Gaming tablets have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with some even giving gaming laptops a run for their money. Compact and lightweight, they’re an even more transportable alternative for gaming on the go.
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Laptop
Apple iPad 10
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation
Best Tablet for Gaming:ASUS ROG Flow Z13
If you don’t want to beat around the bush and simply want to get your hands on the best gaming tablet that money can buy, theASUS ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Laptopis an absolute beast.
This is a hybrid tablet and laptop combo that boasts a large 13.4-inch display and is powered by an Intel Core i9-13900H processor. Running on Windows 11, it offers far more options for gaming than any other tablet on our list.
Its high price point may put it beyond the reach of some buyers, and it is a bit more hefty than some of the alternatives. In terms of processing speed and pure gameplay performance, this is the closest you’re likely to get to PC quality on a gaming tablet.
With 16GB of RAM, a huge 13.4-inch display, and its hybrid functionality, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is one of the most powerful gaming tablets that money can buy.
With its A14 bionic chip and large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, theApple iPad (10th Generation)is a great choice for a mobile gaming tablet.
Its powerful processor provides a smooth performance, thanks to its 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, while its 2360 x 1640 high-resolution display with True Tone technology delivers crisp visuals with vibrant colors.
Running on the latest version of iPadOS, it provides access to a vast library of games on the App Store, including those that have been optimized for iPad. Plus, its compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio provides even more versatility.
With improvements across the board compared to previous generations, including a faster and smoother performance, the Apple iPad 10 is a great way to enjoy gaming on the go.
Best Mid-Range Gaming Tablet:Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
A solid mid-range option for less demanding tablet gaming, theSamsung Galaxy Tab A8is an affordable and worthy option for most, particularly those who are already in the Samsung ecosystem.
It offers a 10.5-inch LCD screen with a 1920 x 1200 display, and has a long-lasting 7,040mAh battery, making it suitable for longer gameplay sessions.
With the option to get up to 128GB of built-in storage and expandable memory via microSD card, this compact and lightweight tablet is ideal for casual gamers. Plus, with access to Samsung Kids, it also provides plenty of fun for younger gamers, too.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a tablet that offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price. It has a large 10.5-inch LCD screen with a high resolution and a wide aspect ratio, which makes it ideal for watching movies, playing games, and browsing the web.
Best Budget Tablet for Gaming:Amazon Fire HD 10
If you’re on the hunt for a budget-priced tablet that’s also capable of giving you your gaming fix, theAmazon Fire HD 10is one option that’s definitely worthy of your attention.
It’s equipped with a vibrant 10.1-inch Full-HD display and houses a robust octa-core processor under its hood, which allows for an impressively smooth and lag-free performance, particularly for the price point.
Naturally, you shouldn’t be expecting to get stuck into any AAA titles on this. But it’s ideal for mobile gaming and provides access to Amazon’s library of gaming titles, so you’ll never be struggling to find something to play.
The best value gaming tablet for budget buyers, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet offers plenty of functionality and content for Amazon enthusiasts. Its sharp 10.1-inch display and smooth performance make it an ideal way to enjoy mobile gaming without breaking the bank.
With a smaller 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, theApple iPad Mini (6th Gen)is a diminutive unit compared to most other tablets. However, with the same A15 chipset as the iPhone 13 Pro under its hood, it’s both powerful and efficient for its size.
The iPad Mini (6th Gen) can be easily slipped into a bag or backpack, and because it weighs just 0.65 pounds, it’s effortless to carry around with you, making gaming on the go convenient and fuss-free.
Its 5G capability means it can support online multiplayer gaming. And access to Apple Arcade, as well as the App Store’s huge library of games, means there’s no shortage of compatible titles to enjoy.
Small enough to comfortably fit into any bag or backpack, the Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation makes portable gaming a breeze. And with its A15 Bionic Chip and high-definition display, you’ll enjoy a great performance for all your gaming favorites.
Q: Is a tablet good for gaming in general?
While it can’t match the processing power of a high-performance gaming PC, a tablet can provide plenty of enjoyment as a more portable gaming platform. With larger screens and bigger batteries than smartphones, they’re a much more credible option for mobile gaming. And with a high-end gaming tablet, you can enjoy more premium titles on the go.
Q: Is an Android tablet or Apple tablet good for gaming?
Whatever kind of gaming tablet you’re after, you’ll find a selection of excellent Android and Apple options. Apple’s offerings tend to have an edge when it comes to raw performance, power, and durability. They also provide access to iOS-exclusive games. However, Android tablets are generally more affordable, with better access and compatibility with 3rd party applications and hardware.
Q: Is a tablet better than a phone for gaming?
Generally yes. Tablets tend to have more powerful GPUs and are therefore capable of delivering a smoother performance with improved visuals. Plus, with larger screens than smartphones, they provide better visual clarity and touchscreen control.
Q: Can a tablet replace a laptop for gaming?
In general terms, laptops offer more in terms of functionality than most tablets, due to their increased processing power and storage capabilities. However, in recent years, tablets have become more sophisticated, closing the gap between themselves and laptops considerably.
Q: How much RAM should a gaming tablet have?
8GB of RAM is a good starting point for a gaming tablet for most games. Larger, more demanding titles may require a bump up to around 16GB in order for you to gain the benefit of the full experience. However, for more casual games and less demanding titles, you may find that a tablet with between 4-6GB RAM may be sufficient.
Q: Do I need an SD card slot to store games on a tablet?
Not necessarily, as most tablets will provide internal storage for your games and data. However, SD cards are very useful for transferring data and for increasing the amount of available storage, allowing you to install more demanding titles.
Q: Should I buy a 128GB or 256GB tablet for gaming?
256GB would be the better option for gaming, provided that you don’t find the cost of a 256GB tablet prohibitive. If you’re planning to indulge in gaming on the go, you’ll likely need the extra storage space for installing your favorite games.
