Best Gaming Tablet

When it comes to playing mobile games on the go, the best gaming tablets have the last word. Sure, the best gaming phones are more portable. But the bigger screen, increased battery life, and superior processing power of tablets makes all the difference.

However, it is not an easy task to get the right tablet that suits your budget and requirements as there are many options to choose from Android, Windows, and iOS.

Out of all, we strongly recommend our readers to get an iPad for gaming. Mainly because of the availability of games and apps on the App Store. The android tablets are also recommended, but the Android operating system is not as refined and optimized as iOS when it comes to tablets. Tablets from Samsung are great, but not all apps that you see on the Play Store are optimized for tablets.

Are gaming tablets still popular?

Yes, they most definitely are. Indeed, they are more popular than mobile phones, that’s for sure. In shock? Don’t be.

As mentioned already, the tablet device became the most commonly used device for media consumption be it hardcore gaming on a tablet or just watching Netflix and Youtube.

One of the selling points of the tablet device and why are they so popular is because they resemble a laptop very much in their functionality and even looks if you combine it with an external keyboard or buy a 2-in-1 tablet.

So, you have this device that takes the best of both worlds, a smartphone and a laptop and puts them together, and lightweight and portability alongside reasonable performance is something that’s well worth the investment.

Things to Know Before Choosing A Gaming Tablet

How We Picked

With no gaming-specific tablets per se on the market today, hunting down the best android tablets for gaming is more or less akin to unearthing the best gaming tablets. The best gaming tablets also double as multi-functional devices designed for web-browsing, streaming video media, and app use. The best ones, while jack of all trades devices, incorporate more processing grunt and an ecosystem and feature set better geared toward gaming.

With so many companies jumping on the tablet bandwagon in recent years, we used several vital factors to narrow down our selection: specifications, display type and size, gaming features, build quality, and battery life.

In the end, we settled on ten Android/ios tablets that, in our estimation, hit all the right notes for those looking for a portable gaming device. Read on to find a brief round-up of what each has to offer alongside what we liked and didn’t like. Let’s get into it.

Our Top Picks:

1. iPad Pro 10.5 – Best gaming tablet overall

The iPad Pro 10.5 can be expensive and a bit too big to carry on the go, but it is definitely one of the best gaming tablets that can run a variety of the latest games smoothly.

If you are an Apple fan and like a light game, then this best gaming tablet is definitely something you should consider.

It combines the power of the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the ultra-thin body of the iPad Air 2, and its strength and value coexist.

In addition, it has a very good camera that can take amazing photos.

The only downside is that it can only run games on the App Store. If you can’t find the game you like, you only have to select the Android tablet.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 – Best Android gaming tablet

The Galaxy Tab S4 is arguably the best Android gaming tablet, but the price is still very expensive.

As always, quality comes at a price, but the Galaxy Tab S4 really has its importance, it can replace your PC or laptop.

You can equip him with a specially designed keyboard that is perfect for both game and office.

It has 6GB of RAM and a 10.5″ display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560px. In addition, it comes with an eight-core processor – 4 x 2.35 GHz and 4 x 1.9 GHz.

All in all, this is one of the most impressive tablets on the market. It is also relatively light, about 17 ounces. And, you can find a lot of games on Google Play.

3. Huawei MediaPad M5

Equally awesome is the Huawei MediaPad M5, a slightly smaller 8-inch tablet that is very cost effective.

However, please remember that Google recently suspended its business with Huawei. Therefore, Huawei devices will not be able to access the Play Store, Gmail and Youtube.

If this is not your problem, this device may be a perfect choice. However, remember that you must download the game from a third-party source.

In fact, the MediaPad M5 has an excellent gaming experience. You can even watch some movies.

It features a 359 PPI (2560 x 1600) 2K high resolution display. It comes with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a game-friendly Kirin 960 eight-core processor and Mali G71 graphics processor.

In addition, it is equipped with a 13 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front camera that can run for 10 hours on a single charge.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A – Best gaming tablet Under $200

If your budget is limited, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A will be a good choice.

Samsung dominates the Android hardware market, and the Galaxy Tab A may be lower than the Galaxy Tab S4, but it’s lighter, more affordable, and can play a lot of games.

The tablet has 32GB of storage (which can be expanded to 256GB via a microSD card) and 2GB of memory, and comes with a 1.4GHz quad-core Qualcomm 8032 processor.

In addition, the device uses Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of up to 1536×2048 pixels. At the same time, it can give you about 4 to 6 hours of play time.

If you are buying a tablet for your child, you will be happy that Samsung’s child-friendly app is pre-installed.

5. Google Pixelbook

The Google Pixelbook comes with a fairly large 12.3-inch display, the same as other advanced tablet options on the market.

Regarding the screen, Google offers a 2400 x 1600 (235 ppi) resolution format with an IPS screen supported by Corning Gorilla Glass.

Even if the tablet screen is set to high brightness or high definition video playback, image quality will not be lost.

In addition, the new features of the Chrome OS operating system take the tablet user experience to a new level, and improved notification and windowing mode is definitely one of the highlights.

Best of all, you can easily download games from Google Play or watch videos on YouTube.

6. IPad Mini

We can’t leave out the small but mighty iPad Mini. For those who want a step up from mobile phone gaming but don’t want to lug around a full-size tablet, the iPad Mini is the perfect middle ground. Apple is a brand we all know, and trust and the iOS operating system works seamlessly. You can snag one of these for less than half the cost you would spend on the Pro version. You’ll get access to the Apple Stores huge bank of mobile games which you can play on this tablet.

It offers an impressive resolution, though it’s not so necessary since the screen size means even lower resolution visuals would look crisp. Still, we can appreciate receiving the highest quality of visual output. The battery life is less in a Mini than you’d get in a standard iPad or iPad Pro, but that’s not a massive surprise as its battery is smaller. Still, it can run up to 10 hours on one charge, which should be enough for most people.

It’s small enough for most to fit in one hand and can easily slip into a purse or small bag. That said, it may be a bit awkward to hold if you have smaller hands since it will be too big to hold in only one. The iPad mini is closer in size to an iPhone than the rest in the series. For this reason, some of the games may look better. It’s because many of the games are optimized for phone gameplay and therefore gain no benefit to playing on an iPad. Apps are continually being updated to offer optimized versions specific to iPads.

7. Amazon Fire HD 10

Amazon’s superstar, the Fire HD 10 is currently on a sale at just $140, along with other Fire HD tablets like the HD 8, HD 8 Plus (2020) and HD 7. This tablet is one of the most in-demand products on Amazon and racking up the sales on a regular day just as much as on a big sale event.

Why do a lot of people gravitate towards this tablet?

First and foremost, because of its price and what it offers for that particular price. The HD 10-inch display is not something you see on cheap tablet devices, with great color reproduction which makes it a perfect fit for anyone watching shows and movies on Amazon Prime or Netflix or just regular cat videos on YouTube.

For the price, it’s really something more than what you’d expect. You can opt for either a 32GB or 64GB version in regards to internal storage capacity.

If you are someone who loves playing games on a tablet as a form of entertainment but doesn’t want to invest a lot of money, then this might be the best gaming tablet for you.

8. Microsoft Surface Pro

While PC gaming enthusiasts might want to avert their eyes here, we’ve got good news for the rest of you. Whereas most gaming tablets will only offer iOS or Android gaming on the go, the Microsoft Surface Pro can actually let you play your Steam games.

Yes, it’s true. While you won’t be playing anything on max settings, middling graphical options can see you running games at a slick 50fps, including the likes of Minecraft and Portal 2, and a perfectly decent 30fps for games such as XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Civilization 5.

Because the Surface Pro is also compatible with the Signature Type attachment, giving you a keyboard and touchpad that essentially turns this tablet into a laptop.

If you want a Windows device with a big, beautiful screen, a full keyboard and all the flexibility of a tablet, then the Windows Surface Pro is an excellent choice. It won’t compete with a gaming rig, but when it looks this good – and weighs so little, comparatively speaking – you won’t regret it.

9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e still marks its presence on this list because it’s a magnificent device, and no, we aren’t exaggerating.

Drastically improved from its predecessors, the device is still a great tablet to consider. It can effortlessly meet our trust with its reliable performance. Whether you use it for gaming, work, or surfing the internet, this gaming tablet won’t let you down. The product can undergo years of rigorous use without any effect on its performance. It also has one of the slimmest bodies in the tablet market and weighs less than a pound.

Samsung was careful when designing the tablet. They created an ergonomic grip to ensure a stable and comfortable hold over the device. Moreover, a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED screen (2560 x 1600 resolution) delivers out some of the finest picture quality offered on the market. It also supports a keyboard, but you’ll have to purchase it separately.

The tablet is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm CPU, Snapdragon 670, and comes with 4GB of RAM, which gives it enough power to provide a super smooth multitasking and gaming experience. Although it has 64GB internal memory, you have the option to expand it to 512GB via microSD cards, if needed.

What further cements the efficiency of the device is its affordable price point. When you consider the offered features, the price looks very impressive. So if you want to invest in an efficient 10-inch gaming tablet that can last the whole day, make sure you don’t miss taking a look at Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S5e.

10. Nintendo Switch Lite

Okay, okay, you got us. This isn’t technically a tablet. But as gamers ourselves, we couldn’t help ourselves from sneaking it onto this list. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a neat piece of hardware. I mean- it’s a portable console with a touchscreen and built-in controllers! You can’t beat that.

If you’re looking to buy a gift for a video game enthusiast, we highly encourage this one. The fact that the Switch is in the same price ballpark as some of the more affordable tablets, it’s hard not to include this in your list of top options.

Keep in mind you’ll only be able to play games from Nintendo’s Game Store, not those from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store. That said, Nintendo does have a great game selection, including titles like Fornite, Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Skyrim, and Minecraft. Most of those are 10x better than what is available in the app stores, just sayin’.

This versatile device ensures you always have something fun to do on hand — for the office, the lecture hall, the couch at home, or that annoyingly rigid seat on the train.

FAQs

What Tablets Are Good For Gaming?

Mobile games may have been developed originally for phones, but tablets are the way to go. Tablets have bigger screens, longer battery life, and better processors that make them the prime choice for gaming. When it comes to gaming, many tablets of various brands can look similar. However, each tablet has its pros and cons. It’s better to check out a full review to find out what the best gaming tablet is. Generally, Apple tablets are the most versatile but also the most expensive, while Android tablets are more affordable but don’t always have the best displays. At the end of the day, it depends on your budget and preferences.

How Much RAM Do I Need For A Gaming Tablet?

The recommended minimum RAM for a tablet for general use is 3GB. However, gaming apps may require more RAM for smoother and faster gameplay. iPads range from 3GB to 6GB of RAM, which is already pretty good for running and switching between multiple programs. Android tablets can go up to 16GB of RAM, though of course the price is increased as well. If you’re only playing mobile games and browsing, then you don’t need all the RAM in the world, but you might consider upping the RAM if you also use the tablet for drawing and designing.

How Long Does A Gaming Tablet Last?

Tablets, in general, last for three to seven years. It is recommended that you upgrade your tablet every three years so that it stays updated with the latest security features and processors. However, it is important to note that gaming may put more strain on your tablet. Always consider how much wear and tear is put on your tablet before upgrading.

If you are a heavy user or game more than the average person, you may have to update your tablet sooner or invest in a heavier-duty one. It also matters what you upgrade to, not just when. Choosing the best gaming tablet for your current and future needs can be tough without a lot of research.

How to optimize tablets for gaming?

First, you could restart your devices, it’s a simple but effective one. Check your device for outdated apps and games, delete them if you don’t use them, they might run in the background and slow your device. There is also an option to limit the application number which runs in the background or disable them from the application manager.

Final Thoughts

It is more important to get a powerful device than a fancy-looking one. Long hours of gaming put a lot of pressure on the processor, which can lead to static screen, system freeze or even over-heating of the device. Gather as much information as you can about what to check on before you choose your device.

Tablets are a great alternative to smartphones when it comes to gaming, with their larger screens and more powerful processors, better battery life. There are very few games that have any extra appeal on a tab compared to a computer. But since you can’t carry your computer, tablets will serve the purpose quite well.