Using tablets for gaming makes it more convenient to play games. Not only are they larger than smartphones, but they’re also less complicated than computers. Aside from their portability, some models can now operate with almost the same functions as a PC. No wonder tablets for gaming have become a must-have for game enthusiasts!
However, it can become quite stressful to pick the perfect gaming tablet from all the variations in the market. To help you choose the best tablets for gaming, we made a buying guide to give you an idea of what you should look for. We also rounded up the 10 best tablets for gaming that you might want to consider.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
1. Pick a tablet that caters to your game preferences.
2. Choose one that has a fast processor and high GPU
3. Look for tablets with a large RAM and ROM.
4. Opt for tablets with a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz.
5. Select a tablet with a long battery life.
6. Take a look at its screen size.For more information, read through our buying guide below.
It’s better to have an idea or even a list of the games you want to play. It will enable you to determine which tablets support the kind of games you want. For example, some games on an Android tablet might not be compatible with an Apple iPad and vice versa. Therefore, knowing your game preference will give you an idea of which tablet to look for.
Moreover, it also helps determine which operating system (OS) you should look for in a tablet. The smoothness of your gameplay also relies on how fast or slow the tablet’s OS is. As much as possible, choose a tablet that has the recent OS releases or upgradable ones as those work relatively faster compared to earlier versions.
Meanwhile, the GPU is responsible for generating rich game graphics. As a gamer, you surely wouldn't want blurry game visuals, particularly for graphics-heavy games like Final Fantasy or Fortnite. To enjoy a clear and smooth animation, opt for a graphics card of at least 6GB.
The RAM goes hand in hand with the processor. It allows you to multitask and lets your games operate at stable framerates. Tablets with 2-4GB RAM are good, but tablets with 8-16GB RAM are even better. Also, you want to check if your choice also has at least 32GB of ROM to complete the package.
This is because games tend to take up a lot of memory space, so gamers prefer devices with huge internal memory. If you want to use Apple iPads for gaming, go for versions with a higher internal space. Other brands have expandable memory by letting you equip the tablet with an SD card.
No gamer wants to experience ghosting or laggy movements during their game. Having a device with a high refresh rate helps avoid those issues. The tablet you're going to choose should at least have a refresh rate of 60 Hz. But, the latest models in the market are already equipped with a minimum of 90 Hz. So, if you have the budget, then opt for tablets that have more than 100 Hz refresh rate to ensure a smooth gameplay.
No gamer wants their device shutting down in the middle of a game. To avoid such nightmare, pick a tablet with long battery life, preferably one that can handle 10-12 hours of usage on a single charge. Consider the tablet’s charging time as wellーchoose a model that can get up to 100% in just 2-4 hours if you want uninterrupted gameplay.
It’s important for gamers to see everything onscreen, especially when you’re into games like PUBG and Call of Duty. Luckily, tablets come in multiple sizes, so you can pick how wide you want the display to be. People often go with tablets that have 8-10-inch screens as it gives enough space to see even the tiniest details in the game.
Do take note of the weight of the tablet. The bigger the screen, the heavier it might be for you to handle. This can become a hassle in the long run and decrease the portability of the tablet.
For serious gamers, look no further than the Asus ROG Flow Z13. This gaming tablet is nothing short of a beast, as its specs and performance can closely match that of a gaming laptop’s. For one, It is equipped with Windows 11, Intel i7 processor, and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 GPU, so know that this is a superpower when it comes to gaming.
This makes it the perfect choice for hardcore and competitive gamers on the hunt for a dedicated gaming tablet. Moreover, it has a 2-in-1 design as it can be converted into a laptop. Plus, with its whopping 512GB of storage, you’ll never have to worry about running out of storage space for your games.
Apple may not be a gamer's first choice, but the iPad Pro's latest version ought to change your mind. It is equipped with their revolutionary M1 chip, giving you the smoothest gameplay for hours on end! Plus, Apple is known for their stellar screen resolutions, so you don't have to worry about low-quality graphics.
Although it has non-expandable storage, we're pretty sure its128GB storage is more than enough for gaming. In addition, the tablet is compatible with Apple's magic keyboard and mouse, so you can use it like a laptop. This is, by far, Apple's most versatile tablet for gaming yet, perfect for gamers to both play and work on!
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Android 12 OS, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the perfect choice for a gaming tablet. It has 8GB of RAM that is capable of running heavy games like it's nothing. The tablet also has a 120Hz refresh rate, so you can say goodbye to those irritating lags in-gameーgreat for fans of fast-paced FPS games.
It's also packed with 8000 mAh of battery life, so you can enjoy playing for more than 10 hours. And, despite its large size, it is lightweight and not bulky. The only disadvantage is that it doesn't have an earphone jack, so you'll have to have a Bluetooth listening device to enjoy your game's audio.
Much like its Pro counterpart, the iPad Air’s 5th generation is also fitted with the mighty M1 processor making it another compelling Apple tablet for gaming. If you’re quite picky with graphics and resolution, its liquid retina screen will allow you to enjoy breathtaking, ultra-HD game graphics.
And, it has more than 8 hours of battery life and is very lightweight, so you can easily continue your gaming sessions wherever you go. Plus, it’s also compatible with Apple’s magic keyboard. All these make it a great alternative for the more expensive and larger iPad Pro, great for those looking for a mid-range tablet.
Gaming tablets need not be very expensive, and the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 is proof of that as it gives you all the good qualities you need in a gaming tablet at a lower cost. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor and 6GB RAM to give you a smooth gameplay experience.
The tablet also runs on an Android 11 + MIUI 12.5 OS, ensuring flawless device operation and rapid response time. And, if you hate screen ghosting, its 120Hz refresh ought to take care of that. It also comes in 128GB and 256GB storage capacity making it ideal for intermediate gamers looking to upgrade their device.
Lenovo is well-known in the laptop industry and it’s also making a name in the tablet market. The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2021 is also a great choice for gaming with its Snapdragon 730G Octa-Core processor. That way, you don’t have to worry about a slow interface while playing games like Genshin Impact.
The tablet has 256GB of internal storage and is expandable by an SD card so you can store as many games as you want. It also has an 8600 mAh battery life with a quick-charge feature, so you can enjoy playing for hours on end. This makes it a good choice for gamers who want long and uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Similar to its name, the Huawei MatePad 10.4 has a 10.4” display screen with 2000x1200 pixels of resolution, giving you a wide field of view. It’s also powered by a HUAWEI Kirin 810 Octa-Core processor and has 4GB RAM. In addition to these amazing specs, you can play on the MatePad for up to 12 hours.
If you’re worried about eye damage because of prolonged game time, know that it has improved eye protection that lessens its blue light emission. For gamers who play with background music, you can also enjoy an immersive listening and gaming experience via its Harmon Kardon Histen 6.0 speakers.
Equipped with a Qualcomm SM6115 processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a great choice for occasional gaming. It has a wide 10.4” display screen with a high resolution of 2000x1200 pixels. You can use it for quite a long time as well with its 7040 mAh battery.
In addition, the tablet is equipped with Dolby Atmos for improved sound. This makes it ideal for both gaming and binge-watching your favorite series or film. However, while it can run a lot of games, note that it might have a hard time running ones with heavy software or multiple programs at once.
Teclast might be a new player in the tech market, but it doesn’t mean their P20HD tablet isn’t good. You can enjoy gaming on this tablet as it is powered by Speedtrum SC9863A 8 Core processor and 4GB RAM. It also has an expandable 64GB internal storage that can house your favorite games.
You can enjoy using the tablet for up to 10 hours because of its 6000 mAh battery. What’s more, is that it comes at an affordable price. This makes it ideal for beginners on a budget who are looking to purchase their first gaming tablet.
Last but not the least is Huawei’s MediaPad T5. It houses a Kirin 659 Octa-Core processor and 3GB RAM, making it a good option for casual gamers. It also has 10.1-inch display with a stunning resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, making it great for gaming, watching videos, or simply just browsing websites.
Its disadvantage is that it only has 16GB of internal space, but it does have a micro SD card slot so you can increase its storage capacity. If you're into playing graphically demanding games, note that it might load slowly because of its RAM. Thus, this is perfect for people who don't game often but want to keep a dependable gaming tablet.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
A gaming tablet should at least have 4GB RAM. If you are going to play games that are more complex and have detailed graphics, then it is best to opt for tablets that have at least 8GB RAM.
Yes. Some game developers have been working on the mobile version of your favorite PC games, so tune in to their pages for updates or look them up on Play Stores to see the game’s availability.
Once you find a tablet for your gaming needs, time to find the other tools that can elevate your gaming experience. If you need more space, use an SD card. If you want to enhance your gameplay, consider a game controller. Want immersive sounds? Use a gaming headset. If you’re not yet sure what to get, check out the articles below!
Author: Ronadine Amata
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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