Top 5 Best 8-inch Windows 8 Tablets

We take a look at 5 of the best small Windows 8 Tablet in 2015. A new breed of Windows 8 tablet has emerged. These small Windows 8.1 tablets are based on the x86 version of the OS instead of the cut down mobile version, RT. With the launch of Windows 10, the tablets also enjoy free upgrade to the latest OS if not already pre-loaded.

With the right amount of memory, storage and processor speed, combined with a portable Bluetooth keyboard, tablets could that doubles up as a netbooks on a platform that lets you run all your desktop applications.

These tablets are also based on the new generation Intel Atom chip, the Bay Trail Atom. With it’s quad-core and Turbo Boost technology, it provides laptop and desktop like performance. Clocking at 1.33GHz with burst frequency up to 1.86GHz, the chip has 2MB cache onboard and support for 64-bit instructions. Based on the 22nm, its lower power consumption at 2W meant better battery life.

NOTE: The Atom range is also used on server class machines as it also supports Intel Virtualisation Technology (VT-X) and Intel 64 (Intel’s 64-bit architecture).

Let’s take a comparative look at the different 8-inch tablets.

Top 5 Best Small Windows Tablets

Surprisingly, the best 8-inch Windows 8 tablets are also among the most affordable.

• HP Stream 8 Tablet with 4G – 4G ENABLED
• Lenovo Yoga 2 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet – BEST BATTERY LIFE, DOUBLE MEMORY, FULL HD
• Lenovo Miix 3 8 Windows 7.85-inch Tablet – DOUBLE MEMORY
• Toshiba Encore 2 WT8-B-102 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet
• ASUS VivoTab 8 M81C 8-Inch Windows Tablet – DOUBLE MEMORY

Five More:

• Linx 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet [Linx 810]
• VOYO A1 Mini 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet – DOUBLE MEMORY
• Lenovo Miix 2 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet – HIGHER RESOLUTION CAMERAS, DOUBLE MEMORY
• Acer Iconia Tab 8 W W1-810 8-inch Tablet
• Dell Venue 8 Pro 3000 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet

What Else Is Out There

• Lenovo Miix 8 Windows Tablet
• Asus VivoTab 8 M80TA Windows Tablet
• Dell Venue 8 Pro Windows Tablet
• Toshiba Encore 8 Windows Tablet
• Acer Iconia Tab W4-820 8.1-inch Tablet

A Closer Look

Let’s take a closer look at each of the tablets.

HP Stream 8 Tablet with 4G enabled

The only 4G enabled Windows tablet on our list with lifetime 4G data plan included in the states with up to 200MB of data free ex-contract.

• Intel Atom Z3735G Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.58GHz)
• 1GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 64GB
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 5MP Rear Full HD 1080p camera and 2MP Front Full HD 1080p camera
• Battery Life: 8 Hours 20 Mins 4000mAh Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, micro USB, 1 micro SIM card slot, Accelerometer, GPS, SAR
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr Office 365 Personal subscription

Lenovo Yoga 2 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet

Lenovo is bringing its multi-mode Yoga tablet format to Windows. With more ways to enjoy your Windows tablet, one additional mode to be precise. You can now Hold, Tilt, Stand and HANG. Yes, HANG your tablet. We seen the Lenovo Yoga  Android tablet lasting up to 18 hours use between charge and the Lenovo Yoga 2 Windows tablet is just as good at 15 hours making it the best battery life on all 8-inch Windows tablets. The front facing, large chamber stereo speakers uses Wolfson Master HiFi audio processing and Dolby surround sound. And that is not all, we left the best part for last. The Lenovo Yoga 2 8-inch comes with a Full HD screen, packing 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, another highest in the line-up. This has to be the best Windows 8-inch tablet to date.

• Intel Atom Z3745 Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.86GHz)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 32GB – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 8-inch 1920 x 1200 Full HD IPS TFT display – BEST SCREEN RESOLUTION
• 8MP Rear camera with f2.2 wide-aperture lense, advanced glare-reducing glass and BSI 2 sensor and 1.6MP Front Cameras – BEST REAR FACING CAMERAS
• Battery Life: 15 Hours Lithium-ion battery – BEST BATTERY LIFE
• WLAN Dual Band MiMo, Bluetooth, micro HDMI, micro USB
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr MS Office 365 subscription

Lenovo Miix 3 8 Windows 7.85-inch Tablet

Now in its third generation, the Miix 3 spots a 7.85-inch screen, slightly smaller than 8-inch and therefore runs at a slightly lower resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Similar to the first generation iPad mini’s screen resolution, this makes browse the web easier. Unlike other screens in our line-up with a pixel resolution of 1280 x 800, which are between for watching movies and TV shows. In the looks department, the Miix 3 with its lightweight aluminium body and ebody black finish gives it a premium feel. At 375 grams, it is one of the lightest 8-inch tablet in the market. However, the battery life of up to 5 hours is a tad disappointing.

• Intel Atom Z3735F Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.83GHz)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot (up to 32GB) – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 7.85-inch 1024 x 768 XGA display with IPS technology
• 2MP Front and 2MP Rear Cameras
• Battery Life: up to 5 Hours Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, mini HDMI, micro USB with OTG
• Dimensions: H200.3 x W136.9 x D9.2 mm, 375 grams
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr MS Office 365 subscription (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, Outlook and Publisher on the go)

Toshiba Encore 2 WT8-B-102 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet

Great screen, sounds good too with Dolby Digital Plus surround stereo speakers, 5MP rear facing camera that is capable of capturing Full HD videos at 24 frames per second. The micro SD support up to 128GB or extra storage.

• Intel Atom Z3735G Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.58GHz)
• 1GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 128GB
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 5MP Rear with Full HD 1080 video capture (24fps) and auto-focus and 1.2MP Front Cameras – BETTER REAR FACING CAMERA
• Battery Life: 8.5 Hours Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, micro HDMI, micro USB
• Dimensions W x D x H and Weight: 210.62 x 132 x 9.48 mm, 385 grams
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr Office 365 Personal subscription (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook)

ASUS VivoTab 8 M81C 8-Inch Windows Tablet

Here is a welcome replacement from Asus, the VivoTab 8 M81C is a newer, slimmer and narrower 8-inch Tablet compared to their earlier model, the Asus VivoTab 8 M80TA. While the earlier version had a lukewarm response from buyers, the new VivoTab 8 has the opposite effect. If you want a reliable design and good build quality, the new VivoTab 8 is your answer.

The narrow bezel on the long sides is reminisce of the newer 8-inch Android tablets. This has become the standard for newer 8-inch Windows tablets and you can see this in our line-up from the low cost Linx 8 and Voyo 8 to the mid range Stream 8, Lenovo Miix2 8 and of course the new Asus VivoTab 8 M81C.

• Intel Atom Z3745 Quad-Core 1.33GHz Processor 64-bit (Turbo Boost up to 1.86GHz)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage and MicroSD slot for up to 64GB expansion – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 8-inch LED Backlight WXGA 1280 x 800 pixels IPS HD display
• Battery Life: 8 Hours 15.2Wh Li-polymer Battery
• 5MP Rear/1.2MP Front facing camera – BETTER REAR FACING CAMERA
• Ultrafast connectivity with 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4G/5G), dual band, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast, MicroUSB, G-sensor, Gyro sensor, E-compass, Hall sensor, GPS and GLONASS
• Dimensions & Weight: 330g
• Colour Options: Purple, White, Gold, Black
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr Office 365 Personal subscription (includes touch enhanced Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote)

Five More 8-inch Windows Tablets To Consider

Linx 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet [Linx 810] – WINDOWS 10 PRE-LOADED

The Linx is great value for money. If the specs haven’t convinced you, the manufacturer have thrown in a year’s subscription of Office 365 Personal. Built quality is decent and doesn’t feel cheap. It’s small, lightweight and performs as it should.

• Intel Atom Z3735G Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.58GHz)
• 1GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 64GB
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 2MP Rear and 2MP Front Cameras
• Battery Life: 7 Hours 4000mAh Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, mini HDMI, micro USB
• Windows 8.1 and 1Yr Office 365 Personal subscription

Since the launch of Windows 10, the Linx 8 is now available with Windows 10 pre-loaded and sold as Linx 810. Enjoy all the new features on Window 10 including Cortana (the personal digital assistance), Continuum (for smooth transition between tablet and desktop interface), Edge (the new Internet browser), Office Mobile Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote), OneDrive (15GB online storage) and access to Windows 10 Store.

VOYO A1 Mini 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet

If you have to decide on an ultra low budget and super affordable unit, between the Linx and the Voyo, we would recommend the Voyo. It comes with double the memory compared to the Linx and has a CPU with higher turbo clock speed. The battery life is also better compared to the Linx. While the built quality isn’t not notch, it is sufficient. The case and the screen is plastic instead of alloy or glass but you can’t ask too much considering how little you pay. The Windows 8 license alone would set you back more than a hundred. It is available in Gray, Blue or Yellow, with cues from Apple’s iPhone C.

• Intel Atom Z3735F Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.83GHz)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 2MP Rear and 2MP Front Cameras
• Battery Life: 8-10 Hours 5000mAh Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, mini HDMI, micro USB with OTG
• Windows 8.1

Lenovo Miix 2 8-inch Windows 8.1 Tablet [Lenovo Miix 3 8-inch]

The Lenovo Miix 2 is the successor to Lenovo Miix also featured here. It includes VeriFace, a facial recognition software that lets you log on to your tablet without complicated password or on-screen key taps. Program the software with an image of your face captured with the integrated webcam and use this to verify you as the user.

• Intel Atom Z3740 Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.86GHz)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 64GB – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 8MP Rear and 2MP Front Cameras – BEST CAMERAS
• Battery Life: 7 Hours Lithium-ion battery
• WLAN, Bluetooth, micro USB
• Windows 8.1

NOTE: The Lenovo Miix 2 is end of Line. While stocks last. See replacement: Lenovo Miix 3 8-inch Tablet

Acer Iconia Tab 8 W W1-810 8-inch Tablet

 

Sleek new addition to the aging Iconia W4, also featured at the bottom of this list. The Iconia Tab 8 W is lighter, thinner and faster than the Iconia W4 but has only half the memory at 1GB RAM.

• Intel Atom Z3735G Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz (Turbo Boost to 1.86GHz)
• 1GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 32GB
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 LED TFT display
• 5MP Rear auto-focus capable of 60fps and 2MP Front Cameras
• Battery Life: 8 Hours Lithium Polymer battery 4600mAh
• WLAN, Bluetooth, micro HDMI, micro USB,  headphone and microphone combo
• Dimensions and Weight: 214mm x 128mm x 9.8mm, 370 grams
• Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 Edition Trial (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Dell Venue 8 Pro 3000

For dependable build quality and support, the Dell Venue 8 Pro 3000 is your choice. The slimmer but not the slimmest side bezel and the 5MP rear camera is appealing. Miracast makes up for lack of micro HDMI port for connecting to a big screen.

• Intel Atom Z3735G Processor Quad-Core, 2MB Cache, up to 1.83GHz
• 1GB RAM, 32GB Storage, MicroSD Card Slot supports up to 128GB
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 (WXGA) IPS display
• 5MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera
• Battery Life: 8 Hours
• Dimensions: Length: 8.51″ (216.2mm) x Width: 5.11″ (130mm) x Thickness: 0.35″ (9.0mm), Weight: 88lbs (391g)
• WLAN with Miracast, Bluetooth, micro USB, headphone and microphone combo
• Windows 8.1 with Bing and Office 365 Personal 1 Year Subscription.

What Else Is Out There

• Lenovo Miix 8 Windows Tablet
• Asus VivoTab 8 M80TA Windows Tablet
• Dell Venue 8 Pro Windows Tablet
• Toshiba Encore 8 Windows Tablet
• Acer Iconia 8 Windows Tablet

Lenovo Miix 8 Windows Tablet – 32GB

The Lenovo Miix 2 is a great value, affordable tablet offering with good battery life and features. Comes preloaded with MS Office 2013 Home and Student edition, you get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote from the word go.

With Miix 2 8-inch tablet, you get a full Windows experience in one of thinnest and lightest package in the market. Lenovo’s hardware and software combination brings together what it calls the Lenovo Enhanced Experience 8, an experience created specifically around Windows 8.1. This includes Lenovo Cloud with 5GB free storage, Lenovo content (which includes Lenovo Companion & Lenovo Support) and finally Lenovo Energy Management 7.0 with 3 power management modes to suit your requirement.

A neat feature worth mentioning is VeriFace Pro, a facial recognition technology that lets users login by matching features to their face using the front-facing camera.

Its bigger siblings comes with better connectivity (keyboard dock and HDMI output)

• Intel Bay Trail Atom Z3740 Quad Core Processor 1.33GHz Turbo Boost to 1.86GHz
• 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, microSD card slot for extra storage up to 128GB – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 2MP front, 5MP rear cameras
• Battery life: up to 8.5 hours  AVERAGE BATTERY LIFE
• Thinness: 8.35 mm SLIMMEST
• Display size: 8″ HD display 1280 x 800 resolution
• Dimensions: H215.6 x W131.6 x D8.35 mm, 350 grams LIGHTEST
• BlT 4.0, microUSB, WiFi 802.11 bgn
• Windows 8.1 (32bit) and MS Office 2013

Asus VivoTab Note 8 Touchscreen Tablet – 64GB

The only tablet that includes a Wacom Digitizer pen. Tired of trying to scribble with your finger. While navigating the tablet with your fingers are alright, writing on the screen may not be so straight forward. Using Wacom’s digitzer, the Asus VivoTab has the advantage of letting you use a pen instead. Allowing you to write naturally on the screen and take advantage of hand writing recognition and input.

• 8-inch HD touchscreen IPS LED-backlit WXGA (800 x 1280), 5-finger multi-touch support
• Intel Atom Z3740 1.33 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 1.86 GHz
• 2GB memory 1600 MHz LPDDR3 /64GB eMMC Storage (32GB also available)
• Up to 8 hours battery life AVERAGE BATTERY LIFE
• 5MP rear/1.2MP front facing camera
• Micro SD card slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC) supports up to 128GB
• Dimensions and Weight: 220.98 x 132.08 x 10.16 mm, 380g
• Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013

DELL Venue 8 Pro – 32GB

As you would expect from Dell, this is a no nonsense, professional tablet with reliable hardware and built quality. The only thing against it is the lack of micro-HDMI which in our books is important if this were to double up as a desktop replacement but an optional Docking Station for Dell Venue will solve that problem. Just don’t expect to turn up for a presentation looking to connect your tablet to the big screen. What is not immediately obvious is the use of a Stylus as a form of interface. Dell Active Stylus for Venue Pro is available to purchase separately suitable for input, graphic and content creation.

• Intel Atom Z3740 Quad Core Processor Z3740D up to 1.86GHz (Turbo Boost)
• 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, SD slot expansion for up to 64GB
• 1.2MP front, 5MP rear facing cameras
• Battery life: up to 10 hours (4,830 mAh) [GOOD BATTERY LIFE]
• Thinness: 8.9 mm
• Display size: 8″ 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution with 10 points capacitive touch
• Dimensions & Weight: 0.35 by 5.25 by 8.5 inches   215.9 x 130 x 8.9 mm, 388 grams
• BT 4.0, microUSB, WiFi 802.11 abgn dual band, headphone and microphone combo jack, microUSB 2.0
• Windows 8.1 (32bit) and MS Office 2013

 

Toshiba Encore 8-inch – 32GB

Similar to the Toshiba Chromebook in our previous review, the back plate of Toshiba Encore features an anti-slip design to stop the tablet from slipping and for added grip. The silver back plate may not look the part of a premium tablet but it is finger print free and easy to handle hence more practical.

• Intel Atom Z3740 1.33GHz Turbo Boost to 1.86GHz
• 32GB Storage (64GB also available), SD slot expansion for up to 64GB
• 2MP front facing, 8MP rear facing cameras HIGHER RESOLUTION REAR FACING CAMERA
• Thinness: 10.7 mm
• Batttery Life: Up to 7 hours
• Dimensions and Weight: 10.68 x 213 x 135.9 mm, 455 grams HEAVIEST
• Display size: 8″ 1280 x 800
• BT 4.0, microUSB, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, headphone and microphone jack combo, micro HDMI
• Windows 8.1 with MS Office 2013

Acer Iconia W4-820 – Windows Tablet

Not too hot about the chunky accent at the bottom of the screen and the big side bezels but it does come with 2GB of memory and good resolution cameras. Multi-user tablet that lets you access your personal settings and apps. Also comes pre-loaded with MS Office which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Acer has also done away with the gap between the touch panel and LCD screen, a feature more and more manufacturers are adopting. It uses Zero-air-gap direct bonding in the construction of the screen to eliminate unwanted light reflections to produce sharp images.

5MP rear facing camera capable of capturing video at 60 fps. 2MP front facing camera capable of HD video conferencing. For presentation, simply connect the Acer Iconia W4 to a larger screen or projector via HDMI 2.0 or MiraCast wireless screencast.

• Intel Bay Trail Atom Z3740 Processor Quad-Core 1.33GHz Turbo Boost 1.86GHz
• 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage (64GB optiona available), microSD card slot for extra storage up to 32GB – DOUBLE MEMORY
• 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS TFT display
• 2MP front, 5MP rear facing cameras auto-focus capable of 60fps
• Battery life: up to 8 hours
• Thinness: 10.75 mm
• Dimensions: Weight: 23.6 x 14.4 x 1.08 cm, 431 grams
• BT 4.0, microUSB, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, headphone and microphone jack combo, micro HDMI 2.0
• Windows 8.1 (32bit) and MS Office 2013