Which 8" Tablet Should I Get?

Lastroboy38 on 29/10/2015 - 12:53

I'm looking to replace my Nexus 7 (2013) tablet. Its been working fine however screen recently cracked and slowly becoming unusable. I've been quite happy with it - resolution has been fine, quite responsive. However, not a bit fan of the 16:9 screen.

I'm not looking to spend too much on a replacement - looking at the $200-400 range. Mainly used by kids to watch youtube and for me, general web browsing. As such, smaller screen size (8" rather than 10") and don't need lots of storage as we don't use many apps. I'm currently considering either the iPad mini 2 and the Samsung Tab S 8" (S1 or S2). Are there any others I should contemplate? Xiaomi equivalent?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Forskin on 29/10/2015 - 13:04
    +1

    Xiaomi Mi Pad

  • nismo on 29/10/2015 - 13:31

    At the $400 end - I would recommend the Sony Z3 Tablet Compact http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111771269015 if you are staying with Android (it's 8 inch).

    You will also get 3% cashback going through CashRewards - and if you wait long enough there mught be another eBay site wide % off coupon (before xmas?).

    I bought one to replace my Nexus 7 2013 a couple of months ago and loving it.

    However, it's 16:9, if you want 4:3 go for the Samsung Tab S2 - which are floating around $400

  • iridiumstem on 29/10/2015 - 13:52
    +1

    I personally recommend Tab S1 + Some really decent case (depending on how young your kids are or how clumsy they are) + glass screen protectors from eBay.
    It'd fall within your budget, assuming you could grab one while it's on sale (I've seen it go under $300 from DSE), it's 16:10 + case would make it reasonably sturdy. Also, Australian warranty.

    Though one thing that makes me slightly hesistant in recommending this is, Tab S1 does use slightly underpowered CPU and GPU for its resolution (QHD). While it does videos and simple games fine, 3D games don't really run well.

    Mini 2 is also decent given you grab them for a cheap price (+ with a case as well). I never liked 4:3 screen since it makes too large letterboxes for 16:9 for videos though. If you are fine with letterboxes for video, that'd be fine though (also they tend to be better for books).

  • hellbound on 29/10/2015 - 15:25

    Target just had the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 16GB for $225. Out of stock now but will probably come up again soon.

  • astroboy38 on 30/10/2015 - 12:20

    Xiaomi seems a bit heavy at 360g given iPad mini 2 is 330g and Samsung tab s2 8.0 is 265g.

    Samsung tab S2 seems to pretty good (prob unfair to compare against iPad mini 2, mini 4 prob better comparison), but don't want to pay $500… any other ones I choices i should consider?

    • durendal on 15/11/2016 - 11:14

      Have you managed to find a tablet for your purposes? If not, feel free to PM me…

    • AlienC on 18/11/2016 - 08:32

      I use a nvidia shield tab non k1.

      It's great but I use it in portrait mode mainly and the ratio is 16:10 so might be a deal breaker for you.

      In this category your choices really are a lenovo tab 2 a10-70 or cheaper lenovo tab 2 a7-30 / Nexus 9 / xiaomi mi pads / Asus Zen pad S 8.0 (weaker version) / Samsung galaxy tab S1 and s2 8.4 and 8.0 inch versions

      I went with the nvidia over the Samsung mainly for the novelty gaming factor I wanted to test out and minor price advantage.

      I really wanted the Samsung galaxy tabs though for the superior screen display and light weight (the roughly 130-140g weight difference really makes a difference especially of you use it a lot in bed or for reading etc which I do)

      I managed to find some second hand gumtree Samsung galaxy tab s2s in the $350-400 range from a pawn shop in the Sydney cbd so if you are ok with that you might get lucky again like I did.

      But if a nvidia shield tab pops up for less than $350 I would also highly consider it.

      Obviously if updates and the latest stuff matters to you then a Google Nexus 9 is your best option

      If you just care about pricing then the lenovo brands is maybe the lowest I would go before heading into China tabs territory where there are also some great bargains but much more research is required and needed.

      If I were you the tab s2s seem like a really nice and good current choice. Especially for the nice premium feel aspect ratio and just overall much more easier better more convenient light weightedness.

      Doesn't sound like you will be needing or doing much gaming so the nvidia shield tab might be out.

      Hope you find what you are looking for. If you need some more help or recommendations for free to also pm me.

      I did some very extensive research in this area not too long ago and have pretty much become an overnight expert in this very narrow field of expertise haha lol.

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