The lightest 8-inch tablet you can buy today is the Apple iPad mini 6, which weighs 0.65 lb (293 g) for the Wi‑Fi model and 0.66 lb for the cellular version.
Carrying a tablet from room to room shouldn’t feel like packing a dumbbell, especially when you’re using it for reading, recipes, or quick note-taking. Whether your priority is portability or one-handed grip, here is how the lightest current 8-inch options stack up and what you should know before deciding.
What Makes A Tablet “Lightest” In The 8-Inch Class?
The 8-inch tablet category is defined by screen size, not precise diagonal — comparison lists routinely include 8.0-inch, 8.3-inch, 8.4-inch, and even 8.7-inch models, all grouped as “8-inch” roundups. Weight varies significantly between Wi‑Fi only and Wi‑Fi + Cellular versions because cellular antennas add a few grams of hardware. When searching for the absolute lightest, you are effectively looking for the iPad mini 6, which sits in a weight class of its own among current production tablets.
The Lightest Contenders: iPad Mini 6 And Its Competition
The iPad mini 6 claims the top spot at 0.65 lb for the Wi‑Fi model. Its nearest rivals are heavier by margins that add up during extended use. Here is how the leading models compare by weight:
| Model | Weight (Wi‑Fi) | Weight (Cellular) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad mini 6 (8.3-inch) | 0.65 lb (293 g) | 0.66 lb (297 g) |
| TCL TAB 8 (8.0-inch) | 0.65 lb (295 g) | – |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (8.4-inch) | 0.68 lb (308 g) | – |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7-inch) | 0.73 lb (331 g) | – |
| Amazon Fire HD 8 (8.0-inch) | 0.74 lb (336 g) | – |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (8.7-inch) | 0.80 lb (363 g) | – |
The TCL TAB 8 is nearly identical to the iPad mini 6 in weight but runs an older Android 11 operating system and offers lower processing power. If you want the full lightweight package with modern performance, read our tested roundup of the best eight-inch tablet models this year to see how the iPad mini compares across screen quality and battery life.
Historical Context: The “World’s Lightest” Claim From 2014
In 2014, ASUS released the MeMO Pad 8 (ME581CL), claiming the title of the world’s lightest 8-inch LTE tablet at 299 g. That is about 6 g heavier than the iPad mini 6’s cellular version, and the ASUS model is no longer in production. The fact that a 2014 tablet still comes close to today’s lightest shows how far design has come — and how hard it is to shave off the remaining few grams without sacrificing battery capacity or structural rigidity.
FAQs
Does the iPad mini 6 weigh the same with a case?
No. The 0.65 lb figure is for the bare tablet. A standard folio case typically adds 3 to 5 ounces (85–140 g), which can push the total past 1 lb. Lightweight silicone or gel cases add less and preserve the one-handed feel.
Why do Samsung’s “8-inch” tablets weigh different amounts?
Samsung classifies tablets with screen sizes from 8.4 to 8.7 inches as “8-inch” models, which accounts for the weight differences. The Galaxy Tab A 8.4 uses a more compact footprint than the Galaxy Tab A9, resulting in a lighter body despite similar specifications.
Is the TCL TAB 8 a good budget alternative to the iPad mini?
At nearly the same weight and a much lower price, the TCL TAB 8 works for basic tasks like web browsing and video. However, its Android 11 software is outdated, and app performance lags behind the iPad mini. It is best for users who need a very light tablet for reading and media and do not require the latest apps or ecosystem.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Comparison of tablet computers.” Comprehensive weight and spec table for current tablet models.
- Wikipedia. “List of tablet PC dimensions and case sizes.” Detailed weight data for iPad mini 6 and other models.
- Hardware Zone (Singapore). “ASUS announces MeMO Pad 8, claims title of world’s lightest 8-inch LTE tablet.” Historical record of the 2014 product announcement.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.