Best Small Tablets that Fit in Your Pocket

There was once a time when having a tablet computer meant choosing from a few high-priced models, and you didn’t get a lot of choice when it came to the size. But as smartphones have shown us, sometimes you need something that fits between the palm of your hand and the desktop screen.

This is especially true if you’re a graphic designer or digital artist who needs an on-the-go tablet that works no matter where you find yourself. You need a tablet that can fit in your pocket and fits the 3 “e’s”: they’re efficient, they’re effective, and they are easy to use and travel with. 

Sounds challenging to find something so perfect? Worry not! Let’s break down our list of the best small tablets that you can bring in your pocket (that pack a punch)! Whether you’re an avid eBook reader or a designer who wants to work on the go, we’ve got you covered.

How Did We Choose? Why Trust Our Rankings?

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their technology – so why trust our list of the best small tablets on the market?

When looking at building our list, we pulled together our expertise and experience in the tech world to find tablets and mini drawing tablets that fit a few specific qualifications:

1. They work well

Nobody wants to spend a lot of money on a table that just doesn’t quite work. We looked at responsiveness, speed, battery life, and performance across various metrics to pick the best on the market today.

2. They fit a specific use case

Some small tablets offer unique features or ergonomic sizes that are perfect for specific uses. For example, some need a mini drawing tablet that allows them to use a stylus for crafting images or graphics on the go. Others need to find the best tablet for small business uses – such as helping customers on the showroom floor or filing work orders out in the field.

3. They have the right price point

Technology is an investment, and you want to ensure you get the best for your money. We looked at the best small tablet options on the market to find a variety of price points without sacrificing quality and useability.

About XPPen

At XPPen, we bring over 18 years of expertise in digital art innovation to the table. Since our founding in 2005, we've been developing quality digital drawing tablets.

Our commitment to innovation has earned us prestigious accolades, including multiple Red Dot Design Awards and Good Design Awards for our Deco series and drawing displays. Technologically, we've pioneered advancements like the X3 smart chip in 2021, and battery-free stylus technology in 2013, and are the first to offer 16384 pressure levels.

With our products spanning more than 130 countries and regions, we’ve learned what consumers are looking for in the best tablets. Our expertise in both the technical and marketing aspects of these products has also helped us understand what makes a great small tablet.

Best Small Tablets: All Fun on the Go!

Best Small Tablet For Travel

Frequent travelers need a compact, lightweight tablet that they can trust to be there for them when on the move. Whether you’re sitting at 30,000 feet or riding the subway to work, pulling out a tablet you can pop on and use is a must.

Our Top Pick: Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

Naturally, you’d expect Apple’s iPad to appear on this list, and the Apple iPad Mini continues its long tradition of being a great all-around small tablet for travel. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers crisp visuals, while the A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for both work and play.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design

• Powerful A15 Bionic chip

• Excellent display quality

• Long battery life

• Support for Apple Pencil 2

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

• No headphone jack

• The base model has limited storage (64GB)

Best for Doodling with Stylus

Most tablets don’t come with the stylus included – but what if you're an artist, graphic designer, or note-taker who needs precise stylus input for sketching, drawing, or jotting down ideas? The best small tablet with stylus features should have pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and low latency.

Our Top Pick: XPPen Deco Mini 4

The XPPen Deco Mini 4 is a compact graphics tablet that connects to your computer or compatible Android device, offering a dedicated drawing surface with excellent stylus performance. And don’t be swayed by the Deco Mini’s kid-like features, this powerhouse is for all doodlers!

Pros:

• Compact and portable design

• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity

• Battery-free stylus

• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android

• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Requires connection to a separate device (not a standalone tablet)

• Smaller active area compared to larger drawing tablets

• No display (you draw on the tablet while looking at your computer screen)

Best Small Tablet for Reading

Are you an avid reader? Then you need a tablet with a comfortable, glare-free display that's easy on the eyes for extended reading sessions. E-ink displays are often preferred for their paper-like appearance and reduced eye strain.

Our Top Pick: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)

Like Apple, Amazon has long been in the tablet game, and their Kindle products are the go-to for long-lasting eReader devices.

The Kindle Paperwhite offers a premium reading experience with its 6.8-inch glare-free display, adjustable warm light, and weeks-long battery life. It's waterproof and can store thousands of books.

Pros:

• E-ink display reduces eye strain

• Waterproof design

• Long battery life

• Built-in adjustable light

• Large storage capacity for e-books

Cons:

• Limited functionality beyond reading

• No color display

• Slightly more expensive than basic Kindle models

Best Small Gaming Tablet

Maybe you don’t need a tablet for work as much as for play (unless your play is your work!)

Mobile gamers need a tablet with a powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and good thermal management to handle demanding games. A compact gaming tablet should offer immersive visuals and responsive controls without being too bulky.

Our Top Pick: Lenovo Legion Y700

One of our favorites for hardcore gamers, the Lenovo Legion Y700 is a compact gaming tablet with an 8.8-inch display that packs a punch in a small package. This small tablet is designed uniquely for those who want gaming portability without sacrificing performance.

Pros:

• 8-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor

• 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking

• 256GB storage (expandable via microSD)

• Dolby Atmos speakers for immersive audio

• Dedicated gaming features like performance mode and customizable touch controls

Cons:

• Limited availability outside of certain markets

• Android OS may not have as many optimized games as iOS

• No cellular option (Wi-Fi only)

• Shorter battery life compared to non-gaming tablets

Special Offers: Best Small Graphics Tablets Tailored to your Needs

While the above fit the bill for effectiveness ad efficiency, they may rise a bit above your price range. But if you are still looking for the best small tablet with the features you need (at a price you’ll love), check out these options:

Best Small Tablet for Playing OSU!

Are you a beatmaster on USO? Don’t risk your ranking with a subpar tablet. The best OSU! players need a responsive tablet with a smooth surface and low latency to achieve high accuracy with those lightning-fast taps.

Our Top Pick: XPPen Deco 640

When you have a need for speed, look no further than the XPPen Deco 640. This is the only tablet on the market built with OSU! players in mind – offering super-high responsiveness and a compact form factor ideal for the game.

Pros:

• High report rate (≥220RPS) for minimal input lag

• 16K pressure levels for precise input

• Compact size (16 cm x 9 cm active area) suitable for OSU! gameplay

• Lightweight design (170g) for easy portability

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android

Cons:

• A limited active area may not suit all users

• No built-in display (requires connection to a separate device)

• May be overkill for casual OSU! players

Best Small Tablet for Digital Artists

Are you a professional digital artist looking for a tablet that offers a balance between portability and functionality? Do you need the right high-pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and customizable shortcut keys? Finding the best small tablet for digital design and art can be tough, but there are options out there.

Our Top Pick: XPPen Deco Pro S

XPPen continues to build on its library of high-quality, stylus-perfect tablets. The XPPen Deco Pro S offers a professional-grade drawing experience in a compact form factor, making it suitable for digital artists who need portability without sacrificing features.

Pros:

• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity

• 60-degree tilt function for natural brush effects

• Dual-wheel design for efficient workflow

• Sleek, award-winning design

• Bluetooth connectivity option

Cons:

• More expensive than entry-level drawing tablets

• Larger than some ultra-portable options

• No built-in display (requires connection to a separate device)

Best for Small Art Classes

Art educators and students in small classes need an affordable, reliable tablet that's easy to set up and use whether they have a dedicated classroom or travel between spaces. Plus, they need a tablet that offers full compatibility across different devices and software.

Our Top Pick: XPPen Deco 01 V2

Another top-of-the-line small tablet offering from XPPEn, the XPPen Deco 01 V2 offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it suitable for small art classes where budget and ease of use are key.

Pros:

• Large active area (10 x 6.25 inches) for comfortable drawing

• 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity

• 8 customizable shortcut keys

• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and major drawing software

• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Larger size may be less portable than some alternatives

• No wireless connectivity option

• No built-in display (requires connection to a separate device)

Key Features to Consider

As you can see, the list above gives you plenty of options to choose from. But we understand that sometimes you need a tablet that gives you different features and capabilities – so how do you choose the right one?

When choosing a small tablet, here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Size and portability: Look for a small tablet that fits comfortably in your pocket or bag – big enough to see clearly and use but small enough to fit snugly in your bag.

2. Display quality: Look for high resolution and color accuracy, especially for visual tasks.

3. Battery life: Longer battery life shouldn’t be sacrificed for size, so make sure the battery is long-lasting.

4. Performance: Choose a processor that can handle your intended tasks smoothly.

5. Stylus support: For artists and note-takers, pressure sensitivity and low latency are important.

6. Connectivity: Most options will come with built-in Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth, but never assume that it will have the connectivity you need.

7. Storage capacity: for a small tablet with enough space for your apps, files, and media.

8. Operating system: Tablets typically have a single operating system, so make sure to pick one that will integrate with your other devices and preferences.

9. Build quality: Look for durable materials and design for longevity – you don’t want to invest in a tablet that will break right after you buy it!

10. Price: Price should still be a factor in your decision, but remember that this is a long-term investment, so don’t be afraid to pay more for higher quality.

Wrapping It Up!

The top tech developers are learning that consumers want high performance and portability in their tablets, and the list above showcases the best on the market.

Take the time to research each option and find the one that best fits your needs and personal preferences. Whether you need a small tablet that works smoothly with a stylus or a mini-computer for your travel and gaming needs, you’ll find one that fits the bill.