There are many options for buyers to choose from, with a variety of Android tablets making waves in the consumer space.
We review the top 8-inch Android tablets in 2015: Google Nexus 9, Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Nvidia Shield Tablet.
Google Nexus 9
The Nexus 9 tablet from Google, also known as the iPad killer is the successor to the Nexus 7 tablet. It comes with Android 5.0 Lollipop straight out of the box.
HTC’s Nexus 9 features an 8.9 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It has a resolution 1536×2048 pixels (with an average density of 281 ppi). The Nexus 9 was designed with the most recent OS in mind. This gives it an advantage over other Android tablets.
The tablet weighs 425g and is 425g. It houses a powerful 64 bit NVIDIA TegraK1 processor that clocks at 2.5GHz. It also has 2GB RAM. Based on early reviews, while the tablet is powerful on paper, it does not seem to translate well in terms of user experience. The Nexus 9’s 6,700mAh battery can provide up to six hours of uninterrupted video streaming over Wi-Fi.
To satisfy selfie-lovers or people who enjoy video chat, the Nexus 9 boasts a 1.6MP secondary cam. A flash is also built into the 8MP primary camera.
You can choose from 16GB or 32GB WiFi models, and start at $399.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S
The Galaxy Tab S, a Samsung tablet that was released in June 2014, comes in two screen sizes: 10.5 inch and 8.4 inches.
The Galaxy Tab S is a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to sacrifice on performance and features. In design, it resembles the larger Galaxy S5 smartphone. The tablet weighs just 294g (WiFi version) and measures just 6.6mm. The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is 465g in weight and 6.6mm thin.
The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (WQXGA), and Galaxy Tab S 8.4 have a Super AMOLED 2560×1600 screen. These tablets are also equipped with an Exynos 5 Octa (1.9GHz +1.3GHz) processor, and 3GB RAM. You can also expand the memory up to 128GB with the microSD card.
These tablets have a fingerprint sensor, an 8MP primary camera and a 2.1MP second camera. The tablets are running Android 4.4 KitKat and have a powerful 7900mAh battery that can last up to 11 hours. They also have 16GB storage.
The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 inch tablet is $449.99. This includes the 16GB model. The 32GB version is priced at 699. The 16GB Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is $349.99.
Nvidia Shield Tablet
The Nvidia Shield tablet is regarded as the ultimate gaming tablet. It features a sharp HD1080p display with a density of 283 pixels per inch.
Tegra K1 is the 8-inch tablet’s fastest mobile processor. Nvidia claims the Tegra K1 performs better than chips in rivals PS3 or Xbox 360.
You can also add the front-facing stereo speakers and the dual bass reflex port. This combination creates an incredible audio experience that is crisp and clear. It runs Android 4.4 KitKat with 2GB RAM. The tablet also has a 5MP front-facing and secondary camera.
Shield’s unique selling point is its ability to run AAA video games. For a large screen gaming experience, you can connect your tablet to a TV.
The 16GB version is Wi-Fi only and costs 299 The 32GB version (WiFi with 4G LTE) is available for 399
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 (8 inches)
The 8-inch IPS LCD screen of the Lenovo Tablet 2 has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, and pixel density at 283 ppi.
The tablet weighs in at 419g (WiFi version) and is just 4.19g.
It comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB onboard storage. MicroSD cards allow you to increase the memory up to 64GB.
The tablet boasts an 8MP primary and 1.6MP secondary cameras. The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 is powered by a 6400 mAh battery that provides 18 hours of talk on 3G.
You will also enjoy an amazing audio experience with the tablet’s frontal large-chamber stereo speakers, which have Dolby and Wolfson Master HiFi audio processing.
The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 is $229.99
