Is this the year you pick out a mini tablet for yourself, your kids, or the whole family? Those hold-in-your-hand tablets have never looked as good – or come at such good prices. Here are 10 of the best 7-inch Android tablets around:
- Nexus 7: Google’s Nexus 7 is the definitive Android tablet. Its 1920 x 1200 screen has one of the highest resolutions in the Android world, and the 2GB of RAM makes this tablet extra-speedy compared to its rivals. This 2013 tablet also costs a lot less than the Nexus 9 or the Apple mini iPad at around $200, making it great to pick up as a gift. There’s no expandable storage though, so the 16/32 GB drive is all the space you get.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4 is a family-friend entry in the 7-inch tablet market, with a Multi User mode and the ability to use two apps at the same time. It’s also known for a comparatively long battery life, ideal for long trips. It also comes with a 1280 x 800 resolution screen and 8GB of ROM.
- Asus MeMo Pad 7: The latest Asus mini tablet sports a Quad-Core processor and 16 GB of storage with microSD compatibility. While its RAM and resolution may not be able to match other entries, the MeMo Pad does come with over 200 upgrades to its Android OS, a pleasant addition that could save on some expensive downloads. Speaking of price, at around $125 to $150 (depending on current deals) the Asus MeMo Pad 7 is also quite affordable.
- Kindle Fire HDX 7: The Kindle Fire HDX runs Amazon’s own version of Android, which is a little limited compared to other systems (particularly in app options), but otherwise this is an extra-strong entry for the 7-inch Android tablet market. It has a 1920 x 1200 display like the Nexus 7, and a comparable Quad-Core process and 2GB of RAM. It also plays nice with Amazon services, which may be great if you already have a Kindle or like features like the MayDay tech support button. It is one of the best Android tablets in its size range.
- Lenovo IdeaTab: Lenovo is known for its affordable electronics that are still worth the buy, and the S5000 IdeaTab is no exception. With an HD 1280 x 800 screen, 16GB in flash memory and 1GB of RAM, this mini tablet is just an all-around solid choice. Notably it has USB OTG support for charging and quickly reading devices like USB flashdrives, which is a nice bonus for the more business or document-inclined.
- Nividia Shield: Okay, the NVidia Shield is technically an 8-inch tablet, but it definitely deserves a mention for its unique focus on gaming. The tablet can manage PC-level games with its Tegra K1 system (well, those compatible with K1, anyway) and works well with a wireless controller. You can also hook it up to a TV for a big screen. Oh, and it handles Android apps, too.
- Tesco Hudls: The Hudl and the larger-but-still-mini Hudl 2 offer some great features for their price tags. If you can, swing for the 8.3-inch Hudl 2 instead of the 7-inch Hudl, since it has a better screen resolution but is available for around the same price.
- Acer Iconia: The Acer Iconia is much like the Lenovo IdeaTab, except for a couple important points: It comes with a slightly larger screen, and it has an aluminum frame instead of plastic materials, making it sturdier and more stylish.
- Tegra Note 7: EVGA isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking about the best mini Android tablets, but the Tegra Note 7 is a strong entry with a few nice perks, like an included styles and an extra-lightweight frame. It may not be in the same league as the Nexus or the Kindle, but it does carry its own weight in the lower-tier division.
- Nextbook 7: The Nextbook is a great choice if the other mini tablets are just a bit too expensive. This $60 tablet has all the Android basics, including Gmail and Google Maps, plus a few extras like the preloaded Nook app. Internal memory is 16 GB, a healthy amount of data space for such a cheap tablet. Screen resolution and performance may not be the best, but it won’t destroy your wallet, either.
