Best Value for Small Tablets

If you're all about getting the most out of your investments, this is the place. From all the Small Tablets I've indexed, those currently have the best balance between power, affordability and durability.

If you can't invest this much, scroll down to the budget section for best value at below-average prices.

For more details on the differences between the best Discounts, best Deals and best Value palmarès and which is best for you, feel free to give Sales Shopping vs. Value Shopping a read.

Best bang for the buck across the board US$270 - US$620

The following small tablets offer the best value. Value is determined by balancing 3 main considerations:

how much it costs
how powerful it is
how long it will likely last

#1, Tablets ($400 - ∞)

Apple iPad mini (2019) from US$420;
~$620 with accessories
- the Casual Nomad
- the Media Consumer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 4.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 2/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 1/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 5/5

Specs

Processor: Apple A12 Bionic

Graphics: Apple A12 Graphics

Memory: 3.00 GB

Storage: 64.00 GB

Screen Size: 7.9"

Screen Resolution: 2048×1536

Dimensions: 20.32 x 13.48 x 0.61 cm
Weight: 0.301 kg
detailed info from US$419.59
- US$419.59 from Best Buy (New)
  as of 2021-01-20 14:23:37, EST
- US$419.59 from Staples (New)
  as of 2021-01-21 12:14:49, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#5, Tablets (under $400)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch from US$150;
~$270 with accessories
- the Casual Worker
- the Media Consumer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 1/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 429

Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 504

Memory: 2.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 8"

Screen Resolution: 1280×800

Dimensions: 21.00 x 12.44 x 0.80 cm
Weight: 0.345 kg
detailed info from US$142.5
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#6, Tablets (under $400)

Apple iPod touch (7th Generation) from US$200;
~$365 with accessories
- the Media Consumer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 0.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 0/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 1/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 2/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 1/5

Specs

Processor: Apple A10 (ipod touch edition)

Graphics: Apple A10 Graphics (iPod Touch Edition)

Memory: 2.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 4"

Screen Resolution: 1136×640

Dimensions: 12.34 x 5.86 x 0.61 cm
Weight: 0.088 kg

detailed info
US$197.91 from Best Buy (New)
as of 2021-01-20 06:00:07, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#7, Tablets (under $400)

Nintendo Switch Lite from US$210;
~$350 with accessories
- the Mobile Gamer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 3/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 0.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 4/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 2/5

Specs

Processor: Nvidia Tegra X1

Graphics: Nvidia Maxwell 256

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 5.5"

Screen Resolution: 1280×720

Dimensions: 9.14 x 20.83 x 1.40 cm
Weight: 0.277 kg
detailed info from US$205.81
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#8, Tablets (under $400)

Nintendo Switch from US$320;
~$400 with accessories
- the Mobile Gamer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 1/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 4/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Consoles standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 5/5

Specs

Processor: Nvidia Tegra X1

Graphics: Nvidia Maxwell 256

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 6.2"

Screen Resolution: 1280×720

Dimensions: 23.88 x 10.16 x 1.40 cm
Weight: 0.400 kg
detailed info from US$316.64
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	4.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	4.5/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	1/5
Storage	1/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	4.5/5

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	4/5
Autonomy	5/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	4/5
Autonomy	1.5/5

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
Power	0/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Power	1/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	4/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	0.5/5

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	0/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	1/5

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	2/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	1/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	3/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	4.5/5
Autonomy	0.5/5

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	1.5/5

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	4/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	3/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	1/5

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	2.5/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	4/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	4/5
Autonomy	5/5

Best bang for the buck under $300

Need something cheaper? No worries, here are the best performing options for small tablets priced below average.

There might be some overlap with the list above, but everything down here is considered budget-friendly.

#5, Tablets (under $400)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch from US$150;
~$270 with accessories
- the Casual Worker
- the Media Consumer
Device Ratings

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Small Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 1/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 429

Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 504

Memory: 2.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 8"

Screen Resolution: 1280×800

Dimensions: 21.00 x 12.44 x 0.80 cm
Weight: 0.345 kg
detailed info from US$142.5
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×