cases, which can range from sleek and minimalist designs to robust and feature-rich solutions catering to diverse user needs.
What will be the impact on the iPad's ecosystem and user experience as these keyboard cases continue to evolve with new features and technologies?
The latest smartphone releases from Xiaomi, Samsung, Lenovo, and Honor showcased significant advancements in camera technology, battery life, and AI-powered features. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra took top honors as the best phone overall, thanks to its powerful internals, Leica-backed camera array, and professional-grade photography capabilities. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro excelled with its unique design, versatile cameras, and fast charging capabilities at an affordable price point.
The emphasis on AI-powered features in these devices highlights a growing trend in the tech industry where innovation and practicality are often intertwined, raising questions about the potential impact of AI on human interaction and daily life.
Will the proliferation of foldable phones and innovative displays, such as those seen in the ZTE Nubia Flip 2 5G and Lenovo Yoga Solar PC, revolutionize the way we consume technology and interact with our devices?
A good ebook reader should offer a clear and enjoyable reading experience with minimal distractions and eye strain. It should also have a compact size that makes it easy to carry around. While most people can read ebooks on their phones, a dedicated ebook reader provides a more book-like experience.
The ebook reader market is highly competitive, with various devices offering unique features such as waterproofing, adjustable frontlighting, and physical page-turning buttons.
Will the shift towards digital reading habits lead to a decline in the sales of traditional printed books, potentially altering the dynamics of the publishing industry?
Apple has officially unveiled the next-generation iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip, which enhances performance significantly without altering the pricing structure of previous models. This upgrade maintains the familiar design while introducing compatibility with the new Magic Keyboard, featuring a larger trackpad and additional function keys, further enriching the user experience. With promises of improved speed and efficiency, the iPad Air aims to solidify its position as a versatile device suitable for both casual users and professionals alike.
The ongoing enhancements in the iPad Air line reflect Apple’s commitment to keeping its tablets competitive against increasingly capable laptops, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences toward mobile computing solutions.
How will the advancements in iPad technology influence the future of traditional laptops and personal computing devices?
Notebookcheck has provided an updated list of the best 17-inch work laptops, highlighting features and performance for users seeking a portable desktop replacement. These laptops are evaluated based on various criteria, including price, weight, and display quality, catering to both office tasks and multimedia use. The review emphasizes the trend of blending office and gaming capabilities, noting that many modern laptops in this category excel in performance while remaining user-friendly.
The convergence of office functionality and gaming power in 17-inch laptops reflects a market shift, offering users more versatile options that can handle both work and leisure effectively.
How will the increasing demand for multi-functional laptops shape the future of design and technology in the laptop industry?
The newly released iPad Air, now equipped with Apple's M3 chip, brings significant enhancements in processing speed and graphics performance, making it a compelling option for consumers. With capabilities such as a 9-core GPU and a neural engine that is 60% faster than its predecessor, the M3 chip greatly enhances the iPad Air's ability to handle demanding tasks and Apple's AI tools. Additionally, the introduction of a new, more affordable Magic Keyboard complements the device, making it an attractive package for students, travelers, and content creators alike.
This release highlights Apple's ongoing commitment to delivering powerful, portable devices while simultaneously setting competitive pricing strategies that appeal to a broader audience.
Will the advanced features of the M3 iPad Air significantly influence consumer preferences, or will the price point deter potential buyers in a competitive tablet market?
The Xiaomi Pad 7 is the company's latest mid-range tablet that has been launched globally. The device boasts a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, a 144 Hz display with 800-nit peak brightness, and a long-lasting 8,850 mAh battery. With its impressive hardware specifications, the Pad 7 offers a balance of performance and affordability.
This new tablet highlights Xiaomi's focus on innovation and value in the mid-range market, where manufacturers often walk a tightrope between feature-rich devices and affordable prices.
How will the global release of the Xiaomi Pad 7 impact the competition in the budget tablet segment, particularly from established brands like Samsung and Apple?
The iPad Air is a tricky tablet that has struggled to find its place in the Apple lineup, but the latest model may finally hit the sweet spot with its upgraded M3 chip and improved Magic Keyboard attachment. The new device is a significant spec bump over last year's model, offering twice the processing power of the previous generation and support for Apple's Intelligence features. While it may not address the iPad's underlying purpose or identity, it's still a compelling upgrade for those looking to step up from an older iPad.
The question remains: how will the iPad Air's incremental upgrades impact its long-term relevance in a market where tablets are increasingly being used for tasks traditionally associated with laptops?
What implications does Apple's continued focus on updating the iPad Air rather than giving it the latest chip have for the company's strategy and future product development?
The new 11-inch iPad starts at $349, offering a Retina Display, A16 chip, and 128GB of storage, making it an attractive budget option despite missing Apple Intelligence and Face ID. The A16 chip promises a 30% boost in overall performance compared to previous generations, while all-day battery life is also highlighted as a key feature. This price point may be too good to resist for those with modest needs and looking for a budget-friendly tablet.
By setting such a low price for the base model, Apple appears to be positioning itself to attract new customers who are hesitant to invest in its more premium offerings.
Will this strategy lead to cannibalization of sales from higher-end iPads, or will it help Apple tap into a broader market segment that was previously out of reach due to price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is now available with up to $800 off, making it an attractive option for those seeking a large-screen tablet that balances productivity with portability. Its 14.6-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate provide vibrant colors and seamless performance. The tablet's AI capabilities and software longevity make it an excellent choice for users invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
The emphasis on large-screen tablets like the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra highlights the evolving relationship between screen size, productivity, and user experience, raising questions about the future of laptop-like devices in a more portable format.
Will the growing demand for larger screens drive innovation in tablet design, potentially leading to new form factors that strike a better balance between portability and power?
The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, is entering the global market with a focus on productivity and entertainment. The device aims to enhance user experience with AI-powered tools, a large 11.2-inch display, and adaptive HDR capabilities. With a starting price of €499.90 in Europe, Xiaomi is targeting users seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
The Pad 7 Pro's emphasis on AI-powered productivity features highlights the growing importance of technology in enhancing human work efficiency, raising questions about the future role of automation in various industries.
How will the global tablet market respond to Xiaomi's latest offering, particularly against established competitors like Apple and Samsung?
AnTuTu revealed the top-performing Android tablets in February 2025. The RedMagic Nova with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version has topped the list for the second consecutive time, showcasing its dominance in terms of performance. This achievement highlights the tablet's capabilities and reinforces its position as a leader in the gaming industry.
The RedMagic Nova's top spot underscores the significance of Qualcomm's latest flagship SoC, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, in driving high-performance Android tablets.
How will the rising popularity of gaming tablets impact the market share of traditional smartphones and laptops in the near future?
The mobile industry is witnessing a surge in innovative products, including ultra-slim phones, unique laptop form factors, and futuristic camera systems, as major manufacturers showcase their latest offerings at Mobile World Congress 2025. Samsung Display's tri-fold gaming handheld and Nothing's affordable Pro variant have generated significant buzz, while Xiaomi's 200-megapixel camera and Lenovo's concept laptops are redefining the boundaries of mobile technology. The competition is heating up, with each manufacturer vying for attention in a crowded market.
As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, it's becoming increasingly clear that the lines between premium and affordable devices are blurring, forcing manufacturers to rethink their strategies and invest in features that were previously reserved for high-end models.
What role will emerging technologies like foldable displays, 5G networks, and artificial intelligence play in shaping the mobile industry's future?
The Beelink SER5 Pro mini PC, currently discounted to $339, offers an impressive combination of performance and affordability, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 5850U CPU and 32GB of RAM. With the capability to drive multiple 4K monitors and ample storage through its 1TB SSD, this device is ideal for multitasking professionals seeking a powerful desktop solution without the premium price tag of traditional laptops. The ongoing promotion highlights the growing trend of mini PCs as viable alternatives for users who prioritize performance over portability.
This deal exemplifies the shift in consumer preferences towards compact, high-performance systems that challenge the conventional laptop market and redefine productivity setups.
What factors will influence consumers' decisions between mini PCs and traditional laptops as the tech landscape continues to evolve?
The top-rated smartphones under €200 have been thoroughly tested and reviewed by Notebookcheck, offering a range of options that balance price and performance. These devices can handle everyday tasks well, although expectations should be realistic due to compromises in specs. The availability of discounts and promotions may lead to fluctuations in prices.
This selection highlights the trade-offs between budget-friendly smartphones and high-end features, underscoring the importance of considering user needs when choosing a device.
How will the growing demand for affordable smartphones impact the development of future budget-friendly models?
Vivo's X200 Pro Mini is a powerful smartphone in a compact form factor that shines with its high-quality Zeiss cameras. The smallest variant of the Vivo X200 Pro is a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S25, offering uncompromising performance and strong runtimes. With a significantly larger 5,700 mAh battery, the mini smartphone can be charged quickly and achieve impressive display brightness levels.
This compact design trend highlights the evolving priorities of smartphone users, who increasingly value ease of use and portability over traditional size and feature considerations.
How will the continued miniaturization of smartphones affect the overall user experience, particularly in terms of accessibility and usability for people with disabilities?