If you are looking for the Best Tablets for Gaming then this is the article for you. In the past, tablets were only considered to be only good for basic tasks such as reading , writing and streaming.
Improvements in tablets like the iPad in particular have gone ahead to add chipsets and powerful processors.
This has made tablets fast and better equipped for more power demanding tasks such as gaming. iPads are not the only brand that have ventured into the gaming tablet niiche.
Windows and Android tablets have not been left behind. They have also made advancements to create powerful tablets that can also run complex games without problems.
This article is not limited to iPads only but will also cover other different tablet types. Finally, we will help you understand the key factors you need to consider before choosing the best.
What are the Best Tablets for Gaming?
- Asus ROG Flow Z13 – Best Overall
- Apple iPad Pro M2 – best iPad for Gaming
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | S8 Plus | S8 Ultra – Best Android Gaming Tablet
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 Best Detachable Windows Gaming Tablet
- Apple iPad Mini – Best 8-inch tablet for gamers
- Xiaomi Pad 5 best budget gaming tablet
- Lenovo Tab P12 Pro best Lenovo Tablet for gamers
Asus ROG Flow Z13 – Best Overall
The new Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a very unique tablet compared to others highlighted in this list. It is a hybrid between a tablet and an Asus gaming laptop.
It comes with the latest 12th generation intel core i7 processor that is more powerful than most laptops. Additionally, it has a dedicated NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3050 graphics processing unit.
When you add this to 16 GB RAM, you have a powerful performing device.
You will be able to play any complex game without problems or unnecessary lags. To save your files you have 500 GB storage space on purchase but you can boost it with an external device if it is not enough.
Such powerful tablets regularly overheat and make some operational noise. The Asus ROG Flow Z13 however is very quiet when working. This is thanks to a well planned fan system that is quiet and ambient.
Display is also very important when it comes to gaming. You need a large and clear screen with fast refresh rate for gaming. Asus ROG Flow Z13 comes with 2 screen options both great for gaming.
One comes in at 13.4 inches size which is slightly larger than an iPad Pro but with equal 120 HZ refresh rate. Finally for the resolution, this tablet matches up to a large desktop computer. You have a clear Full HD 1920 x 1200 pixels or a 4K display resolution.
As mentioned,you can either use this hybrid tablet as tablet mode or combine it with a magnetic keyboard, touchpad and stand for laptop mode.
The overall look on the tablet looks cool and baking like with a colorful glass view into the tablet.
Because of its power and hybrid nature, plus its gaming look and feel, this Windows tablet is our best overall pick. However, the price is quite high and the fact that it is too close to a laptop in terms of usage, many will prefer to go for a laptop instead.
Apple iPad Pro M2 – best iPad for Gaming
Before the gaming dedicated Asus ROG Flow Z13 came about, the Apple iPad Pro had been the top pick despite being a multi purpose device.
First thing that stands out on this iPad is the large 12.9 inch screen. It is not the size that is unique but the liquid Retina XDR display which is unique to iMacs and iPads.
The screen has an overall brightness level of up to 1000 nits to 1600 nits at maximum output. This means that you will easily use this tablet even outdoors in ambient environmental light without issues.
Like the Asus ROG Flow Z13, the iPad Pro also has a fast 120 HZ refresh rate that is perfect for gaming. The iPad Pro is one the best tablets available in the market today and outperforms its predecessors thanks to a powerful upgrade from M1 to M2 processor.
The tablet comes in different RAM and storage options with either 8 or 16 GB RAM and 128 GB up to 2 TB storage. If you choose to pick 8 GB and 256 GB storage, then it is far much cheaper than the Asus ROG.
These specs, although seemingly small, will run a host of games on the App Store without problems. The iPad Pro is great but unfortunately not cheap.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra and S8 Plus – best Android Tablet for Gaming
If you are looking for a good gaming Android Tablet, then Samsung S8 series, that is S8,S8+ and S8 Ultra. Of the 3, the S8 Ultra is the latest released and overall best.
The three tablets come with 11-inch, 12.4-inch, and 14.6-inch displays respectively. The S8+ and S8 Ultra are great iPad Pro alternatives. First, they almost match up to the 12.9 inch iPad Pro with the S8 Ultra even being bigger at 14.6 inches.
The S8 is Amoled and great but the S8+ and S8 Ultra are more interesting with a Super Amoled screen display. Both screens are great for gaming.
First the Galaxy S8+ has a Super Amoled 12.4 inch size screen with 2800 x 1752 Pixels resolution plus 120 HZ refresh rate. You will have 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage SSD.
The S8 Ultra also has a Super Amoled but at 14.6 inch size and 2960 x 1848 Pixels resolution and 120 HZ refresh rate.
Both these tablets are Androids best and are perfect for gaming. Additionally they come with a free S Pen different from the iPad Pro that you can buy separately.
Furthermore, Samsung’s S pen is universal and will not have compatibility issues.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best Windows Tablet for gaming. Its Windows operating system offers more flexibility than iPad OS and Android.
The Tablet is very similar to the Surface Pro 8 with a 13 inches screen and 2820 x 1900 Pixels resolution. Additionally the screen has a fast 120 Hz refresh rate that is perfect for gaming.
When it comes to processing power, the Surface Pro 9 comes with the latest 12th generation Intel Core i7-1255u. You will also get an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphic graphic processor.
It comes with 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage space to save your files. The screen, processing power and long 19 hour battery life makes this tablet stand out.
Microsoft also made a variant of the Surface Pro 9 with a Microsoft SQ3R processor and 5G connectivity. It is a first of its kind and offers a host of other benefits including longer battery life, 5 G connectivity, support for smart camera features and more.
Microsoft Surface Book 3 Best Detachable Windows Gaming Tablet
The Surface Book 3 is made to be a 2 in 1 Laptop with a detachable tablet half that allows you to separate the screen and keyboard to a tablet.
It is slightly bigger in terms of thickness and slightly bulky compared to most tablets. It is not your standard portable tablet.
The keyboard has a highly sensitive trackpad that is nice and accurate. You will not have thunderbolt ports but you have USB C and an SD card slot on the side of the keyboard.
For the display, you will have a 13.5 inches screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio that makes it seem very big. The bezels are a little too thick which takes away from the sleek look on modern tablets.
The tablet comes with 10th Gen Intel Corei7-1065G7 Processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphic processor. You will also have a large 32 GB RAM that makes your tablet/ laptop fast and reliable.
Surface Book 3 – 13 inch
- Screen: 13.5 inches
- Resolution: 3000 x 2000 Pixels
- RAM: 8 GB and 32 GB
- Battery Life: 15.5 hours
- Storage: 256 GB, G12 GB and 1 TB
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Intel Core i7-1065G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics (Corei5) and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q (Corei7)
What to look for in a gaming tablet?
Performance
A gaming tablet should have sufficient processing power and a capable graphics card to handle demanding games smoothly. Look for devices with powerful CPUs and GPUs that can deliver high frame rates and smooth gameplay
Display Quality
The tablet’s screen should offer a vibrant and high-resolution display to enhance your gaming visuals. Look for tablets with high pixel density, wide color gamut, and good viewing angles for an immersive gaming experience
Battery Life
Gaming sessions can be quite demanding on battery life, so a tablet with long-lasting battery performance is essential. Look for devices that offer extended battery life to ensure you can enjoy your games for longer periods without interruptions
Storage Capacity
Games can take up a significant amount of storage space, so it’s important to have ample internal storage or expandable storage options. Look for tablets with large storage capacities or support for microSD cards to accommodate your gaming library
Control Options
Consider the availability of game-friendly controls, such as physical buttons or touch-sensitive triggers, which can enhance your gaming experience. Some tablets offer compatibility with external controllers or accessories, providing more precise and immersive control options
Software and App Support
Ensure that the tablet’s operating system supports a wide range of gaming apps and platforms. Look for tablets that have access to popular gaming app stores and platforms, such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store, to have a vast selection of games to choose from
Connectivity
Gaming tablets benefit from reliable and fast connectivity options. Look for tablets that support Wi-Fi and, if applicable, cellular connectivity for online gaming and multiplayer experiences
Design and Portability:
Consider the tablet’s design, weight, and ergonomics, as you’ll likely be holding it for extended periods during gaming sessions. Look for tablets that are comfortable to hold and portable enough to carry around with ease.
7 Top Tablets for Gaming
- Asus ROG Flow Z13 – Best Overall
- Apple iPad Pro M2 – best iPad for Gaming
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | S8 Plus | S8 Ultra – Best Android Gaming Tablet
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 Best Detachable Windows Gaming Tablet
- Apple iPad Mini – Best 8-inch tablet for gamers
- Xiaomi Pad 5 best budget gaming tablet
- Lenovo Tab P12 Pro best Lenovo Tablet for gamers