Top 10 Best 7-inch Small Tablets

Samuel J Tan Personal Technology, Tablets, Technology 0

Lenovo Tab M7 Tablet Gen 2

The Tab M7 is powered by MediaTek MT8321 to help keep the cost down but it is not short on style as the tablet is wrapped in in a metal chassis measuring only 8.2mm slim, as slim as some high end smartphone. It weighs 236 grams, and the 7-inch display is based on an IPS panel at 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. For memory, you get a standard 16GB storage and 1GB RAM, while a microSD expansion slot lets you add up to 1GB extra storage. Battery life is an average 10hours per charge. As for everything else, it is pretty standard; 2MP/2MP front and back camera, microUSB charging and data port, 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth and WiFi.

Amazon Fire 7 Tablet 2019

Many 7-inch Tablets may have come and gone but Amazon Fire 7 is here to stay. The entry level 7-inch tablet from 2019 (9th Generation) comes with a 7-inch IPS panel at a similar resolution to the Lenovo M7 Tab, 1024 x 600 pixels. This may not be for everyone but granted that it is after all a small display so for some, this may be enough. It is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor from MediaTek , the MT8163. While it lacks premium features like metal chassis, Dolby Atmos support (only a mono speaker onboard) and Show Mode, it does support hands-free Alexa voice commands. Also, while it only comes with 1GB RAM memory, you have a choice of 16GB storage or 32GB storage with microSD expansion up to 512GB. Another option available to end users is the colour, pick black, blue, plum or sage to suit your style. Note that this is not to be mistaken with the discontinued Amazon Fire HD 7 with 1280 x 800 pixel display.

VANKYO MatrixPad S7

It has become increasingly hard to compete in the small tablet segment leaving only a few value brands to fight it out. Big names like LG, Samsung and ASUS have left the scene preferring to offer 8-inch or bigger tablets. VANKYO is one such value brand with their MatrixPad S7. The 7-inch tablet may be cheap but is great value with 2GB RAM (double of Amazon and Lenovo above) and 32GB starting storage (double that of the standard 16GB). Also moving up from the typical 2MP/2MP configuration is the 2MP front and 5MP rear caneras, although we don’t expect much from these onboard optics. These can only mean good things for the end user. Powered by 1.3GHz quad core processor, it comes with the same IPS panel with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. A little low for todays application but again, this is a small tablet. Lastly, the big 2900mAh battery promises up to 8 hours of mix use and for extra storage use the microSD card slot for up to 512GB storage.

VANKYO MatrixPad Z1

Like the MatrixPad Z1 is a cut down version of the S7 above. The biggest features that it had to cut back on to save cost are the 1GB RAM memory instead of 2GB and the rear facing camera, using the basic 2MP/2MP configuration versus a 2MP/5MP. Beyond that, it still features the same 7-inch IPS display with 32GB storage, a microSD card reader that takes up to 128GB extra storage and up to 8 hours battery life.

Pritom 7 Tablet

Pritom 7 is a new budget entry with a very competitive price tag. Available in black, blue or red, the tablet is powered by a 1.5GHz quad core processor with 1GB RAM memory and 32GB ROM storage. It also has a microSD card slot for up to 128GB storage expansion. The 7-inch panel supports IPS technology at 1024 x 600 pixels. For optics, is uses a 2MP/2MP camera configuration, just enough for web calls and not much else. If an ultra budget tablet is what you are after, the Pritom is your answer.

Lenovo Tab 2 A7-10 Tablet

Lenovo Tab 2 A7 tablet is lightweight and compact perfect as a travel companion. With its built in GPS and the right satellite navigation app and maps, you can even take it with you on short or long journeys. It is ideal for reading, web browsing, listening to music or just to catch up on shows and movies. The Dolby audio enhancement makes it perfect as an entertainment tablet producing crisp and natural sound. Weighing only 269grams and no thicker than 9.3mm, it is a good small tablet especially for how much it costs. However, in keeping the cost low, Lenovo has left out the rear facing camera and opted for 8GB of storage.

CPU: MTK 8127 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 (1.30GHz 1MB)
Display: 7.0″ IPS Display 1024 x 600 pixels resolution
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC Memory, with microSD expansion that supports up to 32GB
Camera(s): Front: 0.3MP fixed focus
Battery Capacity: 3450mAh, Li-Ion. WiFi Surfing for up to 8 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 189 x 105 x 9.3 mm & 269g
OS: Android 4.4

LG G Pad V400 Snapdragon 7-inch Tablet

We compared the premium LG G Pad 8.3-inch Tablet in our other articles. However, the 7-inch sibling is more of an entry level tablet. LG G Pad V400 is your standard run of the mill tablet using Qualcomm’s Dual Core processor clocking at 1.2GHz to power Android 4.4.2 with the usual software customisations from LG.

The specification is nothing to scream about, the storage memory at 8GB is a little low by today’s standard even for an entry level device. The tablet is available in White or Black. Also available is the LG G Pad V480 8.0-inch Tablet with double the storage memory at 16GB (not to be confused with the slightly bigger LG G Pad 8.3-inch Tablet).

Features include the QPAIR function that lets you pair the tablet with an Android Smartphone, LG’s Smart Keyboard for easy input and Knock Code for secure access. You also get the Dual Window operating mode for multi tasking.

CPU: Qualcomm 1.2GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display: 7.0″ IPS Display 1280 x 800 pixels resolution
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC Memory, with microSD expansion that supports up to 32GB
Camera(s): Main: 5MP, Autofocus, Front: 1.3MP
Battery Capacity: 4000mAh, WiFi Surfing for up to 11 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 189.3 mm x 113.8 mm x 10.2 mm & 297g
OS: Android 4.4.2

Lenovo S5000 7-inch Tablet (Silver Grey Metal)

You may not get the ultra narrow side bezels on the Lenovo S5000 but narrow enough to pass off as a new generation tablet. It does carry a premium designer look and feel with its ultra slim body, metal casing, rounded corners, chrome finish, sharp and classy laser-etched exterior. At 7.9mm thin, weighing only 246grams, it is the slimmest and lightest tablet in our comparison.

To keep the cost down, it uses the MediaTek Arm processor. For a bit more money, you can also get a 3G version. Other than the good looks, it stands out from the other tablets in that it has front firing speaker. And while it does not have microUSB expansion slot for extra memory, the Micro-USB port supports USB-OTG, so with the right connector you can use a compact flash drive for extra storage.

CPU: MT 8389 Quad Core 1.2GHz processor
Display: 7.0″ IPS Display 1280 x 800 pixels resolution
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 16GB eMMC Memory, with microSD
Camera(s): Main: 5MP, Autofocus, Front: 1.6MP
Battery Capacity: 3450mAh Li-Ion Polymer battery up to 8 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 116mm x 7.9mm x 191mm. Super light (246grams – WiFi, 249grams – 3G) and slim (7.9mm) – LIGHTEST, SLIMMEST
OS: Android 4.2 OTA to 4.3

Amazon Fire HD 7 Tablet

Amazon has decided to drop the name Kindle from their Fire range and reserve this for their E-readers. While older tablets still carry the name Kindle Fire, newer tablets are simply known as Fire. The new and improved Fire HD 7 now comes with a fast quad core processor running at two different speeds. The faster 1.5GHz cores(2) kicking in for quicker apps loading and smoother videos. The lower-power 1.2GHz cores(2) which runs simultaneously offers a balance in performance and power efficiency. Together with Touch Boost, FirePower and SmartSuspend you can decide when to speed up or turn off wireless connectivity and maximise the standby battery life.

Another notable feature is the dual stereo speakers on the device. It uses Dolby Audio technology to emulate a 5.1 multi-channel surround sound for better sound experience. With the usual cloud services and access to content (Music, Movies, TV Shows, Magazines, Books & Apps) purchased from Amazon, the Fire is the perfect media consuming device.

In the software department, you get a custom version of Android, what Amazon likes to call the Fire OS, now at version 4.0 code-name Sangria. The OS supports multiple profiles up to 6 unique users (2 adults, 4 children), the ability to share content with your Family by linking two Amazon accounts and Parental Controls that lets you set the books, apps, games and videos your children sees and set a daily usage limit. As with the smaller Fire HD 6, the tablet is available in black, white, cobalt, magenta or citron.

A higher 7-inch model is also available in the form of Kindle Fire HDX 7 for a bit more money. Powered by the Snapdragon 800 Quad Core Processor running at 2.2GHz, it has 2GB of RAM memory, a High Definition display at 1920 x 1200 resolution display (323 ppi) and 11 hours battery life with 4G LTE connectivity option.

CPU: Quad-Core up to 1.5 GHz (2 x 1.5GHz core and 2 x 1.2GHz core).
Display: 7″ IPS display with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution (216 ppi)
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM 8GB/16GB Storage Memory
Camera(s): Front facing VGA camera, 2MP rear facing camera
Battery Capacity: 8 hours mixed use, 9 hours when reading
Dimensions and Weight: 191 x 128 x 10.6 mm, 337 grams
OS: Custom Android: Fire OS 4.0 “Sangria” (custom Android OS)

Acer Iconia B1-720 7-inch Tablet

The Acer Iconia B1-720 7-inch Tablet is available in red/black or smoke/black. As with the Lenovo S5000, a 3G connectivity version is also available for a little more money. However, the look is uninspiring and it weighs a hefty 320grams. While it is still remarkably slim at 10.7 mm thin it does not have the ultra narrow profile. The colour accent extends from the back cover to the sides merging with the glass in a One Glass Solution (OGS) design.

While there is no rear facing camera, there is a low resolution front facing 300k pixel camera for web calls and the 7-inch display comes only in standard definition 1024 x 600 pixels . This helps drive the cost further down and Acer offers a choice of 8GB or 16GB storage, making the starting cost to purchase even less.

CPU: MediaTek MT8111 Dual-core 1.30GHz Processor
Display: 7″ WSVGA 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM 8GB/16GB Storage Memory
Camera(s): Front Only 300k pixels
Battery Capacity: 5 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 12.2 x 19.9 x 1.1 cm (10.7mm thin) and 320grams
OS: Android 4.2 upgradeable to 4.4

Also available, previous generation Acer Iconia B1 7-inch with 1.2GHz Processor. Although the last we check, the old version seems to be more expansion than the new one.

Linx 7-inch Tablet – WINDOWS 8.1

We love the Linx for its ultra narrow bezel, rear and front cameras and lightweight body. There is also the option to add more storage memory in the form of MicroSD card. The device supports up 64GB of flash memory in the slot. However, the 4-6 hours battery life is a bit of a let down.

But the potential of this tablet is huge. With all that connectivity both Wireless (WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0) and wired (MicroUSB and Mini HDMI ports) you can connect the tablet to wired or wireless input devices (keyboard, mouse or trackpad) and big screen HD displays, turning the device into a desktop.

You can even push the device further with a Plugable USB 3.0 Docking Station with DisplayLink, load up the DisplayLink software and run Dual Display mode with two big screens instead of one as some users have.

For those shopping around for a small Windows Tablet, also consider the alternative listed below, the HP Stream 7 Tablet. However, this device does not include a mini HDMI port.

CPU: Intel Atom Z3735G Processor 1.3GHz burst frequency up to 1.83GHz
Display: 7″ IPS display 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 32GB Storage Memory MicroSD expansion for up to 64GB
Camera(s): Main 2MP, Front 2MP cameras
Battery Capacity: 3,500 mAh Lithium-Ion for between 4-6 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 9.5mm thin and 280grams
OS: Windows 8.1

Lenovo IdeaTab A7-50 7-inch Tablet (Midnight Blue)

The Lenovo IdeaTab A10-70 is one of our favourite low cost 10.1-inch tablet and here we have the 7-inch varient. Based on the budget MediaTek MTK 8121 Quad Core processor clocking at 1.3GHz, the standard 1GB RAM and 16GB or storage, here is an ideal on the go companion for your everyday tablet needs. Software enhancements include Smart Sidebar that provides you convenient access to your frequently used apps & media and one-touch display settings.

CPU: MTK 8121 Quad Core 1.3GHz processor
Display: 7” IPS HD (1280 x 800) wide-view display (216ppi)
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 8GB/16GB Storage Memory MicroSD expansion for up to 32GB
Camera(s): 5MP rear facing (on some models) and 2MP front facing cameras – HIGH RF CAMERA RES.
Battery Capacity: 3450mAh up to 7.5 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 198 x 121.2 x 9.9 mm, 320 grams
OS: Android 4.4.2

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7-inch Tablet

Don’t let the 8GB storage memory put you off, this is the only tablet with 1.5GB RAM and every bit of RAM goes a long way especially when you are browsing with multiple tabs and multi-tasking. While it may not be the cheapest, it does come with some useful applications such as Samsung Link that lets you sync between your Samsung devices, Group Play for sharing content and Hancom Viewer for viewing Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. It also comes with multi tasking and multi window system with Samsung Multi Window function. The previous generation Tab 3 is also featured below. Available in Black or White.

CPU: 1.2GHz quad-core processor
Display: 7″ HD display 1280 x 800 touchscreen (216ppi)
Memory and Storage: 1.5GB RAM, 8GB Storage expandable with up to 32GB micro SD card – MORE MEMORY
Camera(s): 3MP rear facing, 1.3MP front facing
Battery Capacity: 10 hours (4000 mAh) – BEST BATTERY LIFE
Dimensions and Weight: 186.9 x 107.9 x 9mm and 276 grams – NARROWEST
OS: Android 4.2.2

Asus MeMO Pad 7 (ME176CX) 7-inch Tablet

Asus’s new generation MeMO Pad Android Tablet, now with Intel Atom processor continues to amaze us with their build quality. This entry level 7-inch tablet is slim, thin and lightweight design. Thin bezel at 9.75mm for better grip and slender look, with no physical home button. Choice of 5 colours; black, white, red, yellow and blue.

The Sonic Master audio system is carefully-engineered to direct sound the listener using its dual speakers. With every manufacturer comes their own flavour of add-on or skin, Asus is not different. Their custom ZenUI enhancements and Camera Software features are both notable value adds offering plenty of user friendly features and tweaks.

CPU: Intel Atom Z3745 1.33GHz quad-core processor (up to 1.86GHz)
Display: 7″ IPS (in-plane-switching) technology with 170-degree viewing angle, 1280 x 800 high definition (216ppi), anti-fingerprint coating
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM, 16GB Storage expandable with up to 64GB micro SD card
Camera(s): 2MP rear facing, 0.3MP front facing cameras
Battery Capacity: 9 hours (15Wh Li-Polymer)
Dimensions and Weight: 113.9 x 189 x 9.6 mm and 295 grams
OS: Android 4.4

HP Stream 7 32GB Windows 8.1 Tablet – Microsoft Signature Edition

Here is the other Windows Tablet in our line-up, an offering from HP, the HP Stream 7. A special Microsoft Signature Edition is also available, tweaked and optimised by Microsoft for best performance. Together with a full Windows 8.1 operating system with desktop access including support for desktop apps and Office 365 Personal subscription for the first year, this makes the decision to go with the HP Stream a worthwhile one if you are in the market for a Windows tablet. Especially so when Microsoft and Intel coming together to subsidize the device, pushing the price down further.

CPU: Intel Atom Z3735F Processor (1.33GHz) with burst frequency up to 1.8GHz
Display: 7-inch IPS 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (206ppi)
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 32GB Storage Memory
Camera(s): Main 2MP and Front 0.3MP Webcam
Battery Capacity: 3000mAh up to 8 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 191.5 x 108 x 9.9 mm (9.9mm thin 350grams)
OS: Windows 8.1 and Office 365 Personal for One Year (Free Skype Calls and 1TB Cloud Storage)

Also available: HP Stream 7 Windows 8.1 Tablet with 4G Connectivity

Asus Nexus 7 2013

Still a very capable tablet with promised Lollipop update, the Asus Nexus 7 can still throw a few punches when it comes down to the performance and specifications.

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4Pro Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait
Display: 7” IPS FHD 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution (323ppi)
Memory and Storage: 2GB RAM and 16GB/32GB Storage Memory no MicroSD expansion.
Camera(s): 5MP rear facing and 1.2MP front facing cameras
Battery Capacity: 3950mAh up to 9 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 200 x 114 x 8.7 mm, 290 grams
OS: Android 4.3 upgradeable to v4.4.4 (KitKat) with planned upgrade to v5.0.2 (Lollipop)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch Tablet

This may be the previous generation tablet with the Galaxy Tab 4 already out, the Tab 3 is still hanging around in the market. If you have a bit more money to spare and is dead set on a Samsung tablet, we would recommend the Tab 4. As you would expect, it doesn’t come with the narrow side bezel or grip friendly profile but has everything you would need on a tablet. The biggest difference between the Tab 3 and Tab 4 is in the memory size, screen resolution and slight hit on the battery life. It does have a bigger user base given it has been out longer and still is in the market. See our Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 vs Tab 4 Comparison.

CPU: 1.2GHz Quad-Core
Display: 7-inch 1024 x 600 pixel TFT
Memory and Storage: 1GB, Storage: 8GB, MicroSD Slot supports up to 32GB
Camera(s): 3MP (Rear) , 1.3MP (Front)
Battery Capacity: 8 Hours (Internet Usage) Li-Ion 4000 mAh
Dimensions and Weight: 111.1 x 188 x 9.9 mm, 300grams
OS: Android 4.1

See newer model the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7-inch above.

Lenovo IdeaTab A1000L 7-inch Tablet (Black/White)

Here is a lesser known 7-inch tablet from Lenovo, the IdeaTab A1000. Targetting music enthusiasts, the IdeaTab A1000 features enhanced stereo speakers. Built into the tablet is a pair of speakers spaced apart for better stereo effects. Unlike most tablets, Lenovo positioned these speakers toward the front of the tablet for even better user experience. It does not stop there, audio system uses Dolby Digital Plus enhancement for louder, more natural and distortion free sound both with the integrated speakers and when listening over the headphones. Apart from this, there is really nothing else outstanding on the table.

CPU: MTK MT8317 Dual Core 1.2GHz processor
Display: 7” IPS (1024 x 600) wide-view display (216ppi)
Memory and Storage: 1GB RAM and 8GB/16GB Storage Memory MicroSD expansion for up to 32GB
Camera(s): 0.3MP front facing cameras
Battery Capacity: 3500mAh up to 8 hours
Dimensions and Weight: 198 x 121.2 x 9.9 mm, 340 grams
OS: Android 4.1.2

Note that like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, this is an older model, so you are bound to get some good deal when shopping for one. If you would prefer something newer, consider the the Lenovo IdeaTab A7-50 above or Lenovo S5000.