We are entering an exciting time for gaming. The ability to play games on a mobile device at the same quality as PC seems impossible. With tablet technology continually advancing, tablets are delivering an incredibly high-quality gaming experience in a portable device. While there will always be those that stick by PC and console gaming, there is enormous demand for mobile options. It’s all well and good to lose hours playing Candy Crush Saga, but the ability to play immersive and story-driven games is what people want and like.
While some games are available on smartphones, the small screen makes it hard to get into. Tablets offer larger screen sizes, more powerful processing capabilities, and better battery life than mobile phones. All of this, plus they provide the portability that gamers crave so they can game on the go. The controls are more comfortable on a tablet since there is more surface area to work with.
We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to choosing the best gaming tablet for you. On top of that, we’ve also recommended ten incredible options for every gaming style and budget. It will save you time shopping and take the guesswork out of choosing a tablet. Read on, and we will break everything down for you so you can be confident in your purchasing of a tablet that will tick all your gaming boxes.
With all the above features and considerations in mind, we’ve chosen and reviewed the ten best gaming tablets. These tablets cover all the bases, from the best for mobile gaming to PC gaming, both on a budget and higher investment models. Regardless of your preferences and needs, you’ll likely find a perfect option on our list.
Best Overall
iPad
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Best Laptop Alternative
Microsoft Surface Pro
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Best Value
Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus
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1. iPad
Best Overall
“The display produces smooth and clear visuals with high-functioning components running in the body.”
Most cost-effective, full-size iPad
Extremely reflective screen
Great screen resolution
Can’t upgrade the storage. You get what you get.
Lightweight
Compatible with Apple Pencil
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Specs
- Operating System – iOS 11
- Screen Size – 9.7″
- Resolution – 1536 x 2048 pixels
- RAM – 2GB
- Disk Space – 32/128GB
- CPU – A10 Fusion
- Weight – 1.03lbs
- Battery Life – 10 hours
We are starting our list with the most obvious and popular tablet choice: the iPad. We are talking about the standard, most current model of the iPad. If you’re after the coveted Apple experience without the hefty price tag of the Pro versions, then the iPad is a great choice. As with all iOS devices, you’ll have access to the full spectrum of Apple apps and games. Most of them are iOS exclusive, which means you wouldn’t be able to access them on other operating systems.
With the demand for tablets increasing, so are the number of options on the market. It can be tempting to opt for an iPad as they are the most well-known, but we urge you to be pickier. iPads are great and have fantastic gaming capabilities, but there are some other quality brands on the market, as well. There may be one better suited to your specific needs.
The display produces smooth and clear visuals with high-functioning components running in the body. One of which is the A10 Fusion CPU, which is extremely powerful and keeps everything moving quickly. The iPad can also support additional Apple features like the Apple Pencil, which allows you to use a stylus on the screen. It can be useful in certain games and if you want to do any drawing. Pictionary would be a breeze on the iPad. You also can attach unique covers, such as one with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard.
The iPad cannot have any peripherals plugged directly into the device, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth connect ones. The screen is also quite reflective and will smudge up quickly, so make sure you have clean hands or a decent wipe close by.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro
Best Laptop Alternative
“Capability to play all your PC games, including all Steam-based games while on the go.”
Can play PC games, including all Steam games
Expensive
Amazing battery life
No thunderbolt ports
Customizable RAM and storage
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Specs
- Operating System – Windows 10 Pro
- Screen Size – 12.3″
- Resolution – 2736 x 1824 pixels
- RAM – 4, 8 or 16GB
- Disk Space – 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU – Intel Core m3, i5 or i7
- Weight – 1.69, 1.7 or 1.73lbs
- Battery Life – 13.5 hours
With tons of different customization options, you can tailor the Microsoft Surface Pro to your specific needs. Essentially a fully functioning PC, in a tablet body, this tablet is a beast. It is on the larger side, with three different weight options to choose from, which is determined by the inner components. It’s still smaller and more lightweight than a laptop and, therefore, can easily slide into a backpack.
It allows you to play all your PC games, including all Steam-based games while on the go. It’s revolutionary for serious gamers. Though your games won’t be operating on full graphics settings, you can still get about 50fps from this tablet. It’s also capable of connecting to a full-size keyboard so you can even use them for gaming controls and macros.
The customization allows you to choose how much RAM and disk space you want when you purchase and also which CPU you would like to run. Keep in mind that the higher the spec you choose, the heavier the device will be. As this tablet is on the larger side, it comes with a more powerful battery. The battery is capable of lasting up to 13.5 hours on one charge. Of course, running massive games will drain the battery quicker, but it’s still got one of the best batteries on the market. For non-mobile gamers, the Microsoft Surface Pro is easily one of the best gaming tablets.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
Best Medium-sized Screen
” Well-rounded tablet that excels in a variety of feature categories, including display, audio, and design.”
Top-notch audio output
No headphone jacks
Vivid and clear display
Anti-glare coating
Great battery life
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Specs
- Operating System – Android
- Screen Size – 10.5″
- Resolution – 2560 x 1600 pixels
- RAM – 4 or 6GB
- Disk Space – 64 or 256GB
- CPU – Dual 2.0GHz and Hexa 1.7GHz
- Weight – .87lbs
- Battery Life – 14.5 hours
While often discounted, Android makes some amazing tablets. Their best gaming tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e. It’s a well-rounded tablet that excels in a variety of feature categories, including display, audio, and design. The display is an AMOLED screen that produces incredible HDR imagery, which is great for gaming. While Android doesn’t support iOS-specific mobile games, it does support Google Playstore. It also has the capability of playing some PC games as well.
It’s a good, medium-sized screen, so it’s not too bulky but big enough that you can see the gaming imagery well. It offers probably the most vivid color range of any of the tablets you can get. It’s got high-quality brightness and contrast, as well as a special coating that prevents reflections and glares. It can enhance the visual experience and allow you to play in a broader range of areas without harsh glares.
There are no physical buttons on the front of the tablet, nor is there a touch sensor, which means more space on the screen. In the audio department, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e excels. It’s got Quad-Stereo, AKG/HARMAN speakers, which provide incredible audio output considering it’s a tablet. It has to, since there are no headphone jacks on this tablet, and therefore no other option for audio.
Another helpful feature is that though you can choose from either 64 or 128GB of storage, you can also expand it up to 1TB using a MicroSD card.
4. 11″ iPad Pro
Best For Hardcore Gamers
“This iPad contains more power than the majority of notebooks on the market.”
Amazing graphics quality
Expensive
Tons of storage
No headphone jacks
Lightweight
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Specs
- Operating System – iOS
- Screen Size – 11″
- Resolution – 1668 x 2388 pixels
- RAM – 4 or 6GB
- Disk Space – 64, 256, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU – Octa-core
- Weight – 1.03lbs
- Battery Life – 13 hours
If you want the best mobile gaming experience and have no concern for the price, then it’s got to be the 11″ iPad Pro. For those who lean towards iOS, you can’t do any better than this tablet. Not only is it extremely lightweight, but it packs a ton of power in a small package. You can customize your storage options when you purchase it, and even the smallest option stills offer more than most. You can pick anywhere from 64GB up to 1TB of disk space. It means you can download and run many games without it lagging.
Apple has even said that this iPad contains more power than the majority of notebooks on the market. It’s a bold statement, but the performance doesn’t lie. Since the screen is such a decent size, you can have two different apps running simultaneously. Even more significant then the 11″ model, there is the option for the 12.9″ display if you find you want more. The Pro has the capability of connecting a gaming controller to allow for even more precision during gameplay. As well, you can set it up on a table and use a smart keyboard for games that benefit from keyboard macros.
The 7-core graphics are pretty much the best you’re going to find in a tablet and rival the graphics of the Microsoft Surface Pro. With the highest screen resolution that you’re going to get in a tablet, the graphics are crisp and clear. The audio output, which four stereo speakers produce, is excellent, which means you can forgo headphones. Saying that you don’t have much choice as there is no headphone jack. So, if you want headphones, you’ll need to go wireless. Also, since it’s so new, it uses facial recognition technology to unlock it instead of the classic fingerprint identification.
For an iOS tablet, this is easily one of the best tablets for gaming that you can get. It will come at a price, though, but if you’re willing to invest, then you won’t find a better option.
5. Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus
Best Value
“The Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus will allow you the ability to play a range of games on the go without breaking the bank.”
Inexpensive
Basic
Quality audio output
Some issues with glare
Not extremely long-lasting
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Specs
- Operating System – Android
- Screen Size – 10.1″
- Resolution – 1200 x 1920 pixels
- RAM – 4GB
- Disk Space – 64 or 128GB
- CPU – Octa-core 2.0GHz
- Weight – 1.02lbs
- Battery Life – 8.5 hours
For those who are looking for a basic gaming tablet that offers the best value for money, the Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus is one of the best. It also features an Android operating system and can run many PC games as well as Google PlayStore mobile games. It is one of the cheapest options on our list and therefore isn’t as high functioning as some of the others. That said, it won’t have any problems running the majority of games out there.
Tab 4 has a pretty decent audio output considering the price. The speakers are Dolby Atmos which mean you won’t need to use headphone when gaming or watching movies. It may not have the capability to run certain games at their highest graphics potential, but if that’s not a deal-breaker for you, then you can save a ton of money.
It’s lightweight and super easy to transport. It can fit into most handbags and slides easily into backpacks. It’s not an incredibly sturdy build, but again, it comes with the price. There is a MicroSD slot which grants the ability to expand the storage. It’s useful as the base model doesn’t offer a ton of disk space, but you can choose between 64 or 128GB.
The low resolution can see some games coming out slightly grainy on the screen, and the battery life is on the shorter side. That said, if you’re on a budget, the Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus will allow you the ability to play a range of games on the go without breaking the bank.
6. Amazon Fire HD 10
Best Budget
“Excellent value for money and great for low-intensity gaming.”
Expandable storage
Plastic composition
Very inexpensive
Only 2GB of RAM
Vivid colors
Limited gaming choices
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Specs
- Operating System – Fire OS
- Screen Size – 10.1″
- Resolution – 1200 x 1920 pixels
- RAM – 2GB
- Disk Space – 32 or 64GB
- CPU – Quad-core
- Weight – 1.1lbs
- Battery Life – 12 hours
We’re throwing a wild card into the mix with the Amazon Fire HD 10. It doesn’t run any of the standard operating systems and instead of using on unique to Amazon. It’s called the Fire OS. We’ve included this model in the list here as it is similar in price and spec to the Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus. It gives those on a budget a second option to consider when purchasing a gaming tablet.
It’s got a good size screen complete with decent HD resolution, actually the same as the previous option. The colors on this model are even more vivid, providing higher contrast and brightness. Where it differs is that it offers some Amazon features along with access to the Amazon Underground game store, which has tons of low-price games available. There isn’t the same amount of options as you’d find with iOS or Android, but more are releasing each day. The RAM isn’t great, but it can run the majority of compatible games smoothly.
You can choose between either 32GB or 64GB of storage, with the option to expand it through a Micro SD card. It’s a great option since it means you can save money on the tablet itself and upgrade the storage at a later date. The audio output is also decent enough that you don’t need to use headphones to listen to the game audio. It also has Alexa built-in, which allows you to use voice commands. While it’s not the most helpful for gaming specifically, it does have it’s perks. The body is plastic, so not super durable or long-lasting. But as the cheapest on the market, it’s excellent value for money and great for low-intensity gaming.
7. Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro
Best Value #2
“The screen is a decent size, allowing for both portability and excellent visual capabilities.”
Sleek design
The software takes some getting used to
Sharp display that combats glare
The camera isn’t great
Solid audio output from four speakers
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Specs
- Operating System – Android
- Screen Size – 10.8″
- Resolution – 2560 x 1600 pixels
- RAM – 4GB
- Disk Space – 64GB
- CPU – Octa-Core
- Weight – 1.1lbs
- Battery Life – 11 hours
Huawei’s tablets operate with an Android OS and offer great value for money option that is a step up from our other budget options. It doesn’t get enough attention, but it should. The screen is a decent size, allowing for both portability and excellent visual capabilities. The screen brightness helps to avoid any glare or reflection issues, though the bezels are quite large. Four speakers emit crisp audio, so you don’t necessarily need headphones.
The Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro has a sleek and sophisticated design. It looks expensive, but it comes at a modest price. Its body is composed of metal, which makes it pretty durable and sturdy. It may have an Android OS, but that’s as far as the Android technology goes. Huawei has kitted it out with their HiSilicon Kirin 960 Octa-Core CPU, which kicks out some substantial power.
The tablet comes with a signature stylus which has many uses beyond just gaming. You can use it for drawing, note-taking, or marking up photos and documents as well. It also supports Quick Charge, which acts as a massive benefit for gamers who need to charge up fast. That said, the 11-hour battery life should keep you going for a while, providing you aren’t running tons of apps at once.
8. iPad Mini
Best Mini Tablet
“For those who want a step up from mobile phone gaming but don’t want to lug around a full-size tablet”
Small, compact size
More expensive than similar Android models
High screen resolution
Might be too small for some people
Long battery life
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Specs
- Operating System – iOS
- Screen Size – 7.9″
- Resolution – 2048 x 1536 pixels
- RAM – 3GB
- Disk Space – 64GB or 256GB of flash
- CPU – Hexa-core
- Weight – 0.66lbs
- Battery Life – 10 hours
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.
9. Asus ZenPad 3S 10
Best Budget #2
“It’s got a powerful CPU along with enough disk space to run most games without issue.”
Asus are the kings of gaming technology
Oddly placed speakers
High performing CPU
Not the best battery life
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- Operating System – Android
- Screen Size – 9.7″
- Resolution – 2048 x 1536 pixels
- RAM – 4GB
- Disk Space – 32 or 64GB
- CPU – Mediatek MT8176
- Weight – 0.95lbs
- Battery Life – 10 hours
The next model sliding onto our list is the ZenPad 3S 10 from Asus. It’s got an Android operating system and is a middle-of-the-pack option for a gaming tablet. Asus is a well-known brand in the gaming market. They make almost every component you could imagine relating to gaming computers. Some of these include monitors, GPUS, laptops, sound cards, cooling systems, and of course, tablets. For that reason, you can trust that Asus has gamers in mind when putting out a product.
The composition looks similar to that of the Galaxy Tab range from Samsung and the iPad. The visual quality is incredible, delivering high contrast and bright images. It’s got a powerful CPU along with enough disk space to run most games without issue. The storage is expandable, so you can always upgrade as needed. It comes complete with a headphone port as well as two NXP amp powered speakers on the bottom of the tablet. The placement isn’t fantastic, though, as your hands will likely cover them when you’re holding it vertically.
It’s got some neat features such as the Splendid app, which is already on the device and offers blue light reduction. It will help reduce the amount of blue light which hits your eyes. It’s got the same screen resolution as the iPad Mini, but the screen is a couple of inches more prominent. As we said about the Mini, it doesn’t need a resolution that high as the screen is so small. With that resolution on the ZenPad, you’ll still get incredibly sharp images with minimal pixelation. For the size, though, you’d expect it to have a longer-lasting battery than the smaller iPad mini. Unfortunately, the battery life is pretty much on par, topping out at about 10 hours.
10. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1″
Best For Upgrading Overtime
“On top of that, there are expansion options for storage. It means you can upgrade as you need to, or as your budget increases.”
Expandable storage up to 1TB
Low power with only 2GB of RAM
Inexpensive
No fingerprint scanner
Luxury look
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- Operating System – Android
- Screen Size – 10.1″
- Resolution – 1920 x 1200 pixels
- RAM – 2GB
- Disk Space – 32, 64 or 128GB
- CPU – Samsung Exynos 7940 Octa-Core
- Weight – 1.03lbs
- Battery Life – 10 hours
For the last gaming tablet on our list, we’ve chosen another from the Samsung Galaxy Tab series. The Tab A 10.1″ is the more inexpensive option from the series. All around, it performs great. The screen is a decent size, it produces quality sound output, and the battery is decent as well. On top of that, there are expansion options for storage. It means you can upgrade as you need to, or as your budget increases.
The front of the tablet is clean and slick. There are no buttons or thick bezels that take up valuable real estate on the device, meaning more space for viewing games or other media. It’s got some metal pieces in the composition which give it a more luxurious feel but without the steep price. You can find all the controls on buttons on the side of the tablet. It even has a headphone jack, which is proving to be a rarity these days. There is also the ability to bump the storage up to 1TB via a Micro SD card, which is a massive amount of storage capacity for a tablet. It’s got a USB-C port for charging use, but you can also hook up SSDs or USB-C hubs.
It’s a bit low on the power output, with only 2GB of RAM, but it should be efficient for running the majority of Android games. It also has a reliable chipset that will reduce the consumption of battery life by preventing processes from continuously running when not in use.
Gaming is no longer restricted to bulky PC builds or high-functioning gaming laptops. Tablets are pushing the boundaries offering incredible gaming experiences in a compact package. Whether you’re gaming on the go, or want to game with friends, the convenience of a tablet means you can take your game with you anywhere. Compatibility is increasingly, and you no longer have the restriction of playing basic games on a tablet. The same games you know and love on PC are now available in the palm of your hands, literally. There is a massive range of features and specs available, and you’re now equipped with the knowledge to go out there and pick one. Whether you’re after a larger screen to play your favorite mobile games or crave some serious gaming like World of Warcraft with your friends, there’s a tablet with your name on it. If you’ve got money to burn, or if you’re on a budget, there’s no reason why you can’t find a great gaming tablet. With ten of the best gaming tablets to get you started, you’re guaranteed to be gaming to your heart’s content on a new tablet soon.
What’s a Gaming Tablet?
So, you know you want a tablet for gaming, but what makes a gaming tablet different from a regular tablet. There are two different kinds of gaming tablets. Some tablets operate on OS systems, which have the specific function to run as tablets. You’ll also find tablets that run a desktop OS but in a smaller design. These can function as a minicomputer. The best tablets for gaming will have a touchscreen panel that allows the tablet to also work as a notebook.
The type you should choose is dependant on the types of games you want to play. If you like simple mobile games, then a mobile OS system will do the trick. Likely, if you’re reading this, you’re looking for something more powerful that can support a high level of gameplay. Consumers are after games that provide a fun and challenging experience with amazing graphics quality to match.
Powerful GPU options were first introduced for laptops back in 2016. The demand for better graphics on a portable device was increasing, and companies began creating products that would rival those of a computer. But it’s not stopped there. Tablets are much easier to transport, and thus the request for powerful GPUs in them has gone up. Tablets are now super high-functioning and can support a vast range of gaming options.
Why Not Choose a Laptop?
The main benefit that a tablet provides, over a laptop, is the touchscreen capabilities. For gaming, especially, a touchscreen offers more control and different ways you can interact with the games. The touchscreen also adds the ability to use digital pens for drawing, and some games will include that functionality. Another obvious benefit of a tablet is that it’s much more portable. You need a large enough backpack, and ideally a dedicated sleeve to house your laptop. They can take up a lot of space and are also bulky to use when on the go. Tablets can easily fit into most bags and even purses. They can be pulled out as needed, such as on a bus or in the car, without requiring a specific space to set it up. Especially if you’re gaming on a commute, a tablet is a much more efficient and unobtrusive option.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gaming Tablet
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to gaming tablets. Each one comes with different features that set it apart from the rest. When you’re searching for the best gaming tablets, here are the main features you’ll need to consider.
1. Type of Tablet
There are two main types of tablets you will come across when you’re shopping. These are either full form or hybrid form. The first main decision you will have to make is which of the two are the best pick for your needs. If you want your tablet to function as a legit mobile device, you will be looking for operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows 10, etc. On the other side of the spectrum are tablets that run as a full-functioning computer, just in a smaller package. Each type will offer a different variety of game options and apps that are available for download. They also come at various price points.
2. Operating System
Choosing the appropriate operating system will dictate a lot about your gaming experience. The operating system will control the compatibility of your tablet with certain games. It’s a significant deciding factor for gamers, as most have a genre or type of game they lean towards. If you’ve got some particular favorites, it’s a good idea to check out their compatibility before choosing which operating system to go for. It will help you to narrow down the options to the best gaming tablets for you.
There are three major operating systems you’re likely to face in the tablet market.
Windows 10: Windows 10 is the best OS for running non-mobile style games. As the best OS for PC gaming, it’s the go-to choice for gamers who are transitioning. Most PC gaming platforms like Blizzard, Bethesda, and Steam will run without a hitch on a Windows 10 tablet. You can also access the Google Play Store for mobile gaming options, but it’s a bit of a complicated process. If you’re a PC gamer who wants a portable alternative, then Windows 10 is the way to go.
iOS: As one of the pioneering operating systems in the tablet world, iOS from Apple is a huge favorite. They have an iOS-specific app store and a ton of iOS-only mobile games. An iOS tablet can easily sync up to any other Apple device, like your iPhone or MacBook, which is very efficient for sending game data.
Android: Google Linux makes the Android operating system. For this reason, you’ll have easy access to the Google Playstore and all its games. While many often discount Android OS, there are some great tablets on the market that function great for gaming.
3. RAM
RAM stands for random access memory. Regardless of which device you’re purchasing, it’s always a good idea to consider the RAM, especially for gaming. It can provide distinct differences in gaming performance. If we talk about the RAM in a gaming PC, you’ll find a minimum of 8GB of RAM in some, with upwards of 32GB in others. Since a tablet is much smaller, you can expect them to be on the lower spectrum. If you’re gaming mostly mobile games, then you can get by with about 4GB of RAM for decent quality gaming. If you’re planning on running non-mobile games or higher-level games, you’ll want to go a bit higher. At the top end of the spectrum for tablets, you’ll find models with 8GB of RAM.
5. Disk Space
Disk space often gets confused with RAM, but there’s a huge difference. Disk space is the actual physical space that data is stored permanently on the device. It will control how many games and apps you can store on the tablet. Bear in mind that the operating system itself takes up a decent amount of space, sometimes upwards of 4GB. When looking at the disk space, it’s good to get in the habit of subtracting about 4GB from the total amount to give you a more accurate representation of what the actual disk space will look like. If you’re playing big games or any movies in high def, you can expect them to fill up the disk space quite quickly as well. If you can, getting expandable disk space will give you the ability to add additional storage if your base storage fills up.
6. GPU
GPU is typically the first component a gamer thinks about when they’re considering a gaming device. It stands for the graphics processing unit. The reason it’s the first thing that comes to mind is that serious gamers want the ultimate quality gaming experience. The graphics are a huge part of that. It’s important to note that the GPU in a tablet will be much different then what you’ll get in a gaming PC. Most of the time, you won’t get amazing graphics at a high-resolution with a stock GPU. For mobile games, the stock GPU should be able to keep up fine as they don’t tend to be very heavy on the graphics. If you’re planning on running non-mobile games, you may want to consider a more powerful GPU. If you stream the games, then it’s not necessary, but if you’re not streaming, then it’s important to consider this factor.
7. CPU
CPU stands for the central processing unit. The processor of a device is most important for playing modern games that need some heavy power supply. In general, though, the CPU is not hugely gaming related. If you’re editing video or running multiple programs at a time, the CPU will be increasingly important. The CPU in a tablet can be slightly confusing since each one is usually manufacturer specific. In a PC build, you can pick a CPU for its definitive specs. You will see below in our reviews that no two tablets have the same CPU. For this reason, it can be hard to figure out which will be the best option. Your best bet for identifying CPU strength in a tablet is by researching through consumer reviews. They will give you the best indication of the power of the CPU.
8. Screen Resolution
Screen resolution will dictate how the image displays on the screen. It can take away from the gaming experience if you’re playing something pixelated, so you must find one that will properly display your game. Since tablets have a smaller screen anyway, it’s harder to notice visible differences in resolution. Since resolution measures the distance between pixels, when you have a bigger screen, the pixels are stretched out. For this reason, when you’re running 4K on a TV or a monitor with 1080p, then you’ll want to sit farther away from the screen. The closer you sit, the more you’ll be able to see individual pixels. When we translate this to tablets, since the screen is small, even imagery that is below 1080p resolution can look perfectly fine. It’s because the pixels have not stretched out. As a general rule, we would recommend not getting anything below 1800 x 1200. It will ensure you get the best quality image on your tablet.
9. Screen Size
Screen size is the physical dimensions of the screen. How big do you want your device to be? Screen size is mostly down to personal preference and what you’re using it for. If you imagine the size of a small laptop screen, that would be about 13″. Which would be very large on the spectrum for a tablet. Tablets, on the smaller end of the scale, would be around 8″. Depending on how much you will be traveling with the tablet and how much you use it, you can decide which size is the best fit. Bigger isn’t always better. Since a tablet will be held in your hands and relatively close to you, the larger it is, the higher resolution you will need to view a clear picture. Smaller tablets will always seem to present better quality imagery, even if the resolution is lower.
10. Audio
Tablets don’t tend to have amazing audio output. Similar to playing audio directly from your phone, it can often sound flat and un-dynamic. The best option is to plan on getting some decent gaming headphones, which will produce better quality audio. If you do plan to watch movies or listen to music through the tablet speakers, then look for one with more modern audio technology. You can find newer tablets with some decent audio output up to 5.1 sound quality.
11. Battery Life
Battery life will be one of the most important factors to consider for many gamers. Since you’re likely gaming on the go, or during a commute, you’ll want some decent battery life. There’s nothing worse than your device dying mid-game. Especially if your location has nowhere to plug into juice up. Games will drain your battery quickly, regardless of the device, since they require such a high output. If you can charge your device while gaming, you can extend the battery life but also risk the device overheating. Overheating can shorten the lifespan of the device and battery and make them even less effective. Most tablets have batteries that can last upwards of 10 hours, but it’s a good idea to check before you purchase.
12. Weight
The weight of the tablet is also an important factor to consider. The lighter the tablet, the easier it will be to carry around with you. Ideally, you’ll want your tablet to be less than a couple of pounds. It might not seem like much, but it can make a difference when you’re carrying it around all day. You can get tablets as light as .6lbs as well, but likely the lighter the tablet, the less powerful it will be.
13. Sim Card Slot
If you’d like to have mobile capabilities on your tablet, you’ll want to look for one with a sim card slot. It will allow you to use data functions and stream on the go without using Wi-Fi. It may not be a necessary feature for everyone as you can download many games while on Wi-Fi and game offline. That said, there are games that you can play online versus other people, so you will require some data when you’re not on Wi-Fi. Having a sim card will also allow you to use your tablet as a phone as well, like taking phone calls and text messages, which could be a perk for some people.
14. Input and Output Capabilities
The last feature you will want to consider when choosing a tablet is its input and output capabilities. It will dictate what you can plug into your tablets, such as a keyboard or mouse. While tablets often have touchscreen controls, some games may benefit from the use of a keyboard. It is especially true for non-mobile style games. Some tablets will allow you to connect peripherals via Bluetooth, which is an amazing option, while others connect through USB. If you’re a serious gamer who plans to use a keyboard or mouse, make sure you check the input and output capabilities of the tablet before you purchase.
