Best Android mini tablet?

[kat.hayes]

I currently have a Note2 and absolutely love it. I would like to get a mini Android tablet and was looking at the Note 8.0:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/930793-REG/samsung_gt_n5110zwyxar_galaxy_note_8_0_8.html

1. It seems like it is a larger version of the Note2 without cellular, is that correct? Does it function the same?
2. Are there any other mini tablets I should consider?

Thanks!!!

 

[jamojamo]

Nexus 7

It's my first, and currently only Android device, and I really like it. It's nice to hold, light, inexpensive (16GB=199 and 32GB=249) and decently spec'd. There may be a new version coming out in the near future but who knows?

You'd be giving up the microSD and S-Pen features though so not sure how much that matters to you.

Like I said, I highly recommend it.

 

[hexonxonx]

I too love my Nexus 7. I never leave home without it. I have the 32GB 3G capable version and use it on T-Mobile.

 

[blackhand1001]

The nexus 7 is great but a refresh is imminent with likely the much faster snapdragon 600 or 800. The note 8 is great as well. Don't listen to the review sites regarding the note 8 and 10.1. They always rank them low but customer reviews always have them on top. I have a nexus 7 myself.

 

[maflynn]

I'd say the Nexus 7 is the tablet of choice, though as mentioned. Google should be updating this soon. It's a great start, but it is missing some things, that should hopefully be resolved in version 2.

 

[kat.hayes]

Thanks for the replies everyone.


1. Anyone know how long ago the Note 8.0 and 10.0 came out? Is a refresh expected anytime soon?
2. Can the Nexus 7 do anything that the Note 8.0 can't? Is it just the pure Android experience that everyone likes?

 

[paulbennett95]

I've heard there's gonna be a new Nexus 7 in July with a price drop and improved specs, so I'd wait until then.

The Nexus 7 has NFC and some other stuff, don't know if the Sammie Tabs have that.

 

[Dr McKay]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

2. Can the Nexus 7 do anything that the Note 8.0 can't? Is it just the pure Android experience that everyone likes?

Get immediate updates.

 

[Twixt]

Thanks for the replies everyone.


1. Anyone know how long ago the Note 8.0 and 10.0 came out? Is a refresh expected anytime soon?
2. Can the Nexus 7 do anything that the Note 8.0 can't? Is it just the pure Android experience that everyone likes?

Note 8 is supposed to get 4G stack as far as i remember

 

[kat.hayes]

What do you mean by "Note 8 is supposed to get 4G stack as far as i remember"

Do you mean they are going to start selling one with 4G built in or is this something that can be added later via a software update?

 

[mib1800]

I would say the best specs is the Galaxy Note 8. This is the one I would go for if I buy a mini-tablet

 

[beaniemyman]

another tablet that you should consider is, nexus 7, a great mini android tablet. by the way, an updated nexus 7 will be hitting the market in the upcoming months.
but in my opinion note 8.0 is currently the king of anrdoid tablets.

 

[ppeyton1143]

go with the note 8.0, if you don't have an issue with the price.
the device is really fast, the s-pen functionality and the display are awesome.
it has also got expandable memory feature.

 

[AppleRobert]

go with the note 8.0, if you don't have an issue with the price.
the device is really fast, the s-pen functionality and the display are awesome.
it has also got expandable memory feature.

$399.99 with 16gb. What the...

http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-8.0_id7677

TFT and the PPI steer me way clear.

Now that Nook HD tablets have added GAPPS, they are the new leaders in the clubhouse for the price IMHO.

 

[TheHateMachine]

go with the note 8.0, if you don't have an issue with the price.
the device is really fast, the s-pen functionality and the display are awesome.
it has also got expandable memory feature.

I'd go with this. If you want a cheaper tablet the Nexus 7 is a great option. But if you do not mind the higher price and Touchwiz (It isn't that bad people!) and want the S-Pen then shell out extra for the Note 8.0. If you do a lot of writing or drawing... that S-Pen is pretty nifty and beats the pants off any aftermarket pen you could buy for these things. Just have to rationalize if it is worth the extra $199.

 

[SMDBill]

Now that Nook HD tablets have added GAPPS, they are the new leaders in the clubhouse for the price IMHO.

I almost fell for the Nook HD+ at the Mother's Day prices, but I am glad I did not. Shortly after news broke about the price drops, and with the addition of Google Play, I was all in to buy one. However, then to find out a few days later that BN would be out of the Nook game by 2014 and selling off the line to, at the time, possibly Microsoft, was more than I was ready to withstand. That tablet just didn't sound like it would be worth fooling with if B&N was giving up on it and anybody could buy it, or kill it, at any time and the possibility of it happening was quite real.

After that, I will just wait on the new Nexus 7 instead for the few dollars of difference. Fingers are still crossed that the new iPad mini will fall within reasonable price to the new Nexus 7, but Google doesn't mind subsidizing so only time will tell.

 

[paulbennett95]

I almost fell for the Nook HD+ at the Mother's Day prices, but I am glad I did not. Shortly after news broke about the price drops, and with the addition of Google Play, I was all in to buy one. However, then to find out a few days later that BN would be out of the Nook game by 2014 and selling off the line to, at the time, possibly Microsoft, was more than I was ready to withstand. That tablet just didn't sound like it would be worth fooling with if B&N was giving up on it and anybody could buy it, or kill it, at any time and the possibility of it happening was quite real.

After that, I will just wait on the new Nexus 7 instead for the few dollars of difference. Fingers are still crossed that the new iPad mini will fall within reasonable price to the new Nexus 7, but Google doesn't mind subsidizing so only time will tell.

Even if B&N stops development and updates for the Nook you can still install aftermarket ROMs like Cyanogenmod which essentially gives you a Nook running Android, so companies stopping updates for a product is a moot point.

 

[SMDBill]

Even if B&N stops development and updates for the Nook you can still install aftermarket ROMs like Cyanogenmod which essentially gives you a Nook running Android, so companies stopping updates for a product is a moot point.

I've never heard of it before but will give it some research time. For the price the Nook HD and HD+ is about the best deal going in terms of hardware/price, but the updates and support were what concerned me most. If that's a solution to get around updates and will let me run a raw Android, that may be the answer.

 

[ppeyton1143]

I'd go with this. If you want a cheaper tablet the Nexus 7 is a great option. But if you do not mind the higher price and Touchwiz (It isn't that bad people!) and want the S-Pen then shell out extra for the Note 8.0. If you do a lot of writing or drawing... that S-Pen is pretty nifty and beats the pants off any aftermarket pen you could buy for these things. Just have to rationalize if it is worth the extra $199.

exactly...that's what i was trying to say.

 

[SMDBill]

Even if B&N stops development and updates for the Nook you can still install aftermarket ROMs like Cyanogenmod which essentially gives you a Nook running Android, so companies stopping updates for a product is a moot point.

I looked into Cyanogenmod and it isn't a supported device (yet) so for the OP and for me I don't think it's yet a viable option. However, there is still OS support from B&N so perhaps it will be supported before B&N sells it off.

 

[0dev]

Nexus 7 all the way, but unless you need one right now, listen to the others and see what the updated version brings. Even if you don't like it, it'll mean the current model will see a drop in price.