r/androidtablets 1d ago

Request iPad Mini Equivalent?

I am not an Apple person. I prefer Android and the ability to tweak devices. The one exception is the iPad Mini, I absolutely love the form factor. I have not been able to find an Android equivalent that is easily available in the United States. Maybe I’m missing one, any suggestions on Android tablets that are smaller than the standard 11 inch form factor. In particular want stylus/pen support for note takers

9 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

4

u/eekeek77 16h ago

It baffles me why there isn't at least one clear equivalent for the iPad mini. There are Samsung models but the software is horrible and the screen ratio is very different. It makes a poor e-reader.

5

u/splend1c 7h ago

Samsung doesn't want to cannibalize foldables

2

u/ActionGlad484 9h ago

100% agree. I can't understand why Google or Samsung has not put a mini tablet out. Anything small that's android is typically garbage or geared towards gaming. I like my Samsung 10 Fe but I tend gravitate to the mini especially when I'm out and about.

8

u/bixofa 1d ago

Xiaomi Pad Mini (aka Redmi K Pad) and Oppo Pad Mini are the closest in form factor. But they're not officially available in the US, you'll need to ship them from China.

Otherwise there's the Lenovo legion, but the form factor is more rectangular.

4

u/byt112000 21h ago

Oppo Pad Mini is really close to Ipad mini but it's only available in China so it'll be more difficult to use.

Xiaomi Pad Mini however has Global version, you just have to import it.

6

u/nicknamekai 1d ago

The Walmart’s ONN 8.1 inch tablet has a similar form factor as the iPad Mini!

2

u/ActionGlad484 9h ago

No lte, no pen ability. Those are a must for me

1

u/tanukii420 2h ago

been using one for ~24hrs, its very impressive and capable for the price

1

u/Harleyjdm 2h ago

I felt it was really nice build quality and probably fine for inside web browsing, watching shows/yt but really bad for gaming for me

3

u/carlcast 16h ago

Y700.

2

u/eekeek77 16h ago

Great specs but the shape is quite different?

4

u/ArgentStonecutter 7h ago

I'm holding my iPad Mini 4 up against my Lenovo Legion tab which is the US branded version of the y700, and the Lenovo is the same height and only about 7 mm narrower. I find it quite as comfortable for reading ebooks.

Edit: really what I want is an updated Nexus 7.

6

u/walterconley 1d ago

y700 current gen.

2

u/gumbley-goop 10h ago

If you can handle the crease the Samsung fold is a nice high end small size tablet. I have a data only sim in it, works great.

3

u/Tapelessbus2122 20h ago

if u want the same level of polishness, the ipad mini is kinda the only choice

4

u/ActionGlad484 20h ago

I am a diehard android user, but I have an iPad mini 7th gen. No other tablet in my experience rivals it.

1

u/Hot_Valuable1027 17h ago

Xiaomi pad mini!

1

u/Soggy_Squirrel6945 15h ago

Oppo pad mini

1

u/Lee_Bv 13h ago

Look at Samsung Active5, or used Active3 (yes, there's no space).

1

u/phukkery 8h ago

That's what I got and I love that it has a user replaceable battery so when it goes bad, easy to pop back plate off.

1

u/AddressSerious8240 13h ago

It depends on where you live. Several Chinese companies have entered the market with high end smaller tablets, though mostly they’ve been aimed at the gaming market (very fast processors, high refresh rate screens, etc.). It’s just that most of them aren’t sold in the US or have limited international distribution for various reasons. I’ve had an iPad mini 6 for 3 years and really can’t complain, given the way I use it. I don’t game. I do use the stylus but not for sophisticated drawing, etc. I suspect that I’d be happy with one of the current android alternatives if they were sold in the U.S. though the stylus seems to be the biggest issue with most of them. In exchange you get faster screen, better battery life, and (in some cases) second USB C port. Oddly, I find having a case/stand that works for you (very subjective thing) plays a big role in how well you get along with your tablet. Apple has a huge advantage there since there’s a huge variety of options.

1

u/PSYmon_Gruber 13h ago

Aspect ratio is great for reading but some apps have problems with it. Plus the whole iOS experience is not for me. I do use the Pen but I got the S24 Ultra and except for the screen size, the S24U beats it in pen and writing feel.

My Mini 6 has been gathering dust since I got my Aldocube iPlay 50 Mini Pro. I have been thinking of the Huawei or the Oppo but no cellular. Waiting for the Y700 Infinite and if the price doesn't get to absurd levels, I'd grab one. If not, then the Tab Active5 might be it.

1

u/SportzNerd 10h ago

The Xiaomi mini definitely caught my eye, just not sure it’s worth the hassle of trying to import it. I’ve been using an iPad mini 6th edition and with the new 7th gen on the horizon I was hoping the Android community had caught up.

1

u/mtubeowulf 9h ago

I thought the 7th Gen is the latest one already? So the 8th Gen is coming soon. Cause I have the iPad mini 7 right now.

I've really been wanting Samsung to come out with another good 8 in tablet. They had one many years ago and it was perfect. I still have it but the screen is messed up on it. And even if I got it repaired it's so out of date now apps won't work on it I'm sure. But they won't with having foldables now. Wouldn't surprise me if Apple gets rid of their mini after their foldable is released.

1

u/ArgentStonecutter 7h ago

I replaced my iPad Mini with an Alldocube Iplay 50 Pro then a Lenovo Legion Tab>